Website development is one of the main pillars for the online presence of businesses, brands and even individuals in today’s digital world. This process includes a set of activities and techniques for designing, implementing and optimizing a website, which can range from creating a simple static page to developing complex web applications and Social networks cover a wide range.
Although many people consider website development to be limited to coding and markup, this field is much broader than that. The development process includes various parts such as front-end programming, back-end programming, database management, network and server security configuration, developing online stores, and creating content management systems (CMS). Each of these parts plays an important role in improving the performance, security, and user experience of a website.
With the growing growth of the Internet and the need for businesses to have a strong online presence, website development has become one of the key skills in the technology world. Choosing the right approach to website design and development can have a significant impact on a brand’s online success and help increase user engagement, improve SEO rankings, and ultimately grow your business, which we will discuss in this article.
Why is website development important?
In today’s digital world, Website development plays a key role in the advancement of businesses and creating job opportunities. Maybe you are a business owner who has hired a remote developer to design your website, or a marketer who is providing strategy to the development team. You may even be a student learning web development skills to enter the world of technology. Regardless of your position, familiarity with the basics of website development can be a significant competitive advantage in this digital age.
The Internet is not only not going away, but it is becoming more widespread every day. Today, the Internet has become one of the main tools for research, communication, education, and entertainment. According to statistics, as of 2019, more than 4.2 billion people around the world were using the internet, which is more than half of the world’s population. These users use the internet for a variety of purposes, but all of these activities have one thing in common: a dependence on websites and web developers.
Websites are a collection of files that reside on servers – computers that store and manage website information. Users connect to the servers through browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox to access this information. In this process, the user’s computer is known as the client, which sends a request to receive information.
Given the growing growth of the Internet and the importance of online presence, developing a professional website is no longer an option, but an essential requirement for success in the digital space.
What is an IP address and what role does it play in website development?
The Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of standards and rules that manage and control communications on the Internet. Every website, server, and device connected to the Internet has a unique IP address, which is known as its identifier on the network. This address is a string of numbers that allows devices to be identified and communicate with each other. To access a website, your browser uses its IP address in the background to retrieve the necessary information from the server.
Every device connected to the internet, including computers, smartphones, and even web servers, has a unique IP address. This address helps devices distinguish each other and send and receive information correctly.
With the increasing dependence on technology and the ever-growing growth of the internet, the demand for web developers is expected to grow by 13%, which is much higher than the average growth rate for other technology jobs. This trend reflects the importance of website development in the digital future and the ongoing need for professionals in this field.
What is HTTP?
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is one of the most important Internet standards that enables communication between users and web servers. This protocol defines a set of rules that specify how data is transferred from the server to your browser. In simple terms, HTTP is an interface between your requests and the server that stores the website information.
When you enter a website address in your browser or search for information through search engines, HTTP provides a framework for communication between the client (your device) and the server. This connection is designed to receive your requests, retrieve information from the server, and finally display the web page to you.
In fact, HTTP can be thought of as a translator that sends the language of the user’s requests to the server and then translates the server’s response into a viewable web page. This technology plays a key role in website development, as it determines how users interact with sites and directly affects loading speed, security, and user experience.
With the advancement of technology, a more secure version of this protocol, HTTPS, has been developed, which uses the SSL/TLS security layer to encrypt data and protect user information from cyber threats. Using HTTPS in website development not only increases site security, but also improves the site’s SEO.
Coding and its role in website development
Coding is the process of writing commands that servers, programs, and computer systems need to execute. This is done using programming languages, which are a set of rules and specific vocabulary for communicating with computers. Programming languages, like a human language, have specific syntax, sentence structure, and markup, but can only be read and processed by computers and related software.
All software and websites are built using at least one programming language. However, the type of programming language used varies depending on the platform, operating system, and the purpose of the project. In the field of website development, programming languages are divided into two main categories:
- Front-end coding: Includes languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that determine the appearance and interactions of the website for users.
- Back-end coding: Includes languages such as Python, PHP, Java, js, and Ruby that are responsible for data processing, database management, and communication between the server and the user.
Today, learning to code is considered an essential skill not only for web developers, but also for many technology-related professions. Choosing the right language and familiarity with coding structures has a direct impact on the speed, security, and efficiency of website development.
What is Client-side Coding?
Client-side coding, also known as front-end development, is the part of website development that users directly view and interact with. This type of coding involves designing and implementing the components that load in the browser and shape the user experience.
The Role of Client-side Coding in Website Development
When a website’s information is sent from the server to the browser, client-side code processes this data and displays it in a way that users can interact with it. These interactions include:
- Watching videos and images
- Zooming in or out of images
- Clicking on buttons and links
- Filling out online forms
- Changing the color and style of elements with a mouse movement
One of the important features of client-side coding is that some functions can be performed without the need for constant communication with the server. For example, drop-down menus, animations, and dynamic page changes can be implemented directly in the browser.
