Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications that run on the internet.
- Users access websites through web browsers.
- The browser sends a request to the web server.
- The server processes the request and may access a database.
- The server sends a response back to the browser.
- The browser displays the webpage securely using HTTPS.
Basics
To better understand the foundation of web development, it is recommended to take a look at the concepts used in web development.
There are two major areas: Frontend and Backend which forms the backbone of web development each plays a crucial role in creating seamless, functional web experiences.
Frontend Development
This module covers client-side technologies used to structure, style, and make web pages interactive in the user’s browser.
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language): HTML is the language used to create the basic structure and content of web pages. It uses elements, tags, and attributes to organize text, images, and links.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): CSS is used to style the HTML content. It controls colors, fonts, layouts, and how the page looks on different devicesMore importantly, CSS enables you to do this independent of the HTML that makes up each web page.
- JS (JavaScript): JavaScript adds life to web pages by making them interactive. It handles things like buttons, animations, and form checks.
Backend Development
In this module, we will explore the technologies that work behind the scenes on the server to handle data, run the website, and store information.
Server-Side Programming Languages
In Backend Development, Server-side programming languages are used to write code that runs on the server, not in the user’s browser. This server-side scripting handles tasks like processing data, managing databases, and controlling how the website works behind the scenes
Below are some popular languages used to build the back end of web applications:
- JavaScript/Node.js: JavaScript adds interactivity to websites, while Node.js allows JavaScript to run on the server for building fast and scalable back-end applications.
- PHP: PHP is a server-side scripting language mainly used for web development and dynamic websites.
- Python: Python is a simple and powerful programming language used for web development, automation, AI, and more.
- Ruby: Ruby is an object-oriented language known for its clean and readable syntax.
- Java: A widely used, scalable programming language popular for enterprise and web applications.
- Golang (Go): Golang is a fast, statically typed programming language developed for efficient and scalable applications.
- C#: C# is a modern object-oriented language commonly used for web and desktop applications on Microsoft platforms.
Databases
A database stores and manages website data such as user information, products, and transactions. It is a backend component used to organize, access, and secure data efficiently.
Types of Databases
1. SQL/Relational Database
Relational databases store data in tables with rows and columns and use SQL for data management.
- MySQL: MySQL is an open-source relational database known for reliability and performance.
- PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL is an advanced relational database supporting complex queries and high reliability.
2. NoSQL Databases
NoSQL databases store data in flexible formats like documents or key-value pairs, making them suitable for large and unstructured data.
- MongoDB: MongoDB is a document-based NoSQL database that stores data in JSON-like format.
- Cassandra: Cassandra is a scalable NoSQL database designed for handling large amounts of data.
- Redis: Redis is an in-memory NoSQL database used for caching and real-time applications.
Note: We use Database management systems help keep the data safe, organized, and easy to use.
APIs and Data Exchange Formats
During website development, different components like the frontend, backend, and third-party services communicate using APIs and standardized data formats to exchange information efficiently.
- Frontend requests data from the backend server.
- Applications fetch information from third-party services (e.g., weather or payment APIs).
- Communication is handled through APIs.
- Data is exchanged in standardized formats for consistency.
Data Exchange format for API Communication:
When applications communicate via APIs, they need a common, structured way to represent the data being exchanged. This is where data formats come in.
Below are two common data formats used extensively in web development for API communication:
- JSON: JSON or JavaScript Object Notation is a format for structuring data.
- XML: Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable.
Version Control and Deployment
Developing a web application involves more than coding; version control manages code changes, while deployment makes the application accessible to users, often integrated through automated workflows.
- Version Control: Tracks and manages changes in the codebase, essential for teamwork.
- Deployment: Publishes the web application so it’s accessible online.
- Automation: Modern workflows combine version control and deployment for efficiency and reliability.
- Ensures a smooth, organized, and maintainable development process.
Graphics
Graphical elements are one of the key feature of any webpage. They can be used to convey important points better than text does and beautify the webpage.
- Canvas: The HTML canvas element is used to draw graphics via JavaScript.
- SVG: SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It basically defines vector-based graphics in XML format.
