Web development usually has something to do with coding or web markup.
However, it also involves additional responsibilities like security settings and server- and client-side scripting.
This manual will explain the fundamentals of web development, how to build a website and offer extra resources for those interested in learning more.
Why Does Web Development Matter?
The Internet wont disappear. Its become the primary way to research, connect, educate, and entertain in all of society.
Its not surprising that the web development industry is proliferating, given how many people are using the Internet.
It is predicted to grow 13% between now and 2030. This rate of growth will be much higher than other tech careers.
Well cover web development basics and answer some of the most common questions in this section.
Web Development Basics
1. What is a Website?
The servers of the Internet are linked to each other.
Clients, also known as browsers, are computers that access websites using your Internet connection. Examples of this include Google Chrome and Internet Explorer.
2. What is an IP Address?
You need the Internet Protocol Address (IP) to access a site. Every device is assigned an IP address in order to differentiate itself from all the other billions of devices and websites connected through the Internet.
3. What is HTTP?
HyperText Transfer Protocol connects your computer and the website you are requesting to a remote server that houses all of its data.
The rules that specify how to transfer messages across the Internet are known as protocols. You can jump from site page to website.
This is essentially a translator that sits between you and your computer. It reads what you request from a site, then reads back the code returned by the server and converts it into a web page.
4. What is Code?
Coding is the process of writing code to run servers or applications in languages. The reason theyre called languages is because of the vocabulary and grammar rules that are used to communicate with computers.
These languages also contain special commands, punctuation, and abbreviations that are only readable by computers and devices.
All software is written in at least one language. The languages are divided into two main categories, front-end, and back-end.
5. What Is The Front End?
Front-end languages are used to transfer website data from the server to the browser. This allows the website to work without constantly "communicating" with the Internet.
The user can play movies on a website, enlarge or reduce photos, highlight text, and do many other things with the front end.
Front-end coders work in client-side programming.
6. What Is Meant By The Back End?
Back-end programming languages are much more common than front-end. This is because front-end browsers only support HTML and CSS.
A server, on the other hand, can handle any programming language.
7. What is a CMS (Content Management System)?
A Content Management System (CMS). can be a set of web applications or programs that are used to manage and create web content.
Note: CMSs, such as Squarespace and Wix, are not the same thing.
It is optional to use a CMS to create a website. However, it makes the process easier. The CMS provides building blocks, such as add-ons.
You can then create your website structure using code. Theyre often used to create ecommerce sites and blogs but are useful for any website.
8. What Is Cyber Security?
Malicious actors are constantly looking for vulnerabilities on websites to steal private data, expose personal information, and crash servers.
Cybersecurity refers to the process of protecting data, computers, and networks from threats.
Hackers are continuously evolving their methods, and so are the measures that are taken to protect against them.
Failure to recognize how your site can be attacked could lead to disaster.
A basic understanding of security best practices will help you develop an effective website. It is essential to perform audits regularly.
There Are Many Types Of Web Development
You should know the types of web design processes that can be done by developers, whether you are looking for a job or want to become one.
The different kinds of web development refer primarily to the various sectors in which web designers can be employed.
Web developers often have multiple skills and will be able to master several types of web design.
Front-End Development
The visual aspect is designed and developed, such as the navigation, layout, graphics, and other aesthetics.
These developers main task is to create interfaces that help the user achieve their goals. They also have an essential role in the User Experience part of their project.
Back-End Development
The back end of a website is different from what the users can see. The back-end developers are responsible for the server side of software, websites, and programs.
They ensure that everything is working correctly.
They manage code that is used for security, site content, and architecture. These developers work with front-end designers to deliver their products to the user.
Full Stack Development
Full-stack web developers are responsible for both the front and back end of a site. From start to finish, they can build software, websites, or applications.
The term "Stack" is used to describe the various technologies which handle the functionality of a website-for example, the interface, the server, etc.
This role is highly sought-after because full-stack engineers require many years of experience to gain the required skills.
They are able to improve performance and identify issues early.
Website Development
Web developers are categorized as full-stack developers, back-end developers, or even front-end developers.
These professionals are specialized in creating websites and not mobile apps, desktop software, or video games.
Desktop Development
Desktop developers are experts in creating software that runs locally, on the device itself rather than online in a web browser.
These developers skills overlap with web developers when an application is able to run online presence as well as offline.
Mobile Development
For mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, mobile developers create applications. Apps for mobile devices are different from other software and websites and require a unique set of skills.
