Web Development

Web development is the work involved in developing a website for the Internet (World Wide Web) or an intranet (a private network).^[1] Web development can range from developing a simple single static page of plain text to complex web applications, electronic businesses, and social network services. A more comprehensive list of tasks to which Web development commonly refers, may include Web engineering, Web design, Web content development, client liaison, client-side/server-side scripting, Web server and network security configuration, and e-commerce development.

Among Web professionals, “Web development” usually refers to the main non-design aspects of building Web sites: writing markup and coding.^[2] Web development may use content management systems (CMS) to make content changes easier and available with basic technical skills.

For larger organizations and businesses, Web development teams can consist of hundreds of people (Web developers) and follow standard methods like Agile methodologies while developing Web sites.^[1] Smaller organizations may only require a single permanent or contracting developer, or secondary assignment to related job positions such as a graphic designer or information systems technician. Web development may be a collaborative effort between departments rather than the domain of a designated department. There are three kinds of Web developer specialization: front-end developer, back-end developer, and full-stack developer.^[3] Front-end developers are responsible for behavior and visuals that run in the user browser, while back-end developers deal with the servers.^[4] Since the commercialization of the Web, the industry has boomed and has become one of the most used technologies ever.

Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web in 1989 at CERN.^[5]

The primary goal in the development of the Web was to fulfill the automated information-sharing needs of academics affiliated with institutions and various global organizations. Consequently, HTML was developed in 1993.^[6]

Web 1.0 is described as the first paradigm wherein users could only view material and provide a small amount of information.^[7] Core protocols of web 1.0 were HTTP, HTML and URI.^[8]

Web 2.0, a term popularised by Dale Dougherty, then vice president of O’Reilly, during a 2004 conference with Media Live, marks a shift in internet usage, emphasizing interactivity.^[9][10]

Web 2.0 introduced increased user engagement and communication. It evolved from the static, read-only nature of Web 1.0 and became an integrated network for engagement and communication. It is often referred to as a user-focused, read-write online network.^[7]

In the realm of Web 2.0 environments, users now have access to a platform that encourages sharing activities such as creating music, files, images, and movies.^[11] The architecture of Web 2.0 is often considered the “backbone of the internet,” using standardized XML (Extensible Markup Language) tags to authorize information flow from independent platforms and online databases.^[7]

Web 3.0, considered the third and current version of the web, was introduced in 2014. The concept envisions a complete redesign of the web. Key features include the integration of metadata, precise information delivery, and improved user experiences based on preferences, history, and interests.^{[citation needed]}

Web 3.0 aims to turn the web into a sizable, organized database, providing more functionality than traditional search engines. Users can customize navigation based on their preferences, and the core ideas involve identifying data sources, connecting them for efficiency, and creating user profiles.^[7]

This version is sometimes also known as Semantic Web.^[12]

The journey of web development technologies began with simple HTML pages in the early days of the internet. Over time, advancements led to the incorporation of CSS for styling and JavaScript for interactivity. This evolution transformed static websites into dynamic and responsive platforms, setting the stage for the complex and feature-rich web applications we have today.

• Static HTML Pages (1990s)
• Introduction of CSS (late 1990s)^[13]
• JavaScript and Dynamic HTML (1990s – early 2000s)^[14][15]
• AJAX (1998)^[16]
• Rise of Content management systems (CMS) (mid-2000s)
• Mobile web (late 2000s – 2010s)
• Single-page applications (SPAs) and front-end frameworks (2010s)
• Server-side javaScript (2010s)
• Microservices and API-driven development (2010s – present)
• Progressive web apps (PWAs) (2010s – present)
• JAMstack Architecture (2010s – present)
• WebAssembly (Wasm) (2010s – present)
• Serverless computing (2010s – present)
• AI and Machine Learning Integration (2010s – present)

Web development in future will be driven by advances in  browser technology, Web internet infrastructure, protocol standards, software engineering methods, and application trends.^[8]

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The web development life cycle is a method that outlines the stages involved in building websites and web applications. It provides a structured approach, ensuring optimal results throughout the development process.^{[citation needed]}

A typical Web Development process can be divided into 7 steps-

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.^[17]

Phase one involves crafting a web strategy and analyzing how a website can effectively achieve its goals. Keil et al’s research^[18] 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.

