Easy way to update multiple web pages?

[robertsaunders]

Please can someone tell me if there is an easy way to update multiple web pages. For example, if you have hundreds up pages on a site and want to change the menu on every page, or change the code for an advert on every page.

I used to use frams or iframes for this, but gave them up a long time ago as they seem to have various disadvantages. I've just been going through a site, opening up every page and changing the same code on every page. It is very tedious and repetitive, and just the sort of thing a computer should be able to do for me. Can anyone tell me if there is a simple way to automate this sort of process?

My programming skill are currently limited to HTML and CSS, so please bear that in mind when replying. Thank you.

[traq]

nothing in html or css will help you do this. you need something like php, where you can break your site into components (e.g., put your menu in its own file) and use functions to assemble the page for viewing.

You could also switch to a content management system (like drupal, wordpress, or concrete5; there are many others).

[robertsaunders]

nothing in html or css will help you do this. you need something like php, where you can break your site into components (e.g., put your menu in its own file) and use functions to assemble the page for viewing.

You could also switch to a content management system (like drupal, wordpress, or concrete5; there are many others).

Thanks for your reply. If I were to start learning php from scratch, how long would you suggest it would take to acquire sufficient knowledge to be able to be able to build a basic site spilt into components with the menu in its own files, as you suggest? I just looked up php at w3schools.com. Can you suggest which aspects of php would need to learn to be able to do this? Can you give me an example of of a very a php scrip for a very basic webpage with the menu in its own file?

Also, would you suggest that it would be quicker to learn how to do the necessary programming in php or to learn how to use one of the content management systems you list?

Sorry to ask so many questions.

[robertsaunders]

I've just been reading about the PHP include() Function on w3schools.com. Looks fairly simple to do what I was asking. Started re-writing my code, then discovered that my host doesn't support php. Can anyone suggest a good, reliable inexpensive UK host with php support?

[traq]

for what you're talking about, you really need only the very basics of php syntax and (as you've found) the function include().

As for UK hosts, I really have no idea. There are many inexpensive php hosts, however, and most are reliable "enough." If you want a good host, you'll pay a little more, but I'd recommend looking into 1and1 (http://www.1and1.com/?k_id=16272981)or mediatemple (http://www.mediatemple.net).

[robertsaunders]

Thanks. I'm minded to learn a bit more php. If I want to view php files offline, would you recommend that I install xampp, or are there any better alternatives?

[traq]

you're on windows, I assume? xampp is a great setup for development. fully featured, easy to install, easy to use.

[Beverleyh]

It might seem the logical choice to choose a UK host because you yourself live in the UK but I wouldnt discount a US host for the simply reason that the exchange cost can work out a lot cheaper :)

http://awardspace.com offer a free basic account with a fair few features (and php that might suit you.

[traq]

sheesh... making fun of our currency...

:p

when choosing a host, look at how long they've been around, and call a few times to see what kind of response you get and how easy the people are to talk to. talk to their tech staff if you can. you can find good hosts anywhere on Earth; just being local doesn't make it so.

[Beverleyh]

LOL - Can I help it if you guys have "monopoly money"? :p

I just cant help stroking the pretty coloured notes (with holograms), in my English lady-purse. They even go through a wash cycle without falling apart!

The Royal Mint did a sterling job with our sterling :)

[traq]

LOL - Can I help it if you guys have "monopoly money"? :p

I just cant help stroking the pretty coloured notes (with holograms), in my English lady-purse. They even go through a wash cycle without falling apart!

The Royal Mint did a sterling job with our sterling :)

I'm sorry, I couldn't read hardly any of that without laughing

[Beverleyh]

That must be my dazzling British wit ;)

[remp]

This thread is fun....hehehe.

Regarding the post.. have you tried SSI (Server Side Includes) ?? It works perfect with HTML and CSS as long as your host server supports it.
You can read more about it on this website:

http://webmaster.iu.edu/tool_guide_info/ssi.shtml