Evolution of Web Communication

Published on: Sept. 29, 2024

Overview

This overview accurately represents the evolution of web technologies from static document viewing to dynamic, interactive applications. The progression shows how web communication has become more sophisticated, incorporating state management, security features, and efficient data transfer methods.

Foundation

• Web communication is built on TCP/IP connections
• Web consists of HTML (structure) and HTTP (transfer protocol)

Early Web (Static Content)

• HTTP was initially a stateless document viewer
• Basic communication flow: Client sends HTTP GET request and then Web server responds with HTML document

Enhancement of Web Content

1. Introduction of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
   • Improved document aesthetics
2. Addition of image files (e.g., JPG)
   • Enhanced visual appeal

Dynamic Web Elements

1. Need for interactivity led to scripting languages:
   • Mocha Script
   • Live Script
   • JavaScript (widely adopted)
2. Introduction of HTTP POST method
   • Enabled bi-directional communication

State Management

1. Client-side: Cookies store user state
2. Server-side: Databases store user information

Advanced Functionality

1. Dynamic HTML generation using JavaScript
2. Example: User Authentication
   • Client sends login credentials (ID and password)
   • Server authenticates by comparing with database

Modern Web Architecture

1. Separation of UI and data for maintainability
2. CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations
3. Server responses:
   • JSON or XML for data transfer
   • Enables easier data manipulation and reduced payload

Network Infrastructure

• Communication occurs over the internet
• Data passes through multiple routers between client and server

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