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Web development focuses on creating, programming and maintaining websites and web applications.
There are three types or categories of website development, such as:
1) Front-end website development
2) Back-end website development
3) Full stack website development
Several programming languages, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, are used by web developers to build and develop websites and web applications.
It involves a range of tasks, including web design, programming, and database management.
Key features of web development
Front-end development:
Front-end development is an aspect of website development that focuses on the website user interface and the part of the website that users directly interact with. A front-end developer uses the following coding and programming languages: HTML, CSS and JavaScript. WordPress development is mostly done at the ront-end except in cases relating to plugin and theme development. The CMS takes care of back-end related development.
Back-end development:
Back-end development is an aspect of website development that focuses on server-side logic, databases as well as the overall structure of the website. A back-end developer uses the following programming languages: PHP, Java and Python.
Full-Stack Web Development:
Full stack development involves both front-end and back-end development of a website. Fullstack developers work on all aspects of a website.
Programming Languages:
The following programming languages are used for website development.
1) HTML
2) CSS
3) JavaScript
4) PHP
5) Python
6) Ruby
7) Java
A number of programming languages are used by web developers in creating and maintaining websites. These programming languages include: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python and Java. They are mostly used for front-end web development.
HyperText Markup Language (HTML)
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a text-based approach to describing how content contained within an HTML file is structured. This markup tells a web browser how to display text, images and other forms of multimedia on a webpage.
HTML is mostly used for structuring the content of a website. HTML is a set of tags and rules for developing hypertext documents. A hypertext is a machine-readable text that is not sequential but is organized so that related terms of information are connected.
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
CSS is the acronym for “Cascading Style Sheets”. CSS is a computer language for laying out and structuring web pages (HTML or XML).
This language contains coding elements and is composed of the “Cascading Style Sheets”, which are equally called CSS files (. css).
CSS is used for controlling the visual presentation and layout of a website. CSS helps to style websites according to brand or business requirements.
JavaScript
JavaScript (JS) is a lightweight (interpreted for just-in-time compiled) programming language with first-class functions. While it is most well-known as the scripting language for Web pages, many non-browser environments also use it, such as Node.js, Apache CouchDB and Adobe Acrobat.
JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to websites. It is very useful in web development services and application development.
Common back-end programming languages are: PHP, Python, Java and Ruby.
Hypertext PreProcessor (PHP)
Hypertext Preprocessor is a self-referential acronym for PHP. Originally it supposedly meant personal home page. It is an open source, server-side, HTML embedded scripting language used to create dynamic Web pages.
PHP is a programming language used for the efficient delivery of dynamic web content and services.
Python
Python is a versatile, high-level, general-purpose programming language known for its readability and ease of use.
It’s widely used in web development, data science, machine learning, and various other applications.
Python is a widely used general-purpose high-level programming language.
Java
Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language known for its “write once, run anywhere” capability.
It’s widely used for developing applications across various platforms, from mobile apps and web applications to enterprise software and big data processing.
Java is a platform-independent object-oriented programming language.
Ruby
Ruby is a dynamic, open-source language used for web development and is known for its simplicity and programmer-friendly design.
Ruby is very effective for website development, especially with the popular Ruby on Rails framework.
It can also be used for a variety of other purposes, including automation, command-line tools, and static site generation.
Database management:
Database management is a key aspect of website development that allows web developers to manage website data for storage and retrieval from servers upon request. A database functions like a store house for web data, allowing easy access.
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What is full-stack development?
Full-stack development is the implementation of both front-end and back-end development on a website. Full-stack developers work both as front-end and back-end developers and that means developing a website from scratch.
Differences between web design and web development.
Web design is mostly concerned with the design of the visual elements of a website, such as layout, typography and color schemes, as well as user experience.
Web development is mostly concerned with the technical aspects of building and maintaining websites.
What are the stages of web development?
1) Gathering relevant information
2) Planning which involves laying out a sitemap and wireframe. A sitemap is a website structure that provides a plan for the website layout, navigation and the placement of elements on required pages. A wireframe is a basic visual outline used as the starting point for the layout of a web design.
3) Design and layout of the website
4) Creation of web content
5) Development
6) Testing, review and launch
7) Routine Maintenance and Update
Does web development involve coding?
Website development involves writing code that is required for websites and web applications to function. For websites and web applications to function properly, web programmers use coding languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript for front-end web development and Pytjon, PHP and Ruby for back-end development. Web programming is an important part of development projects as it helps to create robust functionality, features and customization.
Web development methodology
Website development methodology is the method used to develop websites. Websites can be developed using a number of content management systems (CMS) or outright coding from scratch. Some popular CMS include WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and Wix, etc. WooCommerce, Magento and Shopify are some of the most popular platforms used for the development of ecommerce websites. Certain websites could range from a single page or product to thousands of pages or products.
What is the difference between front-end development and back-end development?
Websites function on two levels, which are front-end and back-end. Front-end development mostly refers to features users can see, including surface-level elements such as fonts, color schemes, images, videos, page formats etc.
Back-end development, on the other hand, refers to technical elements which users do not see, such as database, storage and coding. It provides tools and features for developers or web administrators to manage and customize websites as per requirements.
Why is web development important?
Website development is important because it allows individuals and businesses to promote their ideas and brands as well as reach new subscribers or customers. Digital marketing is a key part of every business. Digital campaigns are used to target ads on social media, search engines and email campaigns. These ads provide leads or a click-back to websites. This makes websites very critical.
