Unit No : 05

Unit Name: SECURITY

WEB DESIGN AND

DEVELOPMENT
Evaluative report

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
1 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

What is a DNS?
DNS, or Domain Name System, is a system used on the internet to convert user-friendly
domain names (like www.example.com) into the numerical IP addresses that computers
understand. It's like an address book for the internet, ensuring that when you type a web
address, your computer can find the right location on the internet to connect to. This system
is organized hierarchically, making it efficient and scalable for translating domain names into
IP addresses.

Types of DNS
1. Recursive DNS Server: These servers, commonly offered by internet service providers
(ISPs), are responsible for resolving DNS queries from end-user devices. They inquire with
other DNS servers to find the IP addresses associated with requested domain names.

2. Authoritative DNS Server: These servers are the primary source of information for
specific domains or subdomains. When users make DNS queries, authoritative DNS servers
provide the correct IP addresses and other DNS records for those domains.

3. Root DNS Server: At the highest level of the DNS hierarchy, these servers store details
about the root domain and its authoritative servers. While they don't know specific website IP
addresses, they can guide queries to the relevant top-level domain (TLD) servers.

4. Top-Level Domain (TLD) DNS Server: These servers handle TLDs like .com, .org, and
country code TLDs such as .uk or .jp. They maintain information about domain names within
their specific TLD and can direct queries to the authoritative DNS servers for those domains.

How domain names are organised and managed

The organization and management of domain names through DNS involve a hierarchical
and distributed system. At the top is the root zone, serving as a gateway with a list of
authoritative name servers for different top-level domains (TLDs). TLDs encompass domains
like .com, .org, and country codes like .uk. Each TLD has its own authoritative name servers
responsible for managing the domain names under it.

Beneath TLDs are second-level domains, which are familiar names like "example.com."
Registrants acquire and oversee these through accredited domain registrars. Subdomains
can be created beneath second-level domains, forming a tree structure. Authoritative DNS
servers maintain DNS records mapping domain names to IP addresses.

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
1 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

End-user devices use caching and recursive DNS servers to resolve

domain names and store this information for future use.

Key players in domain name management include registrants, domain registrars, domain
registries, and ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which
oversees the DNS system globally.

The DNS system's hierarchy and decentralization ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable
domain name resolution, making it possible for users to access websites and services using
easy-to-remember domain names while maintaining the internet's stability.

Relationships between hardware and software

used to design, publish and access websites
The process of designing, publishing, and accessing a website relies on a complex interplay
between hardware and software elements. Here's a summarized explanation of the
relationships between these components, including communication protocols, server
hardware, operating systems, and web server software like Apache, Tomcat, IIS, and Nginx:

1. Communication Protocols: Protocols like HTTP and HTTPS define how data is
transmitted between a client (usually a web browser) and a web server. Communication
protocols enable clients to send requests to web servers for web content, like HTML pages,
images, or scripts.

2. Server Hardware: Server hardware refers to the physical or virtual machines hosting
websites and web applications. It comprises components like CPU, RAM, storage, and
network interfaces, impacting the server's performance and capacity. Server hardware
interacts with the operating system and web server software to execute web applications,
manage data, and respond to client requests. The choice of server hardware impacts a
website's performance, scalability, and reliability.

3. Operating Systems: Operating systems like Linux, Windows Server, and Unix provide
the environment for running software on server hardware, affecting software compatibility
and server stability. They ensure hardware and software compatibility. Operating systems
act as intermediaries between server hardware and web server software, facilitating the
execution of web applications and the handling of client requests.

4. Web Server Software: Web server software (e.g., Apache, Tomcat, IIS, Nginx) handles
HTTP requests and serves web content. Each has unique features and use cases, such as
Apache's flexibility or Nginx's high performance. Web server software interacts with the
operating system to manage incoming HTTP requests and deliver web content or execute
Name: SAM ROHAN
Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
2 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

web applications. It can also handle tasks like SSL/TLS encryption, load
balancing, and content routing.

5. Database Systems: Databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB store and
retrieve dynamic content for websites and web applications. Application software interacts
with the database to retrieve and update content, such as user profiles, articles, or product
information. Databases ensure data integrity and reliability, playing a fundamental role in the
functioning of dynamic websites and web applications.

