Having dedicated numerous hours to coding and experimenting with websites, I understand that both front-end and back-end website development can initially seem quite daunting. However, I believe these subjects need not be intimidating.
Indeed — you will have to engage with code to some extent. (If you prefer to avoid this, HubSpot’s drag-and-drop website builder may be a more suitable option for you.) Yet, with appropriate guidance, that code can become manageable, allowing you to start creating actual websites in a relatively short time.
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In this article, I will discuss all the essential information that I believe beginners should be aware of regarding web development, including some pathways for initiating both back-end and front-end development. You are welcome to navigate through the guide using the chapter links to locate specific information, or you may choose to read through the entire content to grasp all the details.
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- Construct a website without any coding expertise.
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What does website development entail?
Website development generally encompasses the tasks and processes associated with the creation and upkeep of a website. This involves everything from markup and coding to scripting, network configuration, and CMS development.
If you are eager to embark on a journey into web development, a significant aspect will involve learning various programming languages. Depending on your area of interest, these may include front-end languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or back-end languages like Python, PHP, Java, Ruby, and others.
Nevertheless, I do not believe that acquiring programming languages is the sole component of website development. It is also crucial to understand the fundamental workings of the web, particularly if you aspire to delve into back-end website development.
I will address some of these topics as I guide you through the pathways for both front-end and back-end development.
Why is web development significant?
Can you imagine being part of a world where over 5.52 billion individuals are connected via the internet? This figure represents more than half of the global population actively participating in research, connection, education, and entertainment within this remarkable digital realm.
Considering the swiftly growing number of internet users, it is unsurprising that web development is a rapidly evolving industry.
From now until 2033, the demand for web developers is projected to increase by 8%, outpacing most other technology professions. It is an exhilarating time to be involved in this sector, and I am excited to be a part of this vibrant industry.
Nevertheless, not every organization requires a dedicated web developer. Numerous businesses utilize content management systems and templates to create their websites. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized enterprises with constrained budgets. Content Hub can assist these teams in quickly building an optimized website. WordPress and Wix are also widely used alternatives.
Web Development versus Web Programming
Web development and web programming may sound quite alike — and indeed they are. However, there exists a crucial distinction.
Web development pertains to the comprehensive process of creating websites or web applications, which includes the design, layout, coding, content creation, and functionality of the project. It involves employing a mix of programming languages, tools, and frameworks to bring a website or web application into existence. Web development may also include project management tasks, such as addressing development requests from stakeholders or freelance clients.
Conversely, web programming specifically refers to the coding and scripting of a website, whether it is the front-end or back-end. It mainly focuses on writing code to manage data, process user inputs, and produce dynamic content. A web programmer typically does not oversee a large web development project from start to finish. They may develop a specific section of a site or resolve bugs.
Grasping this distinction has been vital in my professional journey, enabling me to recognize the extensive range of skills necessary in the realm of web development. It serves as a reminder of the various talents and expertise that converge to shape the digital landscape we experience today.
Web Development Fundamentals
- What constitutes a website?
- What is an IP address?
- What does HTTP signify?
- What is coding?
- What does front-end refer to?
- What does back-end refer to?
- What is a CMS?
- What is cybersecurity?
- What constitutes a website?
Websites are collections of files housed on servers, which are specialized computers that host (a more technical term for ‘store files for’) websites. These servers are linked to a vast network known as the internet.
So, how do we access these websites? This is where browsers come into the picture. Browsers are software applications that retrieve websites through your Internet connection, such as Google Chrome or Safari, while the devices used to access these websites are referred to as ‘clients.’ - What is an IP address?
I have always been intrigued by how the Internet determines the destination for data transmission. The key lies in understanding IP addresses. To visit a website, one must know its Internet Protocol (IP) address. An IP address is a distinctive sequence of numbers. Each device possesses an IP address to differentiate itself from the multitude of websites and devices linked through the Internet.
The current IP address for HubSpot is 104.16.118.116. You can discover any website’s IP address by visiting a service like Site 24×7 or by utilizing Command Prompt on Windows or Network Utility > Traceroute on MacBooks.
If this concept is unfamiliar to you, it’s likely because you have been using domain names to access websites. While it is possible to reach a website using its IP address, the majority of internet users prefer to utilize domain names or search engines.
Domain names are associated with website server IPs through a system known as the Domain Name System (DNS). For those aspiring to become web developers, I believe it is crucial to comprehend the workings of DNS.
- What is coding?
Coding is the process of writing code for servers and applications utilizing programming languages. These are termed “languages” because they encompass vocabulary and grammatical structures for effective communication with computers. Additionally, they consist of specific commands, abbreviations, and punctuation that are interpretable solely by devices and software.
All software is developed in at least one coding language; however, the languages differ based on the platform, operating system, and stylistic preferences. All languages are categorized into one of two types: front-end and back-end.
Pro tip: Occasionally, you may notice that companies are looking for a full stack developer. This indicates that you possess skills in both front-end and back-end development. - What does front-end mean?
Front-end (or client-side) refers to the portion of a website or software that is visible and interactive for Internet users. When data from a server is transmitted to a browser, front-end coding languages enable the website to operate without the need for constant “communication” with the internet.
Front-end code facilitates user interaction with a website, allowing actions such as playing videos, expanding or minimizing images, highlighting text, and more. Web developers engaged in front-end coding focus on client-side development. - What does back-end mean?
Conversely, the back-end (or server-side) represents the aspect that remains unseen during internet usage. It constitutes the digital infrastructure. To those not involved in development, it appears as a collection of numbers, letters, and symbols.
There are a greater number of back-end coding languages compared to front-end languages. This is due to the fact that browsers — on the front end — only comprehend HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In contrast, a server — on the back end — can be set up to understand virtually any programming language. - What is a CMS?
A content management system (CMS) is a web application or a collection of programs designed to create and manage web content. (Note: A CMS is not necessarily synonymous with a site builder, such as Squarespace or Wix.)
- What is cybersecurity?
There are always malicious actors seeking to identify vulnerabilities in websites to reveal private information, steal data, and disrupt servers. Cybersecurity involves the practice of protecting data, networks, and computers from these threats.
The techniques employed by hackers are continuously changing, just as the security measures implemented to counteract them are evolving. A lack of understanding regarding how your site might be targeted could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Consequently, possessing a fundamental knowledge of cybersecurity best practices is essential for effective web development. Additionally, it is advisable to conduct security audits regularly. This will help ensure that your website does not become a target for malicious actors attempting to compromise your information.
Types of Web Development - Front-End Development
- Back-End Development
- Full Stack Development
- Website Development
- Desktop Development
- Mobile Development
- Game Development
- Embedded Development
- Security Development
My journey into web development commenced in the dynamic realm of front-end development, where I enjoyed transforming code into visually engaging, interactive web pages.
Subsequently, I ventured into back-end development, discovering the underlying mechanisms that drive a website. By learning Python and Ruby, I developed a greater appreciation for the seamless connection between front-end and back-end.
Whether you are considering hiring a web developer or aspiring to become one, it is important to comprehend the various types of web development that developers can specialize in.
These distinct types of web development primarily pertain to the different areas of the profession in which web developers can operate. Some of these categories may overlap, and it is common for web developers to excel in multiple types of web development. - Front-End Development
Front-end developers focus on the client- or user-facing aspects of websites, applications, and software — essentially, what users experience. They are responsible for designing and developing the visual components, including layout, navigation, graphics, and other aesthetic elements.
