| Most web site hosting plans includes at least one, if | | | | This makes updating and maintaining the information |
| not more databases. Depending on the operating | | | | much easier. Instead of having to edit each page that |
| system of the server they could be MySQL, | | | | product appears on (which you would have to do |
| PostgreSQL or Microsoft Access. If you're wondering | | | | with static pages) you can just edit the information in |
| what you can use them for or whether they'll help | | | | the database and whenever someone requests a |
| your website, read on for more information. | | | | page with that item, the updated information will |
| To state the obvious, a database stores your data in | | | | automatically show up for them. |
| a way that allows it to be easily accessed. The data | | | | Dynamic web sites usually use a template for the |
| could be product specifications, customer names and | | | | layout of the pages. This template can include things |
| email addresses, sales history or even the content of | | | | such as headers, footers, navigation menus, etc. |
| your web pages. | | | | Basically, anything that remains constant from one |
| Using a database to store and retrieve that | | | | page to another. |
| information can make your website more effective | | | | The information from the database gets inserted into |
| for your customers by giving them a more | | | | this template by the web server, before it gets sent |
| interactive experience. | | | | to the visitor requesting a page. They still get a |
| The Most Common Use for Databases on the | | | | standard HTML page that would appear to be static |
| Internet | | | | if you viewed the source code, but the web server |
| The most commond way databases are used on the | | | | put that page together dynamically before it was |
| internet is to create "dynamic" web pages. These | | | | sent. |
| pages are built from information in the database, | | | | Templates can be laid out any way you like. You still |
| each time a visitor requests them. | | | | have complete freedom in page layout and |
| On an ecommerce site for example, product | | | | formatting, but when combined with a database |
| information can be stored in a database. When a | | | | server you can do much more, such as |
| visitor clicks on the link to read more about a | | | | recommending similar products, upselling related |
| particular product, the page is built from information in | | | | add-ons, etc. - all based on the information in your |
| the database. | | | | database. |