Web Design

The Evolution Of Web Design

If we talk about technology, things happen very fast, every year we have new models of smartphones, and applications are born and die every day to make our lives easier. The evolution of web design has been no different. Since the creation of the first website, until today the changes are abysmal. And the most interesting thing of all is that this evolution is constant.

So if you are interested in web design, we will take you on a brief tour through the history of web design, which is now close to reaching its third decade.

Chronology

Over time, the needs and ways to solve the difficulties that have arisen in the world of web design have changed. However, the fixed bet has always been to evolve towards the user experience. Evolve so that the user can have an easy and intuitive experience when browsing the internet.

(1989) The beginning. The dark age of web design

It all starts in the 1990s, known as the dark ages for web design. In its beginnings, web design was based on black screens with monochrome pixels that gave it a touch of color. Simply put, there was no such thing as web design, as text dominated the screen.

Around 1991, the first “World Wide Web” web page was published by Tim Berners-Lee, an English physicist considered one of the great creators of the web. The sole purpose of this website was to inform what the World Wide Web (or global computer network) was. Today, more than 27 years later, we can guarantee that its uses have undoubtedly multiplied, and that the evolution of web design is more active than ever.

Design with tables from 1995

The invention of browsers that allowed images to be displayed represented the first step in the evolution of web design itself. The tables arrived to give order to the content, being the way that allowed mixing static and fluid designs, through tables within tables.

Somehow the tables were the starting point of what is today the responsive design.

For a long time the table method was the most used to design web pages. And somehow this produced a separation between design and development. While the designers were creating the layouts, the developers were looking for a way to make it work, managing the information in different elements.

JavaScript. 1995

JavaScript came to solve several of the limitations of HTML. And it was with its appearance that web design gained dynamism. However, one of the most commented issues as a point against it is that it slows down the loading of the page.

While many now shy away from JavaScript to solve questions that can be done using CSS, it’s still going strong on both the front-end and back-end. Being the front-end that is related to what is seen on a website. While the back-end ensures that the correct data is sent to the browser and creates the functionality of the system.

The era of Flash, and the freedom of design. 1996

Flash arrived and was impressed with the possibility of visual effects, breaking the barriers that existed in web design at the time. It was the dream fulfilled through a single tool. With a file that is sent to the browser to be displayed.

This era marked a milestone, but over time it became clear that the effects and interactions were not open to searches that index HTML, in addition to consuming processing power. This made it lose strength over time.

The rise of CSS. 1998

This language became popular with a proposal that separates the content from the form of presentation. That is to say, that in HTML the content works, while in CSS the format and appearance are defined.

The CSS went through a process of evolution that took several years to achieve its best results. At the beginning, the visualization varied depending on the browser, which made the developer’s activity difficult.

The web 2.0. 2003

The era of user-based information begins, and web 2.0 becomes popular along with social networks and blogs.

With more visually pleasing interfaces and high usability, we entered a more evolved phase of web design, in which both users and search engines began to be thought of. The focus on the browsing experience through the use of web design.

Grid and framework design. 2007

The arrival of mobile design.

Web design saw the need to evolve with the arrival of smartphones. From this moment it was necessary to generate versions of the site based on the size of the screen. And this was possible through the use of grids and framework. It was a very important challenge.

The first improvement was with the idea of ​​columns, until the grid system was defined with a division into 12 columns as the system that is used until today.

Responsive design. 2010

From the year 2010 onwards, arriving towards the year 2012, the last great change in web design appears. The responsive or adaptive design came to solve the size conflict of the different screens of smart devices.

With the same content (a single website), but with different designs depending on the size of the device, a way was found to present the information in a more friendly way to the user. In this way it is possible to use images that occupy the full width of the screen, and it opens the way to minimalist web design with a simpler and cleaner appearance. In other words, the content once again gains prominence.

With these changes, a flatter design has been privileged, returning to the roots that put content in the first place, leaving shadow effects behind and returning to photography, typography and line details. Simplicity hand in hand with practicality.

Somehow it would seem that in a more evolved way the cycle returns to its beginnings. But like any process, it is constantly changing and possibly in the not too distant future the conception of web design continues to surprise us with changes and innovations. It is even estimated that the changes and the evolution of the devices will continue to influence the world of design, since we depend on them as a means to expose the sites. And if the devices change, the web design must accompany them.

