JS versus PHP or PHP versus JS? :)

nelustr

In the "JavaScript/PHP problem" thread somebody came up with a JS trouble. Starting from it I want to line up this one: JS or PHP. Or both of them? If yes, how? Your opinions will help all of us.

I "said":

My first observation: you are using a wrong syntax for calling the PHP variables: <?=MEAL_BREAKFAST?>;
The correct one is: <?=($php_variable)?>

paulnaj nelustr said ...

quote:

My first observation: you are using a wrong syntax for calling the PHP variables: <?=MEAL_BREAKFAST?>;

... but gazchap could have made these constants using the define() function.

Thanks! Could be or not

I just said that the syntax can be wrong. Nothing more.

And FYI, did you read the next statements:

Second one: Do not try to include php variables in JS. It doesn't work in this manner. You can use JS embeded like this:
....

So, I think that a new thread like "JS versus PHP" or "PHP versus JS) can help.

Best regards,

Nelu

planetsim

You can never compare a client side scripting language to a server side language.

JS vs PHP cannot be.

Both do a totally different job.

One can check what a client does on the site. JS can be disabled by the client.

PHP works on the server. Has no idea what the user is doing. Only time PHP knows what the client is doing. Is when requesting a page, or posting data using a form.

nelustr

Why not?
We can compare a client side scripting language with a server side one. Why? Sometimes one of them can solve in diffrent manner the same issue. Isn'it?
In fact this was my question: when and why somebody use client side scripting versus server side scripting.
The answer can be as well, JS just because I know it or PHP 'couse I like it 😃

Merve

JavaScript and PHP do completely different things! Why compare them? In order to create the site I made, I needed a mix of JavaScript and PHP. I couldn't've said...I'm gonna make my site using only HTML, CSS and PHP...impossible for me! especially the annoying popups pages.

nelustr

Please see my comments underneeth:
JavaScript and PHP do completely different things!
I don't think so. Each one of them make the same thing: control a web page. In different manner. First one on the client side, the second one on the server side. For sure, each one have advantage and disadvantage. Depend of the context.
Why compare them?
Why not? It's helpfull for all of us to hear some opinions. When and why use JS instead of PHP.
In order to create the site I made, I needed a mix of JavaScript and PHP. I couldn't've said...I'm gonna make my site using only HTML, CSS and PHP...impossible for me! especially the annoying popups pages.
I saw your... annoying pages. You are right.
Sorry, I didn't understand your last phrase... "HTML, CSS and PHP

GreyBoy

I dont think Sever side and client side languages should be compared, but to answer your question.... I think it is always better to use a server side (php) when you can, because javascript can easily be disabled. I think you have more control over what the viewer sees with php rather than JS.

planetsim

amen to that..

Javascript = client side cannot work on server and should never ever be trusted

PHP = server side. once data validated data can be trusted added to database etc.

Why compare them?
Why not? It's helpfull for all of us to hear some opinions. When and why use JS instead of PHP

let me see...

Like i said before Javascript should never be trusted. Javascript cannot work server side so if you need to do server side programming you cannot use Javascript. Therefore you need PHP or some server side language.

sarahk

here are the pros of the 2 technologies that haven't been mentioned

PHP

business rules and intellectual property are hidden, only the html is available
only send to the client the output of your working, not the code to generate the html (ie faster download time)
can access databases and server text files

Javascript

can feedback to the user without having to resubmit and get (at best) "flicker"
can do some nifty layout and navigation tricks
code can be cached but (not protected)

Yes, they can both produce the text stream that is HTML, XML etc. But they are different from a developer's point of view because the opportunities to change the user's experience happen at very different times.

nelustr

sarahk thanks for your reply.

I have to post one more comment.
You said:

code can be cached but (not protected)

Yes, it can be.
Here is an exemple:

http://www.xtrax.ro/php/JsVsPHP/JsVsPHP.php

I used this for including the validation rules:
<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript" SRC="valid/valid.js"></SCRIPT>
The valid.js file is here:
http://www.xtrax.ro/php/JsVsPHP/valid/

Try to download it (with JS enabled or not in your browser). You can not for sure. You will need the user and the paswword for this protected folder (it is valid for both)

Sure, this protection work only on linux environment but I don't care about Windows platform.

Links:

http://www.euronet.nl/~arnow/htpasswd/documentation.html for information about htaccess and htpasswd file

http://www.xtrax.ro/php/JsVsPHP/ for code

sarahk

I use windows 2000 and IE6 and I could bring up your page but couldn't load the javascript file, therefore your page didn't work.

So, you are right, it doesn't work for Windows and you are unusual not to be worried about Windows visitors using your site. Most of us out here need that traffic too.

GreyBoy

Id also like to add that php can interact with files, databases, etc... that JS cannot. I think choosing one over the other depends on what kind of environment you must create as the designer.

😉

sarahk

I think the point of the postings above (incl. mine) is that it's not a choice of which to use.

It's when to use PHP
when to use Javascript

because both get used because both provide value

just different value.

osusano

hail on you sarahk 🙂

nelustr

Sorry

I said:

The valid.js file is here:

http://www.xtrax.ro/php/JsVsPHP/valid/valid.js

This mean that only if you know the user and the password needed can view/download the JS file [You said: "code can be cached but (not protected) ].

I archived the code:

http://www.xtrax.ro/php/JsVsPHP/JsVsPHP.zip

Notes:

Sure, this protection work only on linux environment but I don't care about Windows platform.

I was talking about the server not the desktop environment. I'm using Windows XP and IE6 and this piece of code running fine.
I do not care Windows platform because I'll never use Windows on the server. Why? At the beginning of 2002 I got the nimda virus (Windows 2000 + IIS). All the company's network was down! So...

sarahk

Point 2 - I'm with you all the way

However I have win2k and when I call up your page I get the login screen and then js errors.

I can fill in the form but I can't press save. Shame, I wanted that Alfa

nelustr

The Save option will be enabled after you will fill up the name, email and phone. Check the valid.js file. In fact this was my goal, to check all the fields are filled up.
Anyway, if you will press the Save nothing will be done :p This is just a piece of code. Maybe I can send the car's picture.

sarahk

I've popped your code up at http://property.digitalrice.com/jsvsphp/JsVsPHP.php and it runs perfectly.

When I try it on your (protected) site it doesn't run: http://www.xtrax.ro/php/JsVsPHP/JsVsPHP.php

I get the standard login screen which I cancel from and which then blocks the javascript from uploading to my browser.

Has anyone else tried clicking on the xtrax link? Did it work for you?