Question and Answer
| Q1 | Describe the difference between an XML Sitemap and a HTML Sitemap. List the benefits and disadvantages of using each. |
| The main difference between an XML Sitemap and an HTML Sitemap is that an XML Sitemap is used to help search crawlers navigate your website, while an HTML Sitemap guides users through your store pages. XML Sitemap targets robots, whereas HTML focuses on humans. The benefits of an XML Sitemap include avoiding content duplication issues, better website crawlability, and faster page indexation. On the other hand, the benefits of an HTML Sitemap are providing internal linking opportunities, better website navigation, and an improved crawling start point. However, there are also disadvantages. Using an XML Sitemap has drawbacks such as no direct user interaction and the requirement of ongoing maintenance. Similarly, an HTML Sitemap can negatively impact user experience and offers limited SEO benefits. | |
| Q2 | Evaluate three IDE’s (Integrated development environments) and provide a brief summary on the positive and negative aspects of each. Also, in your own words include how it would suit an entry level trainee code developer. |
1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) VS Code is lightweight and free, running well on most computers. It works with many languages like Python, JavaScript, C++, and more. We can add useful features (extensions) such as a debugger, Git tools, and themes. Smart suggestions while typing also make coding easier. However, we may need to install a few extensions to make it feel "complete," and it can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the options and settings. Overall, this is one of the best all-around editors for entry-level trainee code developers because it is easy to start with but powerful enough to grow as our skills improve. 2. PyCharm (Community Edition) PyCharm (Community Edition) is very beginner-friendly, especially if we want to focus on Python development. It offers smart code completion, real-time error checking, and an easy-to-use debugger. It also includes useful tools like Git integration and a simple project management system. However, it can feel a bit heavier compared to lightweight editors, and some advanced features are only available in the paid Professional version. PyCharm is a strong choice if we are serious about Python. It is slightly more complex at first but teaches good practices and gives us everything we need to build real-world Python projects. So, it is a great option for long-term learning. 3. Sublime Text Sublime Text is super fast and smooth to use, with a simple, clean interface that’s easy to navigate. It is great for small tasks and quick edits. On the downside, we will occasionally see pop-ups asking us to buy a license (though we can keep using it), and it doesn’t come with built-in tools like VS Code unless we add them manually. Sublime Text is suitable for entry-level trainee code developers if the focus is mainly on typing and learning code basics. However, for bigger projects, we would need more tools. |
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| Q3 | Provide a brief history on web browser development and the issues encountered by web developers, specifically, the adherence to web standards. |
Web development has come a long way since the early 1990s. At first, websites were just simple pages made with HTML—basically digital posters with text and links. Then came CSS, which let developers add colors, layouts, and style. When JavaScript followed, websites are brought to life with animations, pop-ups, and interactive buttons. As websites got more complex, developers started using tools to pull in data from servers, making sites smarter and more dynamic—like online stores or social media platforms. In the 2000s, the web became more social and user-friendly, with people creating blogs, profiles, and posts. Platforms like WordPress made it easy for anyone to build a site without knowing how to code. Today, web development focuses on making websites look good on phones and tablets too (responsive design), and developers often use powerful tools like React or Vue to build modern apps quickly. The future of web development is all about smarter, more personalized experiences using newer tech like Web 3.0. The main issues encountered by web developers, specifically regarding adherence to web standards, include several key challenges. First, inconsistent browser behavior made development difficult, as different browsers interpreted HTML, CSS, and JavaScript differently, leading to websites that looked or functioned inconsistently across platforms. Second, proprietary features introduced by browsers forced developers to write multiple versions of code or use hacks to achieve compatibility, as these features were not standardized. Third, even when standards were established, the slow adoption of those standards by some browsers delayed the benefits of a unified web development approach. Lastly, ensuring that a website worked properly across all major browsers required extensive testing and maintenance, significantly increasing development time and costs. |
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| Q4 | What are website testing methodologies? Your answer MUST cover browser compatibility, and website functionality. |
| Website testing is all about making sure a website works the way it's supposed to, meaning no bugs, no other issues, and a smooth experience for users. One important part is Browser Compatibility Testing, which ensures the website runs smoothly on different browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, and across different devices and operating systems. Developers and testers either manually check the site on various browsers or use tools like BrowserStack. Automating these tests can help too, although it can get tricky because every browser behaves a little differently. Another key part is Website Functionality Testing, which involves checking that all the website’s features like links, forms, buttons, logins, and shopping carts work properly before any changes go live. Testers simulate what real users would do such as clicking buttons, filling out forms, and submitting orders. Testing can be manual or automated, but the goal is always to catch issues before real users experience them. | |
| Q5 | What are the endorsed requirements of accessibility for all NT Government webpages? |
| The NT Government wants everyone, including people with disabilities, to be able to easily use their websites. To make sure of that, we have to follow a few main rules. First, NT Government websites must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, which means making websites clear, readable, easy to navigate, and usable even without a mouse (such as by using only a keyboard). Second, we must stick to Australia’s National Transition Strategy, which provides clear steps to help government websites become more accessible. Finally, websites must meet certain standards by using approved systems, writing in plain English, and ensuring that layouts and content are easy for everyone to understand and use. | |
| Q6 | How do you think it’s best to organise all the assets used for a specific webpage? Think locally on your computer AND within the root folder of the website. |
On my Computer, the best way to organise all the assets used for a specific webpage is to make one main folder for the website project. Inside it, there will be folders like:
All file names must be clear and used lowercase with no spaces. In the root folder of the website, we should keep the same as what I have on my computer. The main page like index.html should be direcly under root. |
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