Welcome to the exciting world of web development! In this guide, I’ll cover the fundamentals of web development, the process of building a website, and useful resources for beginners. After spending countless hours coding and experimenting with websites, I’ve learned that web development is more than just coding—it’s an art form that brings ideas to life.
Web development involves various tasks, including client-side scripting, server-side scripting, security setup, e-commerce development, and content management system (CMS) development. If you’re eager to dive into the details of web development, you’re in the right place!
Why is Web Development Important?
Did you know that over 5.3 billion people are connected to the internet? This staggering number represents more than half of the world’s population, all using the web for research, communication, education, and entertainment. As the number of internet users continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled web developers. By 2030, the employment of web developers is expected to increase by 13%, making this a promising field to enter.
Web Development vs. Web Programming
While the terms “web development” and “web programming” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:
- Web Development refers to the entire process of creating websites or web applications, which includes design, coding, content creation, and functionality. It often involves various programming languages, tools, and frameworks, and may also include project management tasks.
- Web Programming, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the coding and scripting aspects of a website, whether for the front-end (what users see) or back-end (server-side operations). Web programmers typically specialize in writing code that manages data, processes user input, and generates dynamic content.
Understanding this distinction has helped me appreciate the diverse skills required in web creation.
What is Website Development?
Website development broadly refers to the tasks and processes involved in creating and maintaining a website. This encompasses everything from markup and coding to scripting, server setup, and CMS development. Now that you have a foundational understanding, let’s delve deeper into the basics of web development.
Web Development Fundamentals
- What is a Website? Websites are collections of files stored on servers—computers that host these files. To access a website, you use a browser, software that retrieves and displays these files over the internet.
- What is an IP Address? An IP address is a unique string of numbers assigned to every device connected to the internet, allowing the network to identify and communicate with it. While you can access a website using its IP address, most users prefer to use domain names for ease.
- What Does HTTP Mean? HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the protocol that governs how messages are transmitted over the internet. It enables browsers to communicate with servers and allows users to navigate between web pages seamlessly.
- What is Coding? Coding involves writing instructions for computers using programming languages. These languages have specific syntax and vocabulary, allowing developers to create software applications and websites. Coding languages can be categorized as either front-end or back-end.
- What is Front-End Development? Front-end development focuses on the client side of a website—the parts that users interact with. Front-end developers use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create visually appealing and functional web pages.
- What is Back-End Development? Back-end development refers to the server side of a website, which is responsible for data management and server communication. Back-end developers work with databases, server configurations, and application logic.
- What is a CMS? A Content Management System (CMS) is a web application used to create and manage digital content. While not the same as website builders, CMS platforms like WordPress enable users to easily update and maintain their websites.
- What is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity involves protecting information and systems from digital attacks. Understanding basic cybersecurity practices is crucial for developers to safeguard user data and maintain website integrity.
Front-End Web Development Languages
As I’ve previously discussed, front-end web development centers around creating the visual and interactive components of a webpage. It involves building and designing the user-facing side, or what you see when you open a website in a browser.
In my opinion, front-end development is probably the “easiest” way to start a career in web development. However, like any other aspect of this field, it does have a learning curve.
Here are some of the most popular front-end web development languages. Understanding these is essential for any front-end developer:
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
HTML is likely the first language you consider when it comes to web development. It’s the foundation of any webpage, providing both semantic structure and defining the elements of a site, like headings, paragraphs, images, and links. Before styling content, web developers use HTML to provide a proper layout.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
If HTML is the foundation of a site, CSS is the decoration. CSS is responsible for styling the visual appearance of a site, allowing developers to customize colors, fonts, layouts, and other design elements. With CSS, you can also create responsive webpages that adapt to various screen sizes.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a dynamic programming language that adds interactive elements to webpages, such as dropdown menus, sliders, forms, and animations. It is widely used for client-side scripting, enhancing the user experience by making sites more dynamic and engaging.
React
React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It allows developers to create reusable UI components and efficiently manage the state of an application. React has gained significant popularity for developing complex web applications with responsive and interactive UIs.
These languages play a critical role in creating visually appealing, intuitive, and interactive websites. Don’t underestimate them: A site might have the best back-end structure, but unless the UI is modern, interactive, and user-friendly, it will not engage visitors effectively.
Back-End Web Development Languages
While front-end developers focus on creating the client-facing components, back-end developers work behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Front-end developers wouldn’t be able to do their work effectively without back-end developers.
Unlike front-end development, which focuses on user interfaces, back-end development languages help developers manage servers, databases, and the software that powers websites and applications. This can make it somewhat more complex than learning front-end development.
Here are some of the most common back-end web development languages:
Python
Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language known for its readability and simplicity. It offers numerous frameworks, such as Django and Flask, that streamline back-end development tasks like database management and handling HTTP requests.
