Coding a website may seem intimidating, but if you break down the process, you’ll see that it’s accessible to everyone. You’ll start with HTML, the markup language that creates the structure of your web pages. Think of HTML as the framework of your house. Without a good foundation, nothing holds together.
Next, you’ll add style with CSS. This tool lets you control the layout and visual appearance of your site. CSS lets you customize colors, fonts and element layouts.
To make your site interactive and dynamic, you’ll use JavaScript. This programming language lets you add functionality such as forms, animations and more. By combining HTML, CSS and JavaScript, you’ll be ready for any web development project.
How does a website work?
When an Internet user visits a website, a number of technical processes are triggered. Understanding these mechanisms will enable you to master the creation and operation of your own site.
HTTP/HTTPS protocol
The HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) protocol manages communication between your browser and the web server. It enables the transfer of web pages, images and other resources. HTTPS (HTTP Secure) adds a layer of security via SSL/TLS encryption, ensuring that data exchanged remains confidential.
A good example is browsing a merchant site in HTTPS. Your payment information is encrypted, preventing hackers from accessing it.
Network and router
Your website request passes through a network of several computers and devices, including your home or office router. The router directs the request to the right server. The internal network also includes firewalls, which filter incoming and outgoing data for security reasons.
This network infrastructure is crucial to providing a stable, secure connection.
DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS maps human-readable web addresses (such as www.gregorychartier.fr) to numerical IP addresses used by machines. When you type a URL into your browser, DNS acts as a translator, directing your request to the right server.
This DNS resolution system speeds up navigation while keeping track of complex names.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
TheURL is the complete address specifying the location of a resource on the Internet. It includes various parts: the protocol (http/https), the domain name, and the access path. For example, in https://www.gregorychartier.fr/fr/comment-coder-un-site-internet/, “https” is the protocol, ” www.gregorychartier.fr ” the domain name, and “/comment-coder-un-site-internet/” the path to a particular resource.
A well-constructed URL is essential for efficient navigation and good SEO.
Browsers
Web browsers are software programs such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari. They interpret and display websites by rendering HTML, CSS and JavaScript. These tools are also responsible for security and cookie management.
Each browser offers unique features, but all aim to make the user experience seamless.
Static vs. dynamic website
A static site displays the same information to all visitors. HTML pages are preconceived and do not change. A dynamic site, on the other hand, adapts content according to user interaction, often using programming languages like PHP, and databases like MySQL.
Dynamic sites are essential for interactive applications such as social networks or e-commerce sites.
How is a web page coded?
A web page is created from various components that work together to deliver content, style, dynamism and interaction.
Structured content
The content of a web page is generally structured using HTML(HyperText Markup Language). This language is used to define page elements such as headings, paragraphs, links and images.
Let’s take a simple example:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="fr">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Ma première page</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Bienvenue sur ma page</h1>
<p>Ceci est un paragraphe de texte.</p>
<a href="https://exemple.com">Visitez ce site</a>
</body>
</html>
Each tag has a specific function. The <h1> tags define headings, while <p> is used for paragraphs. Images are integrated with <img>, and links are created with <a>.
Styles for formatting
Visit CSS(Cascading Style Sheets) is used to embellish and format your HTML content. You can control colors, fonts, margins and much more.
Here’s a simple CSS example:
body {
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
background-color: #f4f4f4;
margin: 0;
}
h1 {
color: #333;
}
p {
line-height: 1.6;
}
These styles can be integrated directly into the HTML file or referenced via an external file. By applying consistent styles, you ensure a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing user experience.
Dynamism and user interaction
To add dynamism to your web page, you need to use JavaScript. This programming language makes the page interactive and responsive to user actions.
Here’s a simple example:
<button onclick="afficherMessage()">Cliquez-moi</button>
<script>
function afficherMessage() {
alert('Bonjour !');
}
</script>
Clicking on the button triggers a JavaScript function that displays an alert message. JavaScript is extremely powerful, and can be used to validate forms, create animations and manipulate the DOM(Document Object Model).
Languages used
When creating a website, you need to choose the right languages. Each language has its own specific role to play.
HTML
HTML(HyperText Markup Language) is essential. It structures your content. You define headings, paragraphs, images and links.
CSS
To style your site, use CSS(Cascading Style Sheets). You modify colors, fonts and layouts. This language separates design from content.
JavaScript
To interact with the user, add JavaScript. This scripting language makes your site dynamic. It enables form validation, animations and much more.
