Understanding DNN

• The DNN framework provides users with a robust content management system (CMS). Content management systems are a simplified way to add content to a website. A specific login portal allows users, such as writers, to focus on their task for the website (e.g., writing an article). The simplified interface then stores that information for retrieval by the website. DNN programs use this information to generate dynamic webpages or to categorize content into different areas of the site.
  
  

Symbol Files

• Executable files are written in a logical language but must be compiled into a language understood by computers. This compiling process must occur every time a programmer wants to test a DNN program. In Microsoft's most common .NET programming system, Visual Basic, a symbol file is created relative to the executable. The executable raw data, using a symbol file, are given the .PDB extension. DNN also provides the opportunity for executable files to be compiled with .PDB symbol files.
  
  

Advantages to Symbol Files

• The natural advantage to using symbol files comes when a DNN program must be debugged. Debugging is a process where a programmer looks for the solution to errors within the program. Since the project file retains key information about the program's operation, a programmer can then use this information to troubleshoot issues.
  
  

Functions for DNN Websites

• The ultimate goal of DNN, which its makers claim has been used on over 600,000 websites, is to increase functionality of a website. The programs provide an easy way to add content, but they also perform many other tasks. Some secure shopping sites are made possible by DNN. Social network sites, such as TheTrebleClef.com, use DNN to dynamically exchange content between users -- based on their login status and affiliation with other users.