Server-side Java script

Client side Java script Server side Java script Data types  variables Operators  Expressions  Functions  Objects  Array  Date and math related objects Document objectmodel Event handling

Introduction to server-side scripting

Server-side scripting is a type of scripting that is run on a web server. Basically, they’re utilized to make dynamic pages. It can also gain access to the web server’s file system. A web server is a server-side environment that runs on a programming language.

Scripts can be developed in any of the existing server-side scripting languages. It is used to retrieve and generate dynamic page content. It was once necessary to download plugins. (Plugins are software add-ons that extend the functionality of a host program or website without altering its core code. They allow users to easily customize and add features, such as a website plugin for contact forms or a browser plugin for viewing PDFs) In this case, server-side scripting is often faster than client-side scripting. When you need to store and retrieve information, you’ll need to use a database.

It has the ability to consume a lot of the server’s resources. It decreases the amount of calculation done on the client side. The server responds to the user’s/request client by sending pages.

Marketing Cloud Engagement uses JavaScript code that is processed on our servers. Instead of using the browser to render JavaScript client-side, Server Side JavaScript (SSJS) is executed on Marketing Cloud Engagement servers. Use Core server-side JavaScript functions to personalize landing pages and create applications. Use Platform server-side JavaScript functions to work with messages, landing pages, and applications.

All functions native to JavaScript, such as arrays, math functions, the EVAL function, and try catch blocks work with server-side JavaScript. SSJS doesn't work with the Document Object Model (DOM) or with external libraries. (The eval() function in JavaScript is a global function that executes a string of code as if it were a JavaScript script. It takes a single argument, which is the string containing the JavaScript code to be evaluated.)

You can duplicate the functionality of AMPscript using SSJS. However, SSJS can also handle more advanced procedures. For example, SSJS supports arrays and advanced exception handling.

AMPscript and Server-Side JavaScript 

AMPscript is a proprietary scripting language for Salesforce Marketing Cloud Engagement used to create personalized, dynamic content in emails, landing pages, SMS, and push notifications. It functions by processing scripts on a subscriber-by-subscriber basis at send time, allowing for personalized messages based on customer data. Key uses include inserting personal information, manipulating data, and using conditional logic to change content. 

You should exclusively use AMPscript or Platform object server-side JavaScript functions in email messages and reserve your use of Core library server-side JavaScript to landing pages and applications.

From there, several factors can influence your choice to use one language over another:

1.          AMPscript can simply and efficiently handle inline personalization or simple IF ELSE statements.

2.          AMPscript can better handle use cases where each subscriber needs to see unique content than can server-side JavaScript.

3.          AMPscript can present a shorter learning curve than server-side JavaScript for users new to scripting languages in general.

In general, the vast majority of users can handle the tasks they need to perform using AMPscript. Ultimately, many factors help determine which language helps you complete your task in the most elegant and efficient manner possible. However, the above factors can help you make a more informed decision.

How to Use Server-Side JavaScript 

Server-side JavaScript interacts with Marketing Cloud Engagement using the Platform class and the Core library. These libraries allow server-side JavaScript to be updated while maintaining previous versions in order to avoid breaking pre-existing code. You can use all commands and syntax outlined in the JavaScript specifications as part of your server-side JavaScript offerings.(Marketing Cloud Engagement is a Salesforce tool for building and managing automated customer journeys, helping businesses personalize and streamline communication across channels like email, SMS, and social media.)(Platform class a component in the Java programming language responsible for loading classes, or a class within an educational technology or business context that refers to a specific type of software or learning environment.) SSJS activities time out after 30 minutes.(server-side JavaScript) You can prevent timeouts and failures by optimizing your SSJS activities. If your script consistently runs longer than 10 minutes, we recommend using a different tool, such as Data Cloud for Marketing, to transform your data. (The "platform class" in Java refers to a specific set of classes within the Java SE (Standard Edition) platform.) (The core libraries in Java refer to the fundamental set of classes and packages that form the foundation of the Java platform.)

Features

1.          Because the result of the server-side is an HTML page, the source code is not visible to the user.

2.          Its major responsibility is to manipulate and offer access to the requested database.

3.          Any server-side technology can be utilized in this case, and it is not dependent on the client.

4.          It is hosted on a web server.

5.          The ability to highly tailor response requirements and access rights based on user is the key benefit.

6.          Data is more secure as a result.

7.          It’s a web server scripting technique that generates a response that’s tailored to each client’s request.

8.          The programming languages PHP, Python, Java, and Ruby are used.

9.          It all comes down to how you communicate with the servers.

10. It increased the server’s processing load.

Advantages of Server Side Scripting with JavaScript

1.          Client-side scripting requires plugins and scripting technologies such as JavaScript to compile all of the data. This puts more strain on the user’s computer, which can result in issues like slow loading, high CPU consumption, and even freezing, especially if it’s an older machine. This is avoided by using server-side scripting.

