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Internet Technologies Grade 12
How the web works under the hood — search technologies, web technologies, online applications, and how data is stored and processed online.
Search Technologies
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Keyword search | Matches exact words in the query |
| Semantic search | Understands meaning and context behind words — interprets user intent, not just keywords |
| Mediated search | A middleman system filters results for a specific database or organisation (e.g. Google Scholar) |
| SEO | Search Engine Optimisation — techniques to make websites rank higher in search results (keywords, speed, mobile-friendly, backlinks) |
Static vs Dynamic Websites
| Static | Dynamic |
|---|
| Content | Fixed HTML — changes only if developer edits files | Generated on demand from a database |
| Database | No | Yes |
| Examples | Simple portfolio, business info page | Online shop, social media, news sites |
| Security risk | Low | Higher (SQL injection, data breaches) |
Web Technologies
| Technology | Role | Example |
|---|
| HTML | Structure and content of web pages | Headings, paragraphs, links, images |
| CSS | Visual styling — colours, fonts, layout | Blue buttons, responsive grid |
| JavaScript | Client-side interactivity; runs in the browser | Form validation, dropdown menus, AJAX |
| PHP | Server-side scripting; processes forms, talks to databases | Login authentication, database queries |
| SQL | Query and manage database data | SELECT user data, INSERT orders |
| XML | Structured data exchange between systems | Product data feeds between websites |
Storing Data Online
- Cookies — small text files stored on the user's device by a website. Remember preferences, login sessions, shopping carts.
- Online databases — data stored on remote servers. Examples: Gmail messages, your social media posts.
Running Instructions
| Client-side (browser) | Server-side (web server) |
|---|
| Language | JavaScript, AJAX | PHP, Python, Node.js |
| Purpose | Real-time page updates, validation, animations | Authentication, database access, processing |
| AJAX | Updates parts of a page without reloading | — |
HTTP vs HTTPS
| HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|
| Encryption | None — data sent in plain text | SSL/TLS encryption |
| Padlock | No padlock in browser | Padlock icon shown |
| Use | Non-sensitive public pages | Login, banking, shopping — any sensitive data |