If you create, build, and maintain websites or web applications that exist on the Internet or intranet, you are involved in Web Development; you are a web developer. The intranet is a private network accessible only to an organization’s members.
Web development includes web programming, web publishing, web design, and database management.
If you are a web developer, you must ensure that the website you are creating and maintaining functions properly, looks appealing, and provides a good user experience.
Techopedia.com has the following definition of the term:
“Web development is the process of developing websites or web applications that run on the Internet (or an Intranet). It can take various forms, including database management, web programming, and web design, among others.”
What do “Web” & “Development” mean?
In this context, the term “web” refers to websites, web pages, or any site that exists on the Internet.
“Development” means creation, which in this case is about creating a website and all its related components.
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The basics of web development
We divide web development into three main categories:
- Front-end development
- Back-end development
- Full-stack development
Each category plays a crucial role in building a website. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
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Front-end development
Also known as client-side development, front-end development is all about creating that part of the website that users or visitors see and interact with. This includes everything you see on a website, such as images, text, buttons, and navigation menus.
If you are a front-end developer, you focus on making the website look good and is easy to use. You use programs like HTML, CSS, and JavaScrip.
Whenever we visit a website such as Wikipedia or Amazon, we see its front end.
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Back-End Development
Also known as server-side development, back-end development involves creating the part of a site that visitors do not see. This includes the server, database, and application that power the website.
The back end is important for tasks like managing data, processing user input, and cybersecurity.
If you are a back-end developer, you use programs like PHP, Python, Ruby, and Java.
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Full-Stack Development
Full-stack development or end-to-end development involves working at both ends of a website, that is, both the front end and the back end.
If you are a full-stack developer, you can handle all aspects of web development. In other words, you know how to build a complete website from start to finish.
Why web development is important
A well-developed website can attract visitors, keep them engaged, and encourage them to do something, such as sign up for a newsletter, buy something, or fill in a form. When you ask a visitor to do something, we call it a “call to action.” Good web developers are skilled at creating an effective call to action.
Here are some more key reasons why web development matters:
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If a website has been well-designed, it will be easy to navigate. Visitors will find it visually appealing and responsive (works well on desktops and smartphones).
- Performance
Performance refers to how quickly a website loads and how efficiently it performs. In the online world today, users do not like slow sites. Visitors will leave your website if it takes too long to load.
- Security or cybersecurity:
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A good website must be secure from threats such as hacking and data breaches. People will only visit your site and come back again if they know it is secure.
- Functionality
Everything needs to work properly. Form submissions should occur smoothly, as well as e-commerce transactions.
You may have a beautiful website, but if the payment process is prone to glitches, it will struggle to make money.
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If your website offers vacations in the Caribbean, and it appears on the first page of a Google search with the phrase “vacations in the Caribbean,” it has excellent SEO.
Well-developed websites are easier for search engines to index and rank.
Final thoughts
Web development refers to the process of creating and maintaining websites. It includes front-end, back-end, and, and full-stack development.
If your website is well developed, it can provide a good user experience, perform efficiently, ensure security, and attract visitors.
Good web development is a crucial component of online success.