2.          Because some browsers don’t support Javascript completely, server-side scripting is required to run dynamic pages in these browsers.

3.          PHP and other server-side scripting languages can be used to run CMS systems such as WordPress and Joomla. (A Content Management System) This enables CMS users to simply generate and update web content without having to know how to code. (Hypertext Preprocessor- PHP is a widely-used, open-source, server-side scripting language primarily for web development, though it can be used for other purposes as well)

4.          Server-side scripting minimizes the time it takes for web pages to load, which can help your site’s Google rating and keep users from abandoning it due to slow loading times.

5.          Because the scripting is done on the server, it is not communicated to the browser, thus it cannot be duplicated, cloned, or examined for hacking flaws.

6.          Server-side scripting is the recommended solution for e-commerce, membership, and social media sites since it protect user privacy better.

Disadvantages of Server Side Scripting with JavaScript

1.          Scripting places additional strain on a website’s server. To cope with demand, websites that use huge programs and receive a lot of traffic may need to use more powerful hosting options like dedicated servers or cloud hosting.

2.          Server-side scripting necessitates page refreshes in order to display dynamic content. This is most commonly seen when using server-side scripting to log in to a site. Developers are now using Ajax, a modern technique of communicating data with a server that allows web pages to be changed without reloading the entire content.

3.          A database is required for server-side scripting to store dynamic data. This isn’t a problem in and of itself, but the database will need to be backed up on a regular basis and maintained safely.

Core features

JavaScript, a versatile and widely used programming language, possesses several key features that contribute to its prominence in web development and beyond: 

Lightweight and Interpreted: 

JavaScript is designed to be lightweight, meaning it requires minimal resources for execution. It is also an interpreted language, meaning web browsers can directly execute the code without prior compilation, leading to faster development and testing cycles.

Dynamic Typing: 

Variables in JavaScript are dynamically typed, allowing them to hold values of different data types throughout their lifecycle. This flexibility simplifies coding by removing the need for explicit type declarations.

Dynamic and Interactive:

Enables real-time updates, animations, and user interactions.

Event-Driven: 

Responds to user actions (clicks, keystrokes) in real-time.

JavaScript excels at handling events, such as user clicks, key presses, or mouse movements. This event-driven nature enables the creation of highly interactive and responsive web applications.

 

 

Supports Multiple Programming Paradigms: 

JavaScript supports various programming paradigms, including object-oriented programming (OOP), functional programming, and imperative programming. This flexibility allows developers to choose the most suitable approach for their projects.

Prototype-Based: 

Unlike class-based languages, JavaScript is prototype-based, meaning it uses prototypes to create new objects and facilitate inheritance.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: 

JavaScript code can run across different platforms and browsers, ensuring broad compatibility for web applications.

Client-Side Scripting and Server-Side Capabilities: 

Traditionally known for client-side scripting, JavaScript has expanded its capabilities with Node.js, enabling server-side development and full-stack application creation.

Rich Ecosystem of Libraries and Frameworks: 

JavaScript boasts a vast and active ecosystem of libraries (e.g., React, Vue.js) and frameworks (e.g., Angular, Express.js) that streamline development and enhance functionality.

There are numerous libraries and frameworks built on JavaScript, such as React, Angular, and Vue.js, which make development faster and more efficient.(The JavaScript ecosystem is a vast collection of tools, libraries, frameworks, and resources that streamline the development of web, mobile, and server-side applications.)

Asynchronous Processing: 

JavaScript can handle asynchronous operations, such as fetching data from a server, without blocking the main thread, ensuring a smooth user experience.

It can handle tasks like fetching data from servers without freezing the user interface.

(Asynchronous functions are a programming technique that allows a program to initiate a potentially long-running task and continue to be responsive to other events while that task runs.)

DOM Manipulation: 

JavaScript provides powerful tools for manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM), allowing developers to dynamically modify the content, structure, and style of web pages.

Versatile: 

Can be used for a wide range of tasks, from simple calculations to complex server-side applications.

Data types and variables in JavaScript

Variables and data types are foundational concepts in programming, serving as the building blocks for storing and manipulating information within a program. In JavaScript, getting a good grasp of these concepts is important for writing code that works well and is easy to understand.