6. Application Software: Application software includes web applications and content

management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) that run on web servers. They provide the
logic and functionality for websites. Application software communicates with databases to
retrieve and update content. It generates dynamic web pages and processes user input,
allowing users to interact with the website's features. Application software relies on web
server software and the operating system for execution.

7. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs improve website performance by distributing

content globally, reducing latency and load times. CDNs work in tandem with web servers to
serve web content efficiently. They cache and deliver content from servers closest to the
user's location. By reducing the load on the web server and accelerating content delivery,
CDNs enhance the user experience and website speed.

8. Client Devices and Browsers: Client devices, such as computers, smartphones, and
tablets, use web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) to access websites. They initiate
requests to web servers, which respond with web content. Client devices send requests to
web servers, initiating the retrieval of web content and web pages. Web browsers interpret
and render HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web assets to display websites to users. They
handle user input and interactions.

9. DNS Servers: DNS servers resolve domain names to IP addresses, facilitating the
connection between clients and web servers. DNS servers provide the IP addresses
corresponding to domain names typed into web browsers. They play a crucial role in
directing users to the correct web servers hosting the desired websites.

These interrelated components are vital for website creation, hosting, and access. Proper
configuration and coordination ensure a smooth and efficient web experience for users.

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
3 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

How web development technologies and

frameworks have an impact on web design,
functionality and management
Web development technologies and frameworks have had a significant impact on
web design, functionality, and management in a number of ways.

Web Design
 HTML5: HTML5 provided a variety of new capabilities that have made web design
more dynamic and interactive, including as vector graphics support, audio and video
support, and canvas components.
 JSON: JSON is a lightweight data interchange format that is widely used to send and
receive data between web apps and servers. JSON has simplified the creation of
responsive and scalable online apps.
 jQuery: jQuery is a JavaScript framework that makes it simple to add dynamism and
interaction to web pages. jQuery has made it feasible to construct complicated online
apps without having to write a lot of JavaScript code.
 React: React is a JavaScript library used to create user interfaces. React is well-
known for its speed and declarative programming approach. React has been used to
create some of the world's most popular web apps, including Facebook, Instagram,
and Netflix.
 Angular: Angular is a JavaScript framework that allows you to create single-page
apps. Angular is well-known for its extensive feature set and support for two-way
data binding. Large and complicated online applications, such as Google AdWords
and Gmail, have been built with Angular.

Functionality
 Node.js: Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to
create server-side JavaScript applications. Node.js has enabled the development of
more efficient and scalable online applications. Many prominent web apps, like
Twitter, Uber, and PayPal, employ Node.js.

Management
 Version control systems: Version control technologies like Git and Mercurial have
made it easier to manage web application development. Version control systems
Name: SAM ROHAN
Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
4 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

enable developers to track code changes and interact with other

developers working on the same project.
 Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD): CI/CD refers to a
collection of procedures for automating the development, testing, and deployment of
web applications. Web applications may now be released more rapidly and reliably
thanks to CI/CD.

Overall, web development tools and frameworks have enabled the creation of more
dynamic, interactive, scalable, and secure web applications. They have also simplified the
creation and deployment of web applications.

Influence of search engines on website

performance
Search engines wield significant influence over website performance by affecting visibility,
user experience, content relevance, and more.

 Visibility and Traffic:

- Search engines are the primary channels for users to discover websites.
High-ranking sites in search results attract more visitors.
- Effective search engine optimization (SEO) is pivotal in determining a site's
ranking and subsequent traffic.

 User Experience:
- Search engines consider factors like page load speed, mobile-friendliness,
and security when ranking sites. User-friendly sites tend to rank higher.
- A positive user experience contributes to better search engine performance.

 Content Relevance:
- Quality, pertinent content is a vital ranking factor. Websites offering valuable
and tailored information perform better.
- Fresh, original content plays a role in maintaining search engine visibility.

 Keywords and On-Page SEO:

- Strategic use of relevant keywords throughout a website's content and meta
information is essential for attracting targeted search traffic.
- Elements like meta titles and descriptions impact search result click-through
rates.

 Crawlability and Indexing:

- Clean, well-structured code and clear site navigation enhance a website's
crawlability and indexability by search engines.
Name: SAM ROHAN
Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
5 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

- Utilizing XML sitemaps and robots.txt files controls search

engine access and influences performance.

