On web engineering

Web Engineering is the application of systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to the development, operation, and maintenance of web-based applications. It's about taking the principles of traditional software engineering and applying them to the web context.

Web Engineering plays a crucial role in the implementation of a web application. It involves the practical application of the principles defined by the Web Architecture, translating the high-level design into a working, functional application.

Web Architecture vs. Web Engineering vs. Web Operations

While these three terms are often used interchangeably, they each have distinct meanings:

• Web Architecture is about the high-level structure of a software system, and the discipline of creating such structures and systems.
• Web Engineering is the application of systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to the development, operation, and maintenance of web-based applications.
• Web Operations is the function of managing and maintaining the server and environment where the web application runs.

Tasks Involved in Web Engineering

Web Engineering involves several tasks, including:

1. Coding: This involves writing the actual code that makes up the web application, based on the design provided by the Web Architecture.
2. Testing: This involves checking the application for bugs and other issues, and fixing any that are found.
3. Deployment: This involves getting the application up and running on a server, so that it can be accessed by users.
4. Maintenance: This involves ongoing work to keep the application running smoothly, fixing bugs, adding new features, and so on.

The Spectrum of Front-End Skills

Web Engineering encompasses a wide spectrum of front-end skills, from the "back of the frontend" to the "front of the frontend". The "back of the frontend" involves more technical, programming-focused skills, like JavaScript and API design, while the "front of the frontend" involves more design and user experience skills, like HTML, CSS, and accessibility.

Roadmap to Develop Solid Web Engineering Skills

Developing solid Web Engineering skills involves a combination of learning and practice. Start with the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then move on to more advanced topics like responsive design, performance optimization, and accessibility. Practice by building your own projects, and learn from the work of others by reading code and contributing to open source projects.