Table of contents
Introduction
The basics of web development encompasses several key concepts and technologies that serve as the foundation for creating websites and web applications. Outlined below are some of the essential elements you need to know as a beginner, on your journey to becoming a web developer.
HTML(HyperText Markup Language)
HTML is the core language used to add structure to the content of web pages. It uses tags to define different types of content, such as headings, paragraphs, images, links and media files. HTML provides the structure that a web browser needs to properly render or display a web page.
CSS(Cascading Style Sheets)
CSS is used to add styling to web pages. It describes how HTML elements are to be displayed on screen, paper, and other media. It allows you, the web developer to alter the color, font, size, and spacing of your content. It is also used to layout a web page, add animations and other interesting features.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a scripting language that enables web developers add interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages. It is used to add user interactions like form validation, animations, and real-time updates. JavaScript runs in the browser.
Web browsers
Web browsers are the tools users use to access and view websites. Browsers interpret the HTML, CSS and JavaScript then render the web page on the user's screen. Examples of browser include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple's Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
Responsive Design
Responsive Design, also known as responsive web design, ensures that a websites look is consistent across various devices and screen sizes, from desktop computers to smartphones, smart watches, and tablets. It involves using media queries and other techniques to adapt the design to different devices.
Web hosting
Web developers develop websites and web applications on their computers, which only they have access to. Allowing others access to the website or web applications requires web hosting.
Web hosting is the process of making your website or web application accessible on the internet. It involves storing your websites files, images, and database on a server that is always connected to the internet. Users can access your website by entering it's domain name in a browser.
Domain Names
A domain name is the address that users type in their browser to gain access to your website(e.g., examplesite.com). Domain names are registered through domain registrars and they point to the IP address of the web server hosting your site.
Web Servers
Web servers are computers that store and serve your website files to users' browsers. They handle requests for web pages, get the requested web page, and send it to the user's browser. This uses a REQUEST and RESPONSE model. A user types the domain name of a website in the address bar of their browser, thereby sending a request to the server hosting the website. The server receives the request, searches for the page or resource the user requested for, if found, then responds by sending the page or resource to the user's browser, which the browser then displays on the user's screen.
HTTP and HTTPS
HTTP(HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the protocol used to transfer data between a user's browser and a web server. In networking, a protocol is a set of rules or guidelines for formatting and processing data. It enables computers with different hardware and software to exchange data.
HTTPS(HTTP Secure) is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts the data exchanged between computers, enhancing security and privacy.
Version Control(Git)
Version Control systems like Git allow developers to track changes to their code over time. This is essential for reverting to previous versions of their code if needed.
Text Editors
Text editors(e.g., visual studio code, sublime Text) are tools used to write, edit, and manage code. They provide features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion and code debugging.
If there was anything I covered here that you didn't fully understand, please google it. As a beginner, it's important that you make Google your "best friend". There are a ton of resources online that will help you on your journey.
The basics covered in this article lays the foundation for web development. As you delve deeper into the field, you'll encounter advanced topics like frameworks(e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js), back-end languages(e.g., PHP, python,Java), databases and more. Starting with a solid understanding of these fundamentals will help you build a strong foundation for your web development career.