site layout/file types

by Workshop, 8 July 1998

the site directory structure
When you connect to your ISP to store your web site on their server, you generally use an FTP program which enables you to transfer files from your computer to their computer (server). Some HTML editors also have FTP capabilities built in. Once you have connected to your ISP's server using an FTP program, your FTP program will usually show you the contents of your home directory.

screen shot of CuteFTP

The structure of web sites differs wildly depending on a number of factors such as size of the web site, the ISP or hosting service where your web site is stored, and sometimes just plain old personal taste! With large web sites (such as a web site for a large company), there are usually thousands of files that make up the web site and so sites such as these are usually organized into some sort of hierarchical structure to enable the site to be managed easily.

Some ISP's have special requirements as to where your web site is stored on their server. For example, an ISP may create a directory in your home directory called www and when you store your web site on their server, you must place the entire content of your site within this directory. Because of the vast number of variations on the way that ISP's require you to store your web site on their server, it is best for you to contact your ISP directly and ask them for their web site storage requirements.

the files on your site
A web site is not one single entity but consists of a number of different types of files that are all connected together to make a web site. These file types include text files, picture (image) files, audio files, video files and other files. The text files are usually HTML files which control the content and appearance of the web site. The other files usually provide content to the web site such as pictures, sounds, video and other content.

Below is a table of some file extensions and their associated file type...

File Extension Type	Description
.htm, .html	A HTML text file that describes the content and layout of the web page. Either of the extensions .htm or .html may be used to define a HTML file.
.gif	A .gif file describes a picture file that is displayed on a web page. Typically used for icons and other graphic elements.
.jpeg, jpg	A .jpeg file describes a picture file that is displayed on a web page. Either of the extensions .jpg or .jpeg may be used to define a JPEG picture file. Typically used for full color images such as photographs.
.png	A .png file describes a picture file that is displayed on a web page.
.au	A .au file describes a sound file that is played on a web page. These files are usually played by Java Applets or Javascript
.mid	A .mid file describes a sound file that is played on a web page.
.wav	A .wav file describes a sound file that is played on a web page. This file type can only be played by the latest versions of browsers.