Week Ten | Part Two: DOM Scripting.

DOM Scripting - Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language

The ancestor of DOM Scripting was called Dynamic HTML or DHTML. That term is being phased out, though, since it infers a unique mark-up language which it is not. So, to summarize:

• DOM Scripting is a term used to describe the combination of HTML, CSS, and client-side scripts that allow documents to be interactive and dynamic.
• DOM Scripting allows users to interact with Web pages, and allows developers to create more sophisticated user interfaces (things like buttons, text changes, and printer-friendly pages) than you can with HTML alone.

Visualize DOM Scripting in this way:

The Last Component: JavaScript

JavaScript allows you to create simple code to control the behavior of Web page objects. Thanks to the 'browser wars' not all browsers render JavaScript in the same way, though they operate close enough that you can work around the inconsistencies.

Unlike CSS and DOM Scripting, JavaScript is not a standard created by the W3C. Instead, it was standardized by the European Computer Manufacturers Association. That's why it is sometimes referred to as the 'ECMA script'.

There were several versions of JavaScript prior to standardization in 1996. Today most Web browsers support JavaScript 1.2 as the standard. Legacy issues for browsers using older, propriety versions of JavaScript (JSS and ActiveX) are disappearing as users upgrade to newer, better Web browsing software.

Advantages of DOM Scripting

After getting off to a difficult start, DOM Scripting has become a power way to enhance the Web experience. The main reasons why:

• DOM Scripting is supported by all browsers.
• DOM Scripting is an Open Standard.
• DOM Scripting allows the creation of dynamic content.
• DOM Scripting files are small and quick to download.
• DOM Scripting is easy to learn.

"Dude, what about Flash?"

There's no doubt that most Web developers realize they can augment their value as designers by learning Flash. Flash is a great program, and allows the creation of some highly ingenious and visually stunning work. Compared to Flash, DOM Scripting seems pretty Old School.

Flash takes time to learn how to use it effectively. The most noticeable problem with Flash, from a users point of view, is that once developers learn it the practices of good Web site useability are suddenly discarded.

Programming in Flash takes time and money ... and a particular project may not have the resources needed for it.

If you have the opportunity to learn Flash, I suggest you give it a try. I learned Flash on my own ... a grueling but satisfying experience. There are many tutorials available online if you want to take the plunge. I recommend this so that you'll understand the time and work involved, and appreciate those designers who learn do it well. Maybe you will become one of them!

Go to Week Ten - Part Three.