Web Development at the Advanced Level moves beyond simple static pages into the world of Dynamic Web Applications. Lesson 10 of the GCE A/L ICT syllabus focuses on the interaction between the user, the web server, and the database. You will explore how languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP work together to create the modern internet.
By combining our detailed LMS notes with the SchoolICT.net Web Development Learning Tool, you can practice both front-end styling and back-end logic in one place.
1. Web Architecture: The Three-Tier Model
Modern web applications usually follow a three-tier architecture to ensure scalability and security:
- Presentation Tier (Client-side): What the user sees in the browser (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
- Logic Tier (Server-side): The engine that processes data (PHP, Python, or Java).
- Data Tier (Database): Where information is stored (MySQL, PostgreSQL).
2. Client-Side vs. Server-Side Scripting
Understanding the difference between these two is critical for the A/L examination.
- Client-Side Scripting (JavaScript): Code runs directly on the user’s browser. It is used for validation, animations, and interactive elements. It reduces the load on the server.
- Server-Side Scripting (PHP): Code runs on the web server before the page is sent to the user. It is used to connect to databases, handle user logins, and generate dynamic content.
4. Introduction to PHP and MySQL
PHP is the primary server-side language taught in the A/L syllabus. It allows you to create pages that “talk” to a database.
- Connect to the MySQL server.
- Select the database.
- Execute an SQL query (e.g.,
SELECT * FROM Students). - Fetch and display the results.
- Close the connection.
5. Web Hosting and Protocols
To make a website live, you need to understand the underlying infrastructure:
- HTTP/HTTPS: The protocols used to transfer web data.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used to upload your website files to a server.
- DNS (Domain Name System): Translates human-readable names (schoolict.net) into IP addresses.
- Static vs. Dynamic IP: Understanding how servers are identified on the network.
6. Interactive Learning: Web Development Tool
Traditional web development requires installing local servers like XAMPP or WAMP. The SchoolICT.net Web Development Tool allows you to skip the setup and start coding immediately.
Features of the Tool:
- Live HTML/CSS Preview: See your design changes in real-time as you type.
- PHP Sandbox: Write and execute PHP scripts directly in the browser to understand variables, loops, and arrays.
- Mock Database Integration: Practice fetching data from a virtual table using PHP commands to see how dynamic pages are generated.
- JavaScript Console: Debug your client-side scripts and practice form validation.
7. Web Design Ethics and Security
A/L ICT emphasizes the importance of building safe websites:
- Form Validation: Checking user input on both the client and server sides to prevent errors.
- SQL Injection: Understanding how to protect your database from malicious queries.
- Cookies and Sessions: Learning how websites “remember” users as they navigate between pages.
Conclusion: Building the Modern Web
Web development is one of the most practical and rewarding sections of the A/L ICT syllabus. By mastering the interaction between HTML, CSS, and PHP, you gain the ability to build full-scale applications. Use our LMS notes to study the architecture and our interactive tool to refine your coding skills.
Ready to launch your first dynamic site?
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