The A-Z Web Development Guide

A Simple Guide to Web Development

Starting a web development project can be an intimidating task, especially if you’re new to the field. But with a little guidance, you can navigate the alphabet soup of acronyms and learn the basics to get you up and running.

From HTML to CSS, JavaScript, and beyond, this web development guide covers the A-Z to help you understand the fundamentals, prepare for the journey, and get your web development projects off the ground.

What is HTML?

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. Web developers use this language to give structure to websites. Despite its common misconceptions, HTML is not a programming language.

It is a markup language that you can use to describe the structure and content of web pages. HTML code is written in plain text files, making it easy to edit by hand. Most web browsers can display HTML content.

What is CSS?

CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. CSS is used to add visual style and design to your website. As the name suggests, it cascades and applies to multiple elements on the page.

There are many pre-made CSS codes that you can use to add a design to your website quickly and easily. Once you know the basics of CSS, you can create your own, custom design. This can save you a lot of time, especially with CSS frameworks.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity to your website. There are many different things you can do with this programming language, along with typescript.

For instance, you can create pop-ups, and alerts, or show/hide elements on your website. You can also save data to a database with this programming language.

What is a CMS?

A CMS stands for Content Management System. This is a platform or system that allows you to manage the content of your website. There are many different CMS systems available, including WordPress, Joomla, and Wix.

If you’re building a website from scratch, you’ll need to build a CMS from scratch as well! If you don’t have coding skills, this is a recipe for disaster. A CMS will help you get your website up and running quickly. Many of the best CMS systems have a drag-and-drop interface, so they’re super easy to use.

What are web development tools?

Web development tools are pieces of software that make the process of creating websites easier. Some of the most common web development tools include:

Code editors – Code editors are software that allows you to write code more efficiently. You can write in multiple languages, such as PHP, Python (Django and Flask), Ruby, and many more.
Version control – Version control allows you to track the changes you make to a website over time. This is useful when you’re working with multiple people. It allows you to see who made the changes and when they were made.
Build tools – Build tools help you to automate the build process. This means they will automatically compile your code and make sure it works.

What is version control?

As the name suggests, version control is a system for tracking changes to your code over time. You’ll typically be working with a team of developers on complex web projects. This is especially important when working with code written in languages like PHP or Ruby.

These languages allow you to write code that can do almost anything. This can sometimes lead to issues, where you’re not sure what certain parts of your code do. With version control, you can see exactly what has changed over time and revert back to a previous version if necessary.

What are web development best practices?

If you’re thinking about getting into web development, here are some of the best practices to get started.

Keep it simple: The principle of simplicity is applied in various aspects of web development. The best designs are clean and simple, making them easy to understand and use. This often means stripping away unnecessary elements and only including content that is necessary to communicate the business goals of the site.
Keep it consistent: Establishing visual consistency across your website is another best practice for web design. This often means using a limited color palette, as well as consistent font sizes and type styles. Consistency across your website helps build brand recognition, making it easier for your visitors to navigate your site and remember your brand.
Keep it accessible: Creating websites that are accessible to all people, regardless of their conditions or abilities, is another important best practice in web development. A large portion of your website visitors may have some type of disability that makes it difficult for them to navigate your site. This includes people with visual impairments, cognitive impairments, or motor impairments.

What resources are available for web development?

There are thousands of articles and tutorials online to help you with your web development projects. You can also join a community of web developers on platforms like CodePen and StackOverflow.

With the right knowledge, you’ll be able to design, build, and launch a website from scratch. You’ll also be able to troubleshoot issues and fix bugs along the way. And if you need a little help along the way, that’s okay too!