Evolution of Internet Service Technologies

Static site

The same content is shown to every visitor; the page doesn't change based on user input or data.

Dynamic site

Content changes based on user interaction, input, or data pulled from a database in real time.

Client-side scripting

Code (e.g. JavaScript) that runs in the user's own browser — used for interactivity without needing to reload the page.

Server-side scripting

Code that runs on the web server before the page is sent to the user — used to generate dynamic content, e.g. pulling data from a database.

Cookies

Small pieces of data a website stores on a user's device to remember information between visits (e.g. login state, preferences).

Web-based applications run entirely inside a browser; mobile applications come in several forms:

• Native mobile app — built specifically for one platform (iOS or Android), generally best performance and full access to device features.
• Mobile web application — a website designed to work well on mobile browsers, no installation needed.
• Hybrid app — combines web technologies wrapped in a native app shell, aiming for cross-platform convenience with some native access.

Plug-ins and extensions add extra functionality to a browser or application beyond its default features.

Design factors for mobile technology that must be considered when building for mobile: smaller screen size (simplified layouts), lower processing demands (efficient code), storage demands (smaller app size), and bandwidth requirements (efficient data use for users on limited data plans).