Play Development
The authoring of code for video games, including console games (such as Xbox, PlayStation, etc.), is their area of expertise.
Games on PCs and smartphones fall under this category.
Embedded Development
All forms of hardware, including ones without a screen and keyboard (or at least not in the way we often think of a "computer"), are under the purview of developers who specialize in embedded software.
This includes consumer electronics, IoT, real-time systems, electronic interfaces, and much more.
With the recent increase in connected devices, such as smart appliances, Bluetooth technology, and virtual assistants, embedded development has become a widespread practice.
Security Development
These developers create methods and policies for the safety of software programs or websites. Usually, ethical hackers "break" websites to expose weaknesses but with good intentions.
These programmers provide tools for identifying and removing security vulnerabilities.
Lets now dive right into web development.
How to Develop a Website
Its more complex than creating a site. The development paths are different depending on factors such as the website type, programming language, and available resources.
This section provides a quick overview of web development and introduces the common languages, as well as CMS choices.
Plan Your Strategy
Its important to connect first with the teams in your company to create a website plan.
To answer the questions, you will need to consult your marketing, web development, and financial departments to identify your priorities and make an informed decision.
Put? Create a map at the start of the project. It is much simpler than having to reverse your progress when you hit a roadblock.
Read More: Basic Guide Of Web Development And Its Types
Make A Wireframe
A blueprint is the foundation of every good website. This is what developers call a Wireframe. This doesnt need to be a formal document.
Its a way to give you and the developer some direction. Use a whiteboard to draw your vision or a tool such as Slickplan or Mindnode.
You can use blank boxes and "a href= "https://www.lipsum.com/">dummy text/a>" to get an idea of how your content will appear on the front end.
Use blank boxes or "Dummy Text" in order to see how the content is displayed on your website. Create wireframes with your developer so they can see what you envision.
Create A Sitemap
Its now time to make a sitemap. (Not to be confused with Sitemap.XML, which is an XML File to help search engines crawl your website and find it.
A sitemap is comparable to a business proposal in that it provides an investor with information about your goals and deliverables. It also gives developers the necessary information for them to achieve your vision. Your sitemap can be created by you or your developers.
Its important to talk with the other teams in your company. You will need the input of an SEO team and a content strategy group if you want to categorize and create a link structure.
Create Your Own Website Code
Next, you will need to write the code.
Different coding languages are used for the front-end, back-end, and different functions of the website (such as interactivity, design, etc.).
Different languages are used to create and maintain your website.
Start with the languages most widely used.
HTML
HyperText markup language (HTML). Has been used since 1990. It is the basis of every website and the minimum required to build a site.
It is possible to build a website using only HTML, but it would look less attractive.
HTML code can be modified and enhanced by languages like CSS or JavaScript. HTML5 supported browsers on all platforms, which makes it popular for mobile app development.
CSS
Cascading style sheets (CSS). Has been around since the 1990s. The CSS adds elements such as typography, color, and layouts to enhance the "look" of a website.
CSS allows you to create a website that matches the look and feel of your vision. Like HTML5, CSS works with any browser.
JavaScript
JavaScript has the highest level of complexity among coding languages. JavaScript was created in the 1990s and is used for adding functionality to web pages.
It is used by developers to create animations, automate specific tasks on certain pages and enhance the user interface.
JavaScript continues to evolve rapidly. JavaScript, once considered to be a "toy" language, is now one of the most popular coding languages in the entire world.
Node.Js has helped it become a popular back-end language. This is the first programming language that browsers can understand. Some have discussed machine learning with it.
Here is the JavaScript code that opens links automatically in a New Window in WordPress.
The "big three," HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, are at the core of website development. They are used by almost every website.
Other languages, like Java, C++, Python, and SQL, are also available. Still, these three provide the foundation for your knowledge of website development.
Create The Backend Of Your Site
Writing code is indeed one of the most challenging parts of developing a website, but this is not the only part.
The back-end structure and the front-end design of your site are also important.
Start with the backend.
Back-end data is used to enable front-end functionality. Facebook, for example, stores photos in its backend so the front end can allow other users to view them.
The system is made of two main components:
- Databases are used to store, organize, and process data for it to be retrieved by server requests.
- Servers are hardware and software components of your computer. The servers are in charge of sending, receiving, and processing data requests. The servers are the go-betweens between the database, the browser, and the user. In effect, the browser tells the server, "I want this information," so the server knows how to retrieve it from the database.
These elements form the structure of each website.
When it comes to building your site, the backend developer will do three things.
- The logic codes are rules that govern how your site will react to requests and interact with objects.
