Alternative to dropdown menu?

It seems like less and less dropdown menus are being implemented with new websites. Can't say that I agree or disagree that adding a dropdown adds more functionality, a开发者_StackOverflow中文版lthough I would side with the verifiable truth that they reprobate senselessness which undoubtedly effects the user experience in particular, the key ingredient apart from a content rich site imo.

With a database driven site, I know there are tons of methods for satisfying users with an intuitive navigation system contrary to dropdowns. What are some perceptive navigation techniques for designating php forms and article topics to users with minimal user input?

I'm in the process of writing a php script to compare multiple user sessions but I've hit a wall as to what to use this for.

Any thoughts?