A website is a compilation of numerous web pages, each crafted as digital files utilizing HTML (HyperText Markup Language). To ensure universal accessibility, your website needs to be hosted on a computer that maintains a continuous internet connection. These specialized computers are commonly referred to as web servers.

A website’s web pages are intricately connected through hyperlinks and hypertext, presenting a unified interface and design. Beyond text and pages, a website may encompass additional documents and files, including images, videos, and various digital assets.

As the Internet permeates all facets of life, websites have emerged for myriad causes and purposes. In this context, a website can be viewed as a digital ecosystem, adept at delivering information and solutions while fostering interactions among individuals, locations, and entities. It serves as a powerful tool in advancing the objectives of the organization it represents.

A website is a compilation of webpages hosted on a web server, and it encompasses several crucial components:

Webhost: The physical location where the website resides. A collection of linked webpages is recognized as a website when it is hosted on a web server. Web servers are composed of files transmitted to user computers when they access the website.
Address (URL): Also known as the website’s URL, the address is entered into a web browser by users to access the desired website.
Homepage: This is the vital initial webpage users encounter upon visiting a website. The homepage plays a pivotal role in defining the website’s overall look and feel, guiding visitors to other pages.
Design: The website’s appearance, stemming from elements such as navigation menus, graphics, layout, and more, constitutes its design.
Content: The collective content found on the website’s webpages. High-quality content enhances the website’s effectiveness and appeal.
Navigation Structure: The organization and interlinking of webpages, typically facilitated by navigation menus.

Accessing Websites

When a URL is entered into a browser’s search bar, the browser requests the webpage from the web server. The server then returns the required webpage and its content. The method of information retrieval varies between static and dynamic websites.

Types of Websites

Static Website: These sites are built with preexisting source code files, often using simple languages like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. Static websites do not process content on the server according to user input, resulting in fast loading times. They do not interact with databases and are cost-effective.
Dynamic Website: Dynamic websites generate web pages on the server during runtime based on user requests. They use server-side scripting languages like PHP, Node.js, or ASP.NET, allowing updates and database interactions. While dynamic websites are slower than static counterparts, they offer flexibility and easy updates.

Common Website Categories:

Blogs: Managed by individuals or small groups, covering various topics and often a source of online income.
E-commerce: Online shops for purchasing products and services with online payment options.
Portfolio: Showcases a freelancer’s work and skills to potential clients.
Brochure: Used by small businesses as a digital business card, displaying contact information and advertising services.
News and Magazines: Keep readers updated on current affairs or provide entertainment.
Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit for sharing thoughts, images, and videos.
Educational: Deliver information through audio, videos, or images.
Portal: Used for internal purposes in institutions or businesses, often requiring login credentials for access to specific information or services.