How Websites Are Built, Displayed and Connected
A website is a collection of interconnected webpages that provide information to users online. It can be used to share ideas, sell products and services or as a platform for building community. A well-designed website combines functionality, visual appeal and ease of navigation for visitors to establish trust and engage with brands.
Whether you’re running a business or simply want to connect with a wider audience, having an up-to-date and engaging website is no longer an option, it’s now expected. However, the digital landscape is constantly evolving and introducing new technologies that transform how websites are built, displayed and connected to each other.
The web is a complex network of computers and servers that host pages on the Internet, making them accessible worldwide. Each web page contains text and images that are displayed when a browser requests them. Web servers have unique names that identify them and use a set of network protocols, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to transfer information.
Just like your genetic code determines all the characteristics that make you you, a web page has its own code that defines how it will look and function. This code is written in a programming language such as HTML and allows developers to plan out the page’s elements, including the text, photos and other visuals. The site’s files are stored on multiple servers around the world and accessed when a browser requests them, using their URLs.
Websites can be hosted by a hosting service provider, or they can be self-hosted, requiring that the developer create and maintain their own web servers. Self-hosted sites are a popular choice for small businesses because they allow them to control their own content, rather than relying on third parties to update their information.
When a website is designed, it is often planned out in a series of structured sections. The most common section is the homepage, which serves as the entry point for viewers and typically introduces them to a brand or product. It also offers a range of navigation options, allowing users to move from one section to the next by clicking on links or menus.
Another common section is a blog, which is usually devoted to a specific topic. Bloggers can choose to focus on personal interests or topics of public interest, aiming to build a community and connect with people who share similar passions. A great example of a website with this goal is the Brown Skin Brunchin community, which helps professional minority women connect through timelines and specialized forums. Bloggers can also choose to monetize their blogs, which can help them turn their online communities into sources of income. Tibor has tested 28 antivirus programs and 25 VPN services, holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate and uses Norton for his devices, NordVPN for privacy and Proton for his passwords. He is an advocate of digital safety and believes that all consumers should be empowered to protect their own data and privacy.