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This guide will cover the basics of website development, how to create a site, and provide additional resources and additional features for anyone who wants to learn more to get interactive websites or become a web developer.
Why is Web Development So Important?
The Internet won't disappear. It's a primary source of information, entertainment, and connection around the globe.
By 2023, more than half of the global population will be using the Internet. It's not surprising that web development has been growing rapidly due to the rapid increase in Internet users and mobile users.
Web developers' employment is expected to increase by 13% between now and 2030. This rate of growth is much higher in the best e-commerce website design with advanced functionality than other tech careers.
Next, we will discuss web development basics and answer some of the most common questions.
Web Development Basics
1. What is a Website?
Servers (a fancy term for computers that "store files") are where websites are stored. These servers are linked to the Internet, a vast network.
Browsers, like Google Chrome and Internet Explorer, are computer programs that load websites using your Internet connection. The computers that access these websites are called "clients."
2. What is an IP Address?
You need to know the Internet Protocol (IP) in order to access a site. A unique number string is an IP address.
To distinguish themselves from the billions of websites and devices connected through the Internet, each device has its own IP address. Visit a website to find out the IP address of any website. To find out your device's address, type "What is my IP address?" into your search engine.
You can access any website by using its IP address. However, the majority of Internet users prefer domain names or search engines (google sites) for eCommerce websites.
3. What is HTTP?
HyperText Transfer Protocol connects your website and you to the remote server, which houses all data. A protocol is a set of rules that define how messages are sent over the Internet.
You can jump between website pages and site pages.
HTTP is a framework that allows the client (computer) to communicate with the server over the Internet in the same language.
It is essentially a translator between you, the Internet, and your web browser. It reads and interprets all the information sent from the server and then translates the website for you with advanced features for mobile users also.
4. What is Coding All About?
Coding is the process of writing code using programming languages for servers and software applications. These "languages," which include grammatical and vocabulary rules to communicate with computers, are called languages.
These languages also contain special commands, abbreviations, and punctuation, which can only be understood by computers and devices. There is at least one language used to code all software, but the languages can vary depending on the platform, operating system, and style.
All languages can be divided into two main categories: front-end and back-end with advanced features for mobile users.
5. What is Front-end?
The front-end, or client-side, is the part of a site or software you interact with and see as an Internet user.
Front-end languages are used to transfer website data from a web server to the browser. This allows the website to work without constantly "communicating" with the Internet. Front-end code enables users to interact and interact with websites.
They can play videos, minimize or expand featured images, highlight text, and more. Front-end coders work on the client side of web development.
6. What is Meant By Back-end?
The back-end, or server-side, is what you do not see when using the Internet. To non-developers, it's just a bunch of numbers, letters, and symbols.
Back-end coding is more common than front-end. This is because front-end browsers only understand HTML and custom CSS. A server, on the other hand, can be configured to accept any language.
7. What is a CMS (Content Management System)?
A content management system is a set of web applications or programs that are used to manage and create web content.
CMSs, such as Squarespace and Wix, are not the same thing. Although a CMS is not necessary to create a website, it makes the process easier. It gives you the building blocks, like plugins and add-ons, and allows you to create the structure using your own code.
They're often used for blogging and e-commerce but are useful for any type of website.
8. What is Cyber Security?
Malicious actors are always looking for vulnerabilities in websites so they can steal data, expose private information, and crash servers.
Cybersecurity is a practice that involves protecting data, networks, and computers against these threats.
Hackers are always evolving their methods, and so are the measures that are taken to protect against them.
Failure to understand the potential threats that your website could face could lead to disaster. A basic understanding of best practices in cybersecurity is, therefore, essential for successful web development. Consistently perform security audits.
Let's now look at what types of web development one could specialize in.
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There Are Many Types Of Web Development
If you are looking to hire or become a web designer, it is important that you understand the various types of web design and development.
The different types of Web Development refer to different areas of work that web developers are able to do. Web developers often have multiple skills and will be able to master several types of web development.
1. Front-end Development
Front-end developers are responsible for the user-facing or client-facing part of software, websites, and programs.
