ASP – Content Linking – Navigate and Connect Dynamic Pages in Classic ASP

Introduction – What Is Content Linking in Classic ASP?

Content linking in Classic ASP refers to the process of dynamically connecting one page to another, allowing seamless navigation across pages using URLs, hyperlinks, query strings, and server-side redirection. It enables dynamic routing, parameter passing, and personalized content rendering.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to create links between ASP pages using HTML and query strings
• Use Request.QueryString to access link parameters
• Redirect users using Response.Redirect
• Best practices for SEO-friendly linking and dynamic navigation

Static vs Dynamic Linking

Static HTML Link (Hardcoded)

<a href="about.asp">About Us</a>

This simply opens the about.asp page.

Dynamic Link with Query String

<a href="product.asp?id=1001&category=books">View Book</a>

Passes id and category values to product.asp.

Accessing Link Data in ASP – Request.QueryString

<%
Dim productId, category
productId = Request.QueryString("id")
category = Request.QueryString("category")

Response.Write "Product ID: " & productId & "<br>"
Response.Write "Category: " & category
%>

Visiting product.asp?id=1001&category=books will output:

Product ID: 1001  
Category: books

Link with Redirect – Response.Redirect

Use Response.Redirect() to programmatically link to another page:

<%
If Request.QueryString("login") = "true" Then
    Response.Redirect "dashboard.asp"
End If
%>

Example – Generate Link with Server Data

<%
Dim userId
userId = 42

Response.Write "<a href='profile.asp?uid=" & userId & "'>View Profile</a>"
%>

Output:

<a href='profile.asp?uid=42'>View Profile</a>

SEO & User-Friendly URLs

While Classic ASP lacks built-in URL rewriting, you can simulate clean linking with query strings and structured navigation:

• Avoid: view.asp?ref=2392&x=23
• Prefer: product.asp?id=2392&category=books

Also, validate all query string inputs to prevent XSS or injection attacks.

Server-Side Link Building (for Menus)

<%
Dim sections
sections = Array("home", "about", "contact")

For i = 0 To UBound(sections)
    Response.Write "<a href='" & sections(i) & ".asp'>" & UCase(sections(i)) & "</a><br>"
Next
%>

Output:

<a href='home.asp'>HOME</a>  
<a href='about.asp'>ABOUT</a>  
<a href='contact.asp'>CONTACT</a>

Best Practices for Content Linking in ASP

Do:

• Use QueryString for parameter passing
• Validate and sanitize all query inputs
• Use Response.Redirect only after server logic
• Build links dynamically for personalization

Avoid:

• Exposing sensitive data in URLs
• Over-reliance on client-side redirects
• Using relative links without proper folder structure

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

Content linking is crucial for building interactive and connected ASP applications. By using HTML anchors, query strings, redirects, and dynamic link generation, Classic ASP allows developers to pass data and guide users across pages efficiently.

Key Takeaways:

• Use HTML <a> tags with query strings for page linking
• Use Request.QueryString() to access link data
• Redirect users programmatically with Response.Redirect
• Generate dynamic links using server-side logic

Real-world Use Cases:

• Product pages linked via dynamic IDs
• Redirecting users after login/signup
• Navigation menus driven by user roles or database

FAQs – ASP Content Linking

Can I use JavaScript for linking in ASP?
Yes, but it’s client-side. ASP linking uses server-side query strings and redirects for reliability.

How do I pass multiple parameters via a link?
Use ?key1=value1&key2=value2 syntax in your anchor’s href.

Is Response.Redirect better than <a href>?
Use <a href> for user navigation, and Redirect for programmatic logic-based redirection.