Technology is always changing, and web developers are trying to keep up with the pace—from the ever-changing web browsers to the constantly updating devices.
Nowadays, since many users use smartphones to surf the internet, it has become essential for web developers to make their websites mobile-friendly.
There are many sets of rules when it comes to web development. Every web developer will need a thorough understanding of web technology if they want to build websites that will attract users.
Here are a few examples of web technologies:
1. HTML and CSS
HTML and CSS are the first things you should know more about if you want to become a web developer.
HTML is a markup language for creating web pages and web applications that are displayed on the worldwide web. Developers type shortcodes into a file. The data is then saved as an HTML file and viewed through a browser.
It is enhanced with technologies such as CSS and JavaScript.
CSS stands for cascading style sheets. While HTML is used to structure a web document, CSS comes in to specify the document’s layout, font, and colors.
CSS is important because it allows web developers to make websites unique and attractive. It will be helpful to have good background knowledge on what features make a good web design.
HTML is the foundation, while CSS is the aesthetic.
2. Programming languages
Similar to humans, computers need language to communicate. Programming languages are tools you can use to write instructions for networks to follow.
Every web developer should be knowledgeable of at least one programming language to build their first web application.
Here are some examples of languages:
- JavaScript - It is a programming language used for creating and developing web apps, mobile apps, and games.
- Java - It is one of the most widely used programming languages and is used for desktop and mobile computing, games, and numerical computing.
- CoffeeScript - It is a programming language that compiles to JavaScript.
- Python - It is used for fast prototyping and building scalable web applications.
- PHP - It is a general-purpose scripting language widely used in web development, like WordPress website design.
- Ruby - It is an open-source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity.
- Go - It is a programming language designed by Google. It has a simple, fast structure for development.
- Swift - is a simple and intuitive programming language for iOS, macOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and Linux.
3. Web development frameworks
Frameworks are one of the web technologies that developers need in order to simplify their work.
Web development frameworks are tools used to support the development of web applications.
They provide functions which are reusable anytime you want. For instance, when you want to create a project, you need to start from scratch. Every time you start a new project, it is the same process. But if you use a web development framework, the duplication of effort of common tasks will be much reduced.
Below are some examples of web development frameworks:
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a web technology that gives web developers a quick method for writing code. It is made up of code libraries that provide developers with ready-made solutions for repetitive work.
Rather than having to write every single code from scratch, developers can refer to the framework and find already made code that they can use for creating their websites and web applications.
Popular web apps created with Ruby on Rails:
- GitHub
- Airbnb
- Dribble
Django
It is written in python. This framework was built by experienced developers to provide a hassle-free web development so you can focus on your app.
Django takes security very seriously, so it helps web developers avoid common security mistakes.
Web apps created by Django:
- Eventbrite
- Spotify
Angular
Angular is a cross-platform web framework used to build applications across the web, desktop, and mobile. Angular creates single-page applications with its compelling features.
Angular web apps include:
- Xbox
- Mixer
- Microsoft Office
4. Browsers
They do a lot more than browsing on the internet. Browsers read files and translate code into a visible format. They also help with many other tasks, such as checking how your design looks.
These are examples of popular browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Opera
- Microsoft Edge
5. Data format
A data format is an arrangement of data for display. A well-designed format is dictated by how easy it is for the audience to understand.
Types of data formats include:
XML - XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. It is an independent tool for storing and transporting data. In XML, you’ll find both tags and text.
JSON - JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It is a format for representing structured data based on JavaScript object syntax. It transmits data between a server and web application as an alternative to XML.
CVS - It uses a comma to separate text values in a data record.
6. Client-side
A client-side refers to everything on a web application or website that takes place on the end-user device. This is what the users see when they look at your web apps, such as text, images, user interface, and others.
7. Server-side
A server-side refers to operations that occur on the server-side or the client-server system. Operations on the server-side occur because of what is needed to access information on the client-side. Server-side operations include the storage and processing of data.
8. Protocols
A protocol is a standard set of rules that allow devices to communicate with each other. These rules include how devices should transmit, process, and format data.
Here are the types of protocols:
HTTP - Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the most widely used protocol in web development. When users click a link in their web browser, it sends a request to the server where the data you requested is stored. The server sends back the website’s content, such as the text, images, user interface, and more.
REST - REST is an architectural design pattern for APIs. It makes it easier for systems to communicate with each other. REST compliant systems are often characterized by how they are stateless and separate the concerns of the client and server.
DDP - DDP is a data protocol widely used in Meteor. It handles two primary operations: remote data calls and data management.
9. API
An API is a web technology that allows applications to communicate with one another. It has clear and concise tools that web developers can use and reuse to develop applications.
For example, when you use an application on your mobile phone, the application connects to the internet and sends data to the server. The server retrieves that data and interprets it and sends it back to your phone.
Conclusion
Building your first website can be daunting. But if you know how to use web technologies such as programming languages, operating on frameworks, using browsers to check your design and more, web development could be easy peasy.
Always remember to stay up to date with recent web technologies because they are being improved all the time. It will make your job much harder if you fall behind the technical improvements when it comes to building web apps and mobile applications.
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