The analysis phase can be divided into 3 steps-

• Development of a web strategy
• Defining objectives
• Objective analysis

During this phase, the previously outlined objectives and available resources undergo analysis to determine their feasibility. This analysis is divided into six tasks, as follows:

• Technology analysis: Identification of all necessary technological components and tools for constructing, hosting, and supporting the site.
• Information analysis: Identification of user-required information, whether static (web page) or dynamic (pulled “live” from a database server).
• Skills analysis: Identification of the diverse skill sets necessary to complete the project.
• User analysis: Identification of all intended users of the site, a more intricate process due to the varied range of users and technologies they may use.
• Cost analysis: Estimation of the development cost for the site or an evaluation of what is achievable within a predefined budget.
• Risk analysis: Examination of any major risks associated with site development.

Following this analysis, a more refined set of objectives is documented. Objectives that cannot be presently fulfilled are recorded in a Wish List, constituting part of the Objectives Document. This documentation becomes integral to the iterative process during the subsequent cycle of the methodology.^[17]

It is crucial for web developers to be engaged in formulating a plan and determining the optimal architecture and selecting the frameworks.^{[citation needed]} Additionally, developers/consultants play a role in elucidating the total cost of ownership associated with supporting a website, which may surpass the initial development expenses.

Key aspects in this step are-

• Sitemap creation
• Wireframe creation
• Tech stack

Following the analysis phase, the development process moves on to the design phase, which is guided by the objectives document. Recognizing the incremental growth of websites and the potential lack of good design architecture, the methodology includes iteration to account for changes and additions over the life of the site. The design phase, which is divided into Information Design and Graphic Design, results in a detailed Design Document that details the structure of the website, database data structures, and CGI scripts.*

The following step, design testing, focuses on early, low-cost testing to identify inconsistencies or flaws in the design. This entails comparing the website’s design to the goals and objectives outlined in the first three steps. Phases One and Two involve an iterative loop in which objectives in the Objectives Document are revisited to ensure alignment with the design. Any objectives that are removed are added to the Wish List for future consideration.^[17]

Key aspects in this step are-

• Page layouts
• Review
• Approval

No matter how visually appealing a website is, good communication with clients is critical. The primary purpose of content production is to create a communication channel through the user interface by delivering relevant information about your firm in an engaging and easily understandable manner. This includes:^{[citation needed]}

• Developing appealing calls to action
• Making creative headlines
• Content formatting for readability
• Carrying out line editing
• Text updating throughout the site development process.

The stage of content production is critical in establishing the branding and marketing of your website or web application. It serves as a platform for defining the purpose and goals of your online presence through compelling and convincing content.

During this critical stage, the website is built while keeping its fundamental goal in mind, paying close attention to all graphic components to assure the establishment of a completely working site.

The procedure begins with the development of the main page, which is followed by the production of interior pages. The site’s navigational structure is being refined in particular.

During this development phase, key functionality such as the Content Management System, interactive contact forms, and shopping carts are activated.

The coding process includes creating all of the site’s software and installing it on the appropriate Web servers. This can range from simple things like posting to a Web server to more complex tasks like establishing database connections.

In any web project, the testing phase is incredibly intricate and difficult. Because web apps are frequently designed for a diverse and often unknown user base running in a range of technological environments, their complexity exceeds that of traditional Information Systems (IS). To ensure maximum reach and efficacy, the website must be tested in a variety of contexts and technologies. The website moves to the delivery stage after gaining final approval from the designer. To ensure its preparation for launch, the quality assurance team performs rigorous testing for functionality, compatibility, and performance.

Additional testing is carried out, including integration, stress, scalability, load, resolution, and cross-browser compatibility. When the approval is given, the website is pushed to the server via FTP, completing the development process.

Key aspects in this step are-

• Test Lost Links
• Use code validators
• Check browser

The web development process goes beyond deployment to include a variety of post-deployment tasks.

Websites, in 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 us