How to implement server-side scripts to automate website tasks and improve efficiency

This article was made possible thanks to our sponsor, Greengeeks a leading web hosting provider.

Server-side scripts are executed on the server rather than on the client side. These scripts generate dynamic web content, handle server-side logic, and interact with databases, among other functions. They are a crucial part of web development, letting people create interactive and dynamic websites.

Web hosting providers typically support and facilitate the use of server-side scripts, but they do not implement these scripts for you.

Choose a server-side language

Choosing a server-side language is the first step. Popular choices include PHP, Python, Ruby, Node.js (JavaScript), and ASP.NET. The language depends on your project needs, existing skill set, and hosting environment.

JavaScript (Node.js)

JavaScript, primarily known for client-side development, extended its functionality to the server with Node.js. As of 2024, between 1.4% and 2.2% of websites use this language. It’s estimated that Node.js supports around 30 million websites.

JavaScript can be used on servers as a unified language for both server-side and client-side scripting. Node.js uses a non-blocking, event-driven I/O model, which makes the language very suitable for server-side operations.

Node.js is also suitable for building gaming and chat platforms because it can handle multiple connections at the same time.

Its lightweight nature contributes to high scalability and performance, making it a great choice for applications that need high throughput.

Python

With frameworks like Django and Flask, Python streamlines web development with ready-to-use elements. The language is best known for its capacity for rapid and efficient coding. It’s used by 1.4% of all websites with a known server-side programming language.

Python’s clear and concise syntax enables fast development and easier maintenance, reducing related time and costs. Its rich library repository features numerous packages and modules to achieve diverse functionalities without starting from scratch.

Dedicated hosting and server-side scripts

Even cheap dedicated hosting plans from Greengeeks come with dedicated CPU and memory, which enable server-side scripts to execute faster and handle more simultaneous requests. Scripts can be optimized and scaled to handle high traffic without performance degradation.

You can configure the server environment to match the specific requirements of your server-side scripts, such as PHP settings, Node.js versions, or Python libraries.

Install required software

Install the following depending on your programming language of choice:

Python: Install Python and a web framework (e.g., Django, Flask).
PHP: Install a web server (e.g., Apache or Nginx) and PHP.
Node.js: Install Node.js and npm.
Ruby: Install Ruby and Ruby on Rails.
ASP.NET: Install the .NET SDK.

Set up a local server

For Python, use the built-in development server in Flask or Django.
For PHP, use tools like XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP.
For Node.js, use Express.js to create a server.
For ASP.NET, use IIS Express or the Kestrel server.

Finally, write the code and deploy the application. Use FTP/SFTP, SCP, or a version control system like Git to upload your files to the web server. Ensure the database is properly set up on the server, and update your connection strings as needed. Point your domain to your server’s IP address and configure your hosting environment to serve your application.

FAQ on how to implement server-side scripts

How do server-side scripts automate website tasks?

Server-side scripts automate website tasks by executing predefined actions on the server in response to specific events or triggers. These tasks can range from user authentication and data management to email notifications and scheduled jobs.

Do you need a tech background to implement a server-side script?

You need basic server-side language proficiency, basic HTML and CSS knowledge for integrating server-side scripts with web pages, and database knowledge. An understanding of SQL for database interactions, such as querying, inserting, updating, and deleting records, also helps.