Web Development Essay
Importance of web development: essay introduction, developments, cultural benefits, conclusion for web development, works cited.
At the outset, web designing emerged as an easier and simple way of exchanging information. It was a better means of communication and had better networking benefits compared to the commercial reasons. Later on, the Web became an avenue for making profits, and the information space that was prior for providing free exchange thus changed to a space for commercial transactions.
The open source movement first emerged when major players met and decided to begin the initiative of licensing to protect software developers. The movement was therefore a licensing measure meant to make source codes available to others beside the author through leasing.
There was also need to allow programmers to distribute their software freely and enable people to modify source codes. The current web-based software developers such as PHP, Firefox, WordPress and Linux are thus major contributors to development of modern websites. Open source has consequently had a direct influence on web development and browsing such as flexibility and innovative development initiatives in addition to providing network solutions.
Development of ‘open source’ receives very little attention especially official concerns by the initial founders for its development. The initial organizations to benefit from the open licensing systems directly included the Department of Defence (DOD), Research Agencies, and the Lab researchers such as National Laboratories (Reece et al, 92). These organizations were the most viable producers, users and beneficiaries of the licensing operation.
The firms also provided the platform for major advances such as the firewalls, and other network security tools. Open licensing therefore caused firms to merge ideas and integrate development of operating systems and related software to high-tech but inexpensive software/hardware supercomputers to replace the original Pentium-based systems.
Although departments such as the DOD or Space Agencies may have developed or initiated most of the research into open source, in overall, today’s beneficiaries include commercial agencies. Commercial enterprises such as Netscape, Red Hat, Cygnus, MacAfee and Caldera were quick to realize the opportunities offered by web-based methodologies and begun to offer the open source arrangements.
Other firms that latter on came in support of open source included the hardware developers such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Sun Microsystems and IBM (International Business Machines) among others. Consistent with VanDyk, the concept open source emerged from software engineers, but today the entire movement is made of technologically motivated individuals (9). They focus more on technological productivity as opposed to economical benefits.
Although the initial authors retain all the rights of their code, restrictions are less and simpler to allow others to utilize the code. Today, different countries have constitutions supporting the freedom of speech. Users never thought programs would be freeware in a manner comparable to the way verbal communication is an inalienable right today. Redistribution of software code does not face unnecessary restriction, since developers found that ‘open source’ is an effective way of finding and correcting faulty codes.
Open source also encourages reliability and quality of software due to the independent reviews and the rapid dynamic nature of the web-based programming. According to Van Reijswoud, the simplified way of defining ‘open source’ may appear more pervasive compared to technical definition (230).
The open form of licensing allows any individual developer as well as a corporation to give others freedom to change competence and quality of a code, at the same time retain ownership as long as the beneficiaries agree to equally share the code with others under similar terms of agreement.
This form of web development allows development of new web programmers particularly among users who wish to make their contributions on success and quality of products. Web development has therefore advanced to allow better distribution of expertise through refinement of existing codes. Experts are also able to provide new services through innovation and inspired creations.
The new trend of user-developer enhances development of diverse and advanced modern websites. Open source therefore allows a progressive form of dynamism that is almost impossible to achieve given any other condition that developers may find (Meeker, 38). There is a revolution on the way the software engineering industry has developed in terms software quality and ability to assist beneficiaries from the developments.
Current success of the internet is for the reason that there is direct success of the open source form of web development. Success of World Wide Web therefore indicates the evolution and power of open content. According to Richter, ‘open source’ is a form of licensing that affects development, distribution and use of software, thus causing direct change on corporations (281). It assists to focus innovation of information technology to ensure generation of profits.
Pragmatism demands that people share ideas and beliefs as opposed to involvement in scientific formulae. Open source has therefore been on constant demand among human needs indirectly, since proponents hold up to strict scrutiny of applications. Scientists allow extensive source code usage and analysis, which often means critical review of design, functionality, structure and content.
In line with Allen et al, programming involves more that art or design work, it has a foundation of functionality and practical knowledge (81). Technology maturity has thus caused spreading of knowledge and enhancement of techniques. Programmers are ready and more willing to have their codes examined, verified and used by others. Allowing others to use the code is mostly based on utmost good faith that the favour will be replicated or returned as opposed to financial benefits.
