A website is a collection of related web pages, including multimedia content, typically identified with a common domain name, and published on at least one web server. Websites are essential components of the World Wide Web, serving as platforms for businesses, organizations, and individuals to share information, sell products, offer services, or simply express themselves online.
The concept of a website was first introduced by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while working at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. His proposal for an information management system led to the creation of the World Wide Web. The first website, info.cern.ch, went live on August 6, 1991, and it was dedicated to providing information about the World Wide Web project itself.
Modern websites leverage numerous technologies:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for websites to increase their visibility on search engines. This involves optimizing content, site structure, and technical aspects to rank higher in search results.
Websites must consider security to protect both the site itself and its users from threats like hacking, malware, and data breaches. SSL certificates provide encryption, and regular updates to software are necessary to patch vulnerabilities.
Websites often need to comply with various laws related to privacy, accessibility, copyright, and data protection. For example, the GDPR in Europe affects how personal data can be handled.