Looking around, you will see that technology has taken over our lifestyle on a general basis. Web developers make all our applications and websites to make our lives easier. If you are or want to be a web developer, this article will be a good read for you. We include multiple topics for discussion like “What is web Development,” its type, functioning, etc. You might have many queries that we think will be answered by the end of the article. So let’s get started. 

What is Web Development?

Creating, maintaining, and working on the development of a website are all included in web development. Web development refers to all three of these elements. It mainly includes web publishing, programming, database management, and web design. Technically speaking, it functions as an online application known as a website. 

The main motive of developers is to work on the web page and its application so that it should get uploaded to the internet. The same is the case with private networks. The programming and coding parts, responsible for a website’s functionality, are the main focus areas rather than the website’s design.

This includes a sprinkling of concepts from web design, web development, web publishing, and database management. These refer to the creation and maintenance of online pages. Also, a wide range of web design tools and techniques are covered, including using text editors to code websites manually. Dreamweaver to make web pages, blogging platforms to update blogs, and more.

Web development encompasses all the online tools and websites we frequently use. Ranging from basic and straightforward web pages to complicated web applications and social networking platforms. Multiple online retail web pages and even content management systems (CMS). In addition, web developers created each of these tools and websites.

Web Development in Three Layers

Front-end Web Development

Front-end web development is famous among developers because it helps to convert available data into a graphical user interface. It all becomes possible with the help of web development tools like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Most of the website components you see as a user are due to front-end web development. Hence, this is the definition of front-end website development. It includes colour, theme, text, buttons, images, etc. 

Back-end Web Development

Unlike the front end, the back end is only fully controlled and operated by developers. You can not see or access a website’s back-end as a user. It forms the foundation of the website, and it is part of the website that users cannot see, but it is essential to its operation. It allows programmers to store and organize data and guarantees the appropriate. 

operation of all front-end or client-side functionality.

Sending and receiving data shown in real-time on the website is how the back-end and front-end portions of the website communicate. The moment any visitor fills out any form or enters any information. This information goes to the back-end of the server. This data then goes to the back as fronted code. This helps the website page to gain more knowledge regarding the matter, which is visible for general people to see on the internet. 

Full Stack Web Development

The combination of the front and back ends is known as full-stack development. Because of full stack development, the database is in its manageable form. So technically, it works towards maintaining storage and data management. Full stack is also somewhere responsible for designing and visuals of the web pages. 

Frequently Used Web Development Tools

There are multiple tools in the market, some of which are most preferable by many developers. These tools help developers to create a functional website in no time with less effort. These tools help developers to create user-friendly interfaces. Here we include some of the widely used web development tools. These are:

• Sass
• TypeScript
• Sketch
• Bootstrap
• CodePen
• JQuery
• Chrome DevTools

Web Development Technologies

Web development is a wasteful and complex subject. To understand the topic deeply, you need to know multiple technologies. Read further to know about some of the web development technologies in brief:

HTML

HTML expands to “Hyper Text Markup Language”. It is one of the essential technologies which web developers use often. It’s popularly known for being the foundation of a web page. Due to HTML, whatever you see on a website in a well-maintained format is possible. 

This is important so the inside material may appear as it should on the web browser. Any website/browser cannot display text or photos on the page. Neither additional element is possible without HTML. HTML5 is the most latest version of HTML for a more interactive and dynamic website. It provides a vast variety of Application Programming Interfaces (API integration services) that can be utilized with JavaScript.

• Canvas: We all know the popular tool canvas, a well-known tool for designing/images. Canvas has been brought to us by HTML5 elements. Also, it can be used for more difficult situations like graphics and animations in video games. 

• Web Storage: Web storage can store information directly in the browser. They include remembering user preferences for a website and user login information.
• Service workers: Service workers enable a script primarily used in websites with offline functionality, running in the background whenever a web page is opened. It enables the use of web push notifications and makes pages accessible offline. Even when there is no open browser window, it can still send these notifications using this tool. 

CSS

CSS expands to “cascading style sheets”; it is known to specify the appearance and feel of a web page. HTML controls the organization of a web page, while CSS controls how it looks. This includes the arrangement of the elements, colour palettes, typefaces, and page layouts. HTML is known to be every website’s backbone; hence, CSS is known to be the website’s skin. This will help the website to look even more appealing on the internet.

Web Development Frameworks

Web development frameworks are generally used to speed up and simplify the process of writing codes. These codes belong to a certain language. Therefore web development frameworks are used as a tool for such functioning. They give interfaces for accessing widely used functionality and abstractions that deconstruct difficult ideas.

