Intro to Web Technologies
Key Concepts
Internet: A global network of interconnected computer networks. No single entity owns it, but
individual networks within it can be owned by individuals or companies.
World Wide Web (WWW): An internet service that allows searching for information.
Protocols: Common languages that networks use to communicate with each other.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): A company that owns a Wide Area Network (WAN) and leases
access to it, enabling individuals to connect to the internet.
History of the Internet
1960s: Originated as a project of the United States Department of Defense.
1969: ARPANET, a connection between two universities, was established.
Until 1988: Primarily used by academic institutions.
1989: Invention of hyperlinks revolutionized navigation.
Internet Services
World Wide Web (WWW): Information retrieval service.
Email: Electronic mail service.
File Transfer: Service for transferring files (e.g., publishing web pages).
Remote Host Logon: Service for logging into remote computers.
Web Application Development Terms
Client: The device used to access web applications (e.g., desktop computer, tablet, mobile
phone).
Web Server: A computer that hosts web pages and serves them to clients upon request.
Web Browser: A program on the client device that requests web pages from the server and
renders them.
Network Types
Local Area Network (LAN): Connects computers in close proximity.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Connects multiple LANs.
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Facilitate connections between WANs, forming the internet.
Static vs. Dynamic Web Pages
Static Web Page:
Content is the same for all users.
File extension: .htm or .html (we will use .html).
The actual .html file resides on the web server.
The web browser sends an HTTP request to the server.
The server sends the .html file back to the browser in an HTTP response.
The browser interprets the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to display the page.
Dynamic Web Page:
Content can vary based on user input, database information, etc.
The web server executes programs/scripts to generate the HTML page dynamically.
An application server may be involved to retrieve data from a database.
The generated HTML is then sent to the client's web browser.
HTTP Requests and Responses
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The communication protocol used for requesting and
transmitting web pages.
When a web browser requests a page, it sends an HTTP request to the server.
The server processes the request and sends the web page back to the browser as part of an
HTTP response.
JavaScript
Client-side scripting language: Runs in the web browser.
Used for adding interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages (e.g., image carousels, form
validation).
Does not make a website dynamic in and of itself.
Module Project Notes
Website projects are to use pure HTML and CSS only.
Bootstrap is not permitted for the project.
JavaScript is allowed, but not required.
Focus is on planning the project first, then developing it throughout the semester.
