What are Dynamic URLs?
Dynamic pages are usually found on websites driven by database technology, such as MySQL. Dynamic pages differ from static pages in that they usually require a query string on the URL in order to function properly. This query string usually contains specific details that instruct the script/page to request details from the database. Dynamic pages usually use the extensions .php, .asp, .cgi, .pl, etc. Static pages normally use the extensions .htm and .html.
The query string is usually appended to the name of the file/page being requested. For example, a typical dynamic URL would be http://www.sitename.com/page.php?show=1&display=yes. This sample URL has 2 parameters: show=1 and display=yes. Note that they are separated by the & character.
What are some of the drawbacks of Dynamic URLs?
Most search engines are unable to index dynamic pages, because the query string can sometimes cause problems with the spidering procedure. For this reason, we encourage you to use static pages where possible. The use of .php, .asp, etc. extensions is permissible if the URLs do not contain any query strings. Those search engines that do spider dynamic pages limit the number of parameters that the URL can contain. This limit is usually two; otherwise the URL will likely not be spidered. We highly recommend that the length of the parameters be kept as short as possible (less than 40 characters total).
Spider traps
The use of session ID parameters in URLs will prevent all robots from spidering your webpages. These session ID parameters are commonly used on bulletin boards and sites with shopping carts installed. Given that spiders do not have cookies enabled, the session ID value will usually be different for each hit that the robot makes to your pages. This unique session ID on each request will cause the spider to loop uncontrollably around your website. This looping effect is known as a "Spider Trap."
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