Web 2.0 explained

Web 2.0 in a nutshell is the separation of content and presentation of a web site. In general they are generally made up three main elements - XHTML, CSS and javascript.

XHTML creates the basic structure of content areas of a site through the use of mostly DIVs and bare bones tables. By bare bones I mean they are nothing more then the base structure of a table without any widths, heights or borders applied.

The presentation of the site is then applied using external cascading style sheet (CSS) file(s). These CSS file apply the spacing, color, fonts, backgrounds, images and arranges the DIVs and tables surrounding the content of the site. CSS files are placed in the head of the web page for efficient page rendering.

Javascripts are also applied to create interactive presentation abilities not possible with CSS. This includes the ability to dynamically call content from databases, XML files and third party content providers. Asynchronis javascript and XML (AJAX) is a common way of pulling in data into a page without having to reload the entire page. this has become more and more popular to held yield a better user experience by decreasing page load times and getting people to content faster. Javascript are best triggered at the base of your page allowing your page to load first then make external calls.

Another way to pull in data in a streaming fashion with more options for cinematic presentation is by using Adobe Flash. Flash also has the ability to pull in data and images populated in a database or XML file to update it’s content. The downside at this point is the additional work needed to be sure it’s content is accessible to browsers used by the blind and others. Adobe is looking at ways to alleviate this issue as Flash is a very viable option with the streaming abilities the Flash 9 player has and the abilities future Flash players will employ.