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How the Web Works

Fundamentals Learning Pathway


Introduction

Before you start testing you need to have a good understanding of how the web works. This guide will give you a holistic understanding of the core concepts that you will need when testing web applications.

Lesson Overview

  • Describe what the internet is.
  • Describe what packets are and how they are used to transfer data.
  • Understand the differences between a web page, web server, web browser and search engine.
  • Briefly explain what a client is.
  • Briefly explain what a server is.
  • Explain what IP addresses are.
  • Explain what DNS servers are.

Assignment

  1. Watch this BBC short for an overview of how the internet works.
  2. Read this article from Mozilla on “How does the Internet work?”.
  3. Watch this YouTube video on “How the internet works in 5 minutes”
  4. Read about the differences between a web page, a web server, and a search engine.
  5. Watch this Google short explaining what a web browser is.
  6. Read about how one part of the web interacts with another and read about or watch a DNS request in action.

Knowledge Check

  • What is a web server?
  • What is a network?
  • What is the internet?
  • What is an IP address?
  • What is a router?
  • What is an ISP?
  • What are packets and how are they used to transfer data?
  • What is a client?
  • What is a server?
  • What is a web page?
  • What is a web browser?
  • What is a search engine?
  • What is a DNS request?
  • Which browser are you currently using?
  • In your own words, explain what happens when you run a search on google.com

Additional Resources

Now you’ve got the basics downn, if you’re still interested in learning more then check out these additional resources.