PHP, JavaScript & Database: What is Web Development?

Web development is a broad term that encompasses all aspects of creating a website, including front-end and back-end programming, web design and server management. With web development, we can build anything from simple information sites to fully interactive, data-driven platforms.

Static and Dynamic Websites

A basic website with a few pages of text and images is known as a static website. This type of site remains the same for all users and is perfect for displaying simple content. However, if users need to interact with the site - such as registering for an account, accessing up-to-date information, or managing user profiles - your site becomes dynamic.

A dynamic website uses a database to store, retrieve and display data, adapting to user input in real time. This is achieved through scripting, which automates actions for the server or browser to perform.

Client-Side vs. Server-Side Scripting

Client-Side Scripting
Client-side scripting runs in the visitor's web browser, with JavaScript being the most widely supported language across all browsers. Client-side scripting is used for interactive features such as validating form input, hiding/showing elements, and creating responsive designs. Because security-sensitive tasks should not rely on client-side scripting, they are managed on the server side.

Server-Side Scripting
Server-side scripts run on the web server, not in the user's browser. These scripts handle critical tasks such as database access and secure data processing. When a user interacts with the website, the server uses languages such as PHP (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor) to generate dynamic HTML, which it then sends to the browser. PHP, which powers some of the largest platforms on the Internet, is valued for its flexibility, speed and open source nature. It runs best in a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), although it's also compatible with Windows servers.

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Many websites are built using content management systems (CMS), which allow site owners to create, edit and manage content without extensive programming skills. Popular open source CMS options such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal offer customisable templates and modules for easy setup. However, with popularity comes risk; these systems can be frequent targets for hackers and require regular updates and security measures.

Custom CMS and CRM Solutions

At Buzzafy, we've developed our own powerful CMS and website scripts. Scalable, secure and easy to use, these custom solutions are designed to grow with your business. Contact us to learn more about how our tools can help you effectively manage your content and customer relationships.