As you continue learning more and more about VoiceXML, you will eventually want to integrate some form of server side language as a backend, to increase the power and flexibility of your applications. The Tutorials that follow will give you a taste of how you can supercharge your application and add dynamic features that VoiceXML just isn't meant to handle, (such as updating a database with a callers voice recognition results, making use of session cookies, etc.). In addition, adding a backend to your application can greatly reduce maintenance to the application itself, thus, giving it a longer 'shelf life'.
When To Use A Server Side Language?
Good question, folks. If your application has a fixed set of parameters, and requires no database updates, or changes to be made to the XML output 'on the fly', then chances are you will not need to integrate a backend with your existing application. But, if you find that you will need to access a database of information within your app, or if you simply want to have the ability to add dynamic content, then you probably have already thought about adding your favorite flavor of serverside markup into the fray. Coding an application with just straight VoiceXML is just fine and dandy, thankyouverymuch, but the *real* potential of VoiceXML is harnessed when we add some ASP or JSP into the mix.
Which Flavor of Serverside Should I Use?
It really doesn't matter. Some people prefer the simplicity of using the relatively easy ColdFusion markup, while other diehards are adamant about sticking with the more complex 'write once, run anywhere' Java language. Whichever flavor of language that you are comfy with that can output VoiceXML is just peachy by us. As long as you have a hosting server set up to dish out the content, and have a working knowledge of the markup, then it makes absolutely no difference which one to use.
Note: The Voxeo Webhosting servers do not allow for any form of server side markup. The only file extensions allowable on our free application hosting servers are '.grammar', '.gsl', and '.xml'. As such, you will need to find an appropriate host that supports the markup you intend to use before proceeding with any of the following tutorials.
Payback !
You will find the following section of the Voxeo VoiceXML Guide chock full of samples and techniques that demonstrate using VoiceXML with several different brands of backend languages, but we can always use more. If you think that you have got The Right Stuff, and have some wisdom (and sample code!), that you would like to share with the developer community, let us know! We will be happy to add your cool tricks of the trade, and put Your Name up in Big Lights, thus showing all your friends, family and the Girl Back Home that you are much, much smarter than they thought you were.
'Stick with me, kid, and I'll make you a Star......'
ANNOTATIONS: EXISTING POSTS
0 posts - click the button below to add a note to this page
Using the Mark Element