Introduction to The World Wide Web - SS3 ICT Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Tim Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web in 1989 while working at CERN. He proposed the concept of a global system of interlinked documents and developed the first web page and web browser. His invention revolutionized the way information is accessed and shared, shaping the modern internet. Berners-Lee's decision to make the WWW technology freely available without patents or royalties was crucial in its rapid global adoption.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) plays a critical role in web security by encrypting data transmission between a user's web browser and a web server. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data, remains confidential and cannot be easily intercepted by malicious actors. Without HTTPS, sensitive data transmitted over the web would be vulnerable to eavesdropping and hacking, posing significant security risks for online users and businesses.

The World Wide Web has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially, it consisted of simple, text-based web pages with limited interactivity. Over time, it has witnessed the proliferation of multimedia content, including images, videos, and interactive applications. Web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript have empowered web developers to create dynamic and responsive websites. Additionally, the rise of mobile devices and responsive design has led to a mobile-first approach in web development. Furthermore, the web has expanded to include social media, e-commerce, cloud services, and the Internet of Things (IoT), transforming how we live, work, and communicate.

 Example of a Well-Structured URL and Its Components:

A well-structured URL consists of several components. Here's an example: "https://www.example.com:8080/path/to/resource?query=example&id=123"

Protocol: "https" specifies the communication protocol.

Domain: "www.example.com" is the domain name, identifying the website.

Port: ":8080" indicates the port number for the web server (optional).

Path: "/path/to/resource" defines the location of the specific web resource.

Query Parameters: "?query=example&id=123" contains key-value pairs that provide additional information to the web server.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is responsible for developing and maintaining web standards and protocols. Its major responsibilities include:

• Creating and updating specifications for web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Ensuring interoperability among web browsers and platforms.
• Addressing accessibility and inclusivity in web design.
• Promoting best practices for web development and security.
• Fostering the growth and accessibility of the WWW through open and collaborative efforts.
• Developing guidelines for web content, such as web accessibility guidelines (WCAG).

W3C's efforts are crucial in maintaining a consistent and accessible web experience for users worldwide.