They make the development process more efficient. This takes place by a pool of code resources that work as an aid for such projects. The tools provided by frameworks make it unnecessary to create software functions from scratch to create a website or application. Frameworks are less expensive than writing brand-new code since they give you a head start on your development. Instead of writing entirely new, untested code, they reduce your development risk because they are proven and true.

Example of front-end framework:

Angular

Google maintains the front-end framework Angular. It contains the most combined functionalities among front-end frameworks, so it is the most comprehensive option.

Large firms and businesses needing a strong front-end solution frequently employ it due to its resilience and depth of capabilities. It has a significant learning curve, just like most complicated software.

There are many versions of Angular, which is something to keep in mind as it can cause issues. A major code rewrite would be necessary due to the version difference. If you currently use an older version of Angular but want to upgrade to a newer version for added features and functions.

Example of back-end framework:

Node.js

JavaScript server-side code can be written using the Node.js runtime. Node.js is extensively utilized, and there are many experienced highly – skilled developers with Node.js due to the popularity of JavaScript. For real-time web applications, it is frequently employed. Simple applications and prototypes can be created quickly and effectively with Node.js. For CPU-intensive jobs, it isn’t the best solution.

Web Development Languages

It would be best to have a programming language to communicate with multiple computer systems. Once you know these languages and how to code them, you have become a developer too. There are multiple languages; here we have listed some of these languages which some of you might be familiar with:

• JavaScript
• CoffeeScript
• Python
• Java
• PHP
• Objective-C

Web Development vs Web Design

Web development and web design overlap because they form a web page combined. Both these terms have their key differences, which we are compiling under this section for you.

Web Designing:

Web designing creates everything you see inside or on a web page or software. It includes typography, visuals, usability elements, colours, etc. It is not the task of a single worker; the task requires close work interaction with clients. A designer will work as per their preferences, right? Therefore client vision and teamwork with other designers are important. 

Even being a designer, you need to have some ground-level knowledge regarding programming languages. Some coding skills are required for this. Hence, the designer needs to be familiar with languages like CSS, HTML, PHP, and JavaScript. To test design concepts, creating prototypes and wireframes is the best. Also, never forget to have feedback on design logos, company style guides, branding, etc. This will give you the scope for continuous improvement. 

Web Developing:

Being a web developer, you should know either front-end or back-end servers. Then only you can make any website function. Here also, client wish is superior; therefore, implement their idea by working with your creative team. 

There are multiple types of programming languages, for example, CSS and HTML. Javascript, PHP, etc. If you consider yourself an expert, then knowledge of frameworks, C/C++, Ruby, Python, and libraries are must-haves. It is advised to create mockups hard, choose any colour palettes or select any typography. 

Web Development Platforms

Ever since digitalization, the need to have a market presence for any business or organization has become mandatory. Having a website that can engage your audience with its online presence has become extremely important. Websites work as a medium where people can share their share of knowledge/experience with the outside world. Here are some of the well-known website creation platforms used by multiple people. 

WordPress

If you are looking for a tool for website development, then WordPress could be a huge help for you. The platform single-handedly has 62 different programming languages. This is quite user-friendly because of which it is popular among the creators. It is a free-to-use website that provides a range of web hosting alternatives. You can customize it if you don’t want to work on the pre-available templates. It includes tools for the theme, colour, text, etc., by which you can create your unique web page per your vision. 

Wix

Here comes another popular, widely used platform for website creation. Wix has a variety of features that gives you multiple options for your websites. The platform in itself is user-friendly and self-explanatory. It has an online shop, so you do not need to install any theme, colour, template, etc., externally. 

Its drag-and-drop functionality makes this website simple to use for even new users. Moreover, Wix allows you to start from scratch by selecting a blank template for your page. Also, it provides a free storage plan and a meagre amount of bandwidth. You can also choose the Wix premium plan based on your needs.

Weebly

Weebly is known to be one of the easiest platforms to work on. If users want, they can build appealing web pages using the drag-and-drop features included. Also, it has an app store so that users can add and update new website features. Technically it has similar features to Wix. 

Like Wix, it allows for effective element movement and dynamically adds new functionality to the website as necessary. Users can only add these features to specific areas of the website, including the bottom and the main content area. Also, customers might swap between themes for a long time to achieve the ideal appearance for the website they are building.

Jimdo

Jimdo is another name on the list of well-known web development frameworks. It is also known to simplify the user experience, which helps create better websites. With the help of this platform, anyone with little programming can create appealing, captivating, and responsive web pages with little to no programming experience. All business models, including e-commerce, portfolios, and many other options, are supported. 

