If you are reading this, then it is because the world wide web exists. Commonly known as the web, this information system was invented by English computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee while working at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in 1989. And on the same infrastructure, every single website and all digital assets exist. But you might argue that the real reason you are reading this is because of the internet. While you would not be wrong, there is an important distinction between both, which many seem to be confused about. And that’s why, we take a look at how the internet and www are different on world wide web day today, August 1.
If the world wide web is a town square with all the fancy stores and restaurants, then the internet is the highway that connects us to that place. That is the most simplified difference between the two. But if you are looking for something more technical, let us get into it.
First, we must understand what both of these terms represent. The internet is a globally connected network system that is threading together worldwide communication and access to data resources. It is built upon the infrastructure of a huge collection of personal, public, business, academic, and government networks.
On the other hand, the world wide web or www is an information system that allows anyone to retrieve large arrays of information as documents online. The web is also capable of keeping related information, or information that has been created together or affiliated to the same source, at the same place so they can be searched and accessed by the means of hypertexts or hypermedia links (hyperlinks).
There are some differences between the two as well.
- While the internet connects one computer to all other computers that are also on the same network, the www is an information storage that can be accessed online.
- The internet is an infrastructure whereas the world wide web is a service build on top of the infrastructure.
- The relationship between the internet and the world wide web is that of the hardware and the software.
- The first version of the Internet was known as ARPANET. In its earliest days, WWW was known as NSFNET.
- One most critically important difference is that while Internet uses IP address, WWW uses HTTP.
Unique Perspective: The Power of Connection
The internet and the world wide web are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but understanding their differences is crucial in grasping the extent of connectivity we have today. The internet serves as the infrastructure, connecting computers and networks across the globe. On the other hand, the world wide web is the service that allows us to access and navigate the vast array of information available online. Together, they have revolutionized the way we communicate, share information, and conduct business.
While the internet provides the physical connections, it is the world wide web that brings meaning and organization to the vast expanse of data. Through hyperlinks, we can seamlessly navigate from one webpage to another, accessing a wealth of knowledge with just a few clicks. The web has transformed the way we learn, research, and interact with the world around us.
On World Wide Web Day, it is important to reflect on the incredible power of connection that the internet and the world wide web have bestowed upon us. In an increasingly digital age, these technologies have opened doors to limitless possibilities, enabling individuals and communities to come together, share ideas, and shape the future. Let us embrace this interconnectedness and continue to harness the potential of the web for the betterment of humanity.