In other words, they work on what users can see. They develop and simple design the visual elements (design elements), such as the layout, navigation, and graphics.
These developers are primarily responsible for creating interfaces that allow users to achieve their goals. They also have a large role in the user-experience aspect of their project.
2. Back-end Development
The back-end of a website is not what the users see. The back-end web developer works on the servers for websites, software, and programs to ensure that everything is working properly.
These developers manage code for security, site architecture, and content and work with systems such as servers, operating systems, and APIs. These developers work with front-end designers to deliver their products to the users.
3. Full Stack Development
Full-stack developers are involved in the front-end as well as the back-end of a site. From start to finish, they can build a website, an application, or a software program.
The term "Stack" is used to describe the various technologies that are involved in the creation of a website. This includes the server, the interface, and so on. This role is highly sought after because full-stack engineers require years of experience in the field.
They can optimize performance and catch problems before they happen.
4. Website Development
Website developers are classified as front-end developers, back-end developers, or full-stack developers. These professionals are specialized in creating websites and not mobile apps, desktop software, or video games.
5. Desktop Development
Desktop developers build software that runs locally on your device rather than online in a web browser. These developers' skills can overlap with web developers' when an application is able to run online and offline.
6. Mobile Development
For mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, mobile developers create applications. Mobile apps are different from other software and websites and require a unique set of skills.
7. Game Development
The authoring of code for video games, including console games (such as Xbox, PlayStation, etc.), is their area of expertise.
This specialty includes PC games and mobile games.
8. Embedded Development
Embedded software developers are responsible for all hardware other than computers (or at least what we think of as a "computer" with a screen and keyboard).
This includes electronic devices, IoT, real-time systems, and consumer devices. The recent increase in interconnected devices, such as smart appliances, Bluetooth technology, and virtual assistants, has led to an increased demand for embedded development by website design company.
9. Security Development
Security developers develop methods and procedures to ensure the safety of software programs or websites. They are usually ethical hackers who "break" sites to reveal vulnerabilities but without any malicious intent.
These developers also create systems to detect and eliminate security risks. Let's now dive into the web-development process.
The Website Development Process
It's not as simple as 1-2-3 to create a website. The development paths are different depending on the website type, programming language, and available resources.
This section provides a quick overview of web development and an introduction to some of the most popular languages and CMS options.
1. Plan Your Strategy
It's important to connect with your team and other personnel in your organization before putting pen to paper.
Consider these questions before you start your first website draft.
- What is the purpose of your website or blog?
- What is the audience of your website, and what would you like them to do?
- What kind of website do you build?
- What is the content you are aiming to publish, and in what volume?
- What is the purpose of this article?
- What is the most effective layout for your website?
- What is your budget?
To answer the question, you will need to consult with your marketing, web development, and financial teams in order to identify your priorities and make informed choices.
Simply put? Create a roadmap before you start the process. It is much easier than having to reverse your progress when you hit a roadblock.
2. Create A Wireframe
A blueprint is the foundation of all good websites. This is what developers call a wireframe. This doesn't need to be a formal document.
It's just a visual representation of your website that will give you and your developers a direction to work from. You can use a whiteboard to draw your vision or a design tool such as Invision, Slickplan, or Mindnode or for other business websites or ecommerce stores.
Wireframes help you visualize where images and text will appear on each webpage. Use "dummy" text and blank boxes to see how your content will appear on the front-end.
Create wireframes with your developer so they can see what you envision.
Read More: What is the best platform for website development?
3. Create A Sitemap
The next step is to create a website map (not to confuse it with sitemap.XML, which is an XML document that helps search engine crawlers find your site).
A sitemap is similar to a business proposal, which gives an investor insight into the goals and deliverables of your company. It also gives developers all the information they need to achieve your vision. You can either create your sitemap yourself or with the help of your developers.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before planning your website:
- Which individual pages would you like?
- What will the content be?
- How do you organize the pages?
- What is the hierarchy for your website?
- How will pages be linked together?