PHP
PHP is a widely used server-side scripting language specifically designed for web development. It integrates seamlessly with HTML and provides robust features for database handling, dynamic content generation, and web server interaction. Popular PHP frameworks like Laravel and Symfony enhance productivity for complex web applications.
Ruby
Ruby is a dynamic, object-oriented programming language focused on simplicity and readability. It is often associated with the Ruby on Rails framework, which provides a structure for building robust and scalable web applications. Ruby’s expressive syntax and extensive ecosystem make it a popular choice for web development projects.
Java
Java is a versatile and widely used programming language known for its platform independence and scalability. It is commonly employed for building enterprise-level web applications that require high performance and security. Java frameworks like Spring and REST offer tools for building complex back-end systems.
C#
C# (pronounced C-sharp) is a modern, general-purpose programming language developed by Microsoft. It is primarily used for building Windows desktop applications and web services. With the rise of the .NET framework, C# has gained popularity as a back-end language for developing robust and secure web applications.
Node.js
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome’s V8 engine. It allows developers to run JavaScript code on the server side, enabling full-stack JavaScript development. Node.js is highly scalable and efficient, making it ideal for building real-time applications and APIs.
Keep in mind, back-end developers need a strong understanding of databases, server management, and web security, in addition to their programming skills. This is why back-end development is generally more challenging than front-end development, but it is still quite learnable.
The Website Development Cycle
As a web designer, I initially handled projects without a clear process in place. It felt like trying to assemble a puzzle without having the picture on the box. It was only when I started working on a complex e-commerce site that the significance of a structured approach truly became apparent. The project demanded a combination of front-end and back-end development, each with its specific languages and frameworks.
By establishing a clear process, breaking down tasks, and approaching each stage systematically, the project became manageable and even enjoyable. Trust me, developing an effective process isn’t just useful; it’s essential.
Here are some key steps I found most helpful in my website development journey:
1. Develop a Plan
Before putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, it’s essential to connect with teams across your organization to develop a strategy for your site. Consider the following before drafting your first website outline:
- What is the objective of your site?
- Who is your audience, and what actions do you want them to take on your site?
- What type of site are you building (e.g., informational, membership, e-commerce)?
- What content do you plan to publish, and in what volume?
- What is the purpose of this content?
- How will you structure your site for optimal navigation?
- What is your budget?
Answering these questions requires communication with your web development, marketing, and finance teams to assess your needs and make informed decisions. It’s far easier to create a roadmap at the start of the process than to backtrack later.
It’s vital for your entire team to be aligned, so make sure to engage with colleagues who will be involved in the project to ensure a sense of cohesion.
2. Create a Wireframe
All great websites begin with a blueprint, known as a wireframe. It doesn’t have to be a formal document; it’s simply a vision for your site that provides both you and your developer(s) direction. You can sketch it out on a whiteboard or use tools like InVision, Slickplan, or MindNode.
Wireframes are visual tools that help you understand where text and images will go on individual pages. You can use placeholder boxes and “dummy text” to get a sense of how your content will appear. If you’re collaborating with a company or freelancer, I recommend creating a wireframe to clarify your end vision.
3. Map Out a Sitemap
Next, it’s time to create a sitemap (not to be confused with the XML sitemap that helps search engines crawl and index your site). Just as a business plan provides potential investors insight into your goals and objectives, a sitemap gives developers the information needed to realize your vision. You can develop the sitemap independently or in collaboration with your developers.
Consider the following questions while planning your site:
- What individual pages do you need?
- What content will be on those pages?
- How will you categorize those pages?
- What is the hierarchy of pages on your site?
- How will the pages interlink?
- Which pages and categories are essential for your site and user experience?
- Which pages or categories could be removed or combined?
4. Build the Back-End of Your Site
Writing code can be one of the more challenging aspects of web development, but it’s not the only part. You also need to establish the back-end and front-end structures.
Let’s start with the back-end. The back-end handles the data that powers functionality on the front end. For example, Facebook’s back end stores photos, allowing the front end to display them. The back end consists of two main components:
- Data: Information is stored, organized, and processed in databases so that server requests can retrieve it.
- Servers: The hardware and software that make up your computer. Servers handle sending, processing, and receiving data requests. They act as intermediaries between the database and the user/browser. Essentially, the browser tells the server, “I want this data,” and the server retrieves it from the database and sends it back.
These components work together to build the foundation for any site.
For building your site, back-end developers will establish three main elements:
- Logic Code: A set of rules for how your site will respond to specific requests and how its components will interact.
- Database Management: How your site will organize, manage, and retrieve its data.
- Infrastructure: How your site will be hosted. Hosting your own site offers greater control but is more costly and requires you to maintain your own server’s health and security.
