Website Basics

At the very basic level, a website is made up of files stored on a server that are publicly accessible via an address or URL that is rendered in your web browser. The files that make up a website may consist of images, documents, plain text files, and database files that are all pulled into a single file using code. These website files are stored on a server and then accessed by your computer or device through an application called a web browser. The browser renders the code into a visual interface that you interact with.

Content Management System (CMS) and Drupal

A Content Management System (CMS) makes it so just about anyone can maintain website content without touching a single line of code. A CMS sits on top of the coded files and creates a user interface for updating web pages. What does this mean for you? With minimal technical expertise, you can create pages, build navigation and incorporate features that add functionality and enhance the user experience.

The Delta College website uses Drupal as its CMS. Drupal is a free, open-source platform that allows you to build a sophisticated website without special software or licensing fees. Delta College uses Drupal 7. To learn more about Drupal and its features, visit  drupal.org.

Responsive Website

The Delta College website is a responsive website. This means that it is built on a fluid scale (percentages) and adapts depending on the device displaying the website (i.e. large desktop, phone, tablet, laptop). This type of designs makes it so that the user has the best experience possible on their device without having to create separate websites for every device — the website automatically adapts to their screen!

Site Structure & Information Architecture

The Information Architecture (IA) of a website is how the website is organized. The IA determines the hierarchy of pages, organizing every page on the website into sections and sub-sections. This hierarchy determines a page's breadcrumbs and side navigation. 

Well designed site architecture is the foundation of a good website. When organized well, it makes it easier for our website's visitors to find what they’re looking for. Additionally, it is important in managing the content of the website, as it allows us to be aware of all the pages that exist on a website, reduce redundancy, and improve the overall management of content. 

The site structure for deltacollege.edu is managed by the Marketing and Outreach office.