A website is a collection of web pages written in HTML. To make it accessible worldwide, it must be stored on a computer connected to the Internet 24/7. These computers are called web servers.
The website's web pages are linked with hyperlinks and hypertext and share a common interface and design. The website might also contain some additional documents and files, such as images, videos, or other digital
Components of a Website
We know that a website is a collection of a webpages hosted on a web-server. These are the components for making a website.
- Webhost: Hosting is the physical location where a website lives. A group of linked webpages becomes a website only when hosted on a web server. The web server stores these files and sends them to users when they enter the website’s address.
- Address: A website’s address is its URL. When a user enters this URL into a browser, the web server receives the request and delivers the requested website.
- Homepage : The home page is the first webpage a visitor sees. It sets the look and feel of the website and guides users to the rest of its pages.
- Design : It is the final and overall look and feel of the website that has a result of proper use and integration elements like navigation menus, graphics, layout, navigation menus etc
- Content : Every web pages contained on the website together make up the content of the website. Good content on the webpages makes the website more effective and attractive.
- The Navigation Structure: The navigation structure of a website is the order of the pages, the collection of what links to what. Usually, it is held together by at least one navigation menu.
How to access Websites?
To access a website:
- A user enters the website’s URL into a browser’s search bar.
- The browser sends a request to the web server.
- The web server delivers the requested web page and its content to the browser.
The delivery process varies depending on whether the website is static or dynamic.
Types of Website
Websites can be broadly categorized into two types based on how content is served:
1. Static Websites - Web pages are prebuilt using simple languages like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.
Characteristics:
- No server-side processing; pages are delivered as-is.
- Fast loading due to minimal server interaction.
- No database interaction.
- Cost-effective, as they don’t require advanced server-side processing.
Use Case: Ideal for simple, unchanging content eg personal portfolios, company brochure sites.
2. Dynamic Websites - Web pages are generated at runtime using server-side scripting languages like PHP, Node.js, or ASP.NET.
Characteristics:
- Pages are built based on user requests, enabling real-time updates.
- Slower than static websites due to server-side processing.
- Supports database interaction for dynamic content.
- Easier to update, as changes can be applied globally without altering individual pages.
Use Case: Preferred for websites requiring frequent updates or user interaction eg E-commerce and News Websites.
Common Categories of Websites
There are different types of websites on the whole internet, we had chosen some most common categories to give you a brief idea -
- Blogs: These websites are run by individuals or small groups and can cover topics like fashion, travel, music, or fitness. Today, professional blogging has also become a popular way to earn money online.
- E-commerce: These websites are well known as online shops. These websites allow us to make purchasing products and online payments for products and services. Stores can be handled as standalone websites.
- Portfolio: These types of websites acts as an extension of a freelancer resume. It provides a convenient way for potential clients to view your work while also allowing you to expand on your skills or services.
- Brochure: These websites are mainly used by small businesses and act as digital business cards, displaying contact details and advertising services with just a few pages.
- News and Magazines: These websites needs less explanation, the main purpose of these types of websites is to keep their readers up-to-date from current affairs whereas magazines focus on the entertainment.
- Social Media: We all know about some famous social media websites like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and many more. These websites are usually created to let people share their thoughts, images, videos, and other useful components.
- Educational: Educational websites are quite simple to understand as their name itself explains it. These websites are designed to display information via audio or videos or images.
- Portal: These websites are used internally within schools, institutes, or businesses. They usually include a login system that lets students access their information or employees check emails and alerts.