The digital world of today has made a revolution in the marketing field. Most of the Traditional Methods have been replaced with digital approaches. The web development industry is the fastest growing industry. Websites have become the major marketing platform and have taken over conventional marketing strategies.
Have you ever wondered how a website works according to the requirements you provide? How many steps or processes are involved to make your desired website? Before your perfect web page shines on the internet, it goes through several stages which polish the page and make it best of all.
What is Web Development?
The web development refers to the tasks which actively involves in the development of a website for worldwide web, internet, or intranet. It specifically involves work related to developing an application for hosting via internet or intranet. Furthermore, the Process of Web Development includes web design, web content development, network security configuration and many more.
Web development performs coding or programming that enables the functionality of the website. Moreover, the functionality of the website is planned according to the will of the website owner. Besides this, the web development process deals with the non-design aspect of creating a website including coding and writing markup. Furthermore, the process of web development ranges from the creation of plain text pages to complex web-based applications. These applications may include social network or business web applications.
Web development mainly focuses on coding and programming. Coding displays the attributes of the site whereas programming empowers enterprise application and services. The web development process of large business and organization include hundreds of web development team members. For enterprise level, a web development team must have the following assets:
- Web designer
- Web developer
- Database administration
- Hosting support technician
Web development process comprises of several small stages based on skills and technologies. The following is the hierarchy of the web development process:
- Client-side coding
- Coding of server-side
- Database technology
Client-side coding:
The technologies involved in the client-side coding process are as follows:
- JavaScript
- HTML/XHTML
- CSS
- Ajax, JSON
- Flash, Flex, ActionScript
- Microsoft Silverlight
Server-side coding:
The server-side programming Technologies and Framework include:
- .NET
- PHP
- ASP
- Python
- Ruby on Rails
- ColdFusion
- CGI/Perl
- JSP, Java, J2EE
- Lotus Domino
- Struts
- Spring
- WebSphere
- Apache Tomcat
- Maven
- Cocoon
- Ant
Database Technology:
The database technologies of web development processes include:
- Oracle
- MySQL
- SQL Server
- DBL2
- Derby
- PostgreSQL
Phases of Web Development Life Cycle:
The Web Development Cycle is a specific variation that divides the website development process into small phases. WDLC specifies the general framework of web development into several small stages each particular to the tasks it performs. In contrast to general application development, web development or design projects follow a similar structure. So that the developers and client can manage and modify the development process at a specific stage.
The web development life-cycle consists of the following phases.
Initial Consultation:
The initial consultation seeks to understand business requirements. Most of the phase comprises of researching and discovering the purpose and main goal of the website. This step gathers all the information required for the development of the website. Moreover, the client’s demand is also considered. The developers identify and understand what the client exactly want to make the perfect website. It is easy for the developers to understand the need of the client by asking questions and clarifying the requirements. By this, the developers understand the goals of the website.
Certain things that developers consider during this phase are:
- Purpose of the website
- Goals of the website
- The target of the website
- The content of the website
Each application is different from the other. For example, the news portal and entertainment website are much different from each other. So that to provide different functionality according to the purpose of the website the developers use different technologies. From pre-development collected data, the developments create a detailed plan for the development process. Furthermore, this phase also seeks the required delivery schedule, overall feasibility, web design, and cost of the project.
Project Specification:
Once the developers acknowledge the website goals, they define the scope of the project. Using the gathered information from phase one, the developers specify and plan the website. Basically, a site map is developed in this phase. A site map is a list of all main topics which guides the developers about the suitable content of the site. Furthermore, in this phase, the business requirements are iteratively verified between the client and the web development team. These requirements are then documented in the form of High-Requirement Specifications. The focus of this stage is on applicable business rules and output. Once the project is specified the developers decide which technology should be used for this project. However, implementation of the system is reserved for later. The planning or project specifications serve as the basis of the subsequent stages of the web development life cycle.
Website Design Cycle:
Once the site map is created, each page of the web application is designed accordingly. At this phase, the graphic designers design the graphics, logo, colors, typography, animations etc. Moreover, the buttons and drop-down menus are also designed in this phase according to the project’s requirements. Thus, this phase gives the web application a definite identity. The web developer creates multiple prototypes of the developing website to give an idea about the final look of the website.
The client’s involvement and opinion are taken into consideration during the whole process of development. This encourages the client to like or dislike the design. Furthermore, the requirements of hardware and software are created for delivery of web application. This includes web application language, OS, database management system, appropriate hosting etc. Web traffic and functionality of the website is also considered. This phase results in deliverable which have focused on the web design of the system. The prototypes and mock-ups help the developers and client to create a suitable website which perfectly matches the requirements.
