Week 1 Flashcards
Covers topic taught in Week 1 (16 cards)
What is HTML and what does it do?
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the standard language used to create web pages. It structures and defines the content of websites, acting as the “skeleton” that browsers use to display content correctly.
What do the terms in “HTML” stand for?
Hypertext: Text that includes links to other resources or pages.
Markup: Tags that structure and format content.
Language: A system of rules that browsers interpret to render content.
Does HTML work alone in web development?
No. HTML provides the structure. It works with:
CSS for styling and design.
JavaScript for interactivity and dynamic behaviour.
Who created HTML and why?
Sir Tim Berners-Lee created HTML in 1989 at CERN to facilitate sharing scientific documents across different computers.
How has HTML evolved over the years?
1993: HTML 1.0 — Basic structure (headings, links).
1995: HTML 2.0 — Added tables and images.
1997: HTML 3 & 4 — Introduced frames, stylesheets, multimedia, and JavaScript support.
2014: HTML5 — Major update with semantic tags, multimedia support, and better forms.
HTML5.1+ — Ongoing improvements for performance, security, and modern needs.
What are the main organizations that maintain HTML standards?
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium): Formal standards body.
WHATWG (Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group): More agile, continuous development of HTML.
Why are HTML standards important?
They ensure web pages work properly across different browsers and devices, and they help improve accessibility and search engine rankings.
What does the future of HTML look like?
HTML is evolving to support innovations like:
Mobile-first design: Responsive layouts for all screen sizes.
VR & IoT integration: Support for immersive web experiences and smart device communication.
What is version control in web development?
It’s a system to track, manage, and maintain changes to application assets, ensuring integrity and collaboration. Tools like Git help manage different versions of files over time.
What is a repository in version control?
A repository is a central storage location for all files and their change history. Developers clone it to work locally and push changes back after committing.
What are the key actions in a version control workflow?
Clone: Create a local copy of the repository.
Stage: Prepare changes to be committed.
Commit: Save a snapshot with a message.
Branch: Create a separate copy for new work.
Merge: Combine changes from branches.
What is tagging in version control?
Tagging marks a specific version (e.g., “Client Demo 1”) so it can be referenced or shared later. It ensures consistency despite future changes to the project.
Why is branching useful in version control?
Branching allows developers to work on new features or fixes without affecting the main project. Once complete, the changes can be merged back into the main branch.
What are the two main approaches to merging changes?
Lock-modify-unlock: One person edits a file at a time.
Copy-modify-merge: Everyone works independently and merges changes. Conflicts are resolved manually.
How has version control evolved?
Local systems (e.g., RCS): One person manages files.
Centralised systems (e.g., SVN, CVS): A central server holds all data.
Distributed systems (e.g., Git): Every user has a full copy; peer-to-peer syncing.
Why is Git widely used for version control?
Git is fast, supports distributed work, allows local repositories, and integrates with platforms like GitHub for collaboration, reviews, and task management.