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Core Web Technologies

Introduction

Mastering core web technologies is essential for every front-end developer aiming to build robust, accessible, and modern web applications. Understanding HTML5 semantics and accessibility features ensures your content is structured for both users and assistive technologies. Advanced CSS3 techniques empower you to craft visually appealing and responsive designs. Modern JavaScript (ES6+) brings powerful features that make your code more efficient and maintainable. DOM manipulation and event handling enable dynamic, interactive experiences, while knowledge of web standards and browser APIs guarantees compatibility and future-proofing. By developing expertise in these foundational areas, you can confidently realise high-quality digital products that work seamlessly across devices and platforms.

Relevant topics

Starting points

Begin by exploring semantic HTML5 elements such as <header>, <nav>, <main>, <article>, and <footer> to create structured, accessible content. Practice using ARIA attributes and keyboard navigation to enhance accessibility. Dive into CSS3 by experimenting with advanced selectors, pseudo-classes, flexbox, grid layouts, transitions, and animations. Learn JavaScript ES6+ features like arrow functions, destructuring, template literals, classes, promises, and modules to write cleaner, more modern code. Manipulate the DOM using methods like querySelector and handle user interactions with addEventListener. Familiarize yourself with browser APIs such as Fetch, LocalStorage, and Web Workers, and consult web standards documentation to ensure your code is compatible and future-proof.

Focus points

  • Use semantic HTML elements and provide accessible alternatives for all interactive content.
  • Apply CSS3 methodologies to create responsive layouts and visually engaging interfaces.
  • Write JavaScript using ES6+ features for clarity, maintainability, and performance.
  • Manipulate the DOM efficiently and manage events to create smooth, interactive experiences.
  • Follow web standards and use browser APIs that are widely supported, implementing fallbacks where necessary.
  • Test your work across different browsers and devices to ensure consistent behavior for all users.
  • Document your code and design decisions to support collaboration and long-term maintainability.

Tools, frameworks and libraries

  • HTML/CSS: Visual Studio Code, Emmet, Stylelint, Prettier
  • CSS frameworks: Tailwind CSS, Bootstrap, PostCSS, Sass
  • JavaScript: ESLint, Babel, Webpack, Parcel
  • DOM & event utilities: Vanilla JS utilities, MutationObserver
  • Accessibility: axe DevTools, Lighthouse, WAVE
  • Browser APIs: Fetch API, LocalStorage, Web Workers, Service Workers, WebSockets
  • Testing: Jest, Mocha, Cypress, BrowserStack, Sauce Labs
  • Standards & compatibility: MDN Web Docs, Can I use, WHATWG and W3C specifications

By focusing on these core web technologies, you lay a strong foundation for building accessible, performant, and future-ready web applications.