How Websites Work The Complete Guide For Beginners

Websites are part of everyday life. We use them to read the news, watch videos, shop online, and connect with others.

But what actually happens when you type a web address into your browser?

Let’s walk through the basics step by step in a way that makes sense if you are brand new to the topic.

What a Website Really Is

At its core, a website is a collection of files stored on a computer called a server. These files might include text, pictures, or videos. When you visit a website, your device retrieves those files and shows them to you in a web browser.

The Role of a Web Browser

A web browser is the app you use to access websites. Examples include Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. The browser’s job is to take the files it gets from a server and display them in an organized way so you can read, watch, or click through them.

What Happens When You Visit a Website

Here is the general process that happens in the background every time you go to a website:

You type a web address (like www.example.com) into your browser.
The browser checks with something called the Domain Name System (DNS) server to figure out where that website is located.
The DNS server translates the website’s name into an IP address, which is the unique numerical address of the server where the website lives.
The browser uses that IP address to connect to the server.
The server sends back the files that make up the website.
The browser displays those files as the page you see on your screen.

All of this usually happens in seconds.

Domain Names and IP Addresses

Every website has an IP address, which is like its numerical location on the internet. Since long strings of numbers are hard to remember, we use domain names instead. A domain name is simply the human-friendly label for a website. For example, “google.com” is the domain name, while the server behind it has an IP address like “216.58.214.174”.

Web Hosting Explained

Websites need a place to live online. That place is provided by web hosting companies. Hosting companies keep servers running all day, every day, so that when someone types in a website address, the files are always available.

Static vs Dynamic Websites

Static websites: show the same information to every visitor. They are simple and fast.
Dynamic websites: can change based on who is visiting. For example, when you log in to a social media site, it shows you your own feed instead of someone else’s.

Security and HTTPS

When you look at a web address, you may notice it starts with either http or https. The s stands for secure. It means the information sent between your browser and the website’s server is encrypted. This is especially important for websites where you log in, shop, or share personal details.