Web Technologies and Application Development
Core concepts
Understand the client-server model and the request-response cycle over HTTP/HTTPS. Know front-end basics (HTML structure, CSS styling, JavaScript behavior) and back-end concepts (server logic, APIs, databases). Distinguish GET from POST and know common status codes (200 OK, 301 redirect, 404 not found, 500 server error). Understand cookies, sessions, caching, and the role of DNS and TLS in loading a page. Know the software development lifecycle and basic version control concepts.
Traps in questions
A frequent trap is confusing client-side and server-side execution: JavaScript in the browser can be viewed by users, so it must never hold secrets; validation must also occur server-side. Another is misreading status codes - 4xx are client errors, 5xx are server errors. Do not confuse authentication with session management, nor caching with storage. Questions may assume HTTPS encrypts everything end-to-end to the database; it protects the transport leg only.
Worked example / rule of thumb
A form submits but the server rejects valid data. Rule of thumb: check the status code first. A 400-series code points to the request (bad field, missing header); a 500-series points to server logic. Reading the code narrows where to look before inspecting code.
Exam focus
Expect HTTP methods and status codes, client vs server responsibilities, and secure handling of user input.