A web applications architecture should enable it to scale and simplify the process of management. How is that accomplished? By separating common elements from unique components.

Headers, footers, menus and style definitions are shared throughout a web application and are written as individual elements, then included to create a basic template. This enables a single modification to take place throughout the web application and facilitates administration.

Database fields are normalized, which is a term for breaking them into their most basic elements and associating the data through primary keys.

Classes are created to provide objects and definitions of shared elements. Typically, a dynamic web application will require a user object, data access methods, utilities and reporting.