Employers of excellent source-code providers such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sun Microsystems, IBM and other corporations also have a direct benefit of fame, recognition and demand for goods or services. Their products are a direct reflection of business personality, capabilities, and the collaborative nature.
The use of ad hoc organizations has assisted in great developments, for instance the Apache Group were able to build up the most popular server “World Wide Web”, without ever convening. Working partners such as the Berkeley Software developers’ in-charge of commercial firewalls have employees working from various locations and collaborate electronically. Open licensing therefore allows organizations to pull web-based initiatives together and ensure survival of best products without disenfranchising anyone.
Programmers are becoming smarter to ensure production of the best and greatest codes compared to potential competitors. The easiness of obtaining the source code is also a great inspiration and a guide for many initial code developers especially web designers. An author of a code can find feedback such as suggestions or criticisms from other users and this is vital for systems productivity.
Companies such as Microsoft can also be able to find the open-source teams and expand their capabilities indefinitely since such measure is global and allows full-time international interactions. In line with Koch, open source enables a firm to ensure continuous use, maintenance and enhancement of a product (5). They must be able to integrate change on future developments to ensure competitive investment. The systems are able to harness sustainability, through collaboration of users and developers.
Although code developers are eager to maintain a reputation in the industry, open source may compromise need to recognize ownership of the original version of code. Indiscipline among users and lack of tight security measures to protect originality leads to existence of multiple versions of a code. With such scenario arising, it is extremely difficult to give credit where it is due. The uses are supposed to benefit from enhanced applications and related financial benefits, while the initial developer gets recognition.
Software developers have often engaged and appreciated the open source form of programming due to easiness on implementation of aspects that initially seemed to conflict such as reliability, innovativeness and interoperability. Internet community ought to value creativity and efficiency and ensure that accomplishments are not redone/duplicated but rather improved.
Good open source software incorporates other common data formats, and these forms of reuse and refinement have previously enhanced development of quality and unique software. There are various debates based on open source especially envisioning future prospects of the field of sharing codes. The current research studies on the matter provide only a glimpse of the facts and fail to expound on the possible pedagogy and technological changes.
Today there is a unique but exiting era and as Canne puts it, “the perfect e-storm is becoming less cloudy and ominous” (151). The writer emphasizes the importance of maintaining the idea of open licensing. Founders such as CISCO termed open sources as the greatest investment a company and consequently the government can make.
Open source applications are thus the basis for implementation of the Internet, as well as mail servers. Ideas of the programmers provide chances for improvement, scaling and reutilization of code to achieve new goals. Various internet protocols such as TCP/IP are a long lasting communication and sharing rules still in use on any network today.
Allen, Chris,. Balkan, Aral,. Grden, John,. Arnold, Wade,. & Cannasse, Nicolas. The Essential Guide to Open Source Flash Development . New York, NY Apress. 2008. Press.
Canne, Torre. Product-Focused Software Process Improvement: 12th International Conference , PROFES 2011: Lecture Notes in Computer Science / Programming and Software Engineering Series. Vol. 6759. Italy: Springer ltd. 2011.
Koch, Stefan. Free/open source software development. Pennsylvania, PA: Idea Group Publishers. 2005. Press.
Meeker, Heather J. The open source alternative: understanding risks and leveraging opportunities . New Jersey, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2008. Press.
Reece, Monique., Shah, Rawn., & Tasner, Michael. How to Innovate in Marketing (Collection) . New Jersey, NJ: Ft Press Delivers. Press.
Richter, Susanne. Critique for the Open Source Development Model. Germany. GRIN Verlag. 2007. Press.
VanDyk, John, K. Pro Drupal development . Second Edition. New York, NY Apress. 2008. Press.
Van Reijswoud, Victor. Free and open source software for development: exploring expectations, achievements and the future . Milan Italy: Polimetrica s.a.s. ltd. 2008. Press.
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Myspace: My First Website
Turning point in my ics journey.
Coming back to school to study Information and Computer Sciences, I was initially set on a career in data science since math was one of my strongest skills. However, as I progressed with my studies, I began questioning my path. Where do I belong in the world of computer science? Then came UI and I was instantly taken back to 11-year-old me designing my profile page for MySpace.
