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Introduction to Web Development

Welcome to the world of web development! As a Computer Science student, learning web technologies is essential for building dynamic websites and web applications. In this guide, we'll explore the basics of web development, providing a solid foundation for aspiring web developers.

Table of Contents​

  1. What is Web Development?
  2. Key Components of Web Development
  3. HTML Basics
  4. CSS Basics
  5. JavaScript Basics
  6. Conclusion

What is Web Development?​

Web development refers to the process of creating websites and web applications that run on the internet. It includes designing, building, and maintaining web pages accessible through web browsers. Web development involves both front-end and back-end development to ensure a smooth user experience.

Key Components of Web Development​

Web development can be broadly categorized into three major areas:

Front-end Development​

Front-end development focuses on the visual aspects of a website, allowing users to interact with content. The main technologies used for front-end development are:

  • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Defines the structure of a web page.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Handles the layout, design, and overall presentation.
  • JavaScript: Adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages.

Back-end Development​

Back-end development handles the server-side logic that powers web applications. It involves managing databases, processing server requests, and ensuring the smooth running of a website. Common back-end technologies include:

  • Server-side languages: Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, Node.js.
  • Database management systems: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB.

Full-stack Development​

Full-stack developers have expertise in both front-end and back-end development, enabling them to create a complete web application from start to finish.

HTML Basics​

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the backbone of web development. It structures the content of a web page and provides elements like headings, paragraphs, images, and links.

Example:​

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>My First Web Page</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Welcome to Web Development</h1>
    <p>This is an example of a simple HTML page.</p>
</body>
</html>

CSS Basics​

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) control the design, layout, and visual presentation of HTML elements. CSS is essential for making websites look attractive and responsive.

Example:​

body {
    background-color: lightblue;
}

h1 {
    color: navy;
    text-align: center;
}

JavaScript Basics​

JavaScript is a programming language used to add interactivity and dynamic features to websites. It allows for actions like form validation, animations, and user-triggered events.

Example:​

document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "Hello, World!";

Conclusion​

Web development combines front-end and back-end technologies to create fully functional websites and web applications. By learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Computer Science students can gain the foundational skills necessary for building modern websites and further exploring more advanced topics in web development.