Mobile First

It is common to confuse Mobile first with responsive design. Although they have the objective of improving the browsing experience on mobile devices, they do not mean the same thing. In fact, its structure and form of creation is very different.

When we talk about Mobile First, we mean that the creation of the website is thought and carried out first for mobile devices, and then it is adapted for desktop.

Present

With the evolution of web design, nowadays it is not necessary to be an expert to create a page. Site builders are currently in vogue as practical tools for building websites from templates and with the ability to add components to customize the website.

WordPress, in 2018 also released the new Gutenberg editor, made up of blocks, making the process of designing and creating websites much easier. Also, 3D design and the mastery of vector graphics at a more advanced level have gained a lot of strength. And you, how do you think the evolution of web design will continue?

We leave you a synthesis with the main data of evolution. And we will have to wait to find out how the story will continue. The truth is that the road will surely continue in constant transformation and progress.

Why is web development a good career?

The main reasons why web development is considered a great career is because it is a promising profession and the pay scale is high, but there are many other reasons. Below, we discuss the reasons why web development is an interesting career.

Job Outlook in Web Development

The sector is experiencing phenomenal growth and is in dire need of new professionals. Its growth is 13%, and it is projected to be well above the average growth rate of 8% for all occupations over the next decade.

Earning Potential in Web Development Careers

There are many career opportunities in web development and language-specific jobs like Python developers, Ruby developers, and Java developers. Salaries for these positions typically range from $100,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on location and level of experience. This figure is roughly double the median salary in the United States, which was just over €56,000 in 2020.

Other benefits of the web developer career

There are countless other reasons why web development is a great career choice:

• It is an exciting field where developers can use their creativity to tackle coding challenges and create attractive websites.
• Web developers have flexible career options and can work in a wide variety of industries, including education, manufacturing, retail, marketing, government, hospitality, finance, construction, and entertainment.
• There is a vibrant community of programmers who support each other and help each other out in times of need.
• Many web developers claim to be satisfied with their career.

Qualifications to work in web development

The main qualification required for web development is the ability to program, but the programming language used depends on the type of developer (front-end, back-end or full-stack). For Front-end developers, a thorough understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is essential.

Full-stack web developers should also learn at least two back-end languages, such as Python, Java, Ruby, or PHP, in addition to these front-end languages.

Other technical requirements for web development include code testing and debugging, as well as knowledge of using version control software and other major development tools like Git, VS Code, Node Package Manager (npm), and Chrome Developer Tools. Developers must also know the use of the most popular libraries and Frameworks in their area of ​​expertise.

There are also some essential soft skills that are looked for in web development applicants. For example, concentration, attention to detail, and perseverance in the face of problems are some of the essential skills for web developers.

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The Difference Between Web Design And Web Development

All professional websites today are a combination of web design and web development. Those that are new to the concept of web development mostly use the term web developer with web designers interchangeably. But these are two very different jobs. 

Small businesses that are not dedicated to websites, don’t hire web designers. They usually ask their web developer to design and create the whole website. But established businesses whose sales largely depends on their website will look to hire both web designers and web developers to create their website.

Both web designers and web developers will handle the web page functions. They are vital for building the website. Most people wonder if a person can be both a web designer and a web developer. And some can do both but will always be better at one over the other. 

These days, both terms are virtually interchangeable because web companies change the labels depending on what people are looking for. The terms refer to two fundamentally different parts of the process of web creation, needing two unique skillsets. You need to know the difference between the two if you are on the hunt for a professional web designer to design and develop your new company website. 

Web Design

A web designer is a graphic based artist that creates objects and layouts for the website. Website designers can tap into their creativity and design the overall layout and look for your website. 

It is rare that these web designers will also develops applications and functionality for a website as well. Trying to find a good web designer that is also a web developer that knows every programming language is like finding a needle in a hay stack. Typically, they just focus on the front-end programming of a website. Another developer might focus on server-side programming such as Ruby, PHP, Java, and .NET. 

A web designer is responsible for the visual design of the website. The web designer has to have a great sense of aesthetics and should be able to make the website look beautiful. 

Additionally, they will use tools for web design such as Corel draw, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Frontpage to make the website stand out from the competition. 

The main responsibility of a web designer is to make or imagine an interface that could grab the attention of users and it has to be logical, which means it could actually be developed by the web developers. 

A web designer must not have expert knowledge of how websites function or how they are built. They just need to design a website that looks beautiful enough to attract user attention. However, they do need to have prior knowledge of how the website will work and if it will actually be possible to make the website which they have designed. 

