Understanding Include Files

Overview

One way to keep your site organized is to use Included Content or Include Files. An Include File is a web page that is dynamically included into a referring web page, and displayed as part of that referring page when rendered in a browser. Frames use a similar method, but actually display multiple pages at the same time. Frames can create many problems where accessibility is concerned. For example, a screen reader may be able to read one frame, but not another, making the site seem incomplete.

Include Files are rendered as part of the SAME page, and therefore do not pose an accessibility threat. Include Files are most commonly used to include menu systems and elements common to many pages throughout a site. The benefit of using Includes is that when an include file is updated, every page that references that file will display the change. An example would be including the menu of your site on every page. If a new menu item is added, every page of your site immediately displays the new menu option. This method can save web developers untold hours of repetitive coding.

Let's examine exactly how the template system uses includes. Below you will see an image of the default page for this Web Site. Each include file has been marked and labeled with the directory path and filename.

Next, we will examine how the Shell is set up to contain these includes. Please proceed to the article titled Building the Shell.