CIW Web Design key terms

The markup language used to structure content on web pages through elements such as headings, paragraphs, lists, and links. Browsers interpret these tags to render a document's semantic structure.

A stylesheet language that controls the presentation of HTML documents, including color, typography, spacing, and layout. Rules cascade and inherit so conflicts resolve by specificity and source order.

Choosing markup elements that describe the meaning of content, such as header, nav, article, and footer, instead of generic containers. This aids accessibility, search engines, and maintainability.

A complete HTML construct made of an opening tag, its content, and a closing tag, or a self-closing tag such as img. Elements form the tree structure a browser parses.

A name-value pair written inside an element's opening tag that supplies extra information, such as href on a link or alt on an image. Attributes modify how the element behaves or displays.

The markup syntax that delimits an element, written with angle brackets such as

or

. Tags tell the parser where elements begin and end.

A declaration at the very start of an HTML document that tells the browser which markup standard to follow. The modern short form triggers standards mode rendering.

The in-memory tree representation of a web page that scripts and browsers manipulate. Each element, attribute, and text node becomes an object in this structure.

The algorithm browsers use to decide which conflicting CSS declaration wins, weighing origin, importance, specificity, and source order. Understanding it explains why a rule does or does not apply.

A weight assigned to CSS selectors based on their components, such as IDs, classes, and element names. Higher specificity overrides lower when declarations conflict at the same origin.

The part of a CSS rule that identifies which elements the declarations apply to, using patterns like element names, classes, IDs, or combinators. Selectors can also target states and pseudo-elements.

The CSS layout model in which every element is a rectangular box composed of content, padding, border, and margin. Box sizing determines whether padding and border add to declared width.

An approach that builds layouts to adapt to varying screen sizes and devices using fluid grids, flexible images, and media queries. It aims to deliver one codebase that works everywhere.

A CSS feature that applies styles conditionally based on characteristics such as viewport width, orientation, or resolution. Media queries are the primary tool for responsive breakpoints.

A chosen viewport width at which a responsive layout changes its styling, for example switching from a single column to multiple columns. Breakpoints are set with media queries.

The visible area of a web page within a browser window or on a device screen. A meta viewport tag controls scaling on mobile devices.

A design strategy that starts with styles and content for small screens, then progressively enhances for larger viewports. It prioritizes core content and often uses min-width media queries.

A development philosophy that builds a functional baseline first, then layers richer features for capable browsers. It ensures content remains usable when advanced features fail.

A strategy of building for modern capabilities and ensuring the experience remains acceptable in older or limited environments. It contrasts with progressive enhancement's baseline-first approach.

The practice of designing and coding sites so people with disabilities can perceive, operate, and understand them, often guided by WCAG. It includes keyboard support, contrast, and assistive-technology compatibility.

A short textual alternative supplied in an image's alt attribute, describing its content or purpose. Screen readers announce it, and it displays when the image fails to load.

A set of attributes that add roles, states, and properties to markup so assistive technologies can interpret custom widgets. Native semantic elements are preferred when they already convey the same meaning.

A programming language that runs in browsers and other environments to add interactivity, manipulate the DOM, and communicate with servers. It is the behavior layer alongside structure and presentation.

An action or occurrence a script can detect and respond to, such as a click, keypress, or page load. Handlers or listeners are attached to elements to run code when events fire.

An HTML construct that collects user input and submits it to a server, containing controls like text fields, checkboxes, and buttons. Proper labels and validation improve usability and accessibility.

Checking that data entered into a form meets required rules before it is accepted or processed. It is performed in the browser for convenience and on the server for security.

An HTML element that associates descriptive text with a form control, either by wrapping the control or using a for attribute. Clicking the label focuses the control and screen readers announce it.

A reference in a document that navigates to another resource when activated, created with an anchor element and an href attribute. Links may point to pages, files, sections, or email addresses.

The address that identifies a resource on the web, including scheme, host, path, and optional query or fragment. Correct relative and absolute URLs determine how links and assets resolve.

The human-readable name that identifies a website, such as example.com, mapped to IP addresses through DNS. It is registered with a registrar and can have subdomains.

The distributed naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses so browsers can locate servers. Records such as A, CNAME, and MX define how a domain resolves and routes services.

A service that stores website files on a server and makes them available over the internet. Options range from shared plans to dedicated servers and cloud platforms.

The process of publishing a finished site or update to a live server environment. It typically includes transferring files, configuring settings, and verifying the release works.

A system that records changes to files over time so teams can review history, revert mistakes, and merge work. Git is the most widely used example in web development.

A low-fidelity visual guide showing the layout and placement of page elements without detailed styling. It helps teams agree on structure and hierarchy before visual design begins.

An interactive or static model of a design used to test flows and usability before development. Prototypes range from paper sketches to clickable digital mockups.

The organization, labeling, and navigation structure of content so users can find what they need. It is often documented with site maps and hierarchies.

The system of links and menus that lets users move through a site, ideally consistent and predictable. Good navigation reflects information architecture and signals current location.

The degree to which users can achieve goals effectively, efficiently, and with satisfaction. It is evaluated through heuristics, testing, and observation of real tasks.