Q1 Describe the difference between an XML Sitemap and a HTML Sitemap. List the benefits and disadvantages of using each.
XML and HTML sitemaps serve important but distinct purposes. An XML sitemap is meant to be for the search engines alone, providing crawlers with a simple map of a website structure to improve indexing and SEO performance. But, being technical in nature, it is difficult for human readers to read. In contrast, an HTML sitemap offers human-friendly navigation that enables humans to find content easily, but it does not provide the same direct SEO advantage that XML offers. Whereas XML enhances search visibility, HTML supports usability - so the two are complementary tools when used together on a site.
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.
PyCharm
PyCharm is a great IDE for Python, it is loaded with features such as debugging and code completion. It can be a bit slow on older machines, but its simple design is great for beginners. The free version is good enough for most Python projects. If you like to use other coding languages, you'll need to install plugins. PyCharm works well for people new to Python, but it might feel limited if you need to work with a lot of different languages.
visual Studio Code (VSCode)
VSCode is a fast editor that uses minimal resources and supports many languages. There are tons of extensions available to help you out. It also comes with handy features like IntelliSense, Git integration, and a terminal. Just a heads up, setting up languages might be a bit tricky if you’re new to it. Overall, it's great for students who are learning to code.
Eclipse
Eclipse is a strong Java IDE that comes with lots of features for debugging and fixing code. It also supports other programming languages and lets you add extensions like VSCode. That said, the interface can be a bit slow and awkward at times. If you’re focused on Java, Eclipse can really assist you, but it might feel overwhelming if you’re just starting out.
Q3 Provide a brief history on web browser development and the issues encountered by web developers, specifically, the adherence to web standards.
Web browsers have come a long way since the first one, WorldWideWeb, was released in 1990. Today, we have well-known browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, among others. While we've made a lot of progress since then, some challenges remain. These include making sure older browsers still work, the slow adoption of new standards in some cases, different ways that vendors build their browsers, various experimental features, and the differences in how content shows up on mobile versus desktop.
Q4 What are website testing methodologies? Your answer MUST cover browser compatibility, and website functionality.
To ensure a website looks and works well on both desktops and mobile devices, you need to test it using different browsers. You can use popular options like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera, along with their mobile versions like Chrome Mobile or Safari for iOS. It's important to check that all the interactive parts are functioning correctly, keep an eye on the layout, and verify that JavaScript and CSS are working as they should. Also, check how fonts show up in different browsers. Make sure to test features like forms, database connections, cookie handling, and confirm that links direct users to the right places. Don't forget to look out for errors like 404 pages or server issues.
Q5 What are the endorsed requirements of accessibility for all NT Government webpages?
The NT Government Endorses Web Content Accessibility Guidelines via the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines NTG accessibility.
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.
The most effective method to arrange all the assets for a particular webpage is to create a special assets folder within the main folder of the website. This approach can also be used for items saved on your computer. By having a main folder and then creating sub-folders for different categories, you will achieve the best organization.