- This database management is the way your site will manage and retrieve data.
- Hosting your own site is a great way to have more control. You will have more control if you host your site yourself, but youll also be responsible for maintaining your server and its security.
The back end is peripheral to web development because its not always necessary if theres no data being stored. In this context, "data" refers to any information entered by the user that needs to be saved and maintained.
Imagine logging into a website. How could they possibly remember your login information if they didnt even have a database? What are your profile settings? It would be best if you used a backend in order to get the information.
Facebook, for example, needs to know who is on your Friends List, which events youve attended, the posts that you created, and much more.
A database is where all of this "data" is kept. If they didnt have a database on the back end, they wouldnt be able to access any of this information.
If you do not have any data, then you may not need to develop the backend. It doesnt mean you should ignore the basics.
It may come in handy when it comes in handy.
Create The Front End Of Your Site
If youve ever played around with site design, such as in WordPress, Squarespace, or Google Sites, youve undoubtedly experimented with front-end development.
Front-end design is crucial. Its the look and feel of your site that your customers and users will see.
It combines JavaScript with HTML and CSS. This part also includes typography, fonts, and navigation. It is responsible for browser compatibility, responsiveness, positioning, and typography.
This will be a more detailed version of the wireframe and your original site vision.
Client-side code tends to be outdated faster than the backend. Heres where resources like the ones below can be handy.
Working With A Cms Is Optional
A CMS may need to be more flexible and therefore give you less control of your sites front end. A CMS, however, is more user-friendly (you need to write less code) and often comes with tools to host the website, store information about users, create a blog and publish landing pages.
It can also be used to capture leads and build an email database. Youll have the ability to increase your sites profitability with less work.
Many CMSs include plugins to eliminate the need for a complex back end. WordPress, for example, has plugins that allow you to use existing code to handle credit card payments instead of having to build a complex back end.
Magento and Joomla are also very popular. But the most widely used CMS, WordPress, has a market share of over 65 %.
In this instance, we are talking about the open-source WordPress software and not the WordPress website builder.
Purchase a Domain
Your website now has an IP address. You will also need a Domain Name. This is a website name your visitors can remember to help them find you.
You may have heard about sites such as GoDaddy or Hover. They help you register with ICANN and purchase a domain.
The majority of domain names are valid for one year.
Web builders, as well as hosting services like WordPress or Squarespace, allow the purchase of a domain.
Launch your Website
Youre nearly ready to publish your website once you have linked your domain to your hosting service.
Before you launch your site, theres still some stuff to do. This includes planning your teams responsibilities, thoroughly testing your website for glitches, and optimizing for SEO.
Finally, it would be best if you did a final review before turning the "switch" to go live.
What is a Web Development Company?
The main scope of web development companies work includes everything from designing and ideation to creation. The web development company also builds mobile apps and websites.
Web development strategy helps you create a website for your business goals or private use.
Although the process for creating a site varies depending on which company you choose, many web design companies follow similar steps.
The developer might meet you to discuss the objectives of your site. The developer will decide the most appropriate web design to meet your goals during this meeting.
The discovery phase may be similar if the developer builds an application for your company. Then, the developer will look at what features are needed for your application and see how these can enhance your workflows and revenue goals.
Your developer will check in with you periodically and show you the different versions they are building. You can provide your feedback at this stage to ensure that the product you receive will give you the return on investment (ROI) you are looking for.
Web Development Services
Consult a web development company if you want a fully-customized website with all the features that are important to your business owners.
Web development services can provide a tailored approach. Depending on your industry and business, youll need different marketing strategies. You will need to hire a firm to help boost your business.
App Development Services
According to various studies, most smartphone users scroll through the app 2 of every 3 minutes. Today, everyone uses mobile apps to perform their daily tasks.
This is one of the main reasons to have a mobile app. It will help you grow your business by reaching more people. For this, you will need to work with a web development company that offers app development services.
The firm can handle all aspects of app development, including budgeting and maintaining the app.
Conclusion
Your website development company can be summed up as the virtual window of your company.
Your online store contains all your information, including your contact details, products, and services. You want to increase traffic on your site and convert potential leads into sales.
You can track the behavior of your visitors by using tools like Google Analytics. You can collect a lot of helpful information about the visitors to your site.
You can see the importance of having an excellent website for your company. It should be visually pleasing yet also serve as an engaging resource for customers.
The skills required for web design elements and development are diverse, and the techniques change and update constantly.
Its better to hire experts if youre looking for a credible and professional website.
