Server-Side Includes (SSI)

an Introduction and Demonstration

presented by:

Sean ConklinCMS Project Student-AssistantMWF mornings WA 406, x4200sconklin@bay.csuhayward.edu

What exactly is SSI? Server-Side Includes is a feature of all

major Web Server Applications (Microsoft IIS, Apache, Netscape iPlanet, Etc.) that allows for the simple including of modular web content onto HTML web pages via the Server. The machine itself processes (or “parses”) SSI upon visitor request of an HTML page having SSI commands.

“Modular” SSI enables modular web page

materials Modular: breaking-down into separate

parts (ex: cars, computers) Modular = Efficiency Quicker implementation (easy copy-

paste) Ease of modification

“Server-Side” vs. “Client-Side”

“Server-Side” refers to processes taking place on the Server (on the hosting web machine)

“Client-Side” refers to processes taking place on the Client’s machine (ex: Internet Explorer, Netscape, WebTV, JavaScript, Etc.)

SSI is done entirely on the Server-Side *Therefore, SSI can’t be seen when

constructing pages on a PC – only live from the Web Server.

What will we use it for? We are using SSI to insert (“include”)

a standard header onto all key pages of the CSUH website, including main school and department web pages.

The reasons for the standardization include: consistency, modernization, & accessibility

Why SSI? SSI is EASY to learn and use -- simple 1 line

commands go a long way! SSI makes CONSISTENT-looking pages that

realize the goal of our project. SSI makes FUTURE updates much easier by

centralizing the included content. That means only 1 person per server will need to make template version updates, not dozens of webmasters updating hundreds of pages.

What does SSI look like? SSI has several commands, but only 1

that applies to us – the “INCLUDE”:<!--#include virtual=“/PATH/FILE_NAME.EXT” -->

The INCLUDE command inserts the contents of a file (ex: text-based template file) onto HTML web pages. Includes also work for graphics and can actually be embedded (include within include)!

EXAMPLE!

CONTENTS:1 - sample.shtml …… Sample Page2 – header.txt ………… Header Include3 – footer.txt ………… Footer Include4 – [output] ……………… Output in Internet Explorer

EXPLANATION: The page file on the left INCLUDES the header and footer files above, which when called by a visitor, causes the web server to put them together, thus the output below

How do I get it working? SSI must first be enabled on the server

that you are using. It might already be! SSI, by default, works only on pages

named with the extention .shtml, but this can be changed to work on .html, etc.

The set-up process will vary depending on which Web Server Application being used.

Where to go for information?

http://www.csuhayward.edu/includes(This page shows the exact commands that you should use)

THANK YOU!

Sean ConklinCMS Project Student-AssistantMWF mornings WA 406, x4200sconklin@bay.csuhayward.edu