Web Development Overview
Web Development: Overview
Web development refers to the process of building, creating, and maintaining websites or
web applications that run on the internet. It encompasses a wide range of tasks, including
coding, designing, content creation, and ensuring functionality across various devices and
browsers. Web development can be broadly categorized into front-end, back-end, and full-
stack development:
- Front-end development: Focuses on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX),
involving technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create what users see and interact
with in their browsers.
- Back-end development: Involves server-side logic, databases, and application
functionality, using languages like Python, Ruby, PHP, or Node.js to handle data and server
operations.
- Full-stack development: Combines both front-end and back-end skills to work on all
aspects of a website or application.
Web development ensures that websites are functional, responsive, secure, and optimized
for performance.
Difference Between Web Development and Web Design
While web development and web design are closely related, they focus on different aspects
of creating a website.
[Table comparing Web Development and Web Design omitted in plain text]
In Summary: Web design is about how a website looks and feels, while web development is
about how a website works. Designers create the visual blueprint, and developers bring it to
life with code.
Client-Side vs. Server-Side
Web development is divided into client-side and server-side based on where the code is
executed.
Client-Side:
- Definition: Runs in the user's browser.
- Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Vue.js, Angular.
- Tasks: UI rendering, user input handling, validation, dynamic updates.
- Advantages: Fast interactions, reduced server load.
- Disadvantages: Limited server access, security risks.
Server-Side:
- Definition: Runs on the web server.
- Technologies: Python (Django, Flask), PHP, Ruby, Node.js, databases.
- Tasks: Data processing, database interaction, dynamic content generation.
- Advantages: Secure, full resource access.
- Disadvantages: Slower, higher costs.
Workflow of HTTP Request and Response
The HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) request and response cycle is how web browsers
and servers communicate.
Steps:
1. User initiates a request (URL or click).
2. Browser sends HTTP request (GET, POST).
3. DNS resolves the domain to an IP address.
4. Server receives and routes the request.
5. Server processes it (data retrieval, logic).
6. Server sends HTTP response (status, headers, body).
7. Browser renders the response (DOM, CSS, JS).
8. Additional requests for resources if needed.
Common HTTP Status Codes:
- 200 OK: Success
- 301 Moved Permanently: Redirect
- 404 Not Found: Resource missing
- 500 Internal Server Error: Processing error
