By the late 1980s, the Internet was being introduced as a means of communication for anyone with a computer, modem and telephone line.

The first code for the World Wide Web was posted on a newsgroup by Tim Berners-Lee—today credited as the founder of the modern Internet—scientist at the European Particle Physics Laboratory (CERN) in Switzerland. Berners-Lee was the first to combine Internet communication (which had been carrying email and the Usenet for decades) with hypertext (which had also been around for decades, but limited to browsing information stored on a single computer, such as interactive CD-ROM design).

Websites are written in a hyper-text markup language called HTML, and early versions of HTML were very basic, only giving websites basic structure (headings and paragraphs), and the ability to link using hypertext. This was new and different from existing forms of communication - users could easily navigate to other pages by following hyperlinks from page to page.

In 1993, a new freeware browser program called Mosaic was developed. The success of the program amazed everyone. Within one year, about two million people used the program to view documents they could access via the Internet. The documents were designed to be viewed using hypertext markup language, or HTML.

The first websites, now called “first generation sites,” had limited graphics, a lot of text and a linear layout. Their function was to deliver information, not to entertain or amaze viewers. During that time, the websites were delivered via dial-up modems over telephone lines. Modems had a very slow transfer rate, so web pages had to have small file sizes for easier accessibility.

As the Web and web design progressed, the markup language changed to become more complex and flexible, giving the ability to add objects like images and tables to a page. Features like tables, which were originally intended to be used to display tabular information, were soon subverted for use as invisible layout devices. Database integration technologies such as server-side scripting and design standards like W3C further changed and enhanced the way the Web is made.

As times change, websites are changing the code on the inside and visual design on the outside with ever-evolving programs and utilities.

The World Wide Web Consortium, or W3C, was established in 1994. Goals and standards were set for the future of web design. HTML was designated as the primary coding language for future web design endeavors.

HTML version 1 was limited but could be built upon. Today, we have versions 2, 3 and 4 and other variations.

The standards set by the W3C have made it nearly impossible for large companies to create specific web browsers and potentially develop a monopoly on web design code. If one company had been allowed to dominate web design and browser technologies, it could have had a very detrimental effect on the Internet as we know it today.

Can you give me examples???

Web design has been divided into “generations.”

First-generation websites were primarily text with minimal graphics.
Their basic design made it much easier for slower modems to transfer the information in a short amount of time.

Second-generation websites were a little more complicated, with more abilities available via HTML.

Third-generation websites brought the inclusion of colored backgrounds and animated images.

Today’s websites are considered the fourth generation.
Websites are vibrant and full of color. Videos, XML, JavaScript and Flash are just a few of the advanced techniques that allow each individual website to be completely unique. We now have the ability to use code to bring websites to life. Technological advances have given people the ability to add small scripted programs to their websites from the comfort of their home. As a result, web designers can add interactive elements, real-time weather updates, produce videos or create games to include in websites they design.

Web design is very versatile.
The introduction of technologies such as high-speed and wireless Internet has allowed web designers to be more creative with their designs.
Websites do not have to conform to first-generation standards any longer and can therefore be more attractive and useful to viewers.