Web designers have a difficult role which is often underrated. In their designs, they need to integrate the best user experience possible and create a welcoming environment for the user. 

They have to take an idea from paper, and transmute it into a workable design and interface that catches the user’s attention. A website cannot be described as truly great if a proper design strategy wasn’t applied in the early stages of the project. 

Nowadays, web designers are rated at the same level as web developers, as without a great user experience and design, the development cannot be truly appreciated by the user.

The job descriptions of a website designer

A web designer is responsible for the general performance style of the website. They need to provide a general visual perception of users. Their duties include:

• Prototyping design
• Performing the graphic design of the products
• Carrying out all the duties of advertising design
• Helping web developers in page design and other functions
• Designing the blueprint of the website by using tools such as Framer, Adobe Photoshop, or Sketch 
• Should have good skills in logo and graphic design
• Needs to know how to design a website with a rich user interface and less complexity
• Designing the right slot where all the parts of the website will fit 
• Update the layout of the website based on the market trend and also introduce new features on the website
• Decide the color and font format to use for the website
• Being familiar with search engine optimization (SEO), so that the websites they design can rank in search engines 

Generally, web designers are responsible for using their aesthetic skills with various tools to design a powerful page. A good web designer can know the whole product style of the organization, providing a good impression for customers and prospects.

Design principles

• Balance

Web designers need to create a balanced layout. Web design refers to heavy (large and darker colors) and light (small and light colors) elements. It is important to use the right proportion of each to get a balanced website layout.

• Contrast 

According to the theory of colors, contrasting colors are placed opposite themselves. Web design provides some areas where a user can use contrast. They make use of contrasting sizes, textures, and shapes to draw attention to some parts of the website.

• Emphasis

This is a design principle founded by highlighting some important parts of the layout of a website. Note that if you emphasize everything on the web page, you end up not emphasizing anything. Make use of the Information Architecture for direction.

• Consistency 

This is also called rhythm or repetition. It is a vital web design principle. For instance, clean and consistent navigation gives the best user experience for your visitors.

• Unity 

It is the link between the different areas of the website layout and composition. Unity is the way the brain of an average human visually organizes data and information by grouping them into different categories.

Web Development

Web developers usually turn the designs presented by web designers into a live website by using web languages and software to create the design and functionality of a website. Further, web developers are divided into three categories – front-end developers, back-end developers, and Full-stack web developers. 

• Front-end developers

Front-end developers are the link between web designers and back-end developers. They have a little knowledge of both, which would make it possible for a front-end developer to build a fully functional website. However typically a front-end developer creates the interface and the layout. 

Front-end developers use three major languages; Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and JavaScript (JS). With the help of these languages, a developer can create a full-fledged website. They can create the design layout, upload pictures, apply different typography and font families, use animations, determine the flow of various pages, use form interfaces, and so on.

• Back-end developers

Back-end developers are responsible for controlling server data and requests. In most cases, a website needs back-end services if it has dynamic data. This means, for instance, users usually submit forms containing personal data, such as creating an account or saving articles for your blog pages. Generally, if you need to save data on your website and make it accessible later, you would need a database connection. 

Database connections happen as a result of a direct connection from the server. Therefore, a back-end developer uses server languages such as PHP or ASP.NET, for writing database queries by using languages such as MySQL or SQL. 

• Full-stack developers

This developer works on various layers, but they usually know both the technologies front-end and back-end. Big companies have separate teams for front-end development and back-end development, but small businesses that can’t afford to have multiple developers always search for the full-stack developers who can code for both services.

Skills and tools required for a web developer

• Source code management tools: Git, SVN, CVS, and so on
• IDE: Sublime, WebStorm, VS Code, and so on. They are all excellent IDE, you can choose and master any
• Front-end development technology: JavaScript, CSS, and HTML
• Front-end framework: React, jQuery, and Bootstrap

Recently, front-end development is very desirable. Most young people desire to become web developers. As a result, the skill requirements are getting higher, and the level of the salary of web developers also increased accordingly.