- What categories and pages are vital to your website and the user experience?
- What pages or categories can be combined or removed?
It's also a good idea to consult other teams in your organization. You will need the input of an SEO team and/or a content strategy team to categorize and link your pages.
4. Create Your Website Code
Next, the developer will write the code. The developers will use different languages to code the front-end, back-end, and different functionalities (such as design, interaction, etc.) of the website.
These languages are used to create and maintain your website. Let's begin with the most widely-used languages.
HTML
Since the 1990s, HyperText Markup Language has been used. It is the basis of all websites and the minimum amount of information needed to build a website.
It is possible to build a website using only HTML, but it would not look very attractive. The HTML code is the foundation of a website. Languages such as JavaScript and CSS enhance and modify this structure.
HTML5 is the latest version, which supports cross-platform functionality and makes it popular for mobile application development.
CSS
CSS was created in the late 90s. The CSS adds elements such as typography, color, and layouts to enhance the "look" of a website.
CSS lets developers transform your website into the aesthetic that you envision for your site. Like HTML5, CSS works with all browsers.
JavaScript
JavaScript is the cherry on top of all coding languages. JavaScript was created in the mid-1990s and is used to enhance functionality on websites.
It is used by developers to create animations, automate certain tasks on certain pages, and enhance the user experience.
JavaScript is evolving rapidly. JavaScript, once considered a “toy” language, is now the world's most popular coding language.
Node.Js has helped it become a back-end coding tool. It is the first language that browsers can understand, and some even discuss applying machine learning.
The "big three" in web development are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They are used by almost every website in some way.
Other server-side programming languages, like Java, C++, and Python, are also available, but these three are the foundation of your knowledge in website development.
5. Create The Back-end Of Your Site
It's true that writing code is one of the most difficult parts of web design, but it is not the only part.
You'll also need to create the back-end and the front-end structure and design of your site.
Let's begin with the back-end. The data used to enable the front-end functionality is handled by the back-end.
Facebook, for example, stores my photos in the back-end so that we can share them with others. It's composed of two main components:
- Databases are used to store, organize, and process data in order for it to be retrieved by server requests.
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Servers are the hardware and programs that comprise your computer.
The servers are responsible for receiving, processing, and sending data requests.
They are the intermediary that connects the database to the client/browser.
The browser will tell the server, "we need this info," and the server knows how to retrieve the information from the database to send to the client.
The foundation of each website is built by these components. When it comes to building your website, the back-end developer will do three things.
- Your logic is a set of rules that determine how your website responds to requests and interacts with objects.
- This database management is the way your website will manage and retrieve data.
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Hosting your own site is a great way to have more control.
Hosting your site yourself gives you more control but is also much more expensive.
You will need to take care of your server's health and security.
Your website is ready to be developed using front-end components. Due to the fact that you do not always require one if you are not storing data, the back-end is rather incidental to web development.
In this context, "data" refers to any information entered by the user that you want to persist. Imagine logging into a website. How could they possibly remember your login details if they didn't have any back-end? Or your profile settings? You need a back-end to get this information.
Read More: The benefits of having a website for your business
Facebook, for example, must know who is on your Friends List, what events you've attended, what posts you've created, etc.
All of this "data" is stored in a database. They wouldn't be able to access any of this data if they didn’t have a database in the back-end. A website that is purely informative and does not require users to input any data would not need a database.
If you have no data, then you do not need to develop a back-end. It doesn't mean you shouldn't know the basics. You'll never know when it will be useful.
6. Create The Front-end for Your Website
You've probably touched on front-end development if you've dabbled with web design, Squarespace, or Google Sites.
Front-end development is crucial because it affects how your customers, users, and visitors will use your site.
Front-end development (or client-side) is a combination of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This also includes components like typography, fonts, navigation and positioning, browser compatibility, and responsiveness.
This will be a reflection of the initial vision for your site and what was included in your wireframe. Client-side coding is often outdated faster than back-end development as technology and consumer preferences evolve.
Here's where coding resources, like the ones below, come in handy.
