In the initial part of this article, some basic concepts of computer were discussed, including but not limited to the definition of a computer, how it functions and also some of the essential components that make up the computer system. Consequently, having acquired the basic knowledge about the device needed and how it works, I shall now proceed to web development proper, but before that, it is essential that the reader gets familiar with the platform on which web development runs which is the internet or intranet, and also some of the essential services it renders and the facilitators of such services which make up the intriguing internet experience.

The Internet

Internet simply, is short for interconnected-networks. This implies linking of computers together in such a way that they interact with each other just as we humans would or perhaps socialize with each other. Based on this analogy, the internet can be said to mean socializing amongst computers. However, in this case, computers rather than humans - who make use of some body parts such as the eyes, mouths and ears as means of communication - make use of some communication protocols known as Internet Protocols (IP). It is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via the internet or local network (Intranet). An intranet on the other hand, is simply a private network while the internet is a global network. A company or an organization can make use of the intranet within the confines of it’s organization. Some of the services the internet renders is access to the World Wide Web (WWW).

World Wide Web (WWW)

The World Wide Web (WWW), commonly known as the Web, is an information system of interconnected webpages and other web resources to be accessed over the Internet.

In a more rudimentary terms, the web can be referred to as a book consisting of copious pages of records sitting inside a library( the internet) which contains reams of other books among other things.

The web structure is made up of but not limited to the listed components below:

• Webpage

• Website

• IP Address

• Domain/Domain Name

• Web Address

A webpage is a document( like a traditional book page) on the Web.

A website is a collection of webpages and related contents linked together that is identified by a common domain name and published on the web server.

An IP address is a unique numerical label that identifies a device on the internet or a local network(intranet). Eg 127.0.0.0

A domain name or sometimes, simply domain, is a string of texts that is used in place of the numerical IP address so as to make it readable, easier to search for on the internet and also for easier memorization by humans. Unlike an IP address which is made up of numbers, a domain name is usually in a text format. Eg google.com, wikipedia.com etc. The term domain name is often used interchangeably with the term domain.The only difference is that domain name connotes the name of the thing while domain is the thing itself, which can be described as the allocated space for the contents of a website hosted on the web server.

A web address is a distinct locator of each webpage on the internet just like a home or an office address distinctly identifies each house or office. In a plethora of web pages linked

together to form websites, it is expedient to have a mechanism that enables us to differentiate and access each and every individual webpage just like numbers differentiate houses on a street. It consists of the protocol, domain, domain name, and the path to the specific page.

Web Browser

A web browser is an application which facilitates access to websites. When a user requests a webpage for a particular website ( usually by entering the web address of the webpage), the browser retrieves it’s files from the web server and then displays the page on the user's screen. The most common browsers are google chrome, safari, Microsoft edge, etc.

Web Server

A web server is a software and underlying hardware that accepts requests from a user agent, commonly a web browser, for a webpage or other resources, and the server responds with the content of that resource or an error message . A web server can also accept and store resources sent from the user agent if configured to do so.

Summary

Every time we turn on internet data access on our devices(a smartphone, PC or tablet), and then open a browser to enter a domain address, we now have access the Worldwide Wide Web which is being hosted on a web server. What’s being displayed on the screen is a webpage which is one of related pages that are linked together to form a website.

At this juncture, I’m quite sure the reader can now begin to see the correlation among these individual components, and why it was prudent to discuss about each one and everyone of them first…

Finally, we’re here!! 🥹

Web Development

Web development is the work involved in creating webpages which are subsequently linked together to make up a website for the Internet or intranet. Web development can range from developing a simple single static webpage of plain texts to complex web applications, electronic businesses, and social network services. It can be divided mainly into three parts such as:

• Frontend

• Backend

• Full-stack web development

Frontend Web development

Frontend as the names suggests deals with the perceptible aspect of web development. ie the visually perceivable aspects of a webpage which the user sees and interacts with. It involves working on the browser side of the website which focuses on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) aspects of the website or app.

Backend Web Development

Backend refers to the hidden aspects of a website or webapp which the user can’t see. Unlike frontend which involves work on the browser side, backend involves work on the server side to ensure the website performs correctly, focusing on databases, back-end logic, application programming interface (APIs), architecture, and servers.

Full Stack Web Development

Full stack web development is the infusion of both frontend and backend web development.

I hope I have done a good job educating you dear reader on the basic understanding of tech and you had a swell time reading this. Watch out for the subsequent blogs. Cheer!