Web Analytics Data Capture Methodology
Log File Data Capture Methodology:
The traditional way of capturing data for web analytics are the log files which are created when a visitor requests for a web page via the URL typed in the browser, the request is served from the web servers, simultaneously the server creates an entry into the web log for the request.
Flow Diagram – Log File Data Capture methodology
Web beacon Data Capture Methodology:
Web Beacon: Visitor types in the URL to trigger the request for web page, the page is served by the server. The browser rendering the page requests for a 1×1 pixel transparent image (beacon) , a third party (Web analytics host server) server then renders the image in the process reads and writes a cookie. This technology enables real time results to be populated via a web interface.
Flow Diagram – Web Beacon Data Capture methodology
JavaScript Tagging Data Capture Methodology
Visitor types the URL to trigger the request for web page, the web server renders page along with a piece of JavaScript code appended in every page of the site. When the page loads, it executes JavaScript thus sending visitor information to a third party (Web analytics host server). The results are seen via a web interface, which is also real time.
Flow Diagram – JavaScript Tagging Data Capture methodology
