I. Why do we need to understand the website? (Introduction of the user's perspective)
When we "surf the Internet" on a daily basis, from searching for information to shopping, socializing, to learning and working, almost every task is inseparable from the concept of "website". But if you want to build a website, do promotion, want to jump into the Internet or just want to understand the digital world thoroughly, it becomes very necessary to understand what is a website and its basic components and functions. This article is designed to address the question "What is a website? What are the core components? Why is it important?" These three core questions are prepared.
Second, what is the nature of the site? (step by step)
A website is a series of web pages in cyberspace, which can be easily accessed by anyone through a browser by typing in the "domain name". You can imagine it as:
- An invisible "digital storefront".
- A 24-hour "information showroom".
- A platform for remote delivery of services and content
A website can be the home page of a personal blog, or a billion-dollar "building" like Taobao, Zhihu, or B-site.
The standard definition of website (authoritative reference)
Website (Website) is based on the Internet, has an independent domain name, through the web server will be open to users of the information or services of the page or application collection [Source: Baidu Encyclopedia, Zhihu Q&A, Google Encyclopedia].
Third, the basic composition of the site (step by step refinement)
A complete, formal modern website will usually contain the following basic modules. Each module assumes an irreplaceable role.
1. Domain name (URL)
- Domain name is the door plate of the website on the network, help users quickly find you, for example: www.baidu.com
- Behind the domain name actually corresponds to the IP address of the server. People can't remember numbers so they use English phrases instead.
2. Web server (hosting space)
- All website files, pictures, and data are stored in this specialized "warehouse" - the server.
- When someone visits your site, the server quickly "transfers" the data to the user's terminal.
3. Front-end pages (user interface)
- The content that the user views, including layout, color, graphics, navigation, form buttons, etc., are all determined by the front-end.
- Commonly used front-end technologies are HTML (structure), CSS (style), and JavaScript (interaction).
4. Back-end programs (functional logic)
- Handling user input, managing staff orders, product orders, comment interaction and other functions, all rely on the back-end to achieve.
- Mostly developed in PHP, Python, Java, Node.js, etc.
5. Database
- Store website content, user information, transaction records and other massive data.
- Common databases are MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL and so on.
6. Website Content Resources
- Articles, videos, pictures, downloads, interactive data, etc. These are the "dry goods" that attract users.
7. Interaction modules (user functions)
- Comments, likes, orders, registration and login, search box and other functional areas, so that users can "participate" in.
Commonly used forms: the basic structure of the site and the role of the comparison table.
| Component | Main Role | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Domain name | Visiting entrance and brand display | www.taobao.com, blog.ai |
| Servers | Store content and data | Aliyun ECS, Tencent Cloud |
| Front-end page | Present visual content, interactive experience | Home page, article page, product page |
| Back-end program | Realize business functions, ensure security and scalability | User system, payment system |
| Database | Data storage, retrieval and analysis | User table, product table, order table |
| Website content | Attracting users, delivering services and information | Blog posts, product photos, news tweets |
| Interactive features | Increase user activity and retention | Comment section, search, likes, registration |
IV. What are all the common functions of a website? (and then progressive)
Different types of websites have their own functions, but the basic functions that are indispensable for mainstream websites include:
1. Search and navigation
- Convenient for users to find information, clear structure of the navigation to improve efficiency.
2. User registration/login
- Realize personalized service, binding comment, order and other permissions.
3. Content publishing/display
- Display articles, products, services (blogs, e-commerce, corporate websites are different).
4. Feedback and Interaction
- Such as comment section, likes, questionnaires, customer service and so on.
5. Data collection, statistics and analysis
- Webmasters can track traffic, user behavior, conversion rate and other data to guide operation optimization.
6. Payment and Settlement
- A must for e-commerce and platform websites. Integration of third-party or own payment system is required.
Summary Table: List of Function Types
| Function Category | Corresponding website type | Function Example |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Corporate website, portfolio | Company introduction, team style, information push |
| Interactive | Community, Forum, Blog | Comments, posts, private messages, likes |
| Business | E-commerce, booking, takeaway | Order, payment, logistics, evaluation |
| Tools | SaaS tools, online services | Registration, data processing, export, reminders |
V. How does the website run? (Process depiction)
1. Users enter the URL
→ 2. Find the server through DNS
→ 3. server fast response, front and back-end collaboration
→ 4. the user's browser displays the web page (and allows interaction / order / comment, etc.)
Modern websites can also automatically adapt to cell phones, small programs, Apps and other multi-end access, both fast and safe.
Sixth, the difference between a website and an APP/small program is? (Compare and contrast understanding)
| Object | Access method | Advantage | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sites | Browser | No installation, good SEO, fast maintenance | Not available offline |
| APP | App Store | High experience, strong local notifications | High installation threshold |
| Small program | WeChat/Alipay entrance | Use-it-or-lose-it, high ecological traffic | Dependent on platform restrictions |
VII. What does the website mean to enterprises and individuals? (Application vision)
- Enterprises: low-cost customer acquisition online publicity, support business automation, precipitation of customer data
- Individuals: displaying works, realizing content, accumulating self-branding, self-media operation.
- Government/School/Organization: information disclosure, service window, smart form, decision-making data collection
Any organization and individual, as long as you want to get a foothold in the digital economy, build their own website is almost an essential "infrastructure".
Eight, SEO perspective of the site construction points (conducive to ranking)
- Domain names containing keywords are more likely to be included
- Website structure is clear, short URLs
- Mobile adaptive, fast loading, rich in original content
- Various types of content with independent dynamic pages, TDK (title, description, keywords) reasonable settings
- Support HTTPS security
Nine, conclusion: thoroughly grasp the "what is a website" after the next step
Understanding the definition, composition and core functions of the website, you have taken the first step in the digital transformation. Whether you are a white, novice operators, or aspiring to start building a website developers, can be based on the planning, design, construction and optimization of a professional website for their own or the team, for the brand and career open door.
We recommend bookmarking this article as a regular reference, and can continue to focus on "steps to build a website" "website promotion and SEO" and other more in-depth topics, so that their own website more professional and more influential!
Extended reading and sources:
- Baidu Encyclopedia - Website