Web Development

Web development is the act of developing a website, whether that website is meant to be published on the Internet or on a private network, which is also known as an intranet. Typically, web development efforts are towards something that will be available to the public or to a specific consumer base via the World Wide Web.

Web development can involve a wide range of different digital products and services, from a simple greeting page to a browser-based mobile application or even a website that offers software downloads.

There are many components of web development that an experienced web developer will always be aware of. These components include:

• Security configurations
• Web server hosting
• Web engineering and design
• Scripting for clients and servers
• Markups and coding
• Content management system implementation (CMSes)
• Client liaison services
• Task allocation
• Setting up shopping cards for digital purchases (if applicable)

Building a Website from Scratch

A web developer will often build a website from scratch for a variety of different businesses, clients, and services. Web development is typically divided into three parts, which include:

• Server-side scripting, also known as backend engineering
• Client-side scripting, which controls everything the end user sees
• Database management, which keeps the website running seamlessly

There are a variety of languages and plugins that a web developer can use throughout the course of web development. For web pages, common languages include HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. For mobile apps and other web development efforts, a developer may use Flash, JQuery, Microsoft Silverlight, or Java (for the backend). There are plenty of other options available as well, with each language offering a range of strengths and weaknesses to match any kind of programming need.

Database Efforts

It is important that the web development process be kept secure and smooth throughout the course of the website’s life. A database is necessary to store the website’s or application’s code, files, client information, and other forms of data. Some popular web-based database applications include Oracle and Apache, which are used by experienced web developers around the world.

A Web Developer is Not a Web Designer

There are a few key features that separate a web developer from a web designer. Those who are unfamiliar with the field may see these two job descriptions as the same thing, but they are very different. A web developer will perform the following tasks:

• Functionality programming – a web developer will be responsible for server-side scripting and web building, using different languages and plugins to set up connections with servers and databases.
• Adding features – If the website or mobile app has a shopping cart or other additional features that need to be installed, a web developer will be able to set it up and make sure it works properly and stores the correct type of information.

Web development may also involve web design, but a web developer is responsible for the technical and functional side of things. Web development is the foundation of the way websites or mobile apps on the Internet work, and is a constantly growing field with new opportunities.