Web Development Fundamentals (Integrated)
This overarching section integrates foundational concepts and tools common to all web development disciplines, providing a holistic understanding of the web ecosystem. It complements the language-specific tracks by addressing universal principles and practices.
Module 1: Introduction to Web Development & Software Architecture
This module provides a broad overview of web development, distinguishing between front-end, back-end, and full-stack development roles. It covers the fundamental client-server architecture, explaining how web servers (e.g., Apache, Nginx) function. Students will gain an understanding of common web application structures, exemplified by the WordPress file system. The module also delves into the request/response flow, illustrating how dashboard and front-end pages load.23
Objective: Students will gain a foundational understanding of web development roles, client-server interaction, and basic web application architecture.
Module 2: Essential Developer Tools & Practices
This module focuses on equipping students with crucial tools and best practices for software development. It covers setting up a local development environment, including configuring VS Code, Node.js, Python/PHP interpreters, and local servers. Version control with Git and GitHub is a key component, teaching basic commands and collaborative workflows. Students will also master essential software development tools such as the command-line interface (Terminal) and various debugging tools (browser console, IDE debuggers). Fundamental Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles are introduced as general concepts, applicable across different languages. The Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern is also explained.24
Objective: Students will master essential developer tools, understand version control, and apply fundamental software design patterns.
Module 3: APIs and Data Exchange
This module clarifies what an Application Programming Interface (API) is and emphasizes its importance in modern web applications. It covers RESTful principles and API architecture, including HTTP methods, status codes, and JSON response structures. Students will learn how to interact with APIs, both sending and receiving data. An introduction to the Browser Object Model (BOM) is also included, providing context for how web pages interact with the browser.9
Objective: Students will understand the role and structure of APIs in modern web applications and how to interact with them for data exchange.
Module 4: Deployment & Maintenance
This module introduces the critical aspects of deploying and maintaining web applications. It covers fundamental deployment concepts such as hosting, domains, and DNS. Students will learn about basic deployment strategies using platforms like Heroku, Netlify, Vercel, and Firebase. An introduction to Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines is provided. The module also addresses general principles for managing updates, backups, and security, along with strategies for troubleshooting common web errors.13
Objective: Students will understand the process of deploying web applications and basic maintenance practices.