Web Development Class Notes
What is Web Development?
Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites
and web applications that run on the internet. It involves a combination
of programming, design, and database management skills to build user-
friendly and functional online experiences.
Key Areas of Web Development:
Front-end Development (Client-side): Focuses on the user
interface and user experience of a website. Deals with what users
see and interact with directly in their browsers.
Back-end Development (Server-side): Focuses on the server-side
logic, database management, and API development that powers the
front-end. Handles data storage, processing, and security.
Full-Stack Development: Encompasses both front-end and back-
end development, allowing developers to build entire web
applications.
Front-End Development Technologies:
HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The foundation of web
pages. Used to structure content and define elements on a page.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Used to style the visual
presentation of web pages, including layout, colors, fonts, and
responsiveness.
JavaScript: A scripting language that adds interactivity and
dynamic behavior to web pages. Used for animations, form
validation, and handling user events.
Front-end Frameworks/Libraries: Provide pre-built components
and tools to streamline front-end development. Examples: React,
Angular, Vue.js.
Back-End Development Technologies:
Server-side Languages: Programming languages used to write
server-side logic and interact with databases. Examples: Python,
Java, Node.js, PHP, Ruby.
Databases: Used to store and manage data for web applications.
Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB.
Web Servers: Software that delivers web pages to users.
Examples: Apache, Nginx.
Back-end Frameworks: Provide structure and tools for building
server-side applications. Examples: Django (Python), Spring
(Java), Express.js (Node.js), Laravel (PHP), Ruby on Rails (Ruby).
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Enable
communication between different software systems, including
front-end and back-end. RESTful APIs are commonly used.
Full-Stack Development Skills:
Proficiency in front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript,
front-end frameworks).
Proficiency in at least one back-end language and framework.
Database management skills.
Understanding of server-side architecture and deployment.
Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
Key Concepts in Web Development:
Responsive Design: Designing websites that adapt to different
screen sizes and devices.
User Experience (UX) Design: Focusing on creating a positive
and intuitive experience for users.
User Interface (UI) Design: Focusing on the visual design and
layout of the user interface.
Version Control: Tracking changes to code and collaborating with
other developers. Git is the most popular version control system.
Testing: Ensuring the quality and functionality of web applications
through various types of testing (unit testing, integration testing,
user acceptance testing).
Deployment: Making web applications available to users on the
internet.
Web Development Process:
1. Requirements Gathering: Defining the goals and functionality of
the website or application.
2. Design: Creating wireframes and mockups to plan the layout and
user interface.
3. Development: Writing the code for the front-end and back-end.
4. Testing: Testing the application thoroughly to identify and fix
bugs.
5. Deployment: Deploying the application to a web server.
6. Maintenance: Maintaining and updating the application after it is
launched.
Web Security:
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Prevention: Protecting against
injection of malicious scripts.
SQL Injection Prevention: Protecting against injection of
malicious SQL code.
Authentication and Authorization: Controlling access to
resources.
HTTPS: Using encryption to secure communication between the
browser and the server.
Further Study:
Web development is a constantly evolving field. Further study should
include exploring specific areas of interest (front-end, back-end, or full-
stack), learning about different frameworks and tools, and gaining
hands-on experience through projects. Staying up-to-date with the latest
technologies and trends is crucial for web developers. Consider learning
about DevOps practices for streamlined deployment and maintenance.
