I need to add a very simply database to a web site. I have used cold fusion in the past but I am hoping that someone can suggest something that will be easy to maintain for non programmers. For example, would it be possible to create a simple menu driven database client-side with XML or XHTML?

Thanks for you attention.
gthompson@capitalnet.com

Hi ipp01 & welcome to the City that usually bases its data on more characters than x, m, l, t, and h :D

I'm not familiar enough with XML/XHTML to be able to answer your question directly. However...

How much data are you talking about? If it is small enough and you are talking about a Windows environment, you may be able to use TDC (tabular data ..something...), javascript arrays, and activeX components. Essentially, you can place your data in comma-delimited files, bind it with TDC tags, display it, and use regular javascript/html to update (the activeX for writing to file). The main drawback would be the possibility of data validation/corruption -- users are not the best data entry clerks and therefore, you would need to do a lot of data checking/validation.

Vinny

IPP01,

XML can certinaly do it, just depending on the amount of choices and how often they are changed as to whether it is a good choice or not. Do a google search for XML data islands and you should find some additional info. I don't believe XHTML is up to the task as it is only a remake of HTML simply used to create the structure of the document.

Or for a "quick and dirty" generic ASP open source solution to putting databases on the Web that just requires setting up a configuration page for each table or query and uploading the database to the Web as long as there is an autonumber field in each table (and you'll probably also separately want to create login capabilities), perhaps try something like this:
GenericDB by Eli Robillard
http://www.genericdb.com and then click on the Tips link to see an example