The World Wide Web

The World Wide Web

The World Wide Web

  • The World Wide Web, often referred to as the “web”, is a system of interlinked hypertext documents and other resources, linked by hyperlinks and URLs.
  • It uses the Internet as its foundational infrastructure but is only one of many applications sharing this infrastructure.
  • The web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989.

Working of the World Wide Web

  • When you access the web, you use a software called a web browser to retrieve information from other computers.
  • Websites are hosted on hardware known as servers. When you type an address, your browser sends a request to the server where the website is stored.
  • The server responds by sending the files back to your browser, which turns them into the website you see.

Web Pages

  • Web pages are what make up the World Wide Web. These documents are usually written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language).
  • Websites are made up of one or multiple web pages, each linked together using hyperlinks.

URLs

  • Each webpage accessible on the web has a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator). These are the web addresses that you type into your browser’s address bar.
  • URLs have a specific structure - a protocol (http or https), a domain name, and an optional path and query string.

Protocols

  • The World Wide Web operates using the HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), which dictates how messages are formatted and transmitted.
  • An encrypted version of this is the HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure), which uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect the data transferred between the browser and server.

Web 2.0

  • The web has evolved over the years. We now speak of Web 2.0, which refers to websites that emphasise user-generated content, usability, and interoperability.
  • This evolution made the web more interactive. Websites went from being static information pages to dynamic applications. Examples of Web 2.0 are social networking sites, blogs, wikis, and video sharing sites.

Web 3.0

  • Web 3.0, also known as the semantic web, envisages a future where websites and the information they contain are machine-readable enabling computers to analyse and process data in complex ways.
  • It allows for more personalisation and integration between websites and services.

Safety and Security

  • Always remember the importance of safety and security when browsing the World Wide Web.
  • Be mindful of the risks such as malware, phishing, and online scams. Always use secure protocols (https), keep your devices updated, and use reliable security software.
  • Web tracking and related privacy concerns are also significant. Be aware of how your personal data is used and maintained online, read privacy policies, and customise privacy settings where possible.