Front-end programming languages
Three main languages are used to develop the front-end of a website:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language): For structuring web pages
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): For designing and styling page elements
- JavaScript: For creating dynamic interactions and animations
In addition, frameworks and libraries such as React.js, Vue.js, and Angular are used to develop user interfaces faster and more efficiently.
What is Server-side Coding?
Server-side coding, also known as back-end development, is the part of website development that users don’t see, but the overall functionality of the site depends on it. This part involves data management, request processing, and application logic execution, which is done on the server.
The Role of Server-side Coding in Website Development
Every website needs two parts to function properly: the front-end, which users interact with, and the back-end, which works behind the scenes. The main tasks of server-side coding include:
- Database management (storing, retrieving, and updating information)
- Processing user requests (such as logging in or placing an order)
- Establishing communication between the front-end and the server
- Managing security and user authentication
- Managing resources and optimizing site performance
Why are server-side coding languages more diverse?
While in client-side coding, browsers only understand JavaScript, servers can execute several different languages. This allows developers to use a variety of languages according to the needs of the project.
Popular languages for server-side coding
Some of the most popular back-end languages and frameworks are:
- PHP: One of the oldest web development languages, suitable for WordPress and various projects
- Python (Django, Flask): Powerful and readable, popular in AI and data analysis projects
- js: Server-side JavaScript execution, ideal for chat applications and real-time web services
- Ruby on Rails: Suitable for rapid development of startup websites
- Java (Spring): Used in enterprise applications and complex websites
- C# (.NET): Popular in developing enterprise websites and services Windows
What is a CMS? (Content Management System)
A content management system (CMS) is a web-based software or application used to create, manage, and publish content on websites. It allows users to manage their site’s content without the need for specialized programming knowledge.
How does a CMS work?
A CMS is like a management platform that provides the tools needed to create and edit web pages. Users can easily place text, images, videos, links, and other content on their site and change them.
🔹 Note: A CMS is different from site builders like Wix or Squarespace, which offer ready-made templates. While these platforms allow beginners to quickly design a site, CMS is more flexible and allows developers to add customized features to the site.
Benefits of using CMS in website development
✔Easy content management: Ability to create, edit, and publish content without the need to code
✔Add new features with extensions and plugins
✔Customize templates and website design
✔Security and ongoing support
✔Optimize SEO and user experience (UX)
✔Integration with marketing and CRM tools
What types of websites are CMS used on?
🔹Blogs (for content and article production)
🔹Business and corporate websites
🔹Online stores (e-commerce)
🔹News websites and online magazines
🔹Educational and university portals
The most famous CMSs in the world
1️⃣ WordPress: The world’s most popular CMS, used for all types of websites
2️⃣ Joomla: Suitable for more complex and organizational websites
3️⃣ Drupal: High security, suitable for large projects
4️⃣ Magento: Special for online stores
5️⃣ HubSpot CMS Hub: Integrated with CRM and digital marketing tools
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to a set of measures, processes, and technologies that are taken to protect data, networks, and computer systems from cyber threats and attacks. The main goal of cybersecurity is to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, prevent data theft, and maintain the integrity and proper functioning of systems.
With the expansion of the Internet and the increasing dependence of people on it, cyber threats and attacks are becoming more complex and diverse. Hackers and cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities in websites and systems that they can use to disclose private information, steal data, and cause sabotage. Common types of threats include:
- Viruses and Malware
- Phishing
- DDoS attacks
- Database breaches
- Using weak passwords
- Unauthorized access to customer and user information
The importance of cybersecurity in website development
Cybersecurity is of particular importance in the online world due to the importance of protecting user privacy and sensitive information. Failure to comply with security principles can lead to financial losses, loss of brand credibility, and damage to a website’s reputation. To keep your website safe from cyber threats, the following security measures are essential:
- Use SSL certificates to encrypt information
- Regularly update software and plugins
- Use strong and complex passwords
- Regularly back up data
- Monitor and identify suspicious activities
- Use firewalls and anti-virus software
At the end
Website development is a complex and multifaceted process that includes various steps, including client-side and server-side coding, using content management systems (CMS), and ensuring cybersecurity. Each part of it plays a vital role in the performance, security, and productivity of the website.
In general, this process basically refers to building and managing the structure, content, and design of a website, which requires advanced coding skills and various tools. Ultimately, to have a successful and efficient website, it is essential to pay attention to all the aforementioned aspects, including proper development, content optimization, and compliance with security principles. The combination of these factors will not only make your website perform better, but also gain user trust and ensure their security.
Original publication date: 11/10/1400Update date: 11/27/1403