Web development refers to building, creating, and maintaining websites.

It
includes aspects such as web design, web publishing, web programming,
and database management. It is the creation of an application that works
over the internet, i.e., websites.
Basics of Web Development
There are two major areas: Frontend and Backend which forms the
backbone of web development each plays a crucial role in creating
seamless, functional web experiences.
Frontend Development
In this module, we explore the core technologies that run in the user’s
browser—the client side—including how web pages are structured, styled,
and made interactive, building everything users see and interact with.
 HTML (HyperText Markup Language): HTML is the language used to
create the basic structure and content of web pages. It uses elements,
tags, and attributes to organize text, images, and links.
 CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): CSS is used to style the HTML content.
It controls colors, fonts, layouts, and how the page looks on different
devicesMore importantly, CSS enables you to do this independent of the
HTML that makes up each web page.
 JS (JavaScript): JavaScript adds life to web pages by making them
interactive. It handles things like buttons, animations, and form checks.

Backend Development:
In this module, we will explore the technologies that work behind the scenes
on the server to handle data, run the website, and store information.
Server-Side Programming Languages
In Backend Development, Server-side programming languages are used to
write code that runs on the server, not in the user’s browser. This server-side
scripting handles tasks like processing data, managing databases, and
controlling how the website works behind the scenes
Below are some popular languages used to build the back end of web
applications:
 JavaScript/Node.js:JavaScript is a popular programming language
mainly used to add interactivity on the client side (in browsers). With
Node.js, JavaScript can also run on the server side. Node.js is an open-
source environment that allows JavaScript to build fast, scalable back-end
services like APIs. Many big companies like PayPal, Uber, and Netflix use
Node.js for their server-side code.
 PHP: PHP is a server-side scripting language designed specifically for
web development. Since PHP code executed on the server-side, so it is
called a server-side scripting language.
 Python: Python is a programming language that lets you work quickly
and integrate systems more efficiently.
 Ruby: An object-oriented programming language designed to be simple
and natural to use. Ruby helps developers write clean and readable code.
 Java: Java is one of the most popular and widely used programming
languages and platforms. It is highly scalable. Java components are
easily available.
 Golang(Go): Golang is a procedural and statically typed programming
language having the syntax similar to C programming language.
Sometimes it is termed as Go Programming Language.
 C#: A modern, object-oriented language often used to build web
applications on Microsoft platforms.
Databases
A database is where a website’s data like user's data, product's data are
stored and organized. It is part of the backend (server side) that manages
and keeps this information safe. Websites use databases to save and
access information like user details, content, and transactions. Some
databases organize data in tables (called relational databases, like MySQL),
while others store data in flexible formats (called NoSQL databases, like
MongoDB).
There are basically two types of databases:
1. SQL/Relational Database
A relational database stores data in tables, similar to a spreadsheet, where
each table has rows and columns. The rows hold individual records, and the
columns define the data attributes. Tables can be linked to each other
through special keys, allowing related data to be connected.
 MySQL: MySQL is an open-source relational database management
system that uses SQL for managing structured data. It’s known for its
reliability, ease of use, and performance, widely used in web applications.
 Postgre SQL: PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database
that supports advanced SQL features and complex queries. It handles
structured data, ensures ACID compliance, and is known for its reliability
and extensibility.
 MariaDB: MariaDB is an open-source relational database that evolved
from MySQL, offering improved performance, security, and features. It
supports SQL queries, ACID compliance, and is highly compatible with
MySQL.
2. NoSQL Databases
A NoSQL database stores data in a flexible, non-tabular format, unlike
traditional relational databases. Instead of using tables with rows and
columns, NoSQL databases might use documents, key-value pairs, wide-
columns, or graphs to store data. This allows them to handle large amounts
of unstructured or semi-structured data efficiently. They are designed to
scale easily and manage big data applications.
 Mongodb: MongoDB is a NoSQL database storing data in JSON-like
documents. It handles unstructured data, supports powerful queries, and
scales easily across servers, making it popular for flexible, scalable
applications.
 Cassandra: Apache Cassandra is an open-source NoSQL database that
is used for handling big data. It has the capability to handle structure,
semi-structured, and unstructured data.
 Redis: Redis is an in-memory NoSQL database known for its speed. It
supports various data structures like strings, hashes, and lists, making it
ideal for caching, real-time analytics, and messaging.
Note: We use Database management systems help keep the data safe,
organized, and easy to use.
APIs and Data Exchange Formats
During Website development, different software components and web
