Chapter 5: Introduction to Advanced Server-Side Issues – Exam Revision Notes

1. Introduction

• Advanced server-side issues focus on database interaction, authentication, cookies, file handling, and form processing.
  
• These features make web applications dynamic, secure, and interactive.
  

2. Database Connectivity

• Servers often need to store, retrieve, and manipulate data using databases.
  
• Key concepts:
  
  • SQL statements: Commands to interact with databases
    
    • SELECT – Retrieve data
      
    • INSERT – Add new records
      
    • UPDATE – Modify existing records
      
    • DELETE – Remove records
      
  • Database connectivity in Java: Using JDBC (Java Database Connectivity)
    
    • Connection interface – Establishes a link to the database
      
    • Statement interface – Executes SQL commands
      
    • ResultSet interface – Retrieves query results
      

3. Authentication

• Authentication ensures only authorized users access resources.
  
• Types:
  
  • Anonymous access – No authentication required
    
  • IP/Domain-based authentication – Access restricted by client IP or domain
    
  • Integrated Windows Authentication – Uses system credentials for access control
    

4. Cookies

• Cookies are small pieces of data stored on the client browser to maintain state.
  
• Uses:
  
  • Track user sessions
    
  • Personalize content
    
  • Store preferences
    
• Important attributes:
  
  • Name, value, expiration time, path, domain
    

5. File Handling

• Servers can read, write, and manage files on the server.
  
• Common tasks:
  
  • Uploading and downloading files
    
  • Reading configuration or data files
    
  • Generating reports or logs
    

6. Form Handling

• Forms collect user input on web pages.
  
• Server processes form data to:
  
  1. Validate input
     
  2. Perform actions (e.g., store in database, send email)
     
• Steps:
  
  1. Create HTML form with input elements (<input>, <textarea>, <select>)
     
  2. Set form action and method (GET or POST)
     
  3. Use server-side scripts to process submitted data
     

7. Key Takeaways

• Advanced server-side features are essential for functional and secure web applications.
  
• Database connectivity, authentication, cookies, file handling, and form processing are core tasks.
  
• Proper implementation ensures efficiency, security, and better user experience.
• Knowledge of server-side scripting and databases is crucial for modern web development.