My First Interactions With HTML
Before Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, MySpace was the social website of its time. It wasn’t like any other website in the sense that you could design your own profile page via HTML. It was then I designed my first ever web page. There were many HTML templates and resources online that you could use to help build your page and customize it. I remember spending hours finding HTML templates and tweaking it to my liking -setting my profile page background, cursor, and adding a music player to play my favorite songs. The possibilities were endless, and even though many profiles looked wild, they were filled with personality.
Learning HTML Now
Fast forward to now, learning about HTML/CSS and Bootstrap 5 feels like a full circle moment for me. Building a website from scratch with raw HTML and CSS code can be daunting and time consuming. However, Bootstrap 5 changes the game. Recreating Duke's Waikiki from scratch(my work pictured above) would probably take me hours, but Bootstrap 5 cuts down my time exponentially. It presets for cards, navbars, and more, which alleviates the workload of a web designer. Additionally, it ensures the websites I build are mobile-compatible, which is a must in today’s world.
An Introduction to HTML for Beginners
HTML, which stands for HyperText Markup Language, serves as the foundation of web development. It enables you to create interactive web pages, structure content, and effectively communicate your message.
In this guide, we'll explore HTML comprehensively, addressing essential questions to provide a strong foundation for budding web developers.
The Crucial Role of HTML in Web Development
HTML plays an essential role in web development as it defines the structure and content of web pages. It serves as the backbone upon which websites are built.
HTML accomplishes this by utilizing a system of tags and elements, each serving a unique purpose.
How Do I Write HTML Code?
Writing HTML code is a matter of understanding HTML tags.
Tags are enclosed within angle brackets, each comprising an opening and closing part. They function as building blocks that define the structure of your web page.
Think of them as the bricks and mortar of web development. Understanding their roles is essential for web development.
How to Create a Website Using HTML?
Creating a website using HTML involves several key steps. Let's go over them in the following sections.
Website Planning
Before you start coding, take time to plan your website thoroughly.
Identify your target audience, outline the content and structure of your site and design a layout that aligns with your goals.
Keep in mind that the visual design can be enhanced with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a topic we'll explore later in your web development journey.
Writing HTML Code
Open a text editor, such as Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text, and begin writing HTML code.
Start with the basic structure, including <!DOCTYPE html> , <html> </html> , <head> </head> , and <body> </body> .
Then, populate the body with your content.
Saving as .html
Save your HTML files with a .html extension to indicate that they are web pages. Proper file naming is essential for organizing your project.
Local Testing
To see how your website looks and functions, open your HTML files in a web browser. This local testing phase allows you to fine-tune your design and layout.
Hosting and Publishing
For your website to be accessible on the internet, you'll need web hosting services. Various providers offer hosting, and you'll typically obtain a domain name (for example, www.yourwebsite.com) to point to your hosted site.
How to Start HTML Code?
Starting HTML code is straightforward. Let's go over each step in the following sections.
Text Editor Selection
Choose a text editor that suits your needs. Popular options include Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Atom. These editors offer features like syntax highlighting and autocompletion tailored to web development.
HTML5 Declaration
Initiate your HTML document with <!DOCTYPE html> . This declaration signifies the use of HTML5, the latest HTML standard.
Building the Structure
Inside the <html> </html> tags, create your HTML structure.
The <head> </head> section contains metadata, including the page title, and the <body> </body> section houses the visible content of your web page.
Adding Metadata
Within the <head> </head> section, utilize the <meta> tag to specify the character encoding, ensuring proper rendering.
How Do I Run HTML Code Step by Step?
Executing HTML code is straightforward, thanks to modern web browsers. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Save Your HTML File
Ensure that your HTML file is saved with a .html extension. This signals to your computer that it's an HTML document.
Double-Click to Open
Double-click the HTML file, and your default web browser will automatically open it. Your browser renders the HTML, displaying your web page.
Alternative Browsers
If you prefer a specific web browser, you can right-click the HTML file and choose "Open with" to select your preferred browser.
