HTML Basics and Structure

Study Notes

HTML and Its Basic Structure

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the foundational language for creating and designing web pages, providing their overall structure.
The DOCTYPE declaration specifies the HTML version being used; HTML5 is commonly adopted.
Meta tags ensure proper character encoding and mobile functionality, crucial for modern web design.
HTML tags include <ul> and <li> for unordered lists, <a> for hyperlinks, and heading tags like <h1> to <h6> for various heading levels.
The <title> tag specifies the webpage's title displayed in the browser tab.

Front-End vs Back-End Development

Front-end development focuses on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), utilizing HTML, CSS (for layout and style), and JavaScript (for interactivity).
Back-end development handles server management, database interactions, and application logic, utilizing technologies like PHP, Node.js, and Python, alongside database management systems such as SQL and NoSQL.

Web Evolution (Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0)

Web 1.0: Characterized by static pages with minimal interactivity.
Web 2.0: Introduced user-generated content, dynamic interactions, and social media platforms, enhancing user participation (e.g., Facebook, YouTube).
Web 3.0: Emphasizes decentralization through blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, focusing on intelligent services and decentralized applications (DApps).

Basic Web Technologies

HTML forms the structure of web pages, anchoring the content.
CSS enhances aesthetics, controlling layout, color schemes, and fonts.
JavaScript empowers interactivity, enabling dynamic content updates and user engagement.

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

HCI studies user interactions with computers, aiming to design systems that foster better engagement and usability.
Key goals include enhancing usability for ease of use and improving overall user experience (UX) to satisfy users.

Usability and User Experience (UX)

Usability measures how effectively users can achieve their goals within a system.
User Experience encompasses the totality of interactions a user has with an organization and its products or services.
Affordance indicates design features that intuitively suggest their use, such as buttons that appear clickable.

Perception and Cognitive Load

Visual perception involves how users interpret visual information, vital for creating readable interfaces.
Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to navigate a system; reducing this load simplifies usability.

Principles of HCI Design

Consistency ensures predictable interface behavior, enhancing user familiarity across platforms.
Feedback provides users with clear indications of system responses (e.g., loading indicators).
User control empowers individuals by allowing them to manage their actions and make corrections, such as through undo functionality.

Introduction to Operating Systems (OS)

An operating system (OS) is software that orchestrates computer hardware and software resources, facilitating program execution.
Types of OS include Desktop OS (e.g., Windows, macOS), Server OS (like Linux Server), and Embedded OS (specific to devices such as smart thermostats).

Memory Management

RAM (Random Access Memory) serves as temporary storage for data actively managed by the CPU.
Cache memory optimizes performance by storing frequently accessed data for rapid CPU retrieval.
Non-volatile memory retains data even when powered off (e.g., hard drives, SSDs).

Interrupts and Their Function

Interrupts signal the CPU to pause current activities to address high-priority tasks.
Hardware interrupts respond to external device actions (e.g., mouse clicks), while software interrupts are initiated by running programs (e.g., memory allocation requests).

Real-Time and Embedded Operating Systems

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) cater to environments requiring precise timing, such as safety-critical automotive systems.
Embedded OS are designed for devices with specific functions, including smart home devices, medical equipment, and wearables.

Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of HTML, including its standard use for creating web pages and its basic structure. This quiz covers essential elements such as DOCTYPE, meta tags, and HTML tags needed to design effective web pages. Test your knowledge of the building blocks of web development!