Web Pages
A web page is a single document that is displayed through a web browser. It is a part of a website and can include text, images, videos, links, and interactive elements. Web pages are primarily written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language), styled with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and have dynamic elements with JavaScript.
- A web page shows text, images, and videos to provide information.
- It includes elements like forms and buttons that users can click or fill out.
- A web page has links that let users move between different pages or sections.
Types of Web Pages
Web pages can be classified based on their functionality. The two main types of web pages are:
1. Static Web Pages
Static web pages are simple and do not contain dynamic content or interactive elements. They are also called flat or stationary web pages. These pages stay the same and show the same content to all users, no matter what actions they take. Static web pages are created using HTML and CSS.
For example: Simple Portfolio websites, Landing Pages, About Pages, Personal Blogs, etc.
2. Dynamic Web Pages
Dynamic web pages display different content depending on user actions or other factors. They make websites more interactive and engaging. For example, content such as image slideshows, videos, or user-specific data can change each time a page is loaded. For example: Social Media websites, E-commerce websites, News websites, etc.
Dynamic web pages can be further divided into two categories:
- Server-Side Scripting: Server-side scripting involves languages like PHP, ASP.Net, and JSP. It enables web pages to interact with databases, modify their content, and respond to user actions.
- Client-Side Scripting: This method involves JavaScript or other languages like Dart to create web pages that can update in real-time based on events such as user clicks, mouse movements, or keyboard presses.
Difference between Static Web Pages and Dynamic Web Pages
Feature | Static Web Pages | Dynamic Web Pages |
|---|---|---|
Content | Fixed and does not change unless edited manually | Changes based on user interaction or server response |
Programming Languages | HTML and CSS | HTML, CSS and JavaScript |
User Interaction | Limited or none | High – responds to user input |
Speed | Loads faster (simple structure) | May load slower (depends on backend processing) |
Maintenance | Manual updates required | Easier to update with frontend and/or backend logic |
Example | Portfolio website, landing page | Social media sites, e-commerce platforms |
Other Types of Web Pages
Several other types of web pages are commonly found on most websites, each serving a specific function:
- Homepage: This serves as the entry point for a website. It contains links to key sections of the site.
- Feed Page: Websites that frequently update their content feature feed pages, giving users quick access to the latest information.
- Menu Page: A menu page is designed to help users navigate through different sections of a website by providing links to various areas.
- About Us Page: This page introduces the business or website and provides visitors with essential information about its purpose, services, or mission.
- Registration Page: This page allows users to create accounts or sign up for services.
- Contacts Page: A contact page enables users to reach out to the site owner for inquiries or support.
- Landing Page: A landing page is typically created for the purpose of converting visitors into customers or leads.
Elements of a Web Page
Web pages are composed of several core components, including:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language):The foundation of every webpage, HTML defines the structure and content of the page, such as headings, paragraphs, and links.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): CSS controls the visual presentation of the page, including colors, fonts, and layout.
- JavaScript: JavaScript adds functionality and interactivity to a page, such as form validation, dynamic content updates, and event handling.
- Media: Web pages often contain images, videos, and audio files to enhance the user experience.
Key elements you will commonly find on a web page include
- Website Name: Typically displayed at the top-left corner of the page, this includes the site's name or logo.
- Search Bar: A search bar allows users to find specific content on the site.
- Navigation Bar: The navigation bar links to important sections of the site, providing an easy way for users to navigate.
- Heading: A heading provides a brief overview of the page's content.
- Content: The main body of the page, which contains text, images, videos, and other elements.
- Feedback Form: Many web pages include a form for collecting user feedback or comments.
- Social Media Links: These allow users to share the page’s content on social media platforms.
How Does a Web Page Render?
Below are the following steps by which the web pages renders in browser:
Let's see, Step-by-Step Process from URL Entry to Page Rendering:
Step 1. User Enters URL
The process starts when the user enters a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into the web browser's address bar.
Step 2. Browser Sends Request
Once the URL is entered, the browser sends a request to the server to retrieve the web page associated with the URL.
Step 3. DNS Server Translates Domain to IP Address
The browser then contacts a DNS (Domain Name System) server to translate the human-readable domain name (like www.geeksforgeeks.org) into a machine-readable IP address. This allows the browser to find the exact location of the server hosting the website.
Step 4. Server Processes Request
After the DNS server provides the IP address, the browser connects to the server that hosts the website. The server processes the request and retrieves or generates the web page content based on the URL requested.
Step 5. Server Sends Response
The server then sends a response back to the browser, which contains the requested web page, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, as well as any media (images, videos, etc.).
Step 6. Browser Renders the Web Page
Finally, the browser decodes the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files received from the server and renders the web page for the user to view. If the page contains dynamic elements (e.g., JavaScript interactions), the browser handles them accordingly.
Characteristics of a Web Page
The characteristics of a web page are:
- Ease of Creation: With modern no-code platforms, creating a web page has become simple. These platforms often offer templates and drag-and-drop editors, allowing users to create webpages quickly without writing code.
- Device Compatibility: Web pages should function seamlessly across various devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile phones.
- Link Accessibility: Clicking on a link in search results will often redirect users to the specific web page.
- Media Integration: Web pages can include various forms of media like images, videos, and audio files to enrich the content.
- Technologies Used: A web page use HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity.
Web Page vs Website
The terms web page and website are often confused, but they have distinct meanings. Below is the difference between them:
Website | Webpage |
|---|---|
A website is made up of multiple web pages that are interconnected by hyperlinks. | A web page is a single document that appears in a browser. |
Websites are typically accessible by a domain name without a specific extension in the URL. | Web pages are accessed through unique URLs, often with file extensions. |
Building a website requires advanced programming skills and more time. | A web page is simpler and can be created with basic knowledge of HTML. |
Examples of websites include Amazon.com and Google.com. | Examples of web pages include the home page, contact page, and the page you're currently viewing. |
Conclusion
A web page is an important part of the internet, acting as a document that shows content to users through a web browser. Whether it’s a simple static page or a more interactive dynamic page, web pages are made to give users useful and engaging information. By learning about the different types of web pages, the parts that make them up, and the technologies used to create them, developers can make sure their web pages are easy to use and work well on all devices.
