Web Development Foundations

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infoWhy this? Creating websites with HTML and CSS develops our ability to structure, style, and publish information clearly. Semantic structure, accessibility, file paths, responsive design, testing, and the CSS cascade help us produce usable and trustworthy pages across devices and browsers.

scheduleWhy now? Following networks and the Internet, webpage construction can be connected to the client-server requests and protocols that deliver web resources. These HTML and CSS foundations support the later development of sustained multi-page sites and interactive client-side behaviour.

The internet is network infrastructure, while the web is a service built on it.
The web commonly uses a client-server model: a browser (client) requests resources from a web server.
HTTP uses request/response messages to transfer web resources; HTTPS uses encryption (TLS) to protect data in transit.
HTML defines the structure and meaning of webpage content.
An HTML element usually comprises an opening tag, content, and a closing tag.
HTML attributes provide additional information about an element.
HTML elements must be nested correctly, so an element opened inside another element is closed before the outer element.
A basic HTML document uses a doctype declaration and the html, head, title, and body elements.
Semantic HTML improves accessibility and machine readability.
Heading hierarchy communicates document structure.
Hyperlinks connect resources through URLs.
Relative paths depend on the current file location.
CSS separates presentation from content structure.
CSS selectors target specific elements for styling.
The cascade and specificity determine which style rule is applied.
Accessible pages include suitable contrast and text alternatives.
Responsive layouts adapt to different screen sizes.
Cross-browser and cross-device testing catches rendering differences.
Usability testing with known users helps identify navigation and comprehension issues.
Trustworthy web publication requires credible sources, accurate claims, and lawful media use.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

Build a small multi-page website with semantic structure and working navigation.
Apply CSS rules predictably using selector and cascade knowledge.
Explain, at a conceptual level, how a browser obtains web resources (client/server and request/response).
Improve accessibility and responsiveness through targeted testing.
Test and refine pages for accessibility, usability for known users, and trustworthy publication choices.

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