Reflection

As mentioned, complex Web applications existed before the invention and use of middleware software such as ASP and PHP. The feature of writing a mixture of pure HTML and either PHP or ASP with the chosen scripting language is what makes these newer technologies an improvement over the older way to program middleware. The older methods, making use of a standard called common gateway interface (CGI), had no resemblance to HTML. However, readers be warned that PHP and ASP/JavaScript syntax (punctuation) can be tricky. This arises because pieces of the PHP or ASP/JavaScript might be subject to interpretation in three different places: on the server, by the PHP or ASP program; by the operating system or the DBMS; or by the browser on the client. Be patient and give yourself time.