When designing either a website or an application the data requirements need to be considered.

There are 2 types of data - static unchanged data and data that changes. There are a few options which can be used when data changes in order that data can be easily updated and stored away from the main site.

XML

• It is an Extensible Mark Up Language.
• It stores data in a text file.
• In order for the site to read the data specialised programming is required.
• As is it easy to follow the data can be maintained by non programmers.
• It is a cost effective solution for small amounts of data.
• You can have multiple files containing different categories of data.

JSON

• This is a syntax for storing and exchanging data.
• It is easier to understand and maintain than XML.
• It can be used in any programming language.
• Javascript programming can be used to convert the JSON data for your site.

Databases

• Used where data capture is essential for your application site.
• The database language is SQL which can be used by any programming language to manage data.
• Backend applications can provide a user interface to the database(s).
• Database design is essential for performance, security & flexibility.