Separating Form and Function
By Michiel de Bruijn
As creating Web-based applications has become popular, the number of methodologies and tools available for Web development has exploded as well. Although the general approach and syntax of these different methodologies and tools vary widely, most require users to mix application logic with layout elements.
This may not be an issue for small-scale developments, but on larger projects where coding and design are the responsibility of different teams, this becomes counterproductive quickly. Maintenance also typically takes more time than anticipated because even a simple request like "change the colors" requires an overhaul of all modules involved.
This problem isn't particularly new, and there have been several attempts to resolve the situation already. So far, the best method that has surfaced has been to use style sheets. However, because of the difficulty in integrating these into existing projects and the convoluted syntax involved, widespread acceptance is still far off.
Janx
Bear River Associates
www.bearriver.com/developer/janx
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