Server-side scripting is a web development technique where scripts are executed on the server rather than the user's browser. This allows for dynamic content generation, meaning that the server can create customized web pages based on user input or other data. Common languages used for server-side scripting include PHP, Python, and Ruby. When a user requests a web page, the server processes the script and sends the resulting HTML to the user's browser. This approach enhances security, as sensitive data is kept on the server, and it allows for more complex interactions with databases and other server resources.