🚀 go-pugleaf

> I am needing to create a database, where the end product would be in the
> form of a hardcopy, on the web, and also on CD.
>
> ## Can someone briefly tell me the difference between XML and ASP?

That's like asking the difference between apples and oranges.  ASP is a
server-side technology that runs on IIS/PWS (MS' web server) and allows
dynamic code-driven delivery of HTML pages.  XML is a way of representing
data.

> My understanding is that ASP is like server based in terms of accessing,
but
> XML is more browser based?

Some browsers (like IE5) have the ability to display raw XML data in a
format governed by the template provided by the developer.

> ## For this project, should I use ASP or XML?  Or is it a case of I have
to
> use both?

For the web-server you can use ASP, it would be a good choice.  Not for the
CD version though.  As for XML, I see no real use for XML in this project.

> ## I only have until the end of March 2002 to try to complete this
project,
> for learning purposes, is it feasible for me to learn both ASP and XML in
> between this time?  AND put it into use of course... =)

That depends on you.  I'd say it is.

> ## If it is not feasible, then which would you recommend I learn and use?

I recommend you buy a book on ASP and a book on XML and read them rather
than excessively cross-posting on usenet.

> ## I read recently from an ASP NG that it was near impossible for ASP to
> work on CDs cause it would need the machine itself to be set up with
things
> like PWS etc etc in order for it to work.  My question, would I be able to
> use XML, and cut into CDs and have the database work from there? (Like a
> standalone exe program)

You obviously don't understand what XML is.  XML is just a method of
representing data, it is not a languge or an application or a scripting
programme.

<customer>
<name type="string">John</name>
<age type="integer">25</name>
</customer>

That is XML.  It shows that a customer has a name and an age, the name is a
string equal to "John" and the age is an int equal to 25.

> ## For the web version of the database, I would require it to be
> searchable... I am guessing that XML would be better suited to this than
> ASP...

No, see above.  You'd use ASP to search your database.

> judging from what my friends told me in the chat before... what are
> your views?

My view is that you find new friends to get technical advice from :)