What is SSI?

SSI, or “Server Side Include”, are scripts that are embedded into your virtual web pages which contain date information or other files that are external. SSI is, in its simplicity, an html command that tells the server to generate data dynamically from a web page when requested. The script will execute before the user can see the web page which puts SSI technology in high demand for a web development format.



There are many advantages to using SSI, including:

- SSI is easily embedded into an HTML file.

- The changes that you make in one SSI script link to the text and content on your other web pages.

- SSI is a server side environment which means that the server handles the commands.

- SSI is open source.

- SSI code is easy to develop and can be re-used.

- You can select up-to-date dynamic information and content to include on your web pages without having to make changes to all of your active pages.

Probably the main disadvantage of using SSI is that, because it is so simple to use, it can also be very limiting in the design and style that you can use for development of the body of your web pages.



When you start using SSI for your web pages you start to separate the design of your website from the content that you are displaying. Content management allows you to manage your files and elements for navigation in one space so that as your website expands you can easily and quickly make the necessary modifications. You’ll soon have a website that users find easy to navigate and that you enjoy maintaining.