applications constantly need to communicate and share information. For
instance, the frontend of your web application (running in the user's browser)
needs to get data from the backend (running on a server), or your application
might need to fetch information from a third-party service like a weather
provider or a payment gateway. This communication is made possible
through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and standardized Data
Formats.
Data Exchange formate for API Communication: When applications
communicate via APIs, they need a common, structured way to represent the
data being exchanged. This is where data formats come in.
Below are two common data formats used extensively in web development
for API communication:
 JSON: JSON or JavaScript Object Notation is a format for structuring
data.
 XML: Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language that
defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both
human-readable and machine-readable.
Version Control and Deployment
Developing a web application involves more than just writing code. Two
critical processes that ensure a smooth, organized, and reliable development
workflow are Version Control and Deployment.
Version control helps manage the evolution of your codebase, especially
when working in teams, while deployment is the process of making your
web application accessible to the world. Modern development practices
tightly integrate these two concepts, often through automation.
Graphics
Graphical elements are one of the key feature of any webpage. They can be
used to convey important points better than text does and beautify the
webpage.
 Canvas: The HTML “canvas” element is used to draw graphics via
JavaScript.
 SVG: SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It basically defines
vector-based graphics in XML format.
History of Web Development
Early 1990s: Birth of the Web
 Invention of core web technologies and first graphical browsers
 Technologies & Concepts: HTML, HTTP, URL, Mosaic
Mid to Late 1990s: Interactivity and Dynamic Content
 Client-side interactivity and styling introduced
 Dynamic sites emerge; browser wars between Netscape and Internet
Explorer
 Technologies & Concepts: JavaScript, CSS, PHP, ASP
Early to Mid 2000s: Web 2.0 and Richer Applications
 AJAX enables partial page updates for smoother experiences
 Social media and user-generated content rise
 Technologies & Concepts: AJAX, Google Maps, Gmail, Social Media
Platforms
Late 2000s to Early 2010s: Mobile Revolution & JavaScript
Growth
 Shift toward mobile-first development after iPhone launch
 Server-side JavaScript adoption grows
 Technologies & Concepts: iPhone, Responsive Design, Node.js, jQuery
Mid 2010s to Present: Modern Frameworks & Advanced Web
Capabilities
 Single Page Applications (SPAs) become standard
 Emergence of PWAs, WebAssembly, serverless computing, and AI
integration
 Technologies & Concepts: React, Angular, Vue, PWAs, WebAssembly,
Serverless, A
Terminologies of Web Development
Understanding the core terminologies of web development is essential
before starting with full stack development. Concepts like API, JSON, XML,
and HTML form the foundation of how data is transferred, structured, and
displayed in modern web applications.
Whether you are building interfaces, handling data between frontend and
backend or integrating third-party services, these technologies play a central
role. Here are the important terminologies every aspiring full stack developer
should understand before getting started:
What is an API?
An API (Application Programming Interface) is like a middleman between
two software systems. It allows them to talk to each other and exchange data
in a structured way. It is like an Invisible Connector that makes Apps work
and connects your frontend and backend. Imagine you are using a food
delivery app. You enter your address, choose your food and place the order.
 The app sends your order details to the restaurant using an API.
 The restaurant confirms and updates delivery status — again, through
the API.
 You get real-time updates — thanks to APIs working in the background.
Why APIs Are Essential for Full Stack Developers
 Fetch Live Data in the Frontend: Use JavaScript to call APIs and bring
in real-time data like user profiles, product listings or order status directly
into your web app.
 Build Powerful Backend APIs: As a full stack developer, you will create
your own APIs that handle business logic, interact with databases, and
send responses to the frontend.
 Integrate External Services: Want to enable payments, maps, or social
logins? You will connect with third-party APIs like Stripe, Google
Maps, Firebase, or Auth0 to power your app with advanced functionality
Real world Example
Let’s say you are ordering food using a delivery app like Zomato or Swiggy.
Here is how APIs work behind the scenes to make the experience smooth:
1. Browse Restaurants: You open the app and see a list of restaurants
near you. The app sends your location to the server through an API, and
the server returns a list of nearby restaurants.
2. Place an Order: You select your favorite meal and tap “Order.” An API
request sends your order details to the restaurant’s system.
3. Track Order Status: The restaurant starts preparing your food and
updates the order status. That status is updated in the app through
another API, showing “Preparing,” “Out for Delivery,” etc.
4. Live Delivery Tracking: You watch your delivery partner approach in real
time. The app uses the Google Maps API to fetch and display the live
location.
Every interaction between the app, restaurant, and map service is powered
by APIs — quietly sending and receiving data in the background to keep
everything connected and up-to-date.

