Today's web sites have active content that uses programming languages such as Javascript and PHP. Embedding this active content on a web page is part of our new "widget" architecture. It allows scripts to be placed anywhere on the page by using the familiar "box" model. Widgets allow a programing script to be easily be incorporated into a web site by novice users. The script is "wrapped" in an interactive properties box where the user can configure the widget with another program of the author's choosing. When added to the web-page a template is used to configure the script based on the properties set by the user. Most new functionality in the MadeSimply Site Builder will be packaged in this way. We are always creating new widgets to intigrate into our site builder. To date we have implemented the following widgets for use with MadeSimply.com - A Photo Navigation and Slide Show - This navigates the viewer through the photo album and pops up a slide show. By pre-loading pictures the slide show works well even at lower bandwidths.
- Google AdSense - This widget allows code from the Google AdSense program to be used for the creation of advertising. The widget accepts pasted code and interprets the parameters to automatically size the AdSense box on the page.
- sIFR Fonts - This feature is implemented entirely as a widget. It is a great example of the power of the properties dialog where fonts and font properties can be set.
For advanced users who like to program we have also implemented fundamental building blocks where you can create their own active content. - iFrame - Allows content from other sites to be embedded directly onto a web page.
- Javascript - Allows Javascript and/or HTML to be entered and tested. It is very useful for embedding pre-configured scripts such as the Google Map API or banner advertising scripts. The widget reports Javascript errors so the code can be tested before placing it on a web page.
- PHP - We have chosen PHP as the language for active server content because it is the most widely supported in the web database industry and contains the security features that most businesses require. You can debug scripts by using the widget interface before inserting on a page.
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