The world today is driven by technology, and almost everyone is one way or another, connected through the World Wide Web. The internet has become a prominent means through which we communicate with people across the globe, search for information, buy things, research products and services, and several other things. 

As we rely significantly on the internet, we all must have a basic knowledge of what web development is and entails. Web design and development are now taught to high and middle school students.

Also, business owners and digital marketers must strive to get a deeper understanding of web development. Although there are web developers experts who can build their sites, they should be able to work with these developers closely, giving them some ideas to help produce a website that genuinely reflects their brand’s purpose.

Additionally, as a career, web development jobs provide a good source of income, having an average pay of $77,200 annually. And research carried out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics industry stated that about 4.66 billion internet users (over half of the world’s total population) in 2021. And with the speedy increase in internet users, the web development industry is expected to expand. The study also proved that between now and 2030, web developers’ employment level is estimated to increase by 13%, which is much faster than the median growth rate for other occupations.

So, regardless of who you are and your occupation, it is essential to learn more about web development. Luckily, in this article, you’ll discover all you need to know about website design & development and how it can be beneficial to whatever your business is. So, keep reading to discover all you want about this topic. 

What Is Website Development?

Website development refers to all the work that goes into building a website. Usually, most people think web development is all about coding. However, it is a whole lot more than that. Web development includes all related development tasks, such as scripting, server and network security configuration, management system development, and e-commerce development.

When we talk about a website, we mean creating something as significant as a social network site or web application from something as simple as a single plain-text webpage.

Before we go further, let’s look at some of the terms you’ll commonly come across as you learn about web development.

  • Website

Websites are files stored on a server connected to a giant internet network. Rather than having the file stored in one computer, it is stored on a server to make it easily accessible to the public.

  • Browser

Browsers are computer programs that load websites and allow you to display and move from page to page through your internet connection. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera are all examples of browsers.

  • Client 

The client is the end-user device. It is the means through which the computer or the gadget you are using can access a website. Also, it refers to everything you see and interacts with, including images, texts, and actions.

  • Server

The server gives all the data, services, resources, and programs other computers or devices use. If the client sends requests, the server can receive, respond to, and send requests.

  • Protocol

 The protocol is a set of basic rules for connecting, communicating, and transferring data between electronic devices. Some of the common ones which you might already be familiar with are Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).

  • HTTP

HTTP is a protocol designed to make communication between browsers and servers easier. It connects you and your website request to a local server that houses all website data. Imagine it as a translator or liaison that allows clients and servers to communicate in the same language. It connects your website request to the server, enabling you to browse through site pages and websites.

  • FTP

FTP is a standard set of rules (network protocols) for sharing files between clients and servers. Usually, in web development, changes in a website are done using FTP. This is because it allows transferring of a large number of files from a website to a server.

Types of Web Development

 Web development can be classified into two basic categories: front end and back end. However, the excess between the two types leads us to a third category: full stack developer. 

Front end

Front-end web development is also client-side development. It is the creation of websites using different programming languages or, better still, a CMS. Usually, a front-end developer is responsible for coding and programming the elements of a website visible to the visitor’s site. Both front-end developers and web designers work together to produce brand-specific designs and interfaces.

Back end

Back-end development is sometimes called server-side development. Usually, it involves creating a website using more complex programming languages such as PHP, Java, Node.js, and SQL. Back-end developers handle the more technical aspects of a website that are invisible to visitors. 

Full stack

Full-stack developers write code for both front-end and back-end website development. They know how both components operate individually and together. Most businesses that need a website built from scratch may go for a full-stack developer.

Skills You Need for Web Development

Website developers need different skills to create a good website. Some of these skills include:

  • HTML

HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, has been used since the 1990s. It is a front-end programming language and the foundation for all websites. HTML allows developers to create the fundamental structure of a site through several frameworks and tags. Although it is possible to create a website using only HTML, it would not look attractive.

  • JavaScript

JavaScript was created in the mid-90s. It is a front-end programming language that helps developers put various website components, such as 2D and 3D visuals, interactive tasks between web pages, and animations. JavaScript developers often depend on libraries, such as jQuery, to search for lines of code for everyday tasks that may require a significant time investment. These libraries usually have pre-coded, open-source software that shows a developer’s workflow.

  • CSS

CSS, also known as Cascading Style sheet, was created in the late 1990s. It is mainly used to add design elements such as typography, layouts, and colors to improve the overall look of a website.

CSS enables web developers to change a website to fit the aesthetic envisioned by the site’s owner. And just like HTML5, CSS can work with all browsers.

Conclusion

Indeed, there’s no doubt that the internet is here to stay, constantly changing to meet users’ needs. And, of course, web developers are the instruments of these developments.

This means that it is essential to understand what coding and programming are all about to help your website be the best it can ever be for you and your clients in the modern world. 

 

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