As a web developer, especially if you're self-taught like me, this was probably one subject that was overlooked when learning or it wasn't your initial starting point in your learning path. However, it is essential to understand how the internet works to create effective and efficient websites.
Throughout this article, I will briefly explore how the internet works and how it affects and is affected by the work of a web developer. I say briefly because for each topic I'll be addressing below, we could dive deeper, but for now, I hope this can be a good starting point for you if you're learning, as I wish I had read something similar when I started.
What is the Internet?
At its core, the Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that communicate with each other using standardized protocols. These protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP), allow for the seamless transfer of data between devices across the world.
HTTP Requests?
When you type a URL into your web browser and hit enter, the browser sends a request to the domain name system (DNS) to translate the URL into an IP address. Once the IP address is obtained, the browser sends a request to the server at that address, asking for the website content.
The server then responds with the website data, which the browser interprets and displays on your screen. This process happens in a matter of seconds and is repeated every time you visit a new website.
For us web developers, whether we're still learning, starting our careers, or even experienced web developers, understanding how this process works is crucial to creating websites that are optimized for speed and performance. Factors such as server response time, page load times, and efficient code all play a role in ensuring that a website is fast and responsive.
Programming Languages? Frameworks? Design?
In addition to understanding the technical aspects of the internet, we must also keep up with the constantly evolving technologies and trends that shape the web. This includes staying up-to-date on programming languages, web frameworks, and design patterns that are popular in the industry.
Programming languages are the backbone of web development, as they allow developers to write code that tells computers what to do. As web developers, we must keep up with the latest programming languages and tools that are popular in the industry.
Some popular programming languages for web development include JavaScript, Python, PHP, and Ruby. Each language has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it's up to us as developers to choose the right language for the task at hand.
As for web frameworks, these are libraries of code that make it easier to build web applications, by providing developers with pre-written code for common tasks.
Some popular frameworks include React, Angular, Vue.js, Django, and Ruby on Rails. By using a web framework, developers can save time and effort by leveraging pre-written code and focusing on the unique aspects of their projects.
Lastly, Design patterns are common solutions to recurring design problems in web development. By using design patterns, developers can save time and effort by reusing proven solutions to common problems.
Some popular design patterns in web development include Model-View-Controller (MVC), Single Page Application (SPA), and Progressive Web Application (PWA). By understanding these design patterns, web developers can create websites that are more efficient, scalable, and maintainable.
Responsiveness
As web developers, we must also consider the various devices and platforms that our websites will be accessed from, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This requires a deep understanding of responsive design techniques and best practices for creating websites that are accessible and usable on any device.
This is what we call Responsiveness, as it refers to the ability of a website to adjust its layout and content to fit different screen sizes, resolutions, and device types.
Responsive web design is a crucial aspect of web development and can be achieved by using flexible layouts and grids, and by adjusting font sizes, images, and other elements based on the screen size of the device by using CSS media queries.
This means that the website will provide a consistent user experience across different devices, and users won't have to zoom in or scroll horizontally to view the content.
The "S" in HTTPS
We must also consider the security implications of the websites we create. With the rise of cyberattacks and data breaches, it's more important than ever to create websites that are secure and protect user data.
That's what the "S" in HTTPS stands for - "Secure". HTTPS is a protocol for secure communication over the internet, and it is essentially the same as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) but with an added layer of encryption provided by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols.
This encryption ensures that data exchanged between the web server and the user's browser is secure and protected from eavesdropping, tampering, or other types of attacks.
In summary, the "S" in HTTPS signifies that the communication between the user's browser and the web server is encrypted and secure.
Hosting
Hosting in web development refers to the process of storing a website's files and data on a server that is connected to the internet so that it can be accessed by users from anywhere in the world.
When a website is hosted, the website files, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as any images, videos, or other media, are stored on the server. When a user requests to view the website, the server sends the necessary files to the user's web browser, which then displays the website.
There are many types of web hosting services available, including shared hosting, dedicated hosting, cloud hosting, and more. Each type of hosting has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors such as website traffic, storage needs, security requirements, and budget.
As web developers, we are responsible for choosing or advising our clients to choose the right hosting service for our websites, and for configuring the server to ensure that the website is secure, fast, and reliable. This may involve tasks such as setting up SSL certificates for secure connections, optimizing server performance, and configuring backups to protect against data loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Internet is a complex network of interconnected computer networks that allows for the seamless transfer of data across the world.
As a web developer, understanding how the internet works is essential to creating websites that are fast, responsive, and secure. By keeping up with the latest technologies and best practices, web developers can create websites that provide a seamless user experience and meet the needs of users across a wide range of devices and platforms.