A database-driven website is one of the most common types of dynamic and interactive web pages that uses a database like MySQL or MS SQL server to store and manage information.
This means that you have a web page that grabs information from a database (the web page is connected to the database by programming,) and inserts that information into the web page each time it is loaded.
If the information stored in the database changes, the web page connected to the database will also change accordingly (and automatically,) without human intervention.
For businesses, this means your prospective customers can take specific actions on your dynamic site, such as build and send detailed inquiries or filter your products based on their preferences.
These are also commonly seen on online banking sites where you can log in and check out your bank balance. Your bank account information is stored in a database and has been connected to the web page with programming thus enabling you to see your banking information real time.
If this was taken care of manually, it would require thousands of members of staff 24/7 and still would not be real time!
It is very important to get a database driven website should you want to make information changes very often, just like in a banking site or quoting platform with constantly moving data.
Database driven sites can be built using several competing technologies, each with it’s own advantages. Some of those technologies/tools include:
- mySQL
- PHP
- ASP
- MSSQL
- MS Access
This way live updates and changes to your website can be implemented quickly and in-house by non-technical staff.