Inspect and Debug
Modern web browsers come equipped with built-in developer tools that enable you to inspect and debug your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Access these tools by right-clicking on your web page and selecting "Inspect" or by pressing F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac).
How Do You Write "Hello" in HTML?
Displaying "Hello" on a web page is straightforward. You can use the <h1> tag to create a top-level heading, as demonstrated earlier.
HTML offers multiple ways to present "Hello." For instance:
Or you can use a paragraph tag:
Both options result in "Hello!" being displayed on your web page. The choice depends on the context and your styling preferences.
It's worth noting that HTML has six levels of headings, ranging from <h1> (the highest) to <h6> (the lowest). Headings are used to structure content hierarchically, with <h1> representing the main heading and <h6> representing subheadings.
How to Create an HTML File with an Example?
Creating an HTML file is your gateway to web development. Here's an expanded step-by-step guide:
Choose a Text Editor
Select a text editor that suits your workflow and preferences. Modern editors offer features like syntax highlighting and autocompletion, enhancing your coding experience.
Structure Your HTML
Begin your HTML document with <!DOCTYPE html> , followed by <html> </html> tags to enclose your content. Inside the <head> </head> section, set metadata, such as the page title and character encoding, using the <meta> tag.
Add Content
Within the <body> </body> section, insert your content. Experiment with various HTML tags to format your content, including headings, paragraphs, lists, links, and images.
Save with .html Extension
Save your file with a .html extension. This naming convention ensures that your computer recognizes it as an HTML document.
Preview Locally
Double-click the HTML file to open it in your web browser. This provides an instant preview of your webpage, allowing you to see how it appears to your audience.
Introducing CSS for Styling
While HTML defines the structure of your web page, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used for styling. You can link an external CSS file to your HTML to control the design and layout of your webpage. For example:
This separation of content (HTML) and presentation (CSS) is a fundamental practice in web development.
How Do You Write a Sentence in HTML?
To create a sentence in HTML, you can employ the <p> (paragraph) tag, as mentioned earlier. However, HTML offers flexibility, allowing you to use other inline tags for shorter text snippets. Here's an example:
Alternatively, for shorter text, you can use the <span> tag:
The <p> tag is typically used for paragraphs, while the <span> tag is more versatile and is often used for inline elements within a sentence or paragraph. Choose the tag that suits the context of your content.
Additional HTML Elements to Explore
While we've covered the basics, HTML offers a plethora of elements and attributes for creating rich and interactive web experiences. Here are some additional HTML elements you can explore:
HTML provides elements like <form> , <input> and <button> to create user-friendly forms for collecting data.
You can use <table> , <tr> , <td> and other related tags to structure tabular data.
Embed images, audio, and video using <img> , <audio> , and <video> tags.
Links and Anchors
Create hyperlinks using the <a> tag to connect web pages and external resources.
Use <ul> for unordered lists, <ol> for ordered lists and <li> for list items.
Semantic Tags
HTML5 introduced semantic elements like <header> , <nav> , <section> , <article> and <footer> to enhance the structure and accessibility of web pages.
Further refine your document with meta tags, including those for specifying character encoding, viewport settings, and author information.
In closing, HTML is your gateway to web development. It provides the foundation upon which you can build stunning web experiences and effectively communicate with your audience.
Whether you're embarking on creating a personal blog, launching an e-commerce site, or showcasing your portfolio, HTML forms the foundation of your online presence.
As you progress in web development, remember that HTML is just the beginning of your journey. Complement your HTML skills with CSS for styling and JavaScript for interactivity. This approach empowers you to create dynamic and engaging websites that captivate the attention of your audience.
In your pursuit of web development excellence, embrace the challenges and endless possibilities presented by HTML and the ever-evolving field of web technologies. Stay curious, never stop learning, and remain current with the latest standards and best practices. Connect with me on Twitter .
HI, I am Joan, a frontend developer and technical writer who's deeply passionate about open-source technologies. With several years of experience in the industry, I have been involved in various projects, contributing code, and writing technical documentation to empower developers worldwide. When not coding or writing, I enjoy crocheting, reading and listening to podcasts. If you enjoy reading my tech articles, consider <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/joanayebola">buying me a coffee</a> to help me more contents and projects for developers.
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