Web development basics
What is web development?
Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications. It involves developing the structure of a website, its functionality and visual design. The process involves both client (frontend) and server (backend) parts, which interact with each other to create a complete product.
The key aspects of web development can be divided into several levels: interface layout, working with the server and databases, as well as optimization and testing. All of this requires knowledge of technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side programming languages including PHP, Python, or Node.js.
The main stages of web development
1. Setting goals and objectives
Before you start development, it is important to determine for whom the site is being created and what tasks it should solve. These can be:
- Customer Engagement.
- Sale of goods or services.
- Providing information.
At this stage, the Terms of Reference (ToR) are created, which details the functionality and appearance of the site. Working out the TOR helps to avoid misunderstandings at subsequent stages of development.
2. Design and prototyping
Design includes creating the structure of the site and its prototypes. These are visual schemes that reflect how the user will interact with the site.
Prototyping tools:
– Figma.
– Adobe XD.
– Sketch.
UX/UI design is also developed during this phase, which includes:
- Easy to navigate.
- Attractive design.
- Optimization for different devices.
3. Frontend development
Frontend development involves creating the visual part of the website that is displayed to the user. Technologies are used for this purpose:
- HTML (hypertext markup) is the basis for the structure of a web page.
- CSS (cascading style sheets) – appearance design.
- JavaScript — realization of interactive elements.
Libraries and frameworks are used for more efficient development:
- React & Vue.js to create dynamic interfaces.
- Bootstrap & Tailwind CSS for adaptive layout.
4. Backend development
Backend is the “invisible” part of the site that provides its functionality. The server part is responsible for data processing, interaction with databases and query execution.
Popular languages for server-side development:
– PHP.
– Python (with the framework Django).
– JavaScript (Node.js).
– Ruby (Ruby on Rails).
Database Management Systems (DBMS) such as MySQL, PostgreSQL or MongoDB are used to store and process data.
5. Testing
Before launching, the site needs to be tested. The tests are:
- Correctness of display on different devices.
- Operation of all functions and forms.
- Page load speed.
Tools such as Selenium or Cypress are used to automate testing.
6. Launch and support
After successful testing, the site is migrated to hosting and made available to users. Support includes:
- Content Update.
- Safety Assurance.
- Optimization to improve speed.
Popular tools and technologies
Code editors
- Visual Studio Code — user-friendly and extensible editor.
- Sublime Text — lightweight text editor with many features.
- WebStorm — powerful tool for JavaScript development.
Version control systems
Git is used to track changes to code. Platforms like GitHub or GitLab help teams work on projects simultaneously.
Frameworks
Frameworks speed up development at the expense of out-of-the-box solutions:
– Frontend: Angular, React, Vue.js.
– Backend: Django, Laravel, Express.js.
API and integration
REST API & GraphQL allow linking different services and applications, enabling data integration.
Optimization and performance
Optimizing a website affects its success in search engines and usability. Key areas of focus:
- Download speed: Minimizing files, compressing images, using CDNs.
- SEO: User-friendly URL structure, keywords, meta tags.
- Adaptive design: Ensuring correct display on smartphones, tablets and computers.
Web Development Trends
Today’s technology is evolving rapidly, and web developers need to stay on top of trends:
- Utilization artificial intelligence for personalization.
- PWA (progressive web applications) to improve the experience on mobile devices.
- Jamstack for increased productivity and safety.
Conclusion
Web development is a multifaceted and fast-growing industry that combines creative and technical components. To have a successful career in this field, it is important to constantly learn, explore new tools and adapt to changing technologies. Based on user needs and business goals, a web developer creates solutions that change the way people interact with the digital world.