Parent iframes are internal frames that contain child web pages or scripts. They allow for viewing multiple web pages at once and executing dynamic content. Compatibility issues with older browsers may arise, but iframes are generally useful additions to web pages.
A parent iframe is an internal frame in a web page that contains a child web page or script. They are often called iframes, as the “parent” part of the name is from the point of view of its content. Anything in an iframe is considered a child, while it is considered a parent of its content. These frames can be placed anywhere on a page and can be any size.
If a static web page is being viewed, most web designers put some kind of border around the main iframe to distinguish it from the external page. The URL of a static web page within the frame can be any valid Internet address. Basically, iframes allow you to view two web pages at the same time. Displaying multiple web pages in coordinated iframes is a relatively common method of web organization.
The most common use of a parent iframe is to run a script that adds dynamic content to a web page. Iframes can execute PHP, Perl, or JavaScript scripts equally well. With the internal frame’s ability to embed scripts, web developers can process data, browse images, display video, embed media, and perform a variety of other functions that static web pages alone don’t allow. While there are other ways to embed script and dynamic content into web pages, a master iframe often minimizes the amount of additional markup needed for such pages.
Using a parent iframe sometimes raises compatibility issues with client browsers. Most modern web browsers support iframes, but not all older browsers do, so web developers often have to take this into account. Workarounds are possible, but these workarounds are rarely able to replace iframe functionality. Depending on the desired iframe functionality, the workaround can be as simple as showing an error message or as complex as a completely new script call.
A parent iframe can run server-side scripts, which depend on the computer hosting the web page, or client-side scripts, which depend on software installed on the user’s computer. Server-side scripts can always rely on having the appropriate software in place, so an iframe will almost always compile correctly regardless of the state of the user’s computer. Client-side scripts might not work at all if the user doesn’t have the appropriate software, which could result in an empty or error-filled iframe.
In general, parent iframes are robust and useful additions to most web pages. Problems with server-side or client-side scripts can be handled with proper preparation, making significant frame errors unlikely. There is an ongoing debate about whether or not iframes should be considered good web programming practice, but their use is almost always a matter of personal preference on the part of the page designer.
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