PHP
For interactive sites, PHP(Hypertext Preprocessor) is essential. It runs on the server side. You create dynamic pages with databases.
SQL
To manage data, learn SQL(Structured Query Language). This language lets you create, read, update and delete data in relational databases.
Optional languages
For specific needs, other languages may be useful:
- Python: for backend scripts.
- Ruby: for agile web development.
- ASP.NET: for Windows environments.
Each language brings its own advantages; select them according to your specific needs. In this way, you’ll enrich your website, making it more functional and attractive.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) basics
To code a website properly, you first need to understand the basics of HTML. This includes basic syntax, the use of tags and content structuring.
Basic syntax
HTML uses tags to define elements. Each tag consists of a name surrounded by chevrons (<nom>). An opening tag and a closing tag surround the relevant content, for example: <p>Votre contenu ici</p>.
Some tags have no content and close themselves with a slash, like <br /> for a line break. An HTML page generally begins with the declaration <!DOCTYPE html>, which indicates the type of document.
The html element encompasses the entire content of the page. Inside, the elements head and body are usually found. The head element contains meta information and links to external resources, while the body element contains the displayed content.
Using tags
Tags are essential components for structuring a web page. The most common include <h1> to <h6> for headings, <p> for paragraphs and <a> for links.
Lists are created using <ul> for bulleted lists and <ol> for numbered lists, with each list item surrounded by <li>. Images are inserted with the <img> tag, which uses the src attribute to specify the image source: <img src="chemin/vers/image.jpg" alt="Description de l'image">.
Other important tags include <div> for block containers and <span> for inline containers. These tags help to segment and style different parts of the content.
Structuring content
Structuring HTML content allows you to organize your information in a logical and accessible way. The page title is defined by the <title> tag in the head element, which helps search engines and users identify the page’s subject.
The use of <header>, <main>, <footer>, and other section elements helps to divide the page into distinct parts. <header> often contains the title and navigation links. <main> encompasses the main content. The <footer> contains additional information such as contact details.
Logical grouping via <article>, <section> or <aside> tags makes content more comprehensible to both users and search engines. By using these techniques, you make your website more readable, navigable and SEO-friendly.
Stylization with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) brings your web pages to life, offering advanced formatting options adapted to different screens and resolutions. Would you like your site to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional? Dive into these essential concepts.
Introduction to CSS
CSS is the language of web design. It separates structure (HTML) from visual presentation. You can define colors, fonts and spacing.
Have you ever dreamed of changing the appearance of your site in the blink of an eye? With a CSS style sheet, it’s possible. Simply integrate the CSS file into your HTML document using the <link> tag, or write the styles directly into a <style> tag.
CSS selectors (like classes and IDs) give you precise control. For example:
body {
background-color: lightblue;
}
p {
font-size: 14px;
color: #333;
}
Formatting and templates
Formatting with CSS transforms a web page. You can manage margins, borders and grids. Think about the organization of your content.
To align your elements, use properties such as flex-box and grid. These tools allow you to arrange elements in a coherent, responsive way.
Use margin and padding to adjust spaces around objects. CSS templates offer incredible flexibility for creating complex layouts without losing your cool.
Example of a simple layout with flex-box :
.container {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
}
.item {
padding: 10px;
background: #f0f0f0;
}
Responsive Design
Have you thought about navigation on cell phones or tablets? Responsive design is essential. Use media queries to adapt your site to different screen sizes.
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.container {
display: block;
}
.item {
width: 100%;
}
}
Responsive design enhances the user experience by guaranteeing optimal reading and navigation. Test your site on different devices to check its adaptability.
By combining these techniques, you guarantee an elegant and functional presentation on all platforms. CSS is your ally for attractive design.
Interactivity with JavaScript
JavaScript plays a crucial role in adding interactivity to your website. This programming language enables you to manipulate elements, manage events and introduce backend functionality via NodeJS.
JavaScript basics
JavaScript is an interpreted programming language, mainly used to create interactive web pages. Think drop-down menus or modal windows.
You start by including your script between the <script></script> tags in your HTML. From there, you can define variables, write functions and control the logic of your page. For example:
var message = "Bonjour, monde!";
alert(message);
Control structures such as loops for and conditionals if-else allow you to manage a variety of behaviors. In short, proper handling of these basics enhances the interactivity of your site.
DOM manipulation
The Document Object Model (DOM) is an interface that lets you manipulate the structure and content of your HTML document with JavaScript. You can select elements, modify their properties and react to user events.
