Active Server Pages, commonly known as Classic ASP, represents Microsoft’s pioneering server-side scripting environment. It empowered developers to create dynamic and interactive web pages. Classic ASP operates using server-side scripting, which is crucial for generating web content that adapts to user interactions, independent of the web browser they are using.
VBScript is the primary scripting language for Classic ASP, but it’s flexible enough to accommodate other languages like JScript, Microsoft’s implementation of JavaScript. Files written in Classic ASP are distinguished by the .asp extension, unlike standard .htm files. When a web server receives a request for an .asp page, it recognizes this extension and processes any ASP code embedded within the page before delivering the resulting HTML to the user’s browser. This server-side execution ensures that no ASP code is ever directly exposed to the web browser, enhancing security and control.
It’s important to note that ASP pages require a web server equipped to handle ASP processing; simply opening an .asp file in a browser will not execute the ASP code. This is why it’s termed Active Server Pages – the “active” aspect is contingent on server-side processing.
Classic ASP was initially introduced with Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS), a web server that is integral to Windows operating systems, starting from NT4 and including versions like Windows 7, Vista, XP Pro, and server editions such as Windows 2000, 2003, and 2008. IIS remains the optimal environment for running ASP applications.
For individuals using Windows and interested in experimenting with Classic ASP on their local machines, installing Microsoft IIS is necessary. Fortunately, IIS, or its scaled-down version Personal Web Server (PWS), is included without additional cost in Windows.
Windows users can typically find Internet Information Services (IIS) through the following methods:
- Windows 10, 8, 7 & Vista: IIS can be installed using the Microsoft Web Platform Installer.
- Windows XP Home Edition: It’s worth noting that IIS and PWS are not compatible with Windows XP Home Edition.
