Web Development
HTML:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the most basic building block of the Web.
It defines the meaning and structure of web content.
- It is the standard language used to create and structure content on the web. It tells
the web browser how to display text, links, images, and other forms of multimedia
on a webpage.
- was invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1991. He is also credited with inventing the
World Wide Web.
CSS:
- CSS, which stands for Cascading Style Sheets, is a stylesheet language used to
describe the presentation and styling of a document written in a markup language
such as HTML or XML.
- It is a cornerstone technology of the World Wide Web, working alongside HTML
(which provides structure) and JavaScript (which adds interactivity).
- The primary function:
• Layout: Defining how elements are positioned and arranged on the page (e.g.,
using flexbox, grid, floats).
• Typography: Setting font styles, sizes, colors, and text alignment.
• Colors and Backgrounds: Applying colors to text, backgrounds, and borders.
• Responsiveness: Adapting the layout and styling to different screen sizes and
devices.
- The "Cascading" aspect of CSS refers to the rules that govern how styles are applied
when multiple rules might conflict, ensuring a predictable and consistent appearance
across a website. CSS allows for the separation of content (HTML) from presentation
(CSS), making websites easier to maintain, update, and more flexible in terms of
design.
- "Cascading" refers to the way styles are applied to elements based on a set of rules.
Basically, if multiple styles conflict, CSS resolves this by prioritizing them using rules
like specificity, importance, and source order. This ensures the most appropriate style
is applied. Feel free to dive deeper into this as you experiment with CSS in your
projects!
- Håkon Wium Lie on October 10, 1994.
JavaScript:
- JavaScript, often abbreviated as JS, is a high-level, interpreted (or just-in-time
compiled) programming language primarily known as the scripting language for web
pages. It is a core technology of the World Wide Web, alongside HTML for
structuring content and CSS for styling.
- Key characteristics and uses of JavaScript include:
• Dynamic and Interactive Web Content:
JavaScript enables the creation of dynamic and interactive features on web
pages, such as animated graphics, interactive maps, form validation, and content
updates without requiring a full page reload.
• Client-Side Execution:
It is executed by web browsers on the client side, meaning the code runs directly
on the user's computer.
• Versatility Beyond the Browser:
While initially designed for web browsers, JavaScript's use has expanded
significantly. [Link] allows JavaScript to be used for server-side development,
enabling full-stack JavaScript applications. It is also used in various other
environments, including desktop applications (e.g., Electron), mobile
applications (e.g., React Native), and embedded systems.
• Multi-Paradigm Support:
JavaScript supports multiple programming paradigms, including imperative,
functional, and object-oriented programming.
• Ecosystem and Frameworks:
A vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks exists to streamline JavaScript
development, such as React, Angular, and [Link] for front-end development, and
[Link] for back-end development with [Link].
- by Brendan Eich in 1995 in just 10 days.
- CSS and JavaScript truly bring websites to life. CSS handles the styling—things like
colors, layouts, fonts, and spacing, making your site look good and user-friendly.
JavaScript, on the other hand, adds interactivity. It lets users click buttons, toggle
menus, display animations, or even handle dynamic content updates, like showing
fresh data without refreshing the whole page. Together, they make a complete,
functional experience for users.
Internet:
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices that allows
users to access and share information and devices.
Server:
- The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices that
allows users to access and share information and devices.
- A server is a giant computer, which is powerful that stores the websites and it’s job is
to serve these websites to the users when they are requested.
Client:
a desktop computer or workstation that is capable of obtaining information and applications
from a server.
How websites work?
A website works through a combination of user interaction with a browser, requests to a web
server, and the server's response with formatted content. Essentially, when you enter a
website address (URL) in your browser, it sends a request to the server hosting that
website. The server then sends back the necessary files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.)
which the browser interprets and displays as a visually appealing webpage.
Frontend:
The frontend, also known as the client-side, encompasses everything a user directly sees and
interacts with in a web browser or application. This includes the visual elements like
buttons, text, images, forms, and the overall layout and design. Frontend development
focuses on creating a user-friendly, visually appealing, and responsive interface. Key
technologies include:
• HTML (HyperText Markup Language): Structures the content of a web page.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Controls the visual presentation and styling of the
HTML.
• JavaScript: Adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages, often used with
frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, or [Link].
Backend:
The backend, also known as the server-side, refers to the "behind-the-scenes" infrastructure
and logic that powers the application. It handles data storage, processing, server operations,
and communication with databases. Users do not directly interact with the backend. Key
aspects and technologies include:
• Server-side languages: Languages like Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, or [Link]
(JavaScript on the server) are used to build the application's logic and handle requests.
• Databases: Systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Oracle store and
manage application data.
• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Allow the frontend and other
services to communicate with the backend.
• Servers: Physical or virtual machines that host the application and its data.
In essence, the frontend is the user interface and experience, while the backend is the engine
and data management system that makes the application function.
What does Web browsers do?
- Sends requests and displays responses from servers.