There are two ways that scripts can affect your programs, on the client side and on the server side. Basically, if something is happening on the client side, that means that the script is being executed on the users' machine. It's happening right there. Javascript works that way, and that is often what is used to make the scrolling text at the bottom of your screen. Server-side interaction or scripting is any such interaction where processing takes place at the server, on the computer where the web page resides, rather than at the browser.
Examples are forms, guestbooks and server-push graphics.
I admit, this part is not the best collection of sites because it's the part of web design that I'm weakest at. As you find good resources, let me know. This is a good place to start. The Java Home Page - Sun Microsystem's Home Page about Java. Back to the main page.