What is a website? It's a question asked by many people for various reasons. Some inquire about it because they want to create their own website, while others are curious to understand this thing they encounter every day on the Internet.
Regardless of the category you fall into, this article will help you grasp the concept of a website, learn about the stages involved in creating one, and explore the most common types of websites.
.png "What is a Website and How Does It works (Types with Examples)")
What is a Website?
A website is a collection of interconnected web pages hosted on a central domain. It can be accessed through the site's homepage by typing its URL in a web browser. The fundamental structure of a website is based on Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), supplemented by other programming languages such as CSS and PHP for formatting text, paragraphs, and adding additional features.
A website typically includes images, text content, and links to other pages, both internal and external.
The first website on the web was created by CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, and was launched on August 6, 1991. Remarkably, you can still visit the first website at http://info.cern.ch/.
Currently, there are approximately 1.8 billion websites on the Internet, and this number continues to grow. While not all websites are actively used or frequently visited, they still exist and contribute to the overall statistics maintained by hosting companies.
What is the Difference Between a Website and a Webpage?
Now, let's clarify the difference between a website and a webpage.
A website comprises one or more web pages. For instance, TechSEOTool is a website consisting of numerous web pages, including the one you are currently reading.
The structure of a website's link includes constants and variables. The constants define the website, while the variables represent the various web pages within it. For example, consider this link to one of the pages on TechSEOTool: https://www.techseotool.com/2023/05/what-is-a-website.html
Here's a breakdown of the link components:
- https://: This represents the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) that governs the site's display process.
- www: An abbreviation for World Wide Web, which is symbolic and not essential for adjusting site settings.
- techseotool.com: The domain name of the website.
- /what-is-url/: The directory structure representing the web page within the site.
Note: a web pages don't necessarily require the ".htm" or ".html" extensions to be identified as such. Many sites are designed to display pages without showing the file extension.
Stages of Website Emergence
The process of creating a website involves several stages, which are as follows:
Idea Stage:
This is when the user decides to create a website, be it for personal, corporate, institutional, or governmental purposes.
Design Stage:
At this stage, a web designer takes the user's idea, creates visual outlines, and develops the website's appearance. Depending on the size and complexity of the site, multiple designers may be involved.
Development Stage:
Here, the web developer takes the design from the web designer and performs complete programming for the website. This includes implementing site features and software functionalities, crucial for optimal performance and achieving the site's objectives.
Hosting Stage:
In this penultimate stage, an agreement is made with a web hosting company to host the site. The appropriate hosting package, capacity, and pricing plan (monthly or annual) are selected. Additionally, the domain name representing the website's web address is chosen.
Launch Stage:
This marks the final stage, where the website is officially launched and made accessible to the public.
It's worth noting that creating a website doesn't necessarily follow this exact scenario. There are quick and easy methods, such as utilizing WordPress, that allow anyone to create a website without specialized knowledge or assistance.
Types of Websites
With more that one billion of websites available on the Internet today, they can be categorized into various types. A website may fall under one or multiple categories, such as search engine sites, email sites, blogs, forums, and more. Let's explore some of the most significant categories and types of websites:
Blog Website:
A blog is a website created by individuals to share articles or express their interests. It can also be established by institutions to share ideas and specialized information.
Business and Commercial Websites:
These websites provide information about companies or organizations and aim to reach customers, partners, and potential clients.
Social Media Websites:
Social networking sites focus on connecting users and facilitating interaction through chats, posts, likes, and comments. Facebook is one of the most popular examples of a social networking site.
Search Engine Websites:
Search engine sites serve as the primary destination for users seeking specific information or access to other websites or services. Google is the most well-known search engine site.
E-commerce Websites:
E-commerce websites are designed for selling goods or services online. Examples include Amazon.com and Alibaba.com.
Auction Websites:
Auction sites differ from e-commerce platforms as they allow users to display their goods for sale, with the site taking a commission from the sale. eBay.com is a prominent auction site.
Government Websites:
Government websites are established to provide services to citizens, share updates and news within the country, and promote tourism.
Gaming Websites:
These websites are specifically created for online gaming, allowing users to play games directly on the web without downloading them. Games are often built using HTML, Flash, or Java.
Media Sharing Websites:
These sites focus on sharing visual and audio media content, such as videos, music, and photos. YouTube, SoundCloud, and Flickr are popular examples.
Email Websites:
Email websites enable users to send and receive emails without the need for additional software. Gmail, Hotmail (Outlook/Live), and Yahoo are widely used email platforms.
News Websites:
News websites provide content curated by editorial teams, allowing users to stay updated with the latest news. Some specialize in specific topics like economics, while others cover a range of news categories.
Malicious Website:
These websites are created with malicious intentions, aiming to infect devices, collect personal data, or spread malware, spyware, and viruses like Trojan horses. Phishing sites imitate official platforms to deceive users and steal financial information. Fake news sites spread false information and generate fear and misinformation.
Celebrity Websites:
Celebrity websites cover the activities and news related to a specific person, such as artists, musicians, writers, or singers. They serve as a platform to connect with fans and provide updates.
Study Websites:
Study websites cater to specific educational institutions or schools, offering content relevant to students enrolled in those institutions.
Help Websites:
These websites allow users to ask questions, with others providing answers. They operate on the idea of participation, allowing anyone to engage in asking or answering questions.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of websites available on the Internet. Each type serves a specific purpose and audience, contributing to the vast online landscape.
Conclusion
We have covered the concept of a website and its various types. A website is a collection of web pages linked together under a common domain name. It serves as a platform for sharing information, connecting people, conducting business, and more. Websites come in different forms, such as blogs, e-commerce sites, social media platforms, search engines, and government websites, each serving specific purposes.
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