When discussing a web platform, we often assume certain knowledge and mention concepts to clients without ensuring their understanding. This serves as a basic guide to navigate you through the realm of web technologies, clarifying essential concepts and fostering a better grasp of the subject.
What is a Web Platform?
A web platform is a software framework that provides a foundation for building and managing websites, web applications, and online services. It encompasses a set of tools, technologies, and services that enable developers and users to create, deploy, and interact with content on the internet.
Key components of a web platform include:
- Operating System: The underlying software that manages hardware resources and provides a foundation for running other software applications.
- Web Server: Software responsible for serving web pages to users’ browsers upon request. Popular web servers include Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS).
- Database: A system for storing and retrieving data. Common databases used in web platforms include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.
- Programming Languages: Tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various server-side languages (e.g., PHP, Python, Ruby) are employed to build the structure, style, and functionality of websites and web applications.
- Content Management System (CMS): Platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal fall into this category. CMS allows users to create and manage digital content without extensive technical knowledge.
- Frameworks: Development frameworks, such as React, Angular, and Laravel, provide pre-built components and libraries to streamline the process of building web applications.
- Hosting Services: Platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform offer cloud hosting, making it easier to deploy and scale web applications.
What sets websites apart from platforms?
Web Platforms furnish the necessary tools and infrastructure for constructing applications. In contrast, applications are programs users can install, utilize, and engage with.
| Web Application | Website | Web Platform | |
| Definition | A web application is software that runs in your web browser. | A website is a collection of files accessed through a web address, covering a particular theme or subject, and managed by a particular person or organization. | A Software framework that provides a foundation for building and managing websites |
| Who uses? | Client – end users | Both Client – end users and Admin, server admin | Who uses |
Having grasped the fundamental distinction between a website and a web platform, you now understand the essentials for launching and expanding your online business. For additional guidance from an Australia-based web development company, feel free to contact Top 11 at your convenience.
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