Web Development Coursework
Important topics and responsibilities for web developers
01
A framework is a development tool that provides developers with an organized collection of reusable code, utilities, conventions, and components. Instead of recreating common processes every time they are needed, developers can use a framework as a foundation for building applications.
Frameworks are important in the web-development industry because they can make projects more organized, consistent, and efficient. They also make it easier for teams to reuse components and maintain larger applications.
03
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, commonly called the DMCA, became law in 1998. It addresses copyright protection for digital content and includes a notice-and-takedown process for online material that may infringe copyright.
As a web developer, I must make sure that I have permission to use images, videos, music, fonts, written content, and code. A website that allows users to upload content may also need a process for handling copyright complaints.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, became law in 1990. It protects people with disabilities from discrimination in public life, including employment, transportation, education, and access to many services.
Web developers and designers should create accessible websites so that people with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities can use the content and controls.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make covered electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
This affects developers who create websites, software, documents, and other digital services for federal agencies or organizations that must follow federal accessibility requirements.
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act provides certain legal protections to online services for content posted by their users. It also allows platforms to moderate some types of content without automatically becoming responsible for everything users publish.
Developers who create websites with comments, forums, reviews, or user uploads should understand that user-generated content requires moderation rules, reporting tools, and clear terms of service.
04
Websites should use HTTPS to encrypt information transmitted between the user's browser and the web server. This is especially important when a site handles passwords, payment information, or personal data.
Encryption is a best practice because it reduces the risk of information being read or altered while it travels across a network.
Developers should collect only the data that is necessary, store it securely, limit who can access it, and remove it when it is no longer needed.
Protecting stored information helps reduce the damage caused by a security breach and shows respect for the user's privacy.
Websites should support strong passwords, secure password storage, login-rate limits, and multi-factor authentication when appropriate.
Proper authentication is a best practice because it helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing private accounts and data.
05
Cookies are small pieces of information stored by a browser. Some cookies are necessary for features such as login sessions and shopping carts, while tracking cookies may be used to record activity across pages or websites.
Online platforms can connect searches, purchases, locations, videos, clicks, and other activity to a user's account. This creates a detailed record of how the person uses the service.
06
GCFGlobal. (n.d.). Understanding browser tracking. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetsafety/understanding-browser-tracking/1/
jQuery Foundation. (n.d.). jQuery. https://jquery.com/
React. (n.d.). React. https://react.dev/
Green, A. (2020, March 29). Complete guide to privacy laws in the United States. Varonis. https://www.varonis.com/blog/us-privacy-laws
Newton, C. (2020, May 28). Everything you need to know about Section 230. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/21273768/section-230-explained-internet-speech-law-definition-guide-free-moderation
U.S. Copyright Office. (n.d.). The Digital Millennium Copyright Act. https://www.copyright.gov/dmca/
U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Americans with Disabilities Act. https://www.ada.gov/
U.S. General Services Administration. (n.d.). Section508.gov. https://www.section508.gov/
02
Social Issues
Online Harassment
Online harassment is a serious social issue that can include cyberbullying, threats, stalking, and doxing. Doxing occurs when someone publishes another person's private information with malicious intent.
These actions can embarrass, intimidate, blackmail, or endanger victims. The consequences can be especially harmful for younger users and children.
Cybercrime
Cybercrime includes identity theft, scams, phishing, social engineering, hacking, and other illegal uses of technology. These crimes are often committed for financial gain, but they may also be used to harass or harm individuals.
Cybercrime can cause financial loss, emotional stress, damaged credit, stolen accounts, and loss of trust in online services.
Social Media and Young People
Social-media platforms can expose young people to unrealistic expectations about appearance, popularity, wealth, and social status. Constant comparison with edited or carefully selected content can negatively affect self-esteem.
Developers and platform owners should consider how algorithms, notifications, engagement features, and content recommendations may affect younger users.