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Understanding the Web

The internet is a vast global network that connects millions of computers, servers, and devices, allowing users to access and share information worldwide. It enables communication through websites, emails, and various online services.

How Websites Work

  • Websites are hosted on servers, which store web pages and serve them to users when requested.
  • Users access websites through browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, which retrieve and display web content.
  • Every website has a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that directs users to the correct server.

Building Blocks of Web Pages

  • HTML (HyperText Markup Language) – The structure of a webpage, defining elements like headings, paragraphs, and images.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) – Styles the webpage, controlling layout, colors, fonts, and responsiveness.
  • JavaScript – Adds interactivity, enabling dynamic content, animations, and user interactions.

How Data Travels on the Web

  • When you enter a website’s URL, your browser sends a request to the server hosting the site.
  • The server processes the request and sends back the webpage’s data (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
  • The browser then renders this data into a visual and interactive webpage.

Frontend vs. Backend

  • Frontend – What users see and interact with (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
  • Backend – The behind-the-scenes logic, databases, and servers that process requests and store data.

Understanding these concepts provides a strong foundation for diving into web development.