Understanding the basics of web development: Front-end and back-end elements

Hey everyone! I’m just starting out in web development and I’m a bit confused about how everything fits together. I’ve made a list of what I think are the main parts, but I’m not sure if it’s right or where some things go.

For structure, I’ve got:

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • XML
  • Frameworks like Bootstrap

Then for front-end (client-side), there’s:

  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • AJAX
  • Angular

And for back-end (server-side):

  • PHP
  • Python
  • Ruby
  • Java

I also know there are servers like Apache, databases like MySQL, and CMS options like WordPress.

But I’m not sure where things like DOM and SEO fit in. Can someone help me organize these concepts in a way that makes sense for web development? I’ve read a lot but I’m struggling to put it all together. Thanks for any help!

hey liam, ur on the right track! front-end’s all about what users see and interact with - HTML, CSS, JS. back-end handles server stuff, databases, and logic. frameworks like React are game-changers for front-end. DOM’s crucial for manipulating webpage elements. SEO’s important for both sides, affects how ur site ranks. keep learning n practicing!

hey there! ur list is a great start :slight_smile: have u thought about api’s? they’re like bridges between front and back-end. also, version control (git) is super important. what projects r u working on? i’m curious about ur learning journey! maybe we could chat about some cool beginner-friendly frameworks?

As someone who’s been in web development for over a decade, I can tell you that your list is a good start, but there’s more to consider. The DOM (Document Object Model) is crucial for front-end development, as it’s the interface between JavaScript and the HTML structure. SEO, while not a technology per se, is a vital consideration throughout development, affecting both front-end (e.g., semantic HTML) and back-end (e.g., site speed, URLs).

I’d suggest thinking of web development in layers: HTML for structure, CSS for presentation, JavaScript for behavior on the client-side, and your chosen back-end language for server-side logic. Databases and servers form the foundation, while frameworks and libraries like React or Vue.js (which you didn’t mention) can streamline development.

Remember, mastering the basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and a back-end language) is more important than trying to learn every technology out there. Focus on understanding core concepts, and the rest will fall into place as you gain experience.