You might have heard someone say Web Development is dying. But the truth is, it’s still growing fast and stronger than ever for businesses and developers. The Internet has become one of the primary touchpoints with customers. Besides social media, listing platforms, websites also stand as a critical front door to help business gather leads, make conversions and build their brand. Learn the foundation of the technology with this web development guide that Synodus makes specifically for Business owners and individuals who want to learn or create a website.  

What Is Web Development?

First, you need to define web Development. Web development, in general, is the process of creating websites and applications that work directly on a browser. Web development covers a range of specific tasks, from coding to content management system (CMS) development. All the related development, such as client-side and server-side scripting, advanced feature integration (payment, database, analytics), and security configuration, are also a part of developing a website.   

Web development has been receiving attention thanks to the boom of the Internet. The Internet has become ubiquitous, as there were more than 5 billion global Internet users in 2022. With such exponential expansion, web development can earn itself the opportunity to expand furthermore. The web development industry is expected to grow by 23% in 2030, the fastest in the technology field. 

How Does A Website Work?

Carrying on the Web Development Guide, you have to understand how a website works.   

A website is a collection of related files or web pages that are kept on servers or computers linking to the Internet. A website is built from code and is usually represented by a unique domain name. Clients can access a website through Internet-connected browsers, namely Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.    

An IP is needed when you want to access a website, as it needs to be accessed before the website. IP stands for Internet Protocol and is usually portrayed as a unique string of numbers. This number string contains the set of standard rules that regulate virtual interaction on the World Wide Web. An IP address distinguishes the website from billions of websites and devices that comprise the Internet. With the IP address, Internet-connected devices can exchange digital data. However, websites can have multiple IP addresses, as their servers are located differently.  

To find the IP address of a website, you can type the nslookup + website domain name and navigate through it with the achieved IP address. Internet users can access a website through an IP address or direct domain names. However, most people prefer going through the domain name or search engine results.   

More than a collection of files and data, a website can be viewed as a series of requests and strings of responses. Standard websites use Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) as the primary protocol for sending requests and receiving responses. The protocol connects Internet users to your server or any servers that store the website information.   

Once getting into the website, users can move freely within it by using hyperlinks to request data from a new address. Whenever a user attempts to access the website or its inner web pages, a specific code will be sent from the web address and translated into an accessible element for general users.   

Types Of Web Development

1. Front-end Development

Front-end development often deals with the client side of the websites, programs, and software. Overall, front-end development works with what users see on the website. Front-end developers take responsibility for designing the web layout, graphics, navigations, and other visual aspects.   

The mission of front-end development is to build a user-friendly interface where visitors can find their goals quickly. Front-end development has close relations to user experience. 

2. Back-end Development 

Contrary to front-end development, back-end development works with what goes on behind the scenes. It deals with website servers, data interpreting, processing, and responding to users to keep everything running smoothly. 

The common back-end development work grounds are servers, operating systems, databases, and Application Program Interfaces (APIs). Back-end development manages the security, content, and site architecture. To keep the website working coordinately, the developers of the back-end side usually collaborate with ones from the front-end side. 

3. Full stack Development 

Full stack development is the combination of both front-end and back-end development processes. This includes the complete construction of a website, application, or software from scratch. Full stack development also refers to dealing with different website functionalities of the same website, for example, from the server to the interface.   

Full-stack developer attains years of valuable knowledge and experience in the field. By this, a full-stack developer helps optimize the website’s performance, detects issues, and supports team members working on the web services. 

What Programming Language Can Be Used For Web Development?  

Web development guide divides the web programming languages into three groups of different purposes. 

1. For client-side scripting 

Client-side development focuses on designing the layout and the appearance of the website. Therefore, languages like HTMML, CSS, and JavaScript are the best choices for client-side scripting. Besides that, client-side scripting also contains web apps inside a web browser. 

2. For server-side scripting 

As a part of server-side development, server-side scripting is deployed to build the website’s back end. Server-side scripting contributes to the framework’s construction, allowing the website database to work coordinately with the website interface. It also embeds script into the site to ensure interface connection and graphic displays in response to user action.   

For server scripting, developers often use ASP, C++, Java, PHP, Python, and Ruby as key languages. 

3. For database 

Every website requires a database to store codes, files, and other data properly. Well-rounded web developers often favor relational database management systems for these tasks. Some common names are Oracle, My SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and MongoDB.    

To understand further the function and characteristics of web development programming language, check out this article from us. 

Web Development Guide: 4 Fundamental Tools   

Tools are necessary for the development of your website. It is recommended that every developer should learn at least these tools: a browser, a text editor, web framework and a content management system. 

