Skip to main content ↓

Web Development Resources From WebFX

Your resource for learning the basics of web development from the professionals at WebFX

Why Outdated Web Browsers Are Dangerous to Your Company

Learn

Why Outdated Web Browsers Are Dangerous to Your Company At WebFX, we get a lot of questions about why our developers don’t code every page element for every browser. View Our Digital Services

~ 5 minute read View Full Story

Does Your Site Need HTTPS?

Learn

Does Your Site Need HTTPS? Security is a major concern for many of today’s consumers. In light of the major credit card hacks that have happened over the past few years, it’s now more important than ever to show your […]

~ 4 minute read View Full Story

Questions to Ask Web Developer

Learn

11 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Web Developer If you are trying to find a web developer or website development company to work with for your next project, you may not be certain about the questions you should […]

~ 7 minute read View Full Story

Does Your Site Need an SSL Certificate?

Learn

Does Your Site Need an SSL Certificate? There are many details to consider when building and managing a website for your company. And although some of them may seem minor – especially if you’re in a hurry to launch the […]

~ 3 minute read View Full Story

ADA Compliance Services

Services

Automated ADA & Section 508 Compliance Services In the U.S. alone, nearly one in five people live with a disability. ADA compliance services from WebFX use advanced AI technology to provide a great experience for all site visitors — regardless […]

~ 3 minute read View Full Story

Explore one of these categories to go more in-depth on a specific web development topic or keep reading for our beginner’s guide to web development, complete with additional development resources.

laptop website computer icon

Learn the basics of web development

Ebook icon.

Learn key web development terminology

lightbulb icon.

Get the latest web development statistics

Database icon.

Learn about web development technology and tools

storefront icon.

Learn about web development for SMBs

Finger tap for subscription icon

Learn about web development for B2B companies

Target audience icon with three people icons.

Learn about web development for B2C companies

Shopping cart icon with plus sign.

Learn about web development for ecommerce companies

Global commerce icon.

Learn about web development for enterprise companies

How web development works: 3 essential elements

To understand how web development works, there are three main aspects that you need to be familiar with:

  1. Architectural design: This is the base and most significant part of your website. It’s the frame of your website, and everything else done afterward will be done as an add-on to this frame. Architectural design is usually done by a back-end developer.
  2. Aesthetic design: This is the visual side of your website. Aesthetic design makes the user experience enjoyable and enables users to easily read and navigate your website to find what they are looking for. It is typically done by a front-end developer.
  3. Information design and interface design: This involves taking information and preparing it in the best possible way for your users to digest and understand.

3 types of web development

There are three main types of web development.

  1. Back-end web development: This type of web development is one of the most important roles as this is the brain and engine of your website. This is usually written in Java, PHP, Ruby, C#, MySQL, or MongoDB. This development is responsible for making sure that data can flow between the server, the website, and the front end of a website.
  2. Front-end web development: This type of web development is often referred to as web design. This is the front end of your website and is usually written in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, React, or AngularJS. This development process is responsible for the look, feel, and interactive components of a website. This is the development process that takes place in order for the end user to have a good experience on the website.
  3. Full-stack web development: A full-stack developer is a developer who can program and work on both the back-end and front-end of a website. They understand the role of both the front-end and back-end and can handle both types of development work.

testimonial photo 1024x553

What is the web development process?

Building a website and the steps taken depends on the company you work with, but the basics will remain essentially the same.

  1. Planning: In this process, you will establish what the goal of your website is, who your audience will be, what type of website you wish to have, how much content you will publish on a weekly/monthly/annual basis, how your website will showcase your product or service, and what your budget for this development project is.
  2. Create a wireframe: In this step, you will establish which individual pages you want, how to organize those pages into categories, how the pages will link together, and what the user experience will be like. You’ll also need to keep in mind that you want to make it as easy as possible for users to find what they are looking for and get in contact with you!
  3. Write your website code and develop the back-end of your website: This process will be done by a back-end developer who will build the mainframe or brain, if you will, of your website using one of many coding languages. Usually, you will have at least three coding languages used on your site, which all work together to create the desired functionality. This includes how your website will function, your pages, your content, your database, the general infrastructure, and the general user experience.
  4. Build the front-end of your website: This will usually be done by a front-end developer, who will now take the infrastructure of your website and turn it into something visually appealing that visitors will enjoy browsing through. This includes images, fonts, colors, and general styling.
  5. Use a content management system (CMS): This step is optional, but it’s often helpful. You can skip much of steps three and four by using a CMS such as WordPress or Wix. These systems cover both front and back-end development in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
  6. Purchase a domain name: This is your web address and how users will find the website you just created. You will need to acquire a domain name by using sites such as GoDaddy or Hover, which allow you to purchase a domain name and set up an address for visitors to use to access your website.
  7. Launch your website: This process is when your website will go live for everyone on the Internet to view. Once you have done some technical checks, you are ready to unveil your website to the world.

Working with a web development agency

Many businesses choose to work with a web development company to ensure they’re putting their best foot forward with their website.

What does a web development agency do? These companies can build websites for businesses from the ground up, improve existing websites, and maintain websites over time. They can also develop mobile applications, build digital tools, and more.

Some businesses hire agencies that focus purely on web development. You can also work with a full-service digital marketing agency that offers web development along with various other digital marketing services.

These full-service companies can ensure your web development projects and other digital marketing campaigns are aligned and work well together to maximize the results of both.

Learn more about working with a web development agency and how to find one to work with using the resources below.

Learn more about working with web development agencies

Learn more about website development

Want to learn more about web development? Keep exploring our website or sign up for our email newsletters to stay in the loop.

To learn more about how our web development and web design services can help you grow your business, call us at 888-601-5359 or request a free quote online.

Meet WebFX:

Your world-class, tech-enabled marketing agency with over 1.6 million hours of combined expertise.

cta38 img
TO TOP