For example, to change the text of a paragraph with the ID “demo”, you would use :
document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "Texte modifié!";
Events such as click, mouseover, and submit are captured and managed via event listeners (event listeners). This makes it possible to add dynamic interactions such as interactive forms or animations.
NodeJS
NodeJS lets you run JavaScript on the server side. This opens up the possibility of creating complete Web applications using the same programming language for both frontend and backend.
With NodeJS, you can handle HTTP requests, database access and even file management. For example, here’s a simple HTTP server in NodeJS :
const http = require('http');
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
res.statusCode = 200;
res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
res.end('Bonjour, monde!n');
});
server.listen(3000, '127.0.0.1', () => {
console.log('Serveur en écoute sur le port 3000');
});
NodeJS is often used with frameworks such as Express to simplify development. It is particularly effective for real-time applications such as online chat or multiplayer games.
Using frameworks and libraries
Frameworks and libraries are essential tools for speeding up and simplifying website development. Using solutions such as Bootstrap or jQuery, you can significantly improve the aesthetics and functionality of your site without starting from scratch.
Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a popular front-end framework that facilitates the creation of elegant, responsive websites. It offers a multitude of ready-to-use CSS and JavaScript components, eliminating the need to code everything manually. You can integrate flexible grids, buttons, forms and other visual elements in just a few lines of code.
Thanks to its use of CSS3 and HTML5, Bootstrap guarantees compatibility with all major browsers. This means you can create consistent, adaptive user interfaces. If you’re working on a complex site, Bootstrap lets you maintain a consistent visual style throughout your project.
To get started with Bootstrap, simply download the CSS file or embed the CDN link in your HTML document. Then use the pre-defined classes to style your elements. For example, apply .btn for buttons or .card for cards.
jQuery
jQuery is a JavaScript library that simplifies DOM manipulation, event management and AJAX requests. It lets you add interactive functionality without having to write long lines of native JavaScript code. With jQuery, you can select and manipulate elements with ease.
Cross-compatibility is a major advantage of jQuery. You don’t have to worry about different JavaScript implementations in different browsers. To integrate jQuery, simply add the library script to your HTML file, either by downloading it or via a CDN.
jQuery’s powerful selectors let you modify the content and CSS styles of elements on your web page. For example, use $(selector).hide() to hide an element or $(selector).css('color', 'red') to change its color. Thanks to these features, you can quickly enrich the user experience on your site.
By combining Bootstrap and jQuery, you can significantly improve your site’s appearance and interactivity, while optimizing your development time.
Designing your website in advance
Before coding a website, it’s crucial to get the design right. This includes defining needs, establishing essential functionalities and creating the site’s tree structure.
Define your needs and the purpose of your site
Start by identifying your company’s needs and your website’s objectives. What do you want to achieve? Are you attracting customers? Do you sell products? Do you communicate information? These questions will determine the structure and sections of your site.
An e-commerce site requires a product section, a shopping cart and a payment interface. An informative site, on the other hand, will have mainly textual content with clear navigation. Your objectives will guide the choice of functionalities and the tree structure of your site.
List essential functions
Identify the most important features. Prioritize them. For a blog, this might include article publishing, reader comments and an effective search bar. For a business, a contact form and an About section are essential.
Each feature must be justified by a previously identified need. Search functionality can improve navigation. A secure payment module is essential for an online store. Make a note of these needs, and adjust them as you go along.
Prioritize features for development
Not all features are created equal. Prioritize them. Which ones should you give your full attention to first?
Use criteria such as added value for the user, development cost and impact on navigation.
Example: Prioritize the payment process for an online store before implementing advanced search filters. This prioritization will help you stay focused and on schedule.
Creating the tree structure
Next, design your site’s tree structure. A good tree structure ensures fluid, intuitive navigation. Represent the different sections in the form of a diagram or table.
Structure your site with clear categories.
For example: a home page, sections for services, a blog, and a contact page. Make sure users can quickly find the information they need. The tree structure should reflect your objectives and facilitate access to your essential content.
Drawing up wireframes
Finally, move on to wireframes. These simple diagrams show the layout of each page of the site. Indicate where to place titles, text, images and navigation buttons. Use tools like Sketch or Figma to create them.
A wireframe for a product page might include an image at the top, the product name in the center and the price below. Wireframes allow you to visualize the structure and quickly spot any inconsistencies. They are essential before you start coding, ensuring a solid foundation for your website.
Coding a complete dynamic site
To code a dynamic site, you need to master several technical aspects: server code, databases and the right tools. You also need to choose an efficient programming language such as PHP.
Advantages and disadvantages
Dynamic sites offer a personalized user experience. They enable different content to be displayed according to users’ actions or preferences. However, they require regular maintenance and security expertise to protect sensitive data.
Benefits include :
- Enhanced interactivity: improved user experience.
- Personalization: Targeted content.
- Scalability: Easy to update.
Disadvantages:
- Complexity: Programming and maintenance.
- Security: Vulnerability risks.
- Resources: Requires more server space than static sites.
Server code
Server code is essential for a dynamic site. It manages user requests and generates responses. It runs on the server before sending the result to the client (browser).
The main roles of server code :
- Data processing: Interaction with the database.
- Authentication: User and rights management.
- Performance: Optimization of response times.
Common technologies include Node.js, Ruby on Rails and Django. You can also use frameworks that simplify coding and improve site security.
PHP language (definition, advantages, disadvantages)
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language widely used to create dynamic websites.
The advantages of PHP :
- Easy to learn: Simple syntax.
- Active community: Numerous forums and documentation.
- Compatibility: Integrates easily with HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
The disadvantages of PHP :
- Security: Often criticized for its potential flaws.
- Performance: Less powerful than some more modern languages.
- Coding style: Less strict, which can lead to less clean code.
The database
Databases store and organize information on a dynamic site. They are crucial for managing users, products, items, etc. Relational databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL are popular.
Points to consider:
- Data structure: Tables, columns and relationships.
- Security: Access and protection of sensitive data.
- Performance: Optimized queries for fast response.
You can also explore NoSQL databases like MongoDB for specific needs, such as document storage.
Tools for coding a dynamic website
There are a number of tools available to help you code dynamic sites. It’s a good idea to choose the ones that best suit your needs:
- IDEs and code editors: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text.
- Version managers: Git, GitHub for tracking changes.
- Frameworks: Laravel for PHP, Flask for Python.
- Testing and debugging: Postman for API testing, Xdebug for PHP.
These tools improve productivity and guarantee high-quality, structured and maintainable code.
Methods for coding a dynamic website
Creating a dynamic site requires a structured approach. Here’s a guide:
- Planning: Define objectives and target audience.
- Design: Page layout and prototyping.
- Development: Code frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and backend (PHP, Node.js).
- Integration: Connect the site to a database.
- Testing: checking functionality and correcting bugs.
- Deployment: Host the site on a server.
- Maintenance: Monitor and improve the site on an ongoing basis.
These steps ensure organized development and a functional end product.
Good development practices
Adopting a structured and rigorous approach is essential to guarantee a high-performance, secure and easily maintainable website. This includes using development frameworks, implementing security measures, search engine optimization (SEO) and facilitating site maintenance and scalability.
Using a development framework
Have you considered using a framework for your web development? Frameworks such as React, Angular or Vue.js provide a solid structure for building complex applications. They provide predefined libraries, facilitating the development of recurring functionality. What’s more, using a framework improves code consistency and quality, making your project easier to manage and evolve.
Frameworks also often have a large community, so you can easily find resources and help when you need it. What’s more, they incorporate testing and debugging tools that simplify the development process. For best results, choose frameworks that are well maintained and documented.
Website security
Security is crucial. How can you protect your site from potential threats? Adopt HTTPS to encrypt data exchanged between browser and server. Protect your users against XSS (Cross-Site Scripting ) attacks by systematically validating and escaping user input. Use tools such as Content Security Policy (CSP) to prevent the injection of malicious content.
SQL injections are also a major threat. Make sure you always prepare your SQL queries to prevent attackers from exploiting potential vulnerabilities. Finally, perform regular security audits and update your libraries and dependencies to correct known vulnerabilities.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
SEO is fundamental to attracting visitors. Have you optimized your pages for search engines? Use meta tags to clearly describe the content of each page. Page titles (H1, H2, H3) should be relevant and include strategic keywords. Also remember to optimize URLs so that they are descriptive and easy to read.
Quality content plays a vital role. Write informative, well-structured texts to hold your visitors’ attention and improve your ranking. Don’t forget the importance of quality backlinks to reinforce your site’s credibility. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor and improve your SEO performance.
Easy to maintain and upgrade
A well-designed site must be easy to maintain. How can you make your project easier to maintain and upgrade? Adopt a modular approach, where each component can be developed, tested and deployed independently. Use versioning tools like Git to track changes and collaborate effectively with other developers.
Write clear, well-documented code with explanatory comments. Implement automated tests to quickly detect and correct bugs. Finally, choose technologies and development practices that support the future evolution of your site, such as microservices or serverless architectures, to easily adapt to changing needs.
Choosing the right domain name and web hosting
To develop a successful website, it’s essential to choose the right domain name and reliable web hosting. These choices affect your site’s visibility, security and performance.
What do you need?
Before choosing a domain name or web hosting, identify your specific needs. Will your site be an online store, a blog, a company showcase? Determine the volume of traffic you expect, so you can choose the hosting package that’s right for you.
Consider performance and loading speed. Consider storage capacity and bandwidth options. Also consider security requirements, including SSL certificates and regular backups.
Domain name selection
A good domain name should be short, easy to remember and representative of your business. Avoid complex names or names with numbers and hyphens if possible. It should also contain SEO-relevant keywords.
The domain ending (.com, .fr, .org, etc.) is just as crucial. Global extensions like .com are universally recognized, while national extensions (.fr, .de) can strengthen your local presence.
Lodging options
Web hosting comes in several categories: shared, VPS, dedicated and cloud. Shared hosting is economical, but limits resources. VPS offers greater control and performance. Dedicated hosting provides exclusive resources, ideal for high-traffic sites.
Cloud hosting is flexible and scalable, making it easy to adapt to increasing traffic. Make sure your hosting provider offers good uptime and responsive technical support.
Security and backups
Security must be a top priority. Choose a hosting provider that offers SSL certificates to protect data exchanges. Look for solutions with firewalls, DDoS protection and proactive monitoring.
Set up regular automatic backups to prevent data loss. Backups must be securely stored and easy to restore if necessary. A good backup plan is essential to guarantee the continuity and security of your site.
Create a website without coding: CMS and site builders
To create a website without any programming knowledge, you can use CMS and site builders. These tools offer practical, intuitive solutions for a variety of needs, whether for a blog, an online store or a professional website.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are several advantages to using CMS and website builders. Predefined templates are available for different types of project. Drag-and-drop tools simplify page layout. No coding skills are required to customize your site.
However, these platforms may have limitations. Some advanced features may require paid extensions. Search engine optimization may be less effective than that of a custom site. You also depend on the conditions and rates of third-party services.
WordPress
WordPress is the most popular CMS. It offers a multitude of themes and plug-ins. Installation and customization are simple, thanks to an intuitive interface. You can create any type of site, from blogs to online stores.
One of WordPress’ greatest assets is its flexibility. You’ll find extensions for virtually every conceivable feature. On the other hand, this diversity can lead to compatibility problems or security breaches. Regular maintenance is therefore essential.
Wix
Wix stands out for its extremely easy-to-use drag-and-drop tools. It offers a wide range of templates and integrated applications for fast, intuitive site creation. No need to code, everything is pre-configured.
Wix is perfect for beginners. You can easily customize the look and functionality of your site. However, some advanced options may be limited. What’s more, if you opt for a free plan, your site is bound to display Wix ads.
Shopify
Shopify is the ideal platform for creating an online store. Everything is optimized for e-commerce, with powerful tools for product management, inventory and payment processing. The interface is user-friendly and the themes are varied.
Shopify simplifies the creation and management of an online store. You benefit from numerous applications to extend functionality. However, monthly fees can add up quickly, especially if your needs require paid third-party applications.
Prestashop
For a more technical and detailed e-commerce project, Prestashop is an option to consider. This open source platform allows for extensive customization. You have a vast array of modules at your disposal to add specific functionalities to your store.
The Prestashop community is active, offering help and resources. On the other hand, it may require more technical skills than other site builders. It may also require separate hosting, adding an extra layer of management.
To conclude on how to code a website
Creating a website may seem complex at first, but each step brings you closer to your goal. Have you chosen the right technologies for your project?
Review your site’s HTML and CSS code. Are they clean and well structured? Is accessibility optimized? This has a direct impact on the user experience. Does a responsive site adjust properly to different devices?
Don’t forget security. Do you use SSL protocols? Are your databases protected? Security must be a priority from the outset.
Think of the future.
Can your site easily adapt to new features? Good design allows for expansion. Do you plan to update your content regularly?
For professional results, consider hiring an experienced developer. Need specific help? Contact me to enhance or create the site of your dreams.
