The World Wide Web, often simply called “the web,” has revolutionized how we communicate, work, and access information. Here are five intriguing facts about this groundbreaking technology that might surprise you:
Web Was Born at CERN
Contrary to popular belief, the World Wide Web wasn’t invented in Silicon Valley. British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee created it while working at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, in 1989. His goal was to facilitate information sharing among scientists worldwide.
First Website Is Still Online
The world’s first website, dedicated to the World Wide Web project itself, went live on August 6, 1991. Remarkably, you can still visit a copy of this historic site today, preserved by CERN.
Also Read: World Wide Web: Evolution and Impact
“The Web” Is Not “The Internet”
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. The internet is the global network of connected computers, while the World Wide Web is a system for accessing and sharing information over this network using web browsers.
There Are Over 1.7 Billion Websites
As of 2024, there are more than 1.7 billion websites on the World Wide Web. However, only a fraction of these—about 200 million—are active.
Web’s Original Name Was “Mesh”
Before settling on “World Wide Web,” Tim Berners-Lee considered calling his invention the “Information Mesh.” Other early names included “The Information Mine” and “Mine of Information.”
The World Wide Web has come a long way since its inception, transforming virtually every aspect of modern life. