World Wide Web

The World Wide Web (WWW), commonly known as the web, is a system of interlinked hypertext documents and multimedia content that can be accessed over the Internet. These documents are typically coded in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and are retrieved using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The web was invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while working at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research).

Features of the World Wide Web

1. Hypertext and Hyperlinks: Enables users to navigate between different documents and resources via clickable links.
2. Web Browsers: Software applications like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari that facilitate access to web content.
3. HTML: The standard markup language used to create and format web pages.
4. HTTP/HTTPS: Protocols used for communication between a web browser and a web server.
5. Multimedia Integration: Allows for the incorporation of text, images, videos, and interactive elements within web pages.
6. Web Servers: Machines that host and serve web pages to users over the Internet.

Examples

1. Wikipedia: A free online encyclopedia that provides a vast amount of information and knowledge on a wide variety of topics.
2. Investopedia: A comprehensive source for financial and investing education.
3. Google Search: The most widely used search engine to find information on the web.
4. YouTube: A video-sharing platform where users can upload, view, and interact with video content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who invented the World Wide Web? Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989.

2. What is the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web? The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers, while the World Wide Web is a system of information that can be accessed via the Internet using browsers.

3. What are some common web browsers? Common web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

4. What is HTTPS, and why is it important? HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It encrypts data exchanged between a web browser and a web server, ensuring secure and private communication.

5. How does HTML work? HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used to structure content on the web by defining elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, images, and more.

Related Terms

Internet: A global network of interconnected computers that communicate using standardized protocols.

Web Browser: Software used to access and view web pages on the World Wide Web.

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol, a foundation for data communication on the web.

HTML: Hypertext Markup Language, the standard language for creating web pages and applications.

HTTP Status Codes: Codes indicating the status of a request made to a web server (e.g., 404 Not Found, 200 OK).

Online Resources

1. W3C: The World Wide Web Consortium, where web standards are developed.
2. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN): A comprehensive resource for web developers.
3. HTML.com: A website dedicated to HTML tutorials and resources.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

• “HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites” by Jon Duckett
• “Learning Web Design: A Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics” by Jennifer Niederst Robbins
• “Designing with the Mind in Mind: Simple Guide to Understanding User Interface Design Guidelines” by Jeff Johnson

Fundamentals of the World Wide Web: Communications and Technology Basics Quiz