7. Work With a CMS (Optional)
A CMS may be less flexible and therefore give you less control of your front-end. A CMS is more user-friendly (you need to write less code) and has many design tools to host the site, store user information, create a blog, and publish landing pages.
It can also be used to capture leads and build an email list. You'll be able to make your website more lucrative with less than half of the effort. Many CMSs include plugins to eliminate the need for a back-end.
WordPress, for example, has plugins that allow you to use existing code to charge credit cards to customers instead of having to build a complex back-end. Joomla, Magento, and WordPress are popular content management systems. WordPress has a market share of over 65%.
8. Purchase A Domain
Your website now has an IP address. Your website also requires a custom domain, which is a memorable name for your site that visitors can use.
You may have heard of websites like GoDaddy or Hover. These services allow you to purchase a custom domain and register it with ICANN. The majority of custom domain registrations last for one year.
You can also purchase a domain through website builders and hosting services like WordPress or Squarespace.
9. Launch Your Website
You're almost done. Once you have a domain and have linked it with your host, your website is ready. Before you can launch your site, there are a few things to do.
This includes planning your team's responsibilities, testing your website thoroughly for any bugs, optimizing your site for SEO, and a last check before "flipping" the switch and making your site available.
Five Essential Elements That Every Website Must Have
Websites are now viewed as one of the most valuable assets for a company. Before purchasing digital or physical products, many consumers visit the websites of those companies. Practices can help you increase your sales and appointment bookings.
What should you include on your website? Five essentials will help you increase the traffic, performance, and traction of your website. Let's get started.
The Right Description
What report should your website have? What kind of report should you have on your website? You should describe your services and products to help customers get a better picture.
They will feel more confident knowing that they are on the right website. Websites that do not meet their needs will be ignored. You must clearly state what you're selling. Telling potential customers or website visitors that you provide a service is a good idea.
There are several ways to describe who you are. You can express yourself or your business in many different ways.
You can get to know your customers by creating a short description. You can give specifics about your products and services so that customers can make an informed decision. Consider the value and power of a well-written description.
Take Action
After you've introduced yourself and explained your business to your visitors, you can guide them through the next steps.
You can request a quote, subscribe to a newsletter, or download digital content. You should include things on your website that will encourage visitors to act. Use colorful buttons during web development.
They shouldn't blend in with the background but should rather stand out. It will be easier for your visitors to find the button.
Organized Content
The content of your website should be well-organized. It can distract your visitors if you write in long paragraphs.
If they think your website needs more time, they are likely to leave. You should make your content easy to scan and read so that visitors can find the keywords they need to get to the right place.
Use simple words and short sentences. Bullet points and numbers can also help readers quickly scan your content. Make sure that keywords are easily accessible.
It should not be complicated but easy.
Original, High-Quality Content
You should also consider the importance of high-quality and unique content. Visitors will be interested in a website with fresh and informative content.
It is important to have a website that has great content. This will keep visitors and customers coming back. Plagiarism should be avoided. This can cause serious damage to your site and not only create a bad impression with customers.
You can hire people to write SEO-friendly, professional content if you are a better writer.
Contact Information
This can be an email address, a telephone number, or the physical address of your shop. You can use an email address, a telephone number, or even the physical address of your shop.
Contact information must be easily accessible and understandable. Your contact information will build trust. Your visitors will know that they're not dealing with a scammer and are talking to a real person.
If you gain your customers' trust, they will be more likely to do business with them. Be sure to leave your contact details where your customers can easily find them.
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Last Words
Check out this list of Basic features that should be on every website. Each segment can be implemented or added to your website separately, but you will get better results if they are all present.
They can make your site appear more professional, trustworthy, and relevant. Websites are a must for any business as they act as a primary salesperson and can be accessed at minimal cost 24/7.
Hire the best web design service provider for your online presence.
Internet users' needs are constantly changing, so it is always evolving. Web developers are at the forefront of all these improvements and innovations -- from your favorite social networking site to the apps on your phone.
It's well worth the effort to learn coding and programming in order to make your website as good as it can be for both you and your clients.
