Using Net.Data macros, you can execute programming logic, access and manipulate variables, call functions, and use report-generating tools. A macro is a text file containing Net.Data macro language constructs, HTML tags, Javascript, and language environment statements, such as SQL and Perl. Net.Data processes the macro to produce output that can be displayed by a Web browser. Macros combine the simplicity of HTML with the dynamic functionality of Web server programs, making it easy to add live data to static Web pages. The live data can be extracted from local or remote databases and from flat files, or be generated by applications and system services.
Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between Net.Data, the Web server, and supported data and programming language environments.
Figure 1. The Relationship between Net.Data, the Web Server, and Supported Data and Program Sources
![]() |
The Web server invokes Net.Data as a CGI, FastCGI, or Web server application programming interface (API) by calling Net.Data as a DLL or shared library when it receives a URL that requests Net.Data services. The URL includes Net.Data-specific information, including either the macro that is to be processed or the SQL statement or program that is to be directly invoked. When Net.Data finishes processing the request, it sends the resulting Web page to the Web server. The server passes it on to the Web client, where it is displayed by the browser.