Components of web development
A number of components make up website development, such as programming languages, servers where website files are stored, databases that hold website files that respond to requests for these files from users, and finally website domains that serve as web addresses where websites are located.
A website consists of several files containing web content and is stored on a server.
A server is a storage device that holds website files and contents and delivers them upon request.
A browser, often referred to as a client, is a program that is designed to load and display websites to users across multiple screens.
Differences between hand coding and Content Management System (CMS)
Hand coding vs. CMS
There are two primary methods for web development, such as hand coding and CMS.
Hand coding requires full knowledge of coding and programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby etc., to fully develop websites. Hand coding involves developing a website from scratch with potential bespoke design. Highly advanced hand-coding skills are required to develop websites from scratch, both for front-end and backend web development. CMS allows websites to be developed from preexisting models using website builders. It allows less advanced users to create websites without coding experience. CMS handles surface coding for web development, allowing people to arrange the elements and features of the website through drag and drop or other less advanced coding.
CMS allows for less customized websites while hand-coding allows for highly advanced custom websites from scratch. Custom websites with tailored functionality are most developed using advanced coding.
The web development process
Website development has a detailed process that should be followed to achieve the needed results. The following constitutes the website development process.
1) Develop a website plan
2) Create a sitemap
3) Choose a website host and purchase a domain name
4) Back-end development
5) Front-end web development
6) Launch website
DEVELOP A WEBSITE PLAN
Every website seeks to achieve a goal. These goals must form part of a website plan. Some of the goals may be to sell products online, provide information on particular products and services as well as on team members. In laying out or developing a plan, considerations must be given to the following:
a) Target audience
b) Information required by users
CREATE A SITEMAP
You can create a sitemap by considering all the different sections that make up the website as well as considering the best layout as per brand or business needs and putting pen to paper or using a computer.
Sitemaps create effective navigation that allow users to easily find information they are looking for.
CHOOSE A WEBSITE HOST AND PURCHASE A DOMAIN
Websites are hosted on servers and a number of web hosting companies provide hosting services for a fee. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from several options, such as shared hosting, Virtual Private Server (VPS) and dedicated server. Next, you proceed to purchase a domain name that suits your ideas, brand or business. Your domain name is the URL or address where visitors can locate your website.
BACKEND WEB DEVELOPMENT
The development of the backend of every website or application is achieved with the use of high-level programming languages such as Ruby, Python, Java and PHP. The back-end is the part of a website that provides building blocks for the front-end. It is not usually seen by users but is managed by front-end developers and other website administrators. You can use a CMS like WordPress, Jokmla or Drupal to manage the back-end of your website. These CMS allow you to use preexisting building blocks and templates that allow you to edit your website according to your preference.
If you possess the requisite skills, you can begin coding once you have determined the layout of your website. You may also need to design the website theme from scratch. You will need full knowledge of coding languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript for effective front-end web development and Python, Ruby, PHP and Java for back end development.
Backend optimization is required to allow for a smooth and optimum website experience.
You will need to do the following
After hand-coding your website
a) Set up forms to collect data
b) Store image files
c) Set up cookies on specific pages
d) Database optimization
e) Image and website optimization etc.
FRONT-END DEVELOPMENT
The front-end is the part of the website that users see and interact with. The front-end can be developed using CMS that allows you to control the website layout and arrange elements on pages using website builders. Front-end developers are mostly concerned with certain elements such as navigation, fonts, color schemes and typography.
LAUNCH WEBSITE
This is the final stage of a web development process. Once the back-end and front-end of a website have been fully developed, the website could now be launched. After launching a website, it has to be continually optimized to function optimally. Periodic website maintenance has now become a priority.
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What is web development?
This is a technical process of developing the front end and back end of a website or application. It includes a wide range of web design services and optimization.
Front end web design
design Front end web design is the design of the front end of a website or application. It includes user interface design (UI) and User Experience design (UX).
Front end developer
Front end developer is a professional that develops the front end of a website or application that is visible to users. A front end developer may require certain programming and coding skills such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Backend developer
A backend developer is a professional responsive for developing the backend of a website or application that is mostly used for web customization.
A backend developer requires certain programming and coding skills, such as Java, Python, PHP and Ruby. Backend developers play a critical role in every web development project.
full-stack web developer
A full-stack web developer is a professional that develops the front end and backend of a website or application. A full-stack web developer requires certain programming skills such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, PHP, Ruby, etc. Other skills in certain cases include, Objective-C, C++, C/C# etc. Fullstavk developers mostly create custom websites and applications. A full-stack developer can successfully handle the entirety of a web development project.
How to become a web developer
You will need knowledge of key programming skills for front-end development such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript if you plan to hand-code your website. Knowledge of programming skills such as Python, Java, PHP and Rubybis is required for backend development.
However, several CMS are available for less experienced users. CMS such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento and OpenCart make it easy to develop the backend.
After installing your chosen CMS, you can begin customizing the front end using advanced tools and web builders.
What do web developers do?
Web developers are responsible for developing the front-end and backend of a website or application using high-level programming languages or CMS. Web developers also build mobile applications and web applications, providing robust features for customizing the front end and backend with feature upgrades and updates. The most popular CMS mostly used by web developers for web development projects is WordPress. The platform offers highly customizable and scalable features. Web developers use this CMS to build ecommerce solutions and web solutions. Other CMS are: Joomla, Drupal, Magento, Shopify and OpenCart.