Updated April 13, 2023
Introduction to DHTML
DHTML stands for Dynamic Hypertext MarkupLanguage i.e. Dynamic HTML. DHTML and HTML do not compete with each other, but it can be said that DHTML is the extended version of HTML along with using different web technologies. The HTML helps build static web pages, whereas DHTML allows for designing dynamic web pages with more interactivity. It allows designing an intuitive, dynamic user interface along with animations. It is not a specific technology or a standard, but it is a concept where multiple other technologies are used together to achieve a result. These different technologies used in DHTML are known as components.
Why do we need DHTML?
Microsoft first introduced the application of DHTML in 1997 with the release of Internet Explorer version 4. Without DHTML, there used to be the use of only static web page. There are some incapabilities or disadvantages while using static web pages. There is no interactivity with static pages for the user. The page needs to be refreshed every time user wants some change. No dynamic actions can be taken on a web page without reloading it. The DHTML, however, provides the capability to achieve all of this.
The DHTML allows changing the web components dynamically on the client-side without reloading the web page. It provides a user with the flexibility to interact and change the values directly. DHTML allows us to change or alter the values and functions to perform differently according to the users. DHTML is a very broad concept; it will load the web page depending upon different users, load occurrence, or the values provided by users.
DHTML Components
As said in the introduction, DHTML uses different web technologies together, and these are known as DHTML components. DHTML uses a combination of the below components to make websites interactive and achieve animations in a web site.
- HTML- Static Markup Language
- JavaScript- Scripting Language
- CSS- Style sheet Language
- DOM- Document Object Model
1. HTML
HTML is a client-side markup language that is used to design static web pages. HTML is the core component of DHTML. It defines the web page components to be displayed on a web page. HTML defines the structuring of components by using different elements and tags. HTML, however, allows to design only static web page; the user cannot change the values of elements dynamically at the client-side. But still, HTML is the basic component that is required to build a web site.
2. JavaScript
JavaScript is a client-side scripting language that is used to make static web pages dynamic. JavaScript allows changing the variable values, altering functions, and performing various activities as per user needs. JavaScript allows taking decisions on the client-side before sending them to the server, thus allowing a user to save time. We can program the behavior of the web page by using JavaScript. JavaScript allows the implementation of complex functionality and features on a web page. It allows us to update content dynamically, make some animations, and many more things.
3. CSS
Just as HTML is used to build web pages, CSS is used to design them and implement styles. CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheet, which is language to design web pages. CSS allows designing the layout and other styles that define how elements will be displayed on a web page. The same CSS file can be used on multiple web pages, which can save the amount of work and time. CSS supports JavaScript and DOM. By using this combination, we can change the styling and layout of the web page dynamically.
4. DOM
DOM stands for Document Object Model. It defines the logical structure of elements on a web page, and it provides a standard to access the elements and manipulate them. The DOM represents the main objects and elements on a web page and how they are related to each other. Using DOM and JavaScript, and CSS, we can change the style, structure, and content of web pages dynamically. DOM allows us to access the elements directly and precisely.
DHTML Features
- DHTML allows creating dynamic web pages with ease and simplicity.
- DHTML provides dynamic styles by which the appearance and styles of elements can be changed dynamically.
- Fonts, color, style, the content of web pages can be changes using DHTML.
- Animations can be created using DHTML.
- Users can create dynamic fonts for web pages.
- DHTML uses a low bandwidth effect which enhances the web page functionality.
Application of DHTML
The DHTML allows designing web pages dynamically which can alter styles, content, fonts, and a lot of things like creating animations. The user can use these features to design the web pages in the most creative way and design maybe some web applications or some games and any functionality of a web page out of the box.
Advantages and disadvantages
Here are the following advantages and disadvantages mention below
Advantages
Below are mentioned the advantages:
- DHTML allows creating more interactive dynamic web pages as compared to static web pages.
- As compared to other multimedia software like Flash and Shockwave, DHTML has a compact size of files and can be downloaded quickly on the client machine, thus saving bandwidth and time.
- The content can be changed on the client machine without the need for reloading or refreshing the web page.
- It is supported by almost all browsers on today’s date, and there is no need for any extra software to run.
- It is efficient, and files are maintainable. Web designers can have more flexibility due to this.
Disadvantages
Below are mentioned the disadvantages:
- As DHTML combines multiple technologies, web designers require command all over them.
- It is required to take care of a web page to be properly working in different browsers.
- The browser compatibility check is a must while using DHTML. It is not guaranteed that DHTML will perform the same on every platform.
Conclusion
DHTML is a concept in web designing where multiple technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript and DOM can be combined to get the final result. DHTML allows building dynamic web pages with different styles. It also allows creating animations on web pages.
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This is a guide to DHTML. Here we discuss an introduction to DHTML along with the components, needs, features, application, advantages, and disadvantages. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
