In short, the Internet is a large network of computers that allows the exchange of information. But from the first days of its existence, the Internet has been constantly evolving. Let’s look at the main stages of this development, starting with Web 1.0.
Web 1.0: The early days of the World Wide Web – a reading Internet
Web 1.0, often known as the “Static Web,” refers to the early days of the Internet when web pages were mostly static and large amounts of information were difficult to manage. Web pages from this period were built using HTML, which allowed for textual content with basic formatting and images. These sites were similar to online brochures, where users could only view the content, but had no way to change it or add something of their own.
At that time, the Internet was a rather limited means of communication. Since search engines were not yet properly developed, people used bookmarks in their browsers to store their favorite sites. Directories, such as Yahoo! Directory, have become important in helping users navigate the web.
The first web browsers, such as Mosaic, became popular browsing tools, and mostly academic and corporate resources were among the first to appear on the web. Although commerce was not yet a major feature of the Internet at the time, its main purpose was to share knowledge and information.
Overall, Web 1.0 was an important step in the development of the Internet. It was an era of exploration and laying the groundwork for a more dynamic and interactive Internet in the future.
Web 2.0: Interactive Internet
After the static pages of Web 1.0, the world of the Internet began to revolutionize with Web 2.0. The term “Web 2.0” was coined in 2004 at the O’Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference and refers to a new approach to creating and using websites that has changed the way we perceive the Internet today.
In contrast to static Web 1.0 web pages, Web 2.0 already focuses on interactivity, user participation, and content generation by users themselves. Websites became platforms that allowed users to share their information, exchange opinions, interact with each other, and create content on a par with professional editors.
Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace have become symbols of the Web 2.0 era. They provided a platform where users could create their profiles, make friends with others, share photos, videos, and opinions.
Blogs have also become popular, allowing ordinary people to keep their journals online and provide personal views on a variety of topics. Platforms like WordPress and Blogger have made blogging accessible and easy.
Another significant aspect of Web 2.0 is the growth of cloud-based services and programs, such as Google Docs, which have allowed users to store documents online and work with them from any location and device.
Technologies such as AJAX were important in creating more responsive web applications that could dynamically update content without reloading the page, which provided a smooth user experience.
As a result, Web 2.0 has opened up a new world of possibilities for the Internet, transforming it from a simple collection of static websites into a dynamic, interactive space.
Web 3.0: Intelligent Internet
Web 3.0 is often referred to as the “semantic web” or “declarative web”, which represents a new stage in the evolution of the World Wide Web that expands the capabilities of the Internet through better understanding and processing of information.
Web 3.0 has made the web smarter, allowing it to better understand the context and content of information. Thanks to semantic technologies, the machine can understand the content of a web page, not just search for keywords. Web 3.0 is also known for its decentralization. Technologies such as blockchain enable decentralized applications that operate without a central controlling body, leading to increased transparency and security of systems.
The development of Web 3.0 was also accompanied by a growing interest in virtual reality, where users can immerse themselves in a three-dimensional interactive world. In the era of Web 3.0-4.0, a variety of devices, from refrigerators to cars, will be connected to the Internet, sending and receiving data to improve users’ lives. User interfaces have become more flexible and responsive, providing users with an optimal experience regardless of device or platform. This is actually the end of Web 3.0 and the beginning of the next stage – Web 4.0.
In conclusion, the Internet has come a long way since its early days. Web 1.0 was static, where users mostly consumed information without being able to actively share or change it. The transition to Web 2.0 brought interactivity, where users became not just consumers but also content creators, which stimulated interaction and social connection through platforms such as social networks and blogs. Web 3.0, in turn, focuses on creating a “smart” Internet that can automatically process and interpret information, and works on decentralization, privacy, and personalization. This evolution reflects the rapid development of technology and the growing expectations of users regarding their online experience.