How to Understand What Builds the Website You're Seeing

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the underpinnings of the websites you visit daily? The seamless transitions, the attractive layouts, and the rapid loading speeds - have you ever been curious about what makes all this possible? Or perhaps you've had an innovative idea for a service, but you're unsure what technology you should use as a reference?

In today's digital age, where websites are increasingly complex and rich in functionality, understanding their construction can be an incredibly beneficial skill. Whether you're a budding developer, a product manager, or just a tech enthusiast, gaining insight into the technologies that build the website you're seeing can open up a new world of possibilities.

In this article, we'll introduce two powerful Google Chrome extensions, WhatRuns and Wappalyzer, that can help you uncover the technological layers behind any website. Join us as we delve into the mysterious, intriguing world of website construction.

Unmasking Web Technologies with WhatRuns

One of the simplest and most effective ways to identify the technology behind a website is through the use of browser extensions. The first one we will explore is called WhatRuns.

WhatRuns is a free Google Chrome extension that lets you discover what technologies are used on any website you visit. From server software and analytics tools to programming languages and content management systems, WhatRuns provides a wealth of information at your fingertips.

How to Use WhatRuns

1. Installation:
   First, you'll need to install the WhatRuns extension. Simply go to the Google Chrome Web Store, search for "WhatRuns", and click "Add to Chrome".

2. Exploring a Website:
   Once installed, visit any website you're curious about. Click the WhatRuns icon on your browser toolbar (it will turn blue when you visit a website).

3. *Understanding the Results: *
   A sidebar will appear on the right side of your browser, revealing all the technologies used on the website. These are typically categorized into different sections such as 'Frameworks', 'Programming Languages', 'CMS', 'Web Servers', 'CDN', and more. Clicking on any technology will take you to a more detailed explanation.

WhatRuns also provides a unique feature allowing you to follow websites. If the site updates its technology stack, you will get a notification. This can be especially useful for web developers and tech enthusiasts looking to stay updated with their favorite sites' technology trends.

Remember, while WhatRuns provides an excellent starting point in understanding a website's architecture, it may not capture every detail, as some technologies could be hidden or customized. Nevertheless, it's a handy tool for anyone interested in exploring the world of web technology.

Demystifying Web Stacks with Wappalyzer

Wappalyzer is another invaluable browser extension that identifies technologies used on websites. Similar to WhatRuns, it uncovers the various technologies a site employs, including web frameworks, server software, and even the type of content management system used.

How to Use Wappalyzer

1. Installation:
   To start using Wappalyzer, you'll need to add it to your browser. Go to the Google Chrome Web Store, search for "Wappalyzer", and click "Add to Chrome".

2. Investigating a Website:
   With Wappalyzer installed, navigate to a website you're interested in. Then, click on the Wappalyzer icon in your browser toolbar.

3. Deciphering the Results:
   A popup will appear listing all the detected technologies, categorized by type such as 'CMS', 'Analytics', 'JavaScript Frameworks', etc. Clicking on a particular technology will take you to a description and additional details about it on the Wappalyzer website.

One of Wappalyzer's standout features is its ability to show the popularity and ranking of each detected technology. This can be extremely useful for developers, product managers, or business owners to identify trending technologies in their industry.

Conclusion

In the digital era, understanding the underlying technologies of websites is more than just a valuable skill - it's also a fascinating exploration. Tools like WhatRuns and Wappalyzer make this journey accessible, offering insights into the construction of the websites we browse every day. They not only serve practical purposes for developers and digital professionals but also provide an enjoyable experience for the curious mind.

So the next time you visit a website, take a moment to uncover the technology behind it. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the digital world around you, and who knows, it might just inspire your next big idea. Happy exploring!