 Backlinks and Authority:

- Inbound links from reputable sources elevate a site's authority. Websites with
a strong backlink profile tend to rank well.
- Building high-quality backlinks through content marketing and outreach efforts
improves website performance.

 Local SEO and Map Listings:

- Local SEO is vital for businesses with physical locations, driving local
customers to their stores and enhancing online visibility.
- Map listings on search engines cater to local businesses.

 Technical SEO:
- Technical aspects like website speed, mobile optimization, and structured
data markup are critical for ranking and user experience.
- Sites that invest in technical SEO tend to perform better in search results.

In summary, search engines significantly shape website performance, influencing factors

such as visibility, user experience, content quality, keyword optimization, crawlability,
backlinks, and technical aspects. Websites that prioritize SEO and meet search engine
criteria are more likely to rank well, receive more traffic, and achieve their online goals. SEO
remains a key driver of website success in the digital era.

How to improve the index value of a website

through SEO
Elevating a website's index value and search engine ranking via search engine optimization
(SEO) is a widely recognized practice, supported by substantial empirical data and research.
Several core strategies have been identified as highly effective in this pursuit.

Keyword optimization constitutes a foundational element of SEO, backed by multiple studies

and research findings. The inclusion of well-researched target keywords in page titles,
headings, and content has been established as a means to positively influence search
engine rankings. For instance, an investigation by Ahrefs unveiled a strong correlation
between the utilization of target keywords in page titles and improved search rankings.
Competent keyword research and optimization are instrumental in aiding search engines to
grasp the relevance of a page's content concerning specific search queries.

Content quality and relevance are paramount in SEO. Google's algorithms accord a
premium to high-quality, pertinent content, and this is substantiated by research findings.
Name: SAM ROHAN
Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
6 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

Studies such as those conducted by Backlinko have demonstrated that

long-form, comprehensive content infused with pertinent keywords tends to attain superior
rankings. Conversely, Google's Panda algorithm penalizes websites marked by meager or
repetitive content. These findings underscore the importance of crafting superior,
contextually relevant content to augment a website's performance in search engines.

Backlinks and the practice of link building remain foundational in SEO, with a compelling
body of evidence underscoring their efficacy. Research studies and industry reports
consistently affirm that websites fortified with a substantial number of high-caliber backlinks
tend to secure loftier rankings. Moz's correlation study, for instance, provides robust
evidence of this connection. Furthermore, a survey by the Search Engine Journal recognized
backlinks as one of the premier ranking factors assessed by SEO professionals.

Technical SEO practices, encompassing optimizations for site speed and mobile
friendliness, are solidly buttressed by both search engines and research. Google openly
acknowledges that site speed figures as a ranking factor, with research from Think with
Google revealing that even a one-second lag in page loading can engender a 20% drop in
conversions. Simultaneously, mobile friendliness carries equal importance, evidenced by
Google's Mobile-First Indexing update, which underscores the necessity of delivering a
seamless mobile experience.

User experience assumes a pivotal role in SEO, with research affirming its significance.
Google's proprietary research has elucidated that minor delays in page loading can induce a
downturn in conversion rates. The Core Web Vitals update, accentuating user experience
metrics like page loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability, serves to fortify the
imperative of affording a favorable user experience.

Local SEO assumes a critical position for businesses boasting a physical presence, with its
efficacy well-documented. A study by BrightLocal disclosed that 91% of consumers regularly
peruse online reviews for local enterprises. Local SEO strategies, encompassing the
optimization of Google My Business and the cultivation of local backlinks, hold the capacity
to markedly heighten a website's visibility within local search results, ensnaring the attention
of local clientele.

Structured data markup stands as a valuable SEO strategy that enriches a website's
presence within search results by yielding rich snippets. Google's research underscores the
effect structured data exerts on amplifying click-through rates, rendering it a potent strategy
for augmenting visibility and user engagement.

Content marketing, denoting the creation of value-laden content for users, garners
substantiation from a medley of studies as an efficacious SEO strategy. A survey by the
Content Marketing Institute disclosed that 72% of marketers believe content marketing
accentuates user engagement. By periodically churning out top-grade content, websites can

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
7 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

beckon organic traffic, secure backlinks, and amass augmented authority,

culminating in a heightened performance in search engines.

