The Novice's Handbook to Web Development
Are you intrigued by the idea of diving into the world of web development? It’s a fantastic choice! Whether you’re curious about the mechanics behind website creation or eager to craft your website for a hobby, side project, artistic showcase, or budding business endeavor, you’re in the right place!
The Beginner's Guide to Web Development
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of delving into web development, you’re making a wise choice! Whether your interest stems from a curiosity about the mechanics behind website creation or a desire to build your website for personal projects, creative endeavors, or business ventures, you’re in the right place!
We’ll cover the fundamental concepts of web development for beginners, unravel the mysteries of website functionality, and provide a comprehensive list of tools and resources to kickstart your journey into web development online. Best of all, it’s all thanks to the vast resources available on the Internet!
Understanding Web Development
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let’s grasp some basic web development concepts.
In its essence, web development is divided into two main areas: front-end and back-end. To comprehend the roles of front-end and back-end development in website creation, we need a foundational understanding of how websites and the Internet operate.
How Does the Internet Work?
Have you ever wondered about the mechanics that allow you to stream music on YouTube while scrolling through Twitter and Amazon? You’re not alone—the Internet is truly remarkable.
The Internet is an advanced information-sharing platform facilitated by machines (computers) rather than humans. While humans still seek answers to familiar questions—like today’s weather, navigation routes, or current events—the difference lies in how this information is transmitted rapidly and efficiently.
At the heart of this information exchange are networks. When you connect to the web, you do so through your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) network. Any device accessing the Internet through an ISP is termed a client, akin to renting an apartment—you occupy the space as long as you pay rent. Similarly, accessing the Internet is impossible without a network connection, and establishing your own ISP is neither simple nor cost-effective.
But how does an ISP connect you to the Internet? Your provider assigns your device an IP address, enabling communication with servers—powerful computers storing information (webpages, apps, files) to be accessed. Whether this information is publicly accessible or secure depends on the server’s IP address status.
Basics of Web Development
With a basic understanding of how the Internet functions, let’s explore how websites are brought to life! Front-end and back-end web development were mentioned earlier, and with your newfound knowledge, understanding their distinction becomes more apparent.
What Is Front-end Development?
Front-end web development shapes how a website appears on your device—each page, font style, or link color contributes to its visual presentation. Aptly named, the front end is the user-facing part of a website.
What Is Back-end Development?
Back-end web development focuses on the “behind-the-scenes” aspects, from basic tasks like file storage to complex functions like building applications for server-database communication and ensuring secure data storage.
How to Learn Web Development
The Internet offers a treasure trove of free resources for learning web development, whether you’re interested in front-end or back-end development. But before enrolling in courses or purchasing textbooks, explore!
Reading blogs, watching YouTube tutorials, and engaging with online communities can provide valuable insights into the ideal path for your web development journey. Whether you aim to design captivating websites or develop back-end applications, tailored resources are available.
Free Web Development Courses
For novice learners, numerous introductory courses cover front-end and back-end web development, along with programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Python—all accessible online for free.
W3Schools and freeCodeCamp offer comprehensive coding and web development courses, gradually introducing advanced concepts. Additionally, platforms like Codecademy, Udemy, edX, and DataCamp provide free courses, ensuring a solid foundation in web development.
Tools for Web Development
Starting your web development journey requires minimal tools—a computer, an Internet connection, a text editor, and, for back-end developers, programming languages.
Text editors serve as digital notepads for writing code, with options like Brackets, Notepad++, Atom, and Visual Studio Code—all free and suitable for beginners. Back-end developers need interpreters for programming languages that are available for download from official websites.
Embark on Your Web Development Journey
With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, diving into web development has never been more accessible! Explore, learn, and experiment to unleash your creativity in building stunning websites and robust applications.
