Web Engineering

TL;DR

Web Engineering applies systematic approaches to develop, operate, and maintain Web applications, addressing unique challenges and evolving with Web technology advancements.

Contribution

The paper provides an overview of Web Engineering, highlighting its importance, domain, benefits, educational integration, and the need for ongoing adaptation due to technological evolution.

Findings

Web Engineering differs significantly from traditional software development.

Progress has been made in defining Web Engineering and its practices.

Web technologies are rapidly evolving, requiring continuous innovation.

Abstract

Web Engineering is the application of systematic, disciplined and quantifiable approaches to development, operation, and maintenance of Web-based applications. It is both a pro-active approach and a growing collection of theoretical and empirical research in Web application development. This paper gives an overview of Web Engineering by addressing the questions: a) why is it needed? b) what is its domain of operation? c) how does it help and what should it do to improve Web application development? and d) how should it be incorporated in education and training? The paper discusses the significant differences that exist between Web applications and conventional software, the taxonomy of Web applications, the progress made so far and the research issues and experience of creating a specialisation at the master's level. The paper reaches a conclusion that Web Engineering at this stage is a moving target since Web technologies are constantly evolving, making new types of applications possible, which in turn may require innovations in how they are built, deployed and maintained.