In summation, the evidence is not only abundant but also explicit: SEO strategies, inclusive
of keyword optimization, content quality and relevance, backlinks, technical SEO, user
experience, local SEO, structured data markup, and content marketing, are rooted in data
and research. A judicious execution of these strategies can substantially enhance a
website's index value and search engine ranking, furnishing augmented visibility and
superior performance in search engine results.

Capabilities and relationships of front-end and

back-end website technologies and how they
relate to the presentation and application layers
Front-end and back-end technologies play essential roles in website development, each
contributing distinct capabilities to the functionality of web applications. The front end is
responsible for creating the user interface (UI), including design, layout, and visual elements
that users directly interact with. Front-end technologies execute code on the client's browser,
handling tasks like form validation, user authentication, and dynamic content rendering. They
also ensure responsive design for a seamless user experience across different devices.

Primary front-end technologies include HTML for content structure, CSS for styling, and
JavaScript for interactivity. Frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, along with
responsive design frameworks such as Bootstrap, further facilitate the creation of complex
and interactive user interfaces.

Conversely, back-end technologies manage server-side operations, dealing with tasks like
database interactions, user authentication, and business logic. They execute server-side
logic, handle data, ensure security, and address scalability challenges. Common server-side
languages include Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, and Node.js, often supported by frameworks
like Django, Ruby on Rails, and Laravel. Databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and
MongoDB are crucial for data storage.

The relationship between front-end and back-end technologies involves communication and
a clear separation of responsibilities. Front-end technologies communicate with the back end
through APIs, with the latter providing data for dynamic updates to the user interface. This
separation allows front-end developers to focus on user experience, while back-end
developers manage data and business logic independently.

Collaboration between front-end and back-end technologies is vital for creating responsive,
interactive web applications. Full-stack developers, proficient in both front-end and back-end

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
8 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

development, possess a holistic understanding of the web development

process. This collaboration ensures a cohesive and efficient web development ecosystem,
where the two components work together seamlessly to deliver an engaging user
experience.

Analysis of the impact of different tools and

techniques available on custom-built website
design and development
The distinctions between online website creation tools and custom-built sites are evident
across various aspects, including design flexibility, performance, functionality, User
Experience (UX), and User Interface (UI).

Online tools, such as website builders and content management systems like Wix or
Squarespace, prioritize user-friendliness through templates and drag-and-drop features.
However, this ease of use comes at the expense of design flexibility, limiting users in
achieving highly unique designs. Performance may also be compromised due to the
generalized code structure aimed at accommodating a broad user base.

In contrast, custom-built sites, whether developed from scratch or using frameworks, offer
unparalleled design flexibility. Designers have full control over the website's aspects,
enabling the creation of unique interfaces tailored to specific brand or project requirements.
Custom-built sites also excel in performance optimization, as developers can fine-tune
elements such as code structure and loading times for specific needs.

Functionality is another area of distinction. Online tools provide predefined features and
plugins, suitable for basic websites but limiting when additional functionality is required.
Custom-built sites, however, offer limitless possibilities for integrating any required features,
addressing specific business needs without the constraints of pre-built solutions.

Regarding User Experience (UX), online tools may face limitations due to template
constraints, whereas custom-built sites have the potential for superior UX by optimizing
every element for the target audience.

User Interface (UI) design is also influenced by the choice of tools. Online tools rely on
templates, potentially limiting customization, while custom-built sites allow designers to
create unique, brand-specific interfaces, fostering innovative UI designs aligned with
branding and user preferences.

In summary, the decision between online tools and custom-built sites depends on the
specific project requirements. While online tools are quick solutions for basic websites,

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
9 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

custom-built sites offer unparalleled control, flexibility, and optimization,

making them ideal for projects with unique and specific needs.

The impact of different tools and techniques on custom-built website design and
development is profound, influencing various aspects of the process from conception to
deployment. Let's analyze the significance and implications of some key tools and
techniques in this context:

1. Web Development Frameworks:

- Impact: Frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js have revolutionized front-end
development, enabling the creation of dynamic and responsive user interfaces. On the back
end, frameworks such as Django, Ruby on Rails, and Laravel streamline development by
providing structure and pre-built components.
- Implications: These frameworks enhance efficiency, code maintainability, and
scalability. They offer standardized practices, reducing development time and ensuring a
robust foundation for custom-built websites.

