History of Web Development
How It Began
Web development is the process of creating a website for the Internet (World Wide Web) or a private network (intranet). Web development may include everything from a basic static page of plain text to complicated web apps, electronic companies, and social network services. Web development can relate to a broader range of responsibilities such as Web engineering, Web design, Web content creation, client interaction, client-side/server-side scripting, Web server and network security settings, and e-commerce development.
"Web development" is commonly used by Web professionals to refer to the non-design parts of constructing Web sites: authoring markup and coding. Content management systems (CMS) may be used in web development to facilitate content modifications and make them accessible to those with basic technical abilities.
For bigger companies and corporations, web development teams might consist of hundreds of individuals (web developers) that use conventional procedures such as Agile approaches to create websites. Smaller firms may simply need one permanent or contracting developer, or a secondary assignment to a similar employment title, such as graphic designer or information systems technician. Web development may be a collaborative endeavor across departments rather than the responsibility of a single department. There are three types of web developer specializations: front-end developer, back-end developer, and full-stack developer. Front-end developers are in charge of the behavior and graphics that appear in the user's browser, whereas back-end developers work with servers. Since its commercialization, the Web has grown to become one of the most widely utilized technologies of all time.
The evolution of the World Wide Web and its growth
Origin/Web 1.0
Tim Berners-Lee founded the World Wide Web in 1989 at CERN.
The fundamental purpose of Web development was to meet the automated information-sharing requirements of academics associated with universities and diverse worldwide organizations. Consequently, HTML was created in 1993.
Web 1.0 is regarded as the initial paradigm in which users could merely see content and offer little information. HTTP, HTML, and URI were the three core web 1.0 protocols.
Web 2.0
Web 2.0, coined by Dale Dougherty, then vice president of O'Reilly, during a 2004 conference with Media Live, refers to a shift in internet usage that emphasizes interactivity.
Web 2.0 enabled more user interaction and communication. It transitioned from the static, read-only character of Web 1.0 to an integrated network for participation and communication. It is commonly referred to as a user-centered, read-write online network.
In Web 2.0 contexts, consumers now have access to a platform that promotes sharing activities such as music, files, photos, and movies. Web 2.0 architecture is sometimes referred to as the "backbone of the internet," since it makes use of standardized XML (Extensible Markup Language) elements to permit information flow between disparate platforms and online databases.
Web 3.0
Web 3.0, considered the third and most recent version of the web, was released in 2014. The plan calls for a comprehensive makeover of the website. Key characteristics include metadata integration, accurate information delivery, and personalized user experiences based on preferences, history, and interests.[Citation required]
Web 3.0 aspires to transform the web into a large, structured database with greater capability than previous search engines. Users may tailor navigation to their tastes, and the key concepts include identifying data sources, linking them for efficiency, and generating user profiles.
This version is sometimes referred to as Semantic Web.
Evolution of Web Development Technologies
In the early days of the internet, basic HTML pages served as the foundation for web development technology. Over time, developments led to the inclusion of CSS for style and JavaScript for interaction. This progression changed static websites into dynamic and adaptable platforms, paving the way for today's sophisticated and feature-rich online apps.
Static HTML Pages (1990s).
Introduction of CSS (late 1990s)
JavaScript and Dynamic HTML (1990s–early 2000s)
AJAX (1998)
Content management systems (CMS) gained popularity in the mid-2000s.
Mobile web (late 2000s–2010s)
SPAs and front-end frameworks (2010s)
Server-side JavaScript (2010s)
Microservices and API-driven development (2010s–present)
Progressive web applications (PWAs) (2010s–present)
JAMstack Architecture (2010s–present)
WebAssembly (Wasm) (2010s–present)
Serverless computing (2010s–present)
AI and Machine Learning Integration (2010s–present)
Future web development will be driven by advancements in browser technology, web internet infrastructure, protocol standards, software engineering approaches, and application trends.
Web Development Life Cycle
AI and Machine Learning Integration (2010s–present)
Future online development will be fueled by advances in browser technology, web internet infrastructure, protocol standards, software engineering methodologies, and application trends.
