Embedded Files
September 9, 2022 | Sanduni Wathsala
What is Web Development?
Web development refers to all the activities associated with the development of a website for the Internet/World Wide Web or an intranet/a private network. This includes everything from markup and coding to scripting, network configuration, and CMS development.
There are 3 types of Web Development, namely:
1. Front-end Development
2. Back-end Development
3. Full Stack Development
To dive into the subject of web development we must first understand a few key areas such as
• How websites work,
• The difference between front and back-end,
• Using a code editor.
• What an IP address is
• What HTTP means
How do websites work?
How do websites work?
Websites, in a nutshell, are a collection of files stored on a server which is connected to the internet. These websites can be loaded through a browser like Chrome or Firefox which also becomes the client in such an instance. Every time a user is on the internet, the client is getting and loading data from the server, as well as submitting data back to the server. This back and forth of data exchange between the client and the server is the basis of the internet.
Anything that can be accessed in the browser is something a web developer built, from small business websites to complex web apps like Facebook and Twitter.
What’s the difference between front-end and back-end?
What’s the difference between front-end and back-end?
The terms “front end,” “back end,” and “full stack” web developer describe what part of the client/server relationship you’re working with.
“Front end” means that you’re dealing mainly with the client side. It’s called so as it’s what you can see in the browser. Conversely, the “back end” is the part of the website that’s not visible, but handles a lot of the logic and functionality necessary for smooth functioning.
Using a code editor
Using a code editor
The most essential tool in building a website is the code editor or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) which allows to write the markup and code that’ll make up the website.
Multiple code editors exist such as Sublime Text, Atom, Vim and VS Code with VS Code being the most popular out of the bunch.
What’s an IP address?
What’s an IP address?
To access a website, you need to know its Internet Protocol (IP) address which is a unique string of numbers. Each device has an IP address to distinguish itself from the billions of websites and devices connected via the Internet.
What does HTTP mean?
What does HTTP mean?
HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) connects the client and the website request to the remote server that houses all website data. It’s a set of rules (a protocol) that defines how messages should be sent over the Internet and allows the user to jump between site pages and websites by essentially being the translator; it reads the users website request, reads the code sent back from the server and translates it in the form of a website.
The Website Development Process
The Website Development Process
Each development path when creating a website is different based on the type of website, programming languages, and resources. For the sake of simplicity the process can be broken down into a few steps:
1. Forming a plan, Creating a wireframe and Drafting up a sitemap.
You must first consider a few points before the first site draft such as the goal of the website, the audience and the service provided, the content to be published and the budget. These must be discussed with the web development, marketing, and financial teams to determine your priorities and make informed decisions.
A blueprint is essential and can be as simple as a vision that gives developers a direction and a place to start.
A sitemap gives the developer the needed information to meet a vision.
2. Writing the website code.
Developers write code for servers and applications using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C++ and Python. They’ll use different coding languages for the front-end and back-end of websites, as well as for different functionalities of the site which will all work together to build and run your site.
3. Build the back-end of your website.
Backend developers will establish three things:
• Your logic code(set of rules for how your website will respond to certain requests and how objects of your website will interact)
• Your database management(which is how your website will organize, manage, and retrieve its data)
• Your infrastructure(how your site will be hosted)
4. Build the front-end of your website
This is the part of the website that visitors, customers and users see and how they’ll use the website. This development includes a combination of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
5. Acquire a domain name
This needs to be memorable as this is the name visitors use to find the site.
6. Launch your site
After testing your site thoroughly for any glitches, optimizing for SEO, and a final check you can make your site live.
Web Development Courses and Classes
Web Development Courses and Classes
1. TutorialsPoint
2. Egghead
3. Khan Academy
4. freeCodeCamp
5. Team Treehouse
Web Development Communities
Web Development Communities
· Stack Overflow
· Mozilla Development Network
සටහන - Sanduni Wathsala
Page updated
Report abuse