The Internet: Definition
Defining the concept of the Internet is a challenging task, mostly because of the changes that it has undergone over the course of its development. Furthermore, the definition of the Internet may come from different viewpoints. It can be interpreted from a fully technological standpoint, as well as from the social one. Therefore, it is rather difficult to come up with a comprehensive definition that will embrace all facets of the phenomenon.
At present, the Internet is defined as a “global system of interconnected computer networks” (CTI Reviews, 2016, p. 43). The identified approach toward determining the subject matter allows viewing the Internet from the technological perspective. It stresses the grandeur of the technological breakthrough and the weight that it has in science. However, the Internet may also be represented as a system of interlaced computer devices that create a platform for communication between the members of the global community.
The World Wide Web: Definition
Although the term “World Wide Web” (WWW) and the term “the Internet,” are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Differentiating between the concepts mentioned above is crucial. When considering the concept of WWW, one must refer to the concept of the internet as well (Morley & Parker, 2016).
By definition, WW is only a part of the Internet. Particularly, it is the information system that helps connect the pieces of online content with the help of hyperlinks. In other words, WWW is a system of servers maintaining the connection between online files that exists because of the links mentioned above.
The system is formatted with a tool known as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). The latter is used to not only link files but also introduce graphical and audio elements into the documents. As a result, the premises for designing a multimedia environment are created (Patel, 2013).
Relationship Between the World Wide Web and the Internet
As stressed above, there is a fine line between the concept of the WWW and the one of the internet. Even though that the two are viewed as inseparable from each other, they are not entirely the same. The WWW comprises only a part of the Internet; it clearly is not a substitution for the latter.
While the Internet is viewed as a network of networks, i.e., the tool for keeping global data together and providing platforms for online communication, the WWW is a way of accessing the said information. Moreover, aside from being different in their nature, the Internet and the WWW also have quite different functions.
The WWW is used as the model for data sharing among its users across the globe. For this purpose, one needs to use the software known as web browsers. Consequently, the information is accessed and transferred successfully (University of West Florida, 2016).
Web 1.0 and Web 2.0: Differences
The functions and purposes of the two renditions of the World Wide Web can be viewed as the primary difference aspect. Particularly, Web 1.0 was designed to provide users with relevant information so that they could find the data for which they were searching. The concept on which Web 2.0 is based revolves around communication between its users.
Apart from encouraging people to interact with each other, Web 2.0 also implies that the users should also be able to interact with the sites that they visit. In other words, Web 2.0 is supposed to be the smart version of WWW. The presence of the tools that promote interaction encourages the users to share data and, therefore, build a close community.
Finally, Web 2.0 allows users to change the existing data and add a new one. Thus, more chances for data sharing are created. Web 2.0 has opened new communication opportunities (Lin, 2013).
APIs: Definition and Relation to Web 2.0
API, which is deciphered as the Application Program Interface, incorporates the commands, protocols, routers, and other devices (Richardson, Amundsen, & Ruby, 2013). API offers an extensive description of the available functionalities. Therefore, it informs programmers about the tools for creating the required environment and introducing the necessary elements into it.
Furthermore, API can be used to locate the information about users that needs to be taken into account when creating a new application of addressing the bugs in the current one. Instead of collecting the necessary data from users individually, programmers use API to determine the necessary facts and improve the functioning of the website.
Therefore, APIs create the foil for the successful retrieval of the necessary information from users. In other words, it becomes an intermediary between users and developers. Therefore, it helps improve the process of interaction between users and a site, by which Web 2.0 is defined.
References
CTI Reviews. (2016). Understanding research. New York, NY: Textbook reviews.
Lin, A. (2013). Consumer information systems and relationship management: Design, implementation, and use. New York, NY: IGI Global.
Morley, D., & Parker, C. S. (2016). Chapter 8: The Internet and the World Wide Web. Web.
Patel, K. (2013). Incremental journey for World Wide Web: Introduced with Web 1.0 to recent Web 5.0 – a survey paper. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering, 3(10), 410-417.
Richardson, L., Amundsen, M., & Ruby, S. (2013). RESTful Web APIs: Services for a changing world. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
University of West Florida. (2016). Chapter 2: The Internet and World Wide Web. Web.