The major roles of a web developer

• Building the interface that a user can use to interact with the website; the interface is created by front-end developers by using CSS, HTML, and JS languages
• Front-end developers can fasten the process of development by using styling preprocessors, javascript libraries, and frameworks
• Front-end developers give the markup design to back-end developers, so they can use to create a dynamic website, and submit all the vital information on the server and databases
• Back-end developers create the backbone of the website by using languages like MySQL and PHP 
• Both front-end and back-end web developers use the same development environments. They are software application tools used for coding and building the structure of the website
• Web developers can also use versioning tools to keep a history of previous design data. This helps them to efficiently move back to a previous version that is unbroken if the need arises

Which is better to hire for your website?

Typically, web designers have a creative mindset, while web developers think logically and methodically. Due to the different mindsets of designers and developers, it is difficult getting a good web designer who is also a good web developer; you need to hire separate professionals for both jobs, or find an agency that as both on the team. 

A web developer will probably not be able to create an attractive web design. And a web designer will probably have a hard time thinking logically to develop a high functioning website.

Your best bet as previously mentioned will always be to hire a web agency to uild the perfect website, from design to the development. They can provide the best of both worlds because they have professional web designers and web developers at hand. 

Most website companies also have project managers to effectively manage projects and ensure the developers and designers work hand-in-hand. One person can’t be an expert at everything.

Final Words

Small and medium-sized businesses looking for a website or a website re-design may be confused by the thin blurred lines separating web design and web development. 

Even though there are people that can perform both duties, most organizations have dedicated designers that are responsible for creating the website layout and then hand the design files over to web developers. Web design and web development are two separate professions.

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There are different VAT tax rates for each European country. You shouldn’t waste any time finding and including them in your store. It is best to use a WooCommerce EU VAT CSV file.

As a business owner, one of the first tasks you have to perform is setting up tax rates. WooCommerce makes the setup process to be as straightforward as possible.

It is recommended that you consult a tax professional on the best options to use for your store. The expert will also let you know about all applicable laws to your state, country, or brand. Since every business is unique, it is impossible to cover all the possibilities.

EU VAT in Practice

The value added tax (VAT) found in European countries is a general based consumption tax assessed on the value added to goods and services. It is applicable for all goods and services purchased and sold for use or consumption in Europe.

Goods that are sold for export or services sold to clients residing in other countries are not subject to VAT. On the other hand, imports are taxed so that the system can remain fair for EU producers so that they can compete on equal terms on the European market with suppliers residing outside the European Union.

VAT is

A general tax that applies to all commercial activities that has to do with the production and distribution of goods and services. But if your yearly turnover is less than the threshold, which is different according to the Member State, you can’t charge VAT on your sales.

A consumption tax, since it is ultimately borne by the final consumer. It is not a charge for brands. It is charged as a percentage of each price. This means that the real tax burden can be seen at every stage in the chain of production and distribution.

Fractionally gathered through a system of partial payments whereby taxable businesses deduct from the VAT they have collected the amount of tax they have paid to other taxable companies after patronizing them. This makes sure that the tax is neutral regardless of the number of transactions involved.

Paid to revenue authorities by a taxable business owner, however, it is paid by the buyer to the seller as part of the business transaction – it is therefore an indirect tax.

Why you should subscribe?

European VAT provides a detailed explanation of VAT systems in European countries and an explanation of the EU VAT system. It has all the details for practitioners handling complicated cases on VAT in the EU in the non-EU Member States.

How it is charged

Even though the VAT is a percentage of the sale price, from this the taxable individual is entitled to deduct every tax paid initially. Therefore, you’ll avoid double taxation is and you’ll only pay tax on the value added at every stage of production and distribution.

By doing this, as the last price of the product is equal to the sum of the values added at every previous stage, the last VAT paid is comprised of the sum of the VAT paid at every level.

A number is provided to registered VAT traders and they have to show the VAT charged to customers on invoices. By this, a customer who is registered is aware of the amount he can deduct and the tax to be paid on the final product.

As a trader who sells products in the EU, add the VAT tax of your origin. For instance, if your store is located in France and you sell to Germany, add VAT tax to your products in France.

Those that sell digital services should use the country tax of their customers. As it is with the previous example, you should add a VAT tax from Germany. This is only applicable to B2C transactions. Those that sell B2B need to charge their customer zero rates. The customers will determine their VAT taxes. Here, the customer has to provide its VAT EU number.

How to configure EU VAT tax rates

The configuration process is easy and quick. It is summarized below:

1. Make a new tax category

• Go to WooCommerce, then settings, and then tax.

• Include a new tax class. You can give it any name you desire. The name will not be visible to users.