A typical Web Development process can be divided into 7 steps-
Analysis
Debra Howcraft and John Carroll proposed a methodology in which web development process can be divided into sequential steps. They mentioned different aspects of analysis.
Phase one involves crafting a web strategy and analyzing how a website can effectively achieve its goals. Keil et al's research identifies the primary reasons for software project failures as a lack of top management commitment and misunderstandings of system requirements. To mitigate these risks, Phase One establishes strategic goals and objectives, designing a system to fulfill them. The decision to establish a web presence should ideally align with the organization's corporate information strategy.
Planning: sitemap and wireframe
It is critical for web developers to be involved in developing a strategy, defining the best architecture, and picking frameworks. [Citation required] Furthermore, developers/consultants help to determine the total cost of ownership for maintaining a website, which may exceed the initial production costs.
Design and layout
Following the analysis phase, the development process transitions to the design phase, which is directed by the goals document. Recognizing the progressive expansion of websites and the possible absence of effective design architecture, the process involves iteration to account for modifications and additions during the site's life. The design process, which is separated into Information Design and Graphic Design, produces a thorough Design Document outlining the website's structure, database data structures, and CGI scripts.
The next stage, design testing, focuses on early, low-cost testing to discover inconsistencies or defects in the design. This comprises comparing the website's design to the aims and objectives established in the preceding three processes. Phases One and Two feature an iterative loop in which objectives from the Objectives Document are reviewed to verify alignment with the design. Any objectives that are eliminated are placed on the Wish List for further consideration.
Content creation
No matter how visually stunning a website is, effective communication with customers is essential. The major goal of content creation is to establish a communication channel via the user interface by giving useful information about your company in an engaging and intelligible fashion. This includes:
Development
During this vital stage, the website is designed with the primary purpose in mind, paying special attention to all graphic components to ensure the creation of a fully functional site.
The process starts with the creation of the main page, followed by the creation of the inside pages. The site's navigational structure is being improved in particular.
During this development phase, major features, including the Content Management System, interactive contact forms, and shopping carts, are enabled.
The coding steps include developing all of the site's software and deploying it on the proper Web servers. This can range from simple operations like posting to a Web server to more complicated ones like creating database connections.
Testing, review and launch
In every online project, the testing step is extremely complex and demanding. Because web applications are usually created for a wide and often unknown user base operating in a variety of technical contexts, their complexity exceeds that of traditional information systems (IS). To achieve maximum reach and efficacy, the website must be evaluated across a range of situations and technologies. After receiving final clearance from the designer, the website is ready for delivery. To assure its readiness for launch, the quality assurance team conducts extensive testing for functionality, compatibility, and performance.
Additional testing includes integration, stress, scalability, load, resolution, and cross-browser compatibility. When permission is granted, the website is uploaded to the server via FTP, marking the end of the development process.
Maintenance and updating
The web development process goes beyond deployment to include a variety of post-deployment tasks.
Websites, for example, are frequently under ongoing maintenance, with new items being uploaded on a daily basis. The maintenance costs increases immensely as the site grows in size. The accuracy of content on a website is critical, demanding continuous monitoring to verify that both information and links, particularly external links, are updated. Adjustments are made in response to user feedback, and regular support and maintenance actions are carried out to maintain the website's long-term effectiveness.
In Summary
Web development is the process of building websites for the Internet or intranet. It includes duties such as web design, content generation, client-server scripting, and network security. It varies from simple static websites to large online apps. In general, web development focuses on code and markup, with content management systems (CMS) being used to facilitate content administration.
Web development started with Web 1.0, a read-only version of the internet designed by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 that allowed for minimal user interaction. Web 2.0, which emerged in the early 2000s, pioneered user-generated content and interaction. Web 3.0, introduced in 2014, focuses on the Semantic Web, offering tailored experiences and structured data integration.
Web development has grown through a variety of technologies, beginning with simple HTML and progressing to frameworks, JavaScript, mobile optimization, and AI integration. The development process typically consists of analysis, planning, design, content production, coding, testing, launch, and continuous maintenance.