2. Content Management Systems (CMS):

- Impact: CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla simplify content creation
and management. They are instrumental in custom website development, allowing for
flexibility in design and content updates.
- Implications: CMS tools enable non-technical users to update content easily, facilitating
ongoing website maintenance. However, customization may be limited compared to fully
hand-coded solutions.

3. Responsive Design Tools:

- Impact: Tools like Bootstrap and Foundation facilitate the implementation of responsive
design principles, ensuring websites adapt seamlessly to various devices and screen sizes.
- Implications: Responsive design is crucial for user experience and search engine
optimization. These tools save time and effort in designing and testing across multiple
devices.

4. Code Editors and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):

- Impact: Advanced code editors like Visual Studio Code, Atom, and Sublime Text
enhance developer productivity with features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and
debugging tools.
- Implications: These tools contribute to code quality, readability, and debugging
efficiency. They are essential for developers working on custom-built websites, allowing for
faster and more accurate coding.

5. Version Control Systems (e.g., Git):

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
10 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

- Impact: Version control systems are critical for collaborative

development. Git, in particular, enables version tracking, collaboration, and seamless
integration of changes from multiple contributors.
- Implications: Version control ensures code stability, facilitates collaboration among
developers, and provides a safety net for rolling back changes. It's indispensable for
maintaining the integrity of custom-built websites.

6. Performance Optimization Tools:

- Impact: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, and GTmetrix aid in
analyzing and optimizing website performance. Techniques such as image optimization and
code minification contribute to faster page loading times.
- Implications: Website speed is a crucial factor for user experience and search engine
rankings. These tools help developers identify and address performance bottlenecks,
ensuring optimal site performance.

7. Security Tools and Practices:

- Impact: Security tools, including SSL certificates, firewalls, and vulnerability scanners,
are vital for safeguarding custom-built websites. Best practices such as input validation and
secure coding further enhance security.
- Implications: Website security is paramount to protect against cyber threats.
Implementing these tools and practices helps prevent data breaches, unauthorized access,
and other security vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, the impact of tools and techniques on custom-built website design and
development is far-reaching. These tools enhance efficiency, collaboration, security, and
performance, contributing to the creation of robust, user-friendly, and secure custom
websites. The choice and adept use of these tools depend on project requirements, the
skillset of the development team, and the specific goals of the custom-built website.

Differences between online website creation tools

and custom-built sites
The distinctions between online website creation tools and custom-built sites extend across
crucial aspects, impacting design, performance, functionality, User Experience (UX), and
User Interface (UI) in distinct ways.

Online tools like Wix or Squarespace emphasize user-friendliness through templates and
drag-and-drop features, yet they often limit design flexibility by constraining users to pre-
established templates. In contrast, custom-built sites, whether initiated from scratch or
utilizing frameworks, offer unprecedented design flexibility, allowing designers to craft
tailored interfaces aligned precisely with specific brand aesthetics and project requisites.

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
11 | Page
Unit No : 05
Unit Name: SECURITY

In terms of performance, online tools prioritize user-friendliness over

optimization, potentially resulting in suboptimal performance due to generalized code
structures. Conversely, custom-built sites empower developers to meticulously fine-tune
performance, optimizing elements like code structure, image processing, and loading times
to align precisely with particular performance needs.

Functionality distinguishes online tools, which come with predefined features and plugins
suitable for basic websites, from custom-built sites offering limitless possibilities. Custom-
built sites permit developers to integrate any required feature, tailoring the website to specific
business needs without the constraints imposed by pre-built solutions.

Considering User Experience (UX), online tools may encounter limitations within template
constraints, while custom-built sites possess the potential for superior UX. Developers
exercise complete control over the design and development process, allowing for the
optimization of every element to provide a more personalized and engaging user experience.

In UI design, online tools depend on templates, potentially limiting customization.

Conversely, custom-built sites offer complete freedom in UI design, enabling designers to
create unique interfaces aligned closely with branding and user preferences.

In summary, the choice between online website creation tools and custom-built sites is
contingent on the specific needs and goals of the website project. While online tools provide
rapid solutions for basic websites, custom-built sites afford unparalleled control, flexibility,
and optimization, making them the preferred choice for projects with unique and specific
requirements.

Name: SAM ROHAN

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in COMPUTING
Regd No: RD
12 | Page