[KLUG Members] Scripting language

[bill]

Jim C wrote:

> My understanding is that JavaScript is best used for checking form data
> for validity and I think it is also used in DHTML.
> JSP may be the right thing if a Java based answer is desired.

But the point was that he got to choose the scripting language.

> What I would do is research what the company uses, research what the job
> market likes, decide what my own preference is and adjust my descision
> from there.

Common sense suggestions, but not what he asked.  What's the best to learn and
develop, especially as a test of your skill?  PHP.

> Now correct me if I'm wrong but what about using JavaScript to check the
> form and binary programs to manipulate the backend?  I've heard of folks
> doing this and the avowed reason was to avoid the possibility of having
> "script kiddies" mess around on the system.  Don't know if it works though.

Not sure if you're clear on Javascript vs. JSP (Java Server Pages).  Javascript
is client-side, people's browsers run it.  JSP is server-side, the web server
runs it.

As far as checking forms, it's actually the other way around.  Some people use
javascript to check their forms and then depend on that too much.  A script
kiddie could easily change your javascript to make the form data be "accepted."
Using javascript for form checking is just a convenience, you still need to
check all incoming data once it has been sent to the server.  A script kiddie
cannot change your server scripts.  So, it is often simpler to do all form
checking server-side.

kind regards,

bill