In this issue we will implement a catalog site that is build with Active Server pages and SQL Server. Along with the implementation there is source code and a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of creating a catalog site that gets it's content from a database. Included are pages for displaying products, creating a menu page, category page, and running a search across a database. , Before we begin let us make a distinction between content and format. Content is the actual meat of the pages, it is the thing that draws the user to the site and gives the most value add. Format is how the content looks. Different formats allow content to look differently and give your site character.
This article uses the terms "shopping cart" and "shopping basket" interchangeably. Also, to define "shopping cart," I am referring to the aspect of the Web site that allows shoppers to enter products and modify them in their cart. This does not include the checkout process, which in many cases includes on-line credit-card verification and billing procedures.
This shopping cart programming excersise is designed to help beginning programmers with some common programming concepts as well as provide more experienced programmers information on ASP's powerful programming environment and how to set up global arrays for web applications. The heart of a shopping cart is
Most modern software can be controlled programmatically through its exposed object models. In fact, most of the applications you use everyday on your Windows PC have an object model, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer.
The careful design of these object models is the key to building good software. We're now going to embark on the design, and start the construction, of the business tier for Jo's Coffee. This business tier will consist of a number of objects whose interrelationships are defined by their position in the object model. Implementing the object model will define what we can do within the application. During the course of the chapter we'll be discussing the object-oriented approach to programming as well as ActiveX and COM technology; all topics that directly influence the way we construct the application.
Joining mailing list will entitle you
to receive occasional emails informing you of news and
updates to the site and any special offers that may be
of interest to you.