Web & Cloud Development

These flashcards cover key concepts in Web & Cloud Development, including client-server models, HTML/CSS/JavaScript functions, front-end and back-end development, APIs, databases, version control, and software stacks.

What is the client–server model?

A system where the client (browser) sends requests and the server processes them and sends responses back.

What is a client?

The user’s device or browser that requests data from a server.

What is a server?

A remote computer that stores data, runs logic, and responds to client requests.

What happens when you enter a URL?

The browser sends an HTTP request, the server processes it, and sends back an HTTP response.

What is HTML used for?

Defining the structure and content of a web page.

What is CSS used for?

Styling the website, including layout, colors, and responsiveness.

What is JavaScript used for?

Adding logic, interactivity, and dynamic behavior to web pages.

What is static web content?

Pre-built content that does not change based on the user.

What is dynamic web content?

Content generated at request time using server-side logic and data.

Why are dynamic websites more powerful?

They allow personalization, logins, real-time updates, and database interaction.

What is front-end development?

Building the part of the application users see and interact with in the browser.

What technologies are used in front-end development?

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

What does the front-end communicate with?

The back-end, usually through APIs.

What is back-end development?

Server-side development that handles logic, data, and security.

What are key responsibilities of the back-end?

Authentication, business logic, database access, and security.

Why is back-end development critical?

It controls data integrity, security, and system behavior.

What is an API?

A defined way for the front-end and back-end to communicate.

What is a route?

A server path that listens for requests.

What is an endpoint?

A specific route that performs an action or returns data.

What is a database?

A structured system for storing and retrieving data.

What is SQL used for?

Querying and managing relational databases.

What is an ORM?

A tool that lets developers interact with databases using objects instead of raw SQL.

What is version control?

A system for tracking changes to source code over time.

What is Git?

A tool that tracks local code changes.

What is GitHub?

A platform that hosts Git repositories and enables collaboration.

What is a branch?

A separate version of code used to develop features independently.

What is a code library?

A collection of reusable code that performs specific tasks.

What is a framework?

A structured system that dictates how an application is built.

Key difference between a library and a framework?

You call a library, but a framework controls the flow of your application.

What is Continuous Integration (CI)?

Frequently merging and testing code to detect errors early.

What is Continuous Delivery (CD)?

Automatically preparing code for deployment after testing.

What are build tools used for?

Automating tasks like bundling, compiling, and dependency management.

What is a software package?

A bundled set of files and instructions for installing software.

What is a package manager?

A tool that installs, updates, and manages packages.

Examples of package managers?

npm (JavaScript) and pip (Python).

What is a software stack?

A group of technologies used together to build an application.

What is the LAMP stack?

Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP.

What is the MEAN stack?

MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js.

Why is the MEAN stack popular?

It uses JavaScript across the entire stack.