SHTML

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope
Server-parsed HyperText Markup Language

A file extension that is also sometimes known as SSI (server-side include), SHTML is an HTML (hypertext markup language) file that includes server instructions or server-side includes and is similar to an ASP (Active Server Pages) file. This file is used to associate files that include server instructions, so all files load as fast as possible.

A server administrator may set the name of the file extensions to anything. However, the files are commonly either .SHTML or .SSI. It is also possible for the administrator to allow all files to include executable code. Enabling this can cause the server to load slower since the server performs additional tasks for every file opened.

A web page visitor counter or dynamic content, such as a web page calendar, are examples of why a user may want to embed instructions on their web page. Below are examples of how a user may implement a Perl script for their web page or echo local information to a web page.

<!--#exec cmd="cgi-bin/mycounter.cgi" -->
<!--#include virtual="/cgi-bin/mycounter.cgi" -->
<insert file="cgi-bin/mycounter.cgi">
<!--#echo var="DATE_LOCAL" -->

The first line is the most common method for executing code from the server. However, because of security risks, an administrator may disable this feature on the server. The second line is another example and usually the alternative to the exec cmd. The third line is another example of how a server may be set up to execute a file. Finally, the last line is a method of echoing the local date and time to a web page.

Additional questions regarding the setup or configuration of SHTML or SSI should be directed to your administrator or ISP (Internet service provider). If you are the administrator or are attempting to enable SSI on your server, we recommend you refer to the documentation of your web server.

ASP, HTML, SSI, Web design terms