Using SSI is quite simple, and powerful to boot, since SSI is built into the webserver, it is generally very quick. I have a Perl program that generates website statistics (hits, etc) using the Apache logs. This program takes various arguments, one of which outputs just a simple total/daily hits value. Wit SSI, I can just call this program with the correct argument and have that value placed in the webpage dynamically: 
<!--#exec cmd="program -t daily" -->

[download]
Really simple, I hope I am clear. Answer to your second question can be done in two words: use CGI.

As for using MYSQL, I generally don't recommend it unless you expect your database to be recieving multiple simultaneous queries - this is where MYSQL shines. It's really a production database. For almost all of my needs, a simple Berkley DBASE works just fine; it is quick and succint, and does not have all the inherent complexities like permissions, etc, that maintaining a MYSQL database has.

Cheers,
John

------------------------------------
"There is more in heaven and earth
than is dreamt of in your philosophy"

In reply to Re: SSI/Database questions by lacertus
in thread SSI/Database questions by sulfericacid

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