Editing Web development (section)

== Web development life cycle ==
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The web development life cycle is a method that outlines the stages involved in building websites and web applications. It provides a structured approach, ensuring optimal results throughout the development process.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

A typical Web Development process can be divided into 7 steps.

=== Analysis ===
Debra Howcraft and John Carroll proposed a methodology in which web development process can be divided into sequential steps. They mentioned different aspects of analysis.<ref name="Howcroft-2000">{{Cite journal |last1=Howcroft |first1=Debra |last2=Carroll |first2=John |date=2000 |title=A proposed methodology for web development. |journal=Ecis 2000 Proceedings |url=https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2000/73/}}</ref>

Phase one involves crafting a web strategy and analyzing how a website can effectively achieve its goals. Keil et al.'s research<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Keil |first1=Mark |last2=Cule |first2=Paul E. |last3=Lyytinen |first3=Kalle |last4=Schmidt |first4=Roy C. |date=November 1998 |title=A framework for identifying software project risks |journal=Communications of the ACM |volume=41 |issue=11 |pages=76–83 |doi=10.1145/287831.287843 |issn=0001-0782|doi-access=free }}</ref> identifies the primary reasons for software project failures as a lack of top management commitment and misunderstandings of system requirements. To mitigate these risks, Phase One establishes strategic goals and objectives, designing a system to fulfill them. The decision to establish a web presence should ideally align with the organization's corporate information strategy.

The analysis phase can be divided into 3 steps:
* Development of a web strategy
* Defining objectives
* Objective analysis

During this phase, the previously outlined objectives and available resources undergo analysis to determine their feasibility. This analysis is divided into six tasks, as follows:

* '''Technology analysis:''' Identification of all necessary technological components and tools for constructing, hosting, and supporting the site.
* '''Information analysis:''' Identification of user-required information, whether static (web page) or dynamic (pulled "live" from a database server).
* '''Skills analysis:''' Identification of the diverse skill sets necessary to complete the project.
* '''User analysis:''' Identification of all intended users of the site, a more intricate process due to the varied range of users and technologies they may use.
* '''Cost analysis:''' Estimation of the development cost for the site or an evaluation of what is achievable within a predefined budget.
* '''Risk analysis:''' Examination of any major risks associated with site development.

Following this analysis, a more refined set of objectives is documented. Objectives that cannot be presently fulfilled are recorded in a Wish List, constituting part of the Objectives Document. This documentation becomes integral to the iterative process during the subsequent cycle of the methodology.<ref name="Howcroft-2000" />

=== Planning: sitemap and wireframe ===
It is crucial for [[web developer]]s to be engaged in formulating a plan and determining the optimal architecture and selecting the [[Software framework|frameworks]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Additionally, developers/consultants play a role in elucidating the total cost of ownership associated with supporting a website, which may surpass the initial development expenses.

Key aspects in this step are:
* [[Sitemaps|Sitemap]] creation
* [[Website wireframe|Wireframe]] creation
* [[Solution stack|Tech stack]]

=== Design and layout ===
Following the analysis phase, the development process moves on to the [[Web design|design]] phase, which is guided by the objectives document. Recognizing the incremental growth of websites and the potential lack of good design architecture, the methodology includes iteration to account for changes and additions over the life of the site. The design phase, which is divided into [[Information design|Information Design]] and [[Graphic design|Graphic Design]], results in a detailed Design Document that details the structure of the website, [[Data structure|database data structures]], and [[Common Gateway Interface|CGI]] scripts.*

The following step, design testing, focuses on early, low-cost testing to identify inconsistencies or flaws in the design. This entails comparing the website's design to the goals and objectives outlined in the first three steps. Phases One and Two involve an iterative loop in which objectives in the Objectives Document are revisited to ensure alignment with the design. Any objectives that are removed are added to the Wish List for future consideration.<ref name="Howcroft-2000" />

Key aspects in this step are:
* [[Page layout]]s
* Review
* Approval

=== Content creation ===
No matter how visually appealing a website is, good communication with clients is critical. The primary purpose of content production is to create a communication channel through the [[user interface]] by delivering relevant information about your firm in an engaging and easily understandable manner. This includes:{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

* Developing appealing calls to action
* Making creative headlines
* Content formatting for readability
* Carrying out line editing
* Text updating throughout the site development process.

The stage of content production is critical in establishing the branding and marketing of your website or web application. It serves as a platform for defining the purpose and goals of your online presence through compelling and convincing content.

=== Development ===
During this critical stage, the website is built while keeping its fundamental goal in mind, paying close attention to all graphic components to assure the establishment of a completely working site.

The procedure begins with the development of the main page, which is followed by the production of interior pages. The site's navigational structure is being refined in particular.

During this development phase, key functionality such as the [[Content management system|Content Management System]], interactive contact forms, and shopping carts are activated.

The coding process includes creating all of the site's software and installing it on the appropriate [[Web server|Web servers.]] This can range from simple things like posting to a Web server to more complex tasks like establishing [[database]] connections.

=== Testing, review and launch ===
In any web project, the testing phase is incredibly intricate and difficult. Because [[Web application|web apps]] are frequently designed for a diverse and often unknown user base running in a range of technological environments, their complexity exceeds that of [[Information system|traditional Information Systems]] (IS). To ensure maximum reach and efficacy, the website must be tested in a variety of contexts and technologies. The website moves to the delivery stage after gaining final approval from the designer. To ensure its preparation for launch, the quality assurance team performs rigorous testing for functionality, compatibility, and performance.

Additional testing is carried out, including integration, stress, [[scalability]], load, resolution, and [[cross-browser compatibility]]. When the approval is given, the website is pushed to the server via [[File Transfer Protocol|FTP]], completing the development process.

Key aspects in this step are:
* Test Lost Links
* Use code validators
* Check [[Web browser|browser]]

=== Maintenance and updating ===
The web development process goes beyond deployment to include a variety of post-deployment tasks.

Websites, in example, are frequently under ongoing maintenance, with new items being uploaded on a daily basis. The maintenance costs increases immensely as the site grows in size. The accuracy of content on a website is critical, demanding continuous monitoring to verify that both information and links, particularly external links, are updated. Adjustments are made in response to user feedback, and regular support and maintenance actions are carried out to maintain the website's long-term effectiveness.<ref name="Howcroft-2000" />