web development evolution

Web Development, by the book:
Web development is defined as the work process that goes into creating and managing a website either for the World Wide Web, or for a private network/intranet. The work that goes into in can vary in magnitude, from being simple and straight forward to being a multi-faceted venture of combining a complicated mixture of various web-based internet applications and social network services.

Few of the main tasks that web development covers are:

  • Web designing
  • Client-side/server-side scripting
  • E-commerce development
  • Web server
  • Network security configuration
  • Web content development

Typically, there is a department that deals with each of these sectors individually, and there is a work-flow system in place at most software development companies.

The Change:
Before the philosophy used to be the more the better, the more extensive a website was, the better. Sites were chock full of videos, photos and other such features, and that is what impressed users.

But now times have changed…
Not it’s all about a site being refined, something that goes almost unnoticed by the common users. Websites today work on being more aesthetically pleasing and interactively smoother than those of the past. An important element allowing for such an evolution is the self-development of web technologies that has granted the web developers the ability to produce various new generations of useful and immersive web experiences. The ongoing efforts of the general web community that have helped in defining the web technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and WebGL in the first place have developed new processes and systems to make sure that all these features are supported in all the web browsers used regularly by the users.

The evolution in web designing has cause web development to become much more personal, as per the demands and needs of various customers. Since people have started taking a greater interest in their web campaigns, web developers have learned to be far more adaptive in their programming.

In the 1990s, designing was done such that deigning and aesthetics were given hierarchy over accessibility. Newer features such as CSS were introduced to enhance both the accessibility and the professional outlook for the websites. Flash also came through during the same time period to enhance the development of animations and grant greater options to the general public in this regard.

Mobile computing however is by far the biggest change that has occurred in web development. Cell phones have transformed from being a simple calling device to one of the most powerful and resourceful devices of the century. They are now able to send and receive data from all over the world. Newer cell phone generations, those integrated with 3G or 4G networks are responsible for a faster form of data transfer and also allow their users to use Internet while on the go.

is a professional blogger for Genetech Solutions, an offshore IT Consulting Firm in Pakistan serving clients with effective Web Development Solutions, Social Media, iPhone and Database Application Development. Follow her on Twitter @UroosaRajani110.

Uroosa Rajani