What is Web Development?

Web development is a broad term that refers to the tasks associated with creating websites. Web content development, client-side/server-side scripting and network security configuration are all part of the web development process.

Client-side(Front-end)

The visual aesthetics you see when you visit a website is called the client-side part of the website or more commonly known as the "front-end." The client-side coding of the website follows strict guidelines provided by web designers. Languages often associated with client-side programming include HTML, CSS, and Javascript these being the most common.

Server-side(Back-end)

The functionality, data storage, and in essence the life of the website is the server-side or more commonly known as the "back-end." The server-side of a website is usually never seen by the visitor of the website. Its purpose is to manage the data of the website(server to client interaction) relaying and storing information onto and from its server for the client to use. Coding for the server-side isn't focused to look visually appealing its job is to support its visually appealing counterpart by providing it with functionality. Languages used for the server-side of a website include Java, ASP, PERL, Javascript(server side), PHP, Python(just to name a few).

CLIENT-SIDE	SERVER-SIDE
Client-side programming is focused towards the visual aesthetics of the website.	Server-side programming is focused towards the functionality of the website.
It's purpose is to provide a visually pleasing website and to support user interaction with the website.	It's purpose is to manage data and to ensure the website functions seamlessly.
Common languages to program the client-side: HTML,CSS,Javascript	Common languages to program the server-side: PHP, PERL, Ruby, Java, C#, Python

HTML(HyperText Markup Language)

HTML is the language used to structure web pages. It is written in the form of HTML elements consisting of tags enclosed in angle brackets. A HTML tag specifies the structure and style of the particular web page.

CSS(Cascading Styles Sheet)

If HTML is the barebones structure of the website then CSS is its makeup. CSS styles HTML elements to look visually pleasing and appealing to the user. This includes styling such as font, font-color, and background-color.

Javascript/JQuery

Javascript is what makes the webpage come alive. Things such as pop-ups and confirmation screens are usually done with javascript. It also provides a more dynamic way for the user to interact with the website. For example, when your cursor hovers over the menu, the color of each button darken and when your cursor leaves that particular button it goes back to its original color again. JQuery is a library of javascript, it is a quicker and easier way to bring those dynamic javascript functions to your web page.