What is WWW?

WWW stands for "World Wide Web," which translates into Dutch as "worldwide web." It is a system of interconnected documents and other resources, linked by hyperlinks and URLs. Typically, the WWW is experienced through browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari, which allow users to view Web pages composed of text, images, videos and other multimedia content.

The Origins of the WWW

The World Wide Web was conceptualized and invented in 1989 by British scientist Tim Berners-Lee while working for CERN (the European laboratory for particle physics). Berners-Lee wanted to create a system that would allow scientists around the world to share and collaborate on information.

The main idea behind the WWW was to manage the growing amounts of digital information at CERN and make it accessible in a structured way. In 1991, the World Wide Web became available to the public.

This concept differed from earlier systems in that it used a non-centralized approach. Any user could set up a server and use a browser to view information, leading to an explosion of Web sites in the following years.

How the WWW works

Although for many people the terms "Internet" and "World Wide Web" are used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. The Internet is a vast "network of networks," while the WWW is just one way of sharing information on that network.

1. URLs and browsers: When you enter a Web address (also called a URL) into your browser, the browser requests the Web page from a server and displays it to you.
2. Hyperlinks: Unique to the WWW is the use of hyperlinks. These are clickable links that take you from one document to another. It makes navigating and exploring the Web intuitive and easy.
3. HTML: Most Web pages are written in a language called HTML (HyperText Markup Language). HTML defines how information is presented on a Web page and how it is structured.
4. Web servers: These are special computers configured to "serve" or deliver Web pages to visitors. When you visit a Web site, your browser requests the page from a Web server.
5. Protocols: The WWW uses the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to transmit information. This protocol defines how messages are formatted and sent over the Web.

The WWW has dramatically changed the way we communicate, work, store and play. It has revolutionized information exchange and eliminated the boundaries of time and distance. Although the WWW is only one of the many uses of the Internet, it is undoubtedly one of the most influential and transformative.