Content Collection:
Once the website developing team gets the idea of the website, they start creating content for individual web pages.
The website content creation is done by keeping search engine optimization in mind.
This helps the pages to focus on a single topic.
The content writing and compiling may overlap with other stages of website creation.
The writing should be in detail and precise because the major goal of it is to communicate the target audience. To deliver sensible and reader-friendly content is the key to content writing.
Moreover, content writing involves the creation of catchy headings, text editing, writing and compiling new and existing texts etc. In short, phase creates any type of textual or graphical content for the web application.
The developers assume the admin functionality which enables the client to revise full content of the site from system launch.
Website Project Development:
The development phase creates a website. In this phase, the web designer uses all the individual graphic elements from the prototype. By this, the web developers create the actual functional website.
In this phase, the homepage developed first followed by a shell of interior pages. This shell serves as the template for content pages of the website. Moreover, the shell contains the main navigational structure for the website.
After the creation of a shell, the developer will take the content and distribute it throughout the site. This phase implements elements such as CMS (Content Management System). The CMS includes WordPress, interactive contact forms, e-commerce shopping carts etc.
In this entire phase, the web designers and developers construct the website so that it can be available for viewing. Any additional changes or correction by the client is always taken into consideration.
A detailed project plan helps in the implementation of web design.
This stage converts the approved design into a working model. The development process is divided into front-end development and back-end development.
- Front-end Development:
Frontend, as the name indicates, is the development of the client-side application which can be seen by users. All the designs made in previous phases are converted into HTML with required effects and animations. The web developers use JavaScript framework e.g. Angular, React, Vue, Meteor, etc. to enhance the functionality of the website. Frontend development also makes web application responsive and mobile friendly.
- Back-end Development:
The development of server-side application refers to back-end development. It is the core of frontend and makes the user interface into running web application. The backend developers build the server-side application and database. They also integrate the business logic and everything else required for the development of server-side.
Testing and Quality Assurance:
At this phase, the web developer tests the functionality of the website. Last minute compatibility issues are also checked in this phase. Moreover, the website testing ensures that the website is optimized and can be viewed properly in latest browsers versions. It also makes sure that there are no bugs and issues on the website.
There are many forms of testing ranges from system and volume testing. This quality assurance testing includes functionality test, usability test, compatibility test, performance test, etc.
Testing ensures that all the components work simultaneously in the web application. It also ensures that the components of the web application can cope with the initial and anticipated demands of the system.
After the client’s approval through User Acceptance Testing (UAT), the website becomes ready to launch. The testing and quality assurance phase contribute to the delivery of a high-quality website.
Website Launch:
Once the developer and client approve the developed website it becomes ready to launch. Anyhow, the website is launched after implementation testing and a fully functional website is launched in the market. The website is launched to the server by using the File Transfer Protocol. Most of the time, the developers run a final test to make sure that all the files have successfully uploaded to the server.
Maintenance:
The journey of web development does not end at the web launch stage. The website is more about service than the product. the reliability of the website depends upon the service and content it provides. For better web quality, the website should be maintained. The word maintenance means the website should be tested and checked thoroughly to make sure that everything works fine.
Moreover, a website should have enough flexibility that if it happens to alter the website, it would be done smoothly.
Sometimes, the end-users face technicality problems which are resolved by adding a feedback system to the website. The web developers fix this issue as a high priority as there is no way to compromise on the website. If developers do not solve the problem immediately the users may find another option and switch to a new website.
For maintenance, CMS is used because it sends regular updates about bugs and security threats.
Why Web Development is Confused with Web Designing?
Most of the clients do not have a technology background. They find it difficult whether to choose web developer or web designer for their website. To overcome this confusion, the Web Development Company guides all aspects of the web development process to the client. To make a good website, web development tools are helpful which includes graphic designing, web designing, web development, and programming. Each is different from the other and has its own importance in the web development process.
Here are some tools used for web development:
Graphic Designing:
As discussed earlier, every web portal is different from the other.
If you observe the contents of the news website and compare it with the grocery website, you can easily see the differences.
A news portal is meant to deliver reports, announcements, stories, and other sorts of news. Whereas, the grocery website focuses on selling its products.
The web designers plan web designs according to the requirements of the website.
The web page is a combination of layouts, fonts, colors, and gradients which set the theme of the website.
