WebsitesModule 1: The web, explainedLesson 1 of 15
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12 min lesson · Updated August 2026
What is a website?
A website is a collection of connected resources—usually pages, media and interactive functions—published at web addresses and delivered by servers so browsers can present them to people.
What you will learn
By the end, you will understand:
Separate the internet, web, website, page and browser
Understand addresses, links and resources
Recognize that a website includes content, code, infrastructure and ongoing operation
Visual explainer
See the idea clearly.
The internet connects devices; the web uses that network; a browser requests a website domain containing linked pages, images and functions.
Internet and web are not the same
Internet
The wider network infrastructure that connects computers and carries many services.
World Wide Web
A system of linked resources identified by URLs and usually transferred with HTTP/HTTPS.
The words people often mix up
Term
Meaning
Website
The connected whole published under one or more web addresses.
Web page
One document or view within the site, such as About or a product page.
Browser
Software such as Chrome, Safari or Firefox that requests and presents web resources.
URL
The address of a specific resource.
Domain
The human-readable name in an address, such as example.com.
Link
A navigable relationship from one resource to another.
A website is more than what you see
01
Domain and DNS
02
Hosting/server
03
Code and content
04
Database or services where needed
05
Browser/device
06
People and assistive technology
07
Maintenance and ownership
Static and dynamic are implementation descriptions
A static page can be delivered as prepared files. A dynamic site can generate or update content from data and user state. Many modern websites combine both approaches.
Dynamic does not automatically mean better, faster or more interactive. Choose the simplest system that safely supports the required tasks.
A business website has jobs
Explain the business accurately
Help people find relevant information
Show credible evidence
Support contact, booking or purchase
Work across devices/input methods
Protect data and trust
Be discoverable where appropriate
Remain maintainable
Websites need ownership after launch
Domains renew, software changes, business facts expire, enquiries need handling and security risks evolve. A website is an operated service, not a finished poster.
Record who controls the domain, hosting, source files, accounts, content and recovery process.
Real-world example
Example: one bakery, several web pages
Example
A bakery’s website includes a home page, cake catalog, allergy information, locations and an enquiry form. Each page has its own URL, while navigation and links connect them into one useful website.
Try this
Map a familiar website
Choose a website you use. Identify its domain, three page URLs, browser, links, visible media, one dynamic function and who likely needs to maintain it.
Common questions
Questions beginners ask.
What is a website?
A connected collection of web resources delivered at addresses that browsers can present and people can use.
Is a website the same as the internet?
No. The internet is the wider network; the web is one service that uses it.
What is a web page?
One document or view within a website, normally available at a specific URL.
What is a browser?
Software that requests, interprets and presents web content.
What is a domain name?
A registered human-readable name used in web and email addresses.
Does every website need a database?
No. Databases are useful for changing or structured data, but simple sites can use prepared files.
Is an app a website?
A web app runs through web technologies in a browser; native mobile apps use platform software, though the experiences can overlap.
Is a social profile a replacement for a website?
It can support a business, but platform access, format and ownership differ from a business-controlled website.
