YumRecipes

Q1

Describe the difference between an XML Sitemap and a HTML Sitemap. List the benefits and disadvantages of using each.

HTML sitemap: this is a 2D, visual representation of a website which often takes form as a flow chart. It exists to help users navigate a site and easily find pages without having to constantly go back and forth. HTML sitemaps aren’t usually provided anymore, since users already know how to navigate sites. However, internal teams like the web developers will use HTML maps to make development more efficient. For example, being able to see your website all at once allows you to easily ensure all content is in the right location.

XML sitemap: similar to a HTML sitemap, this is a representation of your website and all of its content. However, rather than being in a visual format, this is created in a way which can be read by search engines. The XML sitemap will be uploaded to your site so that it can help search engines understand all of its content and make it discoverable to users browsing the internet. The bots will compare your content and fine which ones are more important to others. If your site is updated often, it can be a hassle to update the XML sitemap along with it; but automatic plugins are also available.

Q2

Evaluate three IDE’s (Integrated development environments) and provide a brief summary on the positive and negative aspects of each. Also, in your own words include how it would suit an entry level trainee code developer.

Visual Studio Code

PROS: This IDE is very accessible, being free and available on multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, MacOS), as well as support for a wide range of programming languages. It is also open-source, and considered good for beginners. Additionally, there are many free plugins and extensions available through the software and it has a convenient layout which allow you to access all your files smoothly. The popularity and wide use of this IDE make it very suitable for entrée level coders.

CONS: Isn’t as suitable for mobile development as it would require more setting up compared to other IDE’s. Visual Studio Code may also be recourse-intensive if you are using many extensions with large projects which could cause issues for those with lower end devices.

Sublime Text

PROS: Supports a wide range of coding languages. Customizable with plugins and packages. Considered lightweight and stable. Allows simultaneous editing, where users can control several cursors at once and/or edit multiple variables at once which can be extremely useful.

CONS: Not very intuitive for beginners and may receive slower updates; some users complain about outdated packages. Since the software is paid, if you use the free version you will get annoying pop-ups that could disrupt workflow.

Eclipse

PROS: Is mainly Java based and perfect for desktop java applications. Plugins may allow support for other languages like C++ and PHP. Like VScode, this software is also free, making it more accessible.

CONS: Some users say the interface is not as clear as other programs. This software may also not be as stable. Additionally, the support for coding languages is not as wide compared to other software.

Q3

Provide a brief history on web browser development and the issues encountered by web developers, specifically, the adherence to web standards.

Web browsers are applications that allow users to access information and recources on the internet and explore a seemingly infinite number of webpages. Tim Berners-Lee developed the first web browser in 1990 and named it the “WorldWideWeb” and not long after, many more would be released. When more applications began popping up, competition rised especially between Internet Explorer and Netscape; implementing new features in an attempt to outshine each other. This would make it much more difficult for web developers to ensure cross-browser compatibility, sometimes even having to create multiple versions of code for a site.

Today, web developers still encounter issues in adherance to web standards, including problems such as:

• Cross-platform and cross-browser issues. A webpage may look fine on one browser and device (e.g. laptop using chrome) but be completely different on another (e.g. a mobile phone using safari).
• Keeping up to date with new updates and best practices for coding languages
• Performance optimization
• Maintaining consistency within the code

Q4

Website testing methodologies involve analysing how a website functions in different scenarios, ensuring user-friendly experiences and discovering any issues so they can be fixed.

Main Methods:

• Manual Testing: This method involves human testers manually navigating the site to evaluate its functionality. This is a great way to get organic feedback that’s also realistic to the user experience. It can be time consuming and difficult to gain a large sample size.
• 2. Automatic Testing: Involves running scripts and/or using testing tools. This method can be more accurate, efficient and cheaper.

Some Main Areas of Testing:

• Functionality: ensuring all features work as intended
• Usability: How user-friendly and intuitive is the website design, navigation and overall experience?
• Compatibility and cross-browser: can the website function correctly on different browsers, devices and operating systems? Ensures minimal inconsistencies.
• Accessbility: Similar to usability but specifically ensures that the site is accessible to those with disabilities. Is it screen-reader friendly? Easy to view?
• Localization: Does the content read the same if translated? Is formatting and functionality the same in different regions?

Q5

All NT Government webpages endorse the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) which includes a multitude of recommendations to improve accessiblity to a wider range of users with disabilities. The NT Government strives to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance for all their content.

Q6

The structure within the root folder and your local computer files should follow the same general rules:

• Html files in the root folder.
• Within the root folder, have subfolders for other file types such as CSS, images and Javascript.