Target versus Include Part 3 - Target
Now that we have separated (i.e. isolated) the include function (by defining and addressing the implementation methods) from the target function, it becomes rather obvious that the need for the use of the target function is greatly reduced, but not totally eliminated.
OK, let's address this subject. The target function really comes into play when we do not have any other option, but to display multiple pages in the same frame. One very simple illustration would be a slide-shadow, where multiple pictures can be reviewed in the same frame. Well, we have iframes for that purpose.
Some may object to the use of iframes categorically, citing the same objections used against frames. I beg to disagree. Why? Because, there is a basic and fundamental difference between frames and iframes:
Frames concept creates a page that entirely consists of frames, nothing else. Iframes, even though very similar to frames in functionality, are intended (at least in my interpretation) to be used within a page when and as required.
These objections would hold true only if the page is made up of iframes entirely. However, if the iframes are used selectively and appropriately, the picture changes dramatically. My definition proper use of iframes would be: "Selectively and for auxiliary functions (i.e. purposes) only."
At this point, I feel the need to elaborate on the term auxiliary function. Lets go back to the example of creating a slide- show using an iframe, start from there to construct an illustration.
Imagine a page which is designed to provide in-depth information about a single plant - Cornus Alba 'elegantissima' (Variegated Tartarian Dogwood). This page contains pertinent information about this plant, including its characteristics, origin, uses, benefits, diseases, pests, etc., as well as four pictures of this plant (one in each season). In addition, in the part that details the characteristics of this plant (e.g. leaf shape and color, bark color etc.), the author also includes an iframe for a slide show, which provides pertinent close-up shots.
This page is using an iframe for an auxiliary function, as an enhancement to the page contents. Without this iframe, the same page would still be complete! Therefore, if the Search Engines cannot find the files targeted to this iframe, would you care?
A more real-world example would be some of the pages in the Screen Mysteries section of this site, where iframes are used to display the screen shots of a given page for different browsers. Furthermore, this site also uses an iframe for the Auxiliary Panel in each page (on the right side of the screen), where pertinent auxiliary information is targeted by using the Control Console Icons. Well, look at them closely and then you will see (I hope), why I say: "What do I care, if the Search Engines cannot find the files targeted to these iframes!"
Bottom Line
By conceptually distinguishing the difference between the include and target functions, and by using the proper methodology to implement either properly, as dictated by the requirements of each application, we can make this a none-issue. In other words, using the ZoneZ concept in page layout design, does not mean giving up the targeting option!
- Feed-back & Comments:
- Please send any comments, opinions, and even contributions on this subject, using the Feed-Back Form.
- Further Reading:
- You can review the list of Related Articles, with brief descriptions and links on the Auxiliary Panel,
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Web Design & Engineering: Dr. Z
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