For new users, in particular, a large selection of features and settings are available. Changing the colour, background, or font is simple and only requires a few clicks and drags. With the aid of these templates, you may create websites that are unique to you and your needs.

The various phases of the creation of a website

Web development is a complex process that involves numerous components and modules. You need to have coordinated functioning to extract the best of these functions. The goal is to have well organized and simple workflow. To achieve that, anyone must follow the following phases for a near-perfect website. 

Analysis

Understanding a website’s goals and the best way to reach those goals requires knowing the analysis and information-gathering phase of the web development process model. Web designers and clients collaborate during this stage to understand the client’s needs and choose the most effective solution to fulfil those objectives.

This entails building user research, user personas, competition analysis, technological feasibility, site maps, and wireframes. You can start planning an approach to attain your objectives once you fully grasp your needs and ambitions.

The reason we go through the analysis phase is to comprehend if any issues are present. Once any problem is found, dealing with the website bug will be easy. Web designers may make sure that their final output is efficient and satisfies their consumers’ expectations by thoroughly examining a website’s criteria.

Design

The design stage is crucial for the creation of a website from the perspective of a web designer. This affects the website’s UI/UX. Any website should have a responsive design that is very user-friendly and straightforward. Ultimately, you have to comply with your client’s standards. The creation of an optimized website design is the responsibility of web designers.

Designing phase of a website includes multiple factors like visual elements. The addition of content, navigation panels, videos, photos, etc. All these factors are important to give users the feel of using a feature-rich website. Being a creator, you have the freedom to be creative enough to design any libraries, framework, etc. 

As mentioned in the above section of the article, a web designer needs to know about front-end development of web development. That means you should have basic knowledge of reading HTML/CSS as a web designer. 

Development

The actual development of a website design with the development and coding of web development. It includes multiple programming languages depending on the functioning of the website. Hence it’s the phase when web developers turn all their wireframes, design, and component. And shape it into a website. 

From writing code to configuring server-side functionality, the coding step might encompass a variety of responsibilities. Although developers sometimes prefer to use tools already popular in the market to speed up the process. In other circumstances, the entire site may need to be created from scratch. Deploying site plugins, security integration, and new features is also part of the development phase. The website is tested when the coding is finished to ensure everything operates as it should.

Testing & review

The next step is to thoroughly test the website after it has been designed and developed to fix any issues or errors before it goes live. This is one of the most crucial but undervalued stages of web development. Testing is important to check whether the website works at its best. 

To find out whether the website is working free of any errors. It has to go through multiple tests of the development process. Unit and system testing is part of checking for any error in the website. Till the website launch, it is important to keep it under observation for any error (if any may occur). The development of high-quality websites that satisfy the expectations of their customers can be achieved by thoroughly testing each stage of the process.

Deployment

Anyone can predict what goes under this web development phase by the name itself. It is the main part of the entire web development where the website takes shape and comes to life. The code must pass both the development and staging servers to make it a production server. The deployment process may involve numerous phases, depending on the size and complexity of the project. It consists of environmental configuration, cache setup, load balancing setup, and file compression.

Having a solid strategy before beginning the deployment phase is crucial because it can be complicated. As this is the last stage before the website goes live, it is essential to ensure all necessary backup plans are in place. This helps the developers to be ready for all possibilities. A site or application must be watched and maintained to stay usable and effective after going live.

Maintenance

To guarantee optimal performance and ongoing improvements based on changing requirements. Websites need maintenance, too, just like every other mechanical thing in our life. The website’s performance is routinely monitored during the updates and maintenance phase, as all the improved features and functionality are frequently delivered. Regular upgrades are also crucial for the installation of strong security protocols and an enhanced user experience.

Many duties, such as software updates, data backups, traffic monitoring, and security vulnerabilities, fall under website maintenance. Performance regularly is important to ensure the website is in its right condition. This way, you can also decide whether or not it is good for your consumers. It should always be updated, accessible, and relevant to users’ feelings. One of the many important tasks of web development is its maintenance. Therefore allocate the time it requires. 

In Short:

Artificial intelligence (AI), data science, Machine learning, and other technologies are developing acceleratedly. They can be of great service and assistance in web development. Hence expanding Web developers’ career prospects. Notwithstanding potential criteria modifications, there will always be a demand for web developers. With so many jobs to select from, web development offers some of the most secure and satisfying professions. You studied “What is Web Development?” and many related topics. We hope you now have a basic understanding of web programming with your reading of the article.