Your site is ready for front-end development once these elements and choices are in place.
Note: The back end is somewhat unrelated to web development since you don’t always need a back end if you’re not storing any data. For example, if you log into a website, how would it remember your login details without a back end? To store this information, a back end is necessary.
For instance, Facebook must remember details like your friends list, events you’ve joined, and posts you’ve made—all of which reside in a database. Without a back end, this information wouldn’t be accessible.
Conversely, a purely informational site that doesn’t require user input doesn’t need a back end. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn the basics, as you never know when you might need them.
5. Build the Front-End of Your Site
If you’ve ever dabbled in web design or played with a site in WordPress, Squarespace, or Google Sites, you’ve engaged with front-end web development.
Front-end development is crucial; it’s what your visitors, clients, and customers see and how they’ll interact with your site.
Front-end (or client-side) development involves a mix of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It also encompasses aspects like typography, navigation, positioning, and browser compatibility. This component reflects much of your initial site vision and what you included in your wireframe.
As technology and user preferences evolve, client-side coding tends to become outdated more quickly than back-end development. This is where coding resources (like the ones we’ll cover later) come in handy.
6. (Optional) Use a CMS
Why might someone choose a CMS over coding from scratch? While a CMS may offer less flexibility and control over your front-end, it simplifies the process (requiring less code) and often includes tools for hosting, site creation, user data storage, blogging, landing page creation, lead capture, and even email list management. This allows you to create an efficient site with less effort.
CMS options often include plugins that eliminate the need to write a back end. For instance, e-commerce plugins for WordPress allow you to use existing functionality rather than developing complex back-end systems to process customer transactions and manage databases.
Popular content management systems include Joomla, Magento, and WordPress—which boasts over 65% market share (this refers to open-source WordPress software, not the website builder).
7. Obtain a Domain Name
By now, your site should have an IP address, but it also needs a domain name—an essential web address that visitors use to find your site. Ensure that the domain name you want is not already in use.
You may have heard of sites like GoDaddy and Namecheap. These services help you purchase a domain name and register it with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Most domain registrations are valid for a year before renewal is required.
Web hosting services like WordPress and Squarespace also allow you to buy a domain name.
8. Launch Your Site
Once you’ve set up a domain name and connected it to your host, you’re almost ready to unveil your work to the web.
However, not so fast—there are still a few checks to perform before the official launch. Before “flipping the switch” to make your website live, you’ll want to thoroughly test for bugs through prototype testing, optimize for SEO, and assign responsibilities to your team. Don’t forget to comply with legal requirements, like displaying a cookie and privacy policy. While compliance is crucial to avoid legal issues, it’s often overlooked.
Website Development Resources
One thing I’ve learned is that continuous learning is vital. When I hit a roadblock with a coding issue, I discovered a wealth of online resources available. Beyond connecting with other developers, many tools can enhance your understanding of web development.
Web Development Courses and Classes
Whether you’re looking to explore back-end, front-end, or full-stack coding, here are some recommended online courses and classes:
- TutorialsPoint: A free resource offering tutorials, eBooks, and videos on various coding topics.
- egghead: Compact, information-dense video courses led by working web development professionals.
- Khan Academy: A well-known free educational resource covering a range of topics, including coding.
- SiteSaga: A beginner-friendly site focused on creating and maintaining websites, particularly for non-designers and small businesses.
- freeCodeCamp: A non-profit organization providing free coding education through articles, videos, and hands-on projects.
- Treehouse: A subscription-based learning platform with courses on web development and programming.
Web Development Communities
Web developers often gather in online communities to share insights and solve problems. According to Codecademy, developers join these networks for:
- Unique information and problem-solving
- Fresh perspectives and smart responses
- Tips and tricks for developers at every level
- Connections to resources, talks, and research papers
- Opportunities to meet new friends and collaborators
Here are a few online communities recommended by developers:
- Stack Overflow: A popular Q&A platform where developers can ask and answer questions related to programming and coding challenges.
- Mozilla Developer Network (MDN): An extensive library of resources and documentation for coding languages, offering in-depth explanations and guidance.
- Reddit: A discussion-based community where developers of all levels can ask questions and share knowledge. You can join subreddits focused on specific topics like web design or JavaScript.
Jump Into Web Development
Diving into web development has been a transformative experience for me. This field isn’t just about coding; it’s about reshaping how we experience the digital world. Honestly, if you’re not involved in web development, you’re missing out on the chance to influence a significant part of our daily lives. Here’s my perspective: whether you’re supporting your business online or building the next big application, it’s crucial to understand web development. The field is constantly evolving, and staying current isn’t just essential; it’s exhilarating. Trust me—there will never be a dull moment in web development.
