CSC360 - Web Server Programming

Spring 2003, Section 00, 1:00-2:15 MTh, ADM 10

Course Description

This course explores techniques and technologies used in the development of web server-based applications. Topics include the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), form processing, cookies, and session management. Programming languages commonly used for web server programming, such as Perl and PHP, are presented. Client-side support for web applications, including JavaScript and the Document Object Model (DOM), are also discussed.

Prerequisites

CSC133, or equivalent programming experience.

Course Objectives

Textbook

Estrella, S.; The Web Wizard's Guide to JavaScript, Addison-Wesley, 2002. ISBN: 0-201-75833-4.
Lash, D.; The Web Wizard's Guide to Perl and CGI, Addison-Wesley, 2002. ISBN: 0-201-76436-9.
Lash, D.; The Web Wizard's Guide to PHP, Addison-Wesley, 2003. ISBN: 0-321-12174-0.
Lehnert, W.; The Web Wizard's Guide to HTML, Addison-Wesley, 2002. ISBN: 0-201-74172-5.

Assessment Overview

Grades for this course will be based on the following assessment items with weights as follows:

Assessment Details

Quizzes

Quizzes will consist of short-answer and multiple-choice questions. There will be one quiz for each of the four major topic areas presented in the course. The first 30 minutes of class on days designated for a quiz will be allocated for taking the quiz.

Through the quizzes, the student demonstrates knowledge of course-related terminology, technique, and application.

Homework

Throughout the semester, about 8 to 10 homework assignments will be given. These will be short assignments usually taken from the textbook, and they will be due one week after they are assigned. They are intended for practice, development of basic skills, and preparation for quizzes. The instructor will check to see that homework assignments were completed on time, and students receive full credit for their homework grade component when assignments are completed on time. Students will receive half credit for homework assignments that are completed late, and no credit for assignments not completed.

Projects

There will be three major projects assigned throughout the semester. Each project will involve development of a dynamic web-based application that uses the technologies studied in class. Projects will increase in size and complexity over the semester. The third project is given in lieu of a final exam.

Through the projects, the student demonstrates competence in application of course material in larger, more involved situations.

Date Topic
1/13 Course Intro / Technology Overview
1/16 UNIX Basics
1/23 HTML Ch. 1; World Wide Web Basics
HTML Ch. 2; Basic Text Formatting
HTML Ch. 8; Publishing on the Web
1/27 HTML Ch. 3; Colors, Patterns, and Inline Graphics
HTML Ch. 4; All About Hyperlinks
1/30 HTML Ch. 6; Tables
2/3 Perl Ch. 1; Introduction
Perl Ch. 2; Getting Started
2/6 Quiz 1
Perl Ch. 3; The Perl Basics
2/10
2/13
HTML Forms
Perl Ch. 4; Working with the Web
2/17 Perl Ch. 5; List Variables and Loops
2/20 Perl Ch. 7; Matching Patterns and Files
2/24 Perl Ch. 8; Managing End-User Sessions
2/27 JavaScript Ch. 1; JavaScript Basics
3/10 Quiz 2
JavaScript Ch. 2; Enhancing Web Pages with JavaScript
3/13
3/17
JavaScript Ch. 3; Working with Forms
3/20 JavaScript Ch. 7; Cookies: Maintaining State
3/24 PHP Ch. 1; Introduction to PHP
3/27 Quiz 3
PHP Ch. 2; Using Variables
3/31 PHP Ch. 3; Controlling Script Flow
4/3 PHP Ch. 4; Powering Your Scripts with Functions
4/7 PHP Ch. 5; Using Arrays for List Data
4/10 PHP Ch. 6; Matching Patterns and Working with Files
4/14
4/17
PHP Ch. 7; Managing Multiple-Form Applications
4/22* Quiz 4
Other Topics
4/24
4/28
Other Topics

* Tuesday, April 22 follows a Monday schedule.

Projects

No. Assigned Due
1 2/10 3/13
2 3/17 4/3
3 4/7 4/30