35. Web programming: basic concepts

Chapter 35: Web Programming - Basic Concepts

Web programming is a field that encompasses the creation and maintenance of websites and web applications. It is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and practices emerging regularly. To begin the web programming journey, it is essential to understand the basic concepts that form the basis of any web application.

1. HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

HTML is the backbone of any web page. It is a markup language that structures content on the web, defining elements such as headings, paragraphs, lists, links, images and other blocks of content. Each HTML element is represented by a tag, which is used to mark the beginning and end of the element. For example, a paragraph of text is wrapped in <p> and </p>.

2. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

CSS is used to style and design the appearance of web pages. It allows developers to define colors, fonts, layouts and other style properties for HTML elements. CSS is separate from HTML, allowing developers to change the design of a website without changing the underlying content.

3. JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language that makes web pages interactive. It allows developers to create complex web functionality such as image slideshows, interactive forms, dynamic content and much more. JavaScript runs in the user's browser, making web pages more responsive and faster.

4. Servers and Clients

On the web, computers can be servers or clients. A server is a computer that stores websites and sends this information to other computers (clients) when requested. Clients are the computers that users use to request and view web pages.

5. HTTP and HTTPS protocols

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are protocols that define how information is exchanged on the web. HTTP is insecure as information is sent as plain text whereas HTTPS is secure as information is encrypted before being sent.

6. Responsiveness

Responsiveness is a design concept that ensures websites display correctly on different devices and screen sizes. It uses CSS to adjust the layout and design of a website based on the user's device.

7. Frameworks and Libraries

Frameworks and libraries are sets of tools and predefined code that help developers build websites faster. They offer solutions for common programming tasks like DOM manipulation, event handling, animations, and more.

These are just some of the basic concepts of web programming. As you delve deeper into this area, you'll find many more topics and technologies to learn about. However, mastering these fundamentals is the first step towards becoming a competent web developer.

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