1. Web Browser 

Web browser is an essential tool for putting codes to the test. Developers need to test their codes on multiple browsers to check the compatibility of the website on various browsers. Usually, browsers like Google Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Opera are widely used. New or inexperienced developers should stick with one browser and try another when they have more experience. 

2. Text Editor 

This is where developers write their codes. Text editors can come in different sizes and shapes, most of which are already integrated into the computer. They can be upgraded to a more powerful version for faster processing. The most used text editors for web developers are Atom, Brackets, Sublime Text, and VS Code. 

3. Content Management System (CMS) 

With CMS, web developers can create, edit, and publish their work. CMS gives developers full content control with all website functions integrated into an easy-to-use platform. It can help with content management, marketing, and publication.  

CMS typically uses databases like MySQL and MariaDB to store applications and tools in a particular programming language. This allows developers to edit and manage their websites without resorting to the specifics of your code.  

Choosing a CMS depends on many factors, from users to interface simplicity. Beginners can start with WordPress, a simple yet effective CMS tool. Other noteworthy options are Drupal, Joomla, and Typo3. 

4. Web Framework  

A framework is a collection and structure of pre-made codes, built-in programs, and plug-ins. They are pre-tested and proven effective; therefore, it shortens the web-building time. It is developed based on specific programming languages. For example, ReactJS is built with JavaScript, and Laravel is a PHP-based framework.  

Unlike a CMS – where you have ready-to-use features, you need to develop your web features from the framework. Which means, based on what the framework foundationally set, you will code the rest. This makes the web framework more scalable and advanced than CMS, yet it takes more time to build and learn.    

Sometimes, you can combine a web framework and a CMS to make the process easier and more stable.   

What Frameworks Can Be Used For Web Development?

Since web development includes front-end and back-end development, frameworks are divided into front-end and back-end to deal with different tasks. Here are some frameworks to consider when you first get into the web development path. 

Front-end frameworks: Ember, Angular, React, Backbone, Vue 

Back-end frameworks: Django, ExpressJS, Flask, Ruby on Rails, Spring Boot 

Website Development Process: From A To Z 

1. Define the goals: This is the first stage that every business should consider before initiating their web development. By having clear goals beforehand, your business will likely set the best strategy for future project management. 
2. Plan the sitemap and wireframe: A sitemap can help designers and web developers identify and categorize information. A mainframe, although lacking detailed components, points out the position of certain pieces on the website. Together, the sitemap and wireframe bring a brief look at your website.  
3. Design the ideas: A website can be displayed in many creative forms, from simple to sophisticated. A basic information layout is a graphical representation of how something works and connects. You can see the end outcome by looking at these designs.  
4. Prepare content and assembly: Design is not enough to attract clients and customers; your website must also need content. Good content shall represent your organization understandably and appealingly. It also affects your website’s SEO ranking on the result page.  
5. Write website code: This is where your website comes to reality with lots of effort and time. This step contains the construction of the back-end system and front-end coding.   
6. Testing: Every website must undergo extensive and rigorous testing before it can be published officially. By testing, web developers ensure every function works correctly, and no bugs are left.    
7. Maintenance: Your website needs to be managed and updated regularly after publication. This is considered the last stage of the web development process. 

Want To Create A Website: Do it Yourself Or Hire An Agency  

Web Development Courses to learn and DIY 

If you are a newbie to web development or a business owner interested in developing a company’s web, there are numerous resources to help you tap into this field.   

Find out a suitable course or class that gives you the best web development guide and tutorials on:  

• Coursera  
• Codecademy  
• KhanAcademy  
• SiteSaga  
• FreeCodeCamp  
• Web Documentation  

If you need more than just attending courses, try reaching out to web development communities to exchange your knowledge and receive recommendations. Developers usually join these communities: 

• Stack Overflow  
• Mozilla Development Network  
• Reddit
• GitHub 

Synodus – Web Development Agency to hire 

In case you are looking for a Web Design & Development Agency, Synodus provides an End-to-end Web Services including: consultant, design, development, testing and maintenance.  

We adopt a plethora of techstack with robust Web framework and CMS, comprehensive Database and agile Programming Language to help you build a user-centric website. See how we work with PHP, Magento, ReactJS, WordPress and many more. View portfolio! 

Synodus has successfully launched hundreds of web pages with 88% client satisfaction. Talk to our experts now!

Wrapping Up

A comprehensive and step-by-step web development guide to help businesses and individuals make the best decision when learning and creating a website. For more information, check out our other blogs on Web Development!

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