Moreover, web logos also fall in graphic designing.
It takes an experienced graphic designer to design the best page layout and logo according to the website category.
Web Designing:
Web designing is the application of graphic design on a website. It decides about the contents that appear on the web page. Moreover, the selection of color, graphics, layout, font style, and structure of the website depends on the web design. Web designers perform this task as they have the knowledge of CSS and HTML. Mobile and laptop screens have different page layout designs. Therefore, the web designer plans the layout design according to the screen preview of the device.
Web Programming:
Web programming is a broad term which includes programming languages to code the website. There are dozens of programming languages such as Python, .NET, ASP, Java, Ruby on Rails and many more.
These languages instruct the computer what to do. The web programmers are the building blocks of the website.
Attributes of a Good Web Development Company:
Many web and Mobile App Development Companies are operating in the USA among which the best one gives outstanding services. These services not only include the development of the website but also instructs the client about how the website works.
As mentioned earlier, most of the clients have switched from traditional business strategies to the digital world.
Therefore, the web development company is responsible to provide basic knowledge about the web development process and web handling.
A company website plays a vital role in business promotion. Even though, if a website is not business related it should be appealing enough to engage its audience. For that, web content matters. Anyhow, the company that you choose to develop your website should have a professional web designing and development team. The right web developer will convert your ideas and requirements into a fully functional website.
Today digital marketing has taken over the traditional marketing methods. Due to reliable digital marketing tactics, many businessmen have turned to digital marketing. For those entrepreneurs having no experience in digital marketing, web development companies are here to guide their services. Moreover, the web development companies also guide the customers that which components will make their website catchy.
Here are some attributes which a good web development company possess.
Industry Experience:
Web development companies are all over the world from fresh to professional ones. For the development of a website, one should always select a company having industrial exposure.
It is a fact that well-known web development companies never compromise on their name and provide the best services. It has experienced development resources which produce the website according to the client’s need.
Moreover, a professional web designer can give the client a better idea of how the website should be. It is the duty of a web designer to create a website which matches and compete with the respective industry.
Variety of Facilities:
The web development company should have a variety of services. First of all, it should have all the web development resources. These include graphic designer, web programmer, web developer, project management team etc. Secondly, other resources such as content creators, SEO team, social media experts etc. also signify the role of the company in the digital industry.
Modern Techniques and Strategies:
Technology is upgrading every second. Once the company associates itself with the technology world it should keep itself updated. New techniques and strategies are key to digital success.
Besides, a decent web development company provides you with the best web developers. These web developers use modern technology and have great knowledge of web development methods and techniques.
Impressive Portfolio:
An excellent portfolio represents the rank of the company in the market. It not only symbolizes the company services but also the skills and competence of a company. Moreover, the portfolio also exhibits the major projects of the company and its positive outcomes.
Organized Development Process:
A well-reputed web development company have developed countless websites. Therefore, the web development process offered by a good company is clear and polished with time.
It means that the company provides the client with a well-documented development plan to analyze. Furthermore, professional developers have enough skills to detect and resolve bugs or other issues during the development process.
Deadline:
Every digital developmental project takes time. Efficient project Management Considers All The Methods, techniques, and strategies which are helpful in the development of the project.
Thus, by considering all the aspects the company gives the client an exact deadline for completion of the project. This not only saves the company time but also save the client from curiosity.
The web developers should be able to do changing or remove bugs in the given time.
Reasonable Agreement:
As discussed earlier that a well-reputed company never compromises on its name as the name is the brand. So that the company makes sure that all the terms and conditions of the agreement are clear.
Moreover, there are no hidden secrets in the contract. The client should carefully and thoroughly read the contract and then sign it if agreed. The main thing that one should check is the payment policy and amount.
Once the client agrees with the development plan the company asks him/her to sign the contract to proceed further.
Moreover, the client reserves the right to challenge the contract if the company does not fulfill the requirements.
Flexibility:
The web development process can take many turns. These may be due to the detection of bugs or the client may want to change the web design. For these types of situations, it is important for a web development company to be flexible.
The flexibility shows how reliable the company and its services are.
There is great competition between web development companies in the USA but to choose the best depends upon the client’s knowledge.
Some companies have qualities that other does not have. Therefore, the client should get enough knowledge about the digital world and then select the best company for his/her project.
A website that has all the mentioned qualities prove to be an ideal one. By keeping all these Attributes of a Web Development Company in mind, it becomes easy to choose the best services.