Web 2.0 with PHP/mySQL only? 2

[Sleidia]

Hi guys,

I hate the "web 2.0" word but since everybody knows what it's supposed to mean here is my question :

Do you think it's possible to create a popular "web 2.0" site without any client side scripting (ie: AJAX), only using PHP and mySQL?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

 

[MichealC4]

I shudder at web 2.0 as well, you aren't alone.

Personally, I think it is mostly possible. I say that because part of the "web 2.0" is graphical elements. Large buttons, changes in the way a design flows, etc. But, you are going to need AJAX at some point or another if you truly want to be web 2.0 compliant, in my opinion.

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"Will work for bandwidth" - Thinkgeek T-shirt

 

[bam720]

While Web 2.0 is a buzz word, I actually think its a good thing. Many people (IMO) stereotype Web 2.0 by the current graphic design trends. Such stereotypes/trends include "Large buttons", "reflections" and other "cheesy" elements. Take a look at the wiki article on Web 2.0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2

The heart of web 2.0 (IMO) is information sharing and collaboration between users, as well as standrds. The wiki itself is a "Web 2.0" design.

A web 2.0 site must include a database (unless you store everything in files). I think it is highly possible to create a Web 2.0 site without any client side scripting. If you use strictly php the only difference is you will have a lot of page refreshes/loads for getting and returning content to the user.

Another friend you'll find on the road to Web 2.0 is CSS. CSS can be a very powerful tool in terms of design, as well as form. Many elements on a page can be dynamically styled by CSS to be hidden/shown at appropriate times.

I'm no expert on design, but i agree with standards compliance (if they are for good reasons, such as W3C). I have a personal dislike for stereotyping Web 2.0, as to me it is exactly what the web should be moving towards. I think there is a mis-understanding out there of what Web 2.0 really is. This is all personal opionion, but felt like it needed to be said.

 

[MichealC4]

I have to respectfully disagree with bam70 on a few things. Firstly, these large buttons, reflections, and so on epitomize Web2.0, whether it is meant to or not. A simple Google search for Web 2.0 graphics is quite revealing.

http://rmagick.rubyforge.org/web2/web2.html

http://www.photoshoplab.com/web20-design-kit.html

http://binnyva.blogspot.com/2007/01/creating-web-20-graphics-in-gimp.html

And so on.

Secondly, the Wikipedia article agrees that AJAX is an element of Web2.0, and so are the graphics.

I am by no means saying that's what Web2.0 is, but these are most certainly elements of it. You'll also find that another component is our old friends JavaScript and DHTML. Things like dragging and dropping elements on the page, and so on. As I said above, part of Web2.0 is the buttons and graphics and so on.

However, I absolutely agree that standards compliance is a must, Web 2.0 or not. As is CSS. It will allow the majority of internet users to view your site, application, whatever it is you are working on, and doesn't preclude anybody on purpose.

I am not trying to start a fight here, and neither is bam70. But these are my experiences and opinions on web application and design.

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"Will work for bandwidth" - Thinkgeek T-shirt

 

[Sleidia]

I think that it would be wiser to define "web 2.0" by something this : highly dynamic websites that give more power to the users and which content relies heavily on users as well.

It would quite derogatory to say that it's just big buttons and glossy effects, which are just a trend that, like all past trends, will fade out.

What I dislike is the pretentiousness of the term. As if a new web was discovered ... pfff...

Lastly, I don't see why a Flash/PHP/mySQL combination couldn't be used as a replacement of AJAX/PHP/mySQL.
I haven't seen many Flash based web 2.0 sites, frankly. None actually.

As for the refresh issue for PHP/mySQL only sites, I ask : do we absolutely need to constantly refresh the user's screen for a good web 2.0 site? I doubt it since users don't just look passively at their screen. They navigate too.

 

[bam720]

I agree with you Sleidia. I think your definition of web 2.0 falls in line mine. I think in defining web 2.0 there are design issues (as stated above) as well as the content. I think the content is the heart of it.

The wiki article says...

Web 2.0 web-site may exhibit some basic common characteristics. These might include:

But again this is written/modified by people so...

I found this while doing a quick Google search:

http://www.flash-db.com/

It depends on what aspects of the web 2.0 you are focusing on. Personally, I don't see a need for AJAX (in this situaton). Taging, Commenting, Information all needs a text box for input, and a button to be pushed for processing. Whether its PHP, AJAX, RUBY, ASP, etc... processing this its not going to make a huge difference.

In answer to your question: I think it is possible to create a web 2.0 site with only PHP and MySQL.

 

[MichealC4]

It would quite derogatory to say that it's just big buttons and glossy effects, which are just a trend that, like all past trends, will fade out.

Nobody is saying that.

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"Will work for bandwidth" - Thinkgeek T-shirt

 

[amir4lamp]

Regarding Web 2.0 check out this article from o'rielly:

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html