• A new link shows up as soon as you save the settings.

2. Download the WooCommerce EU VAT CSV file to your device

• The file downloaded will have all the IEU VAT rates.

3. Import the file and set the rates for new categories

• Choose a file in the next step and select the option that says ‘Upload file and import’.

4. Determine the class to your digital products

• Go to your product settings and choose your new tax class in the Tax class option.

• It is also possible for you to edit products in bulk.

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7 Ways to Protect Your WordPress Website from Hackers

There is nothing more terrifying for a website owner than the thought of seeing all of your work altered or entirely deleted by a hacker.

Hacking is a concern, even to people who don’t believe their website has any value to hackers. Websites are compromised all of the time, and most security breaches are not to steal data, but to use your server as an email relay for spam.

Data breaches happen all the time – so it’s important to take the time to protect your WordPress website with these basic hacker protection tips.

1. Install security plugins

If your website is built with a content management system (CMS), you can make it better by using security plugins that actively prevent website attempts. All of the major CMS options have security plugins, most of them for free.

Security plugins address security vulnerabilities that are inherent in websites, preventing hacking attempts that could threaten your website.

The best security plugin for any WordPress website is Sucuri. While nothing is truly bulletproof this is as close to a Kevlar jacket as you are going to get. This actually removes malware from your website and reduces a whole lot of manual hours or worse. If you are interested in securing your WordPress website make sure to check them out.

2. Keep your software up-to-date

Making sure you keep all software updated is important in securing your site. This applies to both the server operating system and any software that might be running on your site such as a CMS or forum. When website security holes are discovered in software, hackers can attempt to abuse them.

Those using a managed hosting solution don’t need to worry about security updates for the operating system because the hosting company should take care of this. People that use third-party software such as a CMS or forum, should ensure they apply all security patches.

3. SQL injection

This happens when the hacker uses a web form field or URL parameter to gain access or to manipulate your website data. When using standard Transact SQL attackers can easily insert rogue code into your query that is used to alter tables, get information, and delete vital data. This can be easily avoided by always making use of parameterized queries, and most web languages have this feature and it is easily implemented.

4. Use a secure username and password

Most people leave their login details as ‘admin’ and ‘password1234’ because they can easily remember them. But hackers can easily guess simple usernames and passwords. This allows them to gain access to your website. Additionally, there is a possible way of putting SQL injections to throw these queries.

Hackers target any website using a method called brute force attacks. They make use of bots to comb through the web looking for sites to attack. With just one command, they can make hundreds of guesses in just one second.

In order to protect your WordPress website, you should always use unique usernames to easily ward off such hacking attempts. Also, use strong passwords such as a passphrase together with numbers and symbols.

5. Beware of error messages

Take note of the amount of information you give away in your error messages. Only provide minimal errors to your users to ensure they don’t leak secrets found on your server, such as database passwords and API keys. Avoid providing full exception details because these can make complex attacks such as SQL injection easier. Keep detailed errors in your server logs, and show users only the information they require.

6. Make use of HTTPS

As a website visitor, you may already know to always look for the green lock image and https in your browser bar when giving out sensitive information online. That green bar called HTTPS is shorthand for hacker security: it indicates that it’s safe to provide financial information on that particular page.

HTTPS is used to give security over the internet. It guarantees that users are talking to the server they expect and that nobody else can intercept or change the content they’re viewing in transit.

7. Take note of file uploads

Permitting users to upload any sort of files to your website is a huge security risk. Any file they upload could potentially carry a script that opens your website up when executed.

If file uploading is permitted you must treat all files with great suspicion, and file extension or mime type is not a reliable method of identification because they can be faked easily. Most formats of pictures have room for a comments section that could contact risky PHP code.

The best way to prevent this is to restrict users from uploading any file. By default, web servers will not try to execute files that contain image extensions, but you cannot completely depend on checking the extension.

In Conclusion

Securing your website and learning how to protect it against hackers is a major part of keeping it healthy and safe. Don’t procrastinate on implementing these vital steps.

Taking security measures on your site is an absolute necessity to keep hackers out. But security is not something you can set and forget. These measures have to be reviewed or re-implemented regularly.

It is recommended by HIPAA to install a simple yet powerful security tool on your website. This tool will constantly monitor your website and defend it against malicious traffic. The HIPAA guides website owners on ways to effectively protect their websites from hackers. Check out the HIPPA Compliance guide here

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