What is JSON?
JSON is the universal language for web data. Whenever your app talks to an
API, the data sent and received needs to be in a format that both the
frontend and backend understands. That format is usually JSON (JavaScript
Object Notation) or we can say it the standard format for web data
exchange. JSON is a lightweight, human-readable way to structure data.
Example:
{
"name": "Sara",
"email": "sara@example.com",
"isPremiumUser": true
}
 Each piece of data is a key-value pair
 Text values are inside quotes " "
 Booleans (true/false) and numbers don’t need quotes
 Arrays and nested objects are also supported.
How You will Use JSON in Full Stack Projects
As a full stack developer, JSON will be everywhere. Here is how:
 Receive Data from APIs: Get user profiles, product lists, orders, etc., all
in JSON format.
 Send Data to the Backend: Forms, login info, and checkout details are
often submitted as JSON.
 Store Data in Frontend Apps: Keep session info, cart data, or UI
settings in JSON inside local storage or state.
Difference between HTML and XML
Both HTML and XML look similar, but they serve very different purposes.
Both use tags like <this>, but their roles in web development are completely
different. Given below are the key differences between XML and HTML:
XML HTML

XML stands for Extensible Markup HTML stands for HyperText Markup
Language. Language.

Used to display data in a web

Used to store and transport data.
browser.
 XML HTML

User-defined tags Predefined tags

(e.g., <book>, <price>). (e.g., <h1>, <p>, <div>).

Not case-sensitive
Case-sensitive — <Name> ≠ <name>.
— <TITLE> = <title>.

Requires strict syntax — every tag must Flexible syntax — missing tags are
be closed properly. often tolerated.

Does not display content visually. Designed for visual presentation.

Tags are used to describe data. Tags are used to display data.

Follows a fixed structure for

No predefined structure — very flexible.
rendering.

What is the Future of the Web Development ?

The future of web development is brimming with exciting possibilities, driven
by evolving user expectations, technological advancements, and the quest
for ever-faster, more engaging experiences. Here are some key trends
shaping the landscape:
 Decentralization and Openness: Blockchain and decentralized
protocols are gaining traction, potentially reshaping web ownership and
data governance, empowering both users and developers with open-
source platforms.
 Immersive Experiences: VR, AR, and mixed reality are rising, creating
interactive websites for deeper engagement and personalized
experiences.
 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI takes a central role,
driving smart automation, personalized content recommendations, and AI-
driven website builders.
 Voice-First Development: With widespread voice assistants, websites
optimize for voice search and conversational interfaces, opening new
avenues for user interaction.
 The Edge Computing Era: Data processing moves closer to the
network's edge, enabling faster responses and improved local
performance, especially for real-time applications and dispersed users.
 Security and Privacy Concerns: Increasing data breaches and privacy
concerns highlight the need for robust security measures and user data
protection, where blockchain and decentralized solutions may play a role.
 User-Centric Design: Emphasis on user-centric design prioritizes
inclusivity, accessibility, and personalized experiences tailored to
individual needs.
 Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Rapid technological
advancements require continuous learning and adaptation to new tools
and methodologies to stay ahead.
 Sustainability and Green Web Development: Growing environmental
consciousness calls for eco-friendly practices, including optimized code,
server efficiency, and renewable energy solutions for data centers.
 The Rise of Niche Developers: Technology specialization deepens,
leading to a rise in niche developers focusing on specific areas like VR
development, AI integration, or security solutions.