Website
Definition and Overview
A website is a collection of related network web resources, such as web pages, multimedia content, and digital assets, which are typically identified with a common domain name and published on at least one web server. Notable examples are wikipedia.org, google.com, and amazon.com. Websites can be accessed via a public Internet Protocol (IP) network, such as the Internet, or a private local area network (LAN), by referencing a uniform resource locator (URL) that identifies the site.
History
The World Wide Web (WWW) was created in 1991 by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee while at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, in Switzerland. The Web was originally conceived and developed to meet the demand for automated information-sharing between scientists in universities and institutes around the world. The first website went online on August 6, 1991, and explained the World Wide Web concept and gave users an introduction to getting started with their own websites.
Types of Websites
Websites can be categorized into several types based on their functionality. These include, but are not limited to:
Personal Websites
Personal websites are typically created by an individual to share personal content such as blog posts, photos, and life experiences with an online audience. These websites can also serve as a platform for expressing the individual's views, ideologies, or simply sharing information with others.
Commercial Websites
Commercial websites are used by businesses for commercial purposes. They are designed to engage users and encourage them to purchase products or services. These websites often include e-commerce capabilities that allow users to make purchases directly through the website.
Government Websites
Government websites are typically created and managed by government entities. They are used to provide information about services, departments, policies, and public notices. They also often provide resources and tools for citizens to engage with government.
Nonprofit Websites
Nonprofit websites are created by nonprofit organizations to provide information about their mission, programs, and services. They often include options for users to donate to the organization or get involved in their cause.
Educational Websites
Educational websites are used by educational institutions and other organizations to provide educational resources and information. They may also provide access to learning management systems for online courses and other educational tools.
Website Structure
A website typically consists of a home page that acts as the 'root', which is the first document users see when they enter a domain. The home page is used to navigate the site's content, which is often divided into subsections.
Web Pages
A web page is a document, typically written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), that is accessible through the Internet or other network using an Internet browser. A web page is identified by a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator).
Website navigation is a critical element in keeping visitors on site and engaging with the content. It typically includes a navigation bar, a list of links located in various sections of the site, such as the footer or header. Each link in the navigation bar corresponds to a different section or piece of content on the website.
Multimedia Content
Websites often contain multimedia content such as images, videos, and audio to enhance the user experience. This content can be embedded within the web page or accessed through a link.
Website Development
Website development involves the work that goes into building a website. This could range from developing a single, static page to a complex web-based internet application, electronic business, or social network services.
Front-End Development
Front-end development involves creating the elements of a website that users interact with. This includes everything from the layout and design, images, content, buttons, and the navigation system. Front-end developers use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to bring the design and functionality of a website to life.
Back-End Development
Back-end development involves the server-side of website development. This includes everything that users don't see when they visit a website, like the server and databases. Back-end developers use languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, and others to build the back-end of a website.
Website Hosting
Website hosting is the service that makes a website accessible via the World Wide Web. Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server owned or leased for use by clients, as well as providing Internet connectivity, typically in a data center.
Website Security
Website security is a critical component of website management. It involves protecting websites from cyber attacks and ensuring that user data is secure. This can involve a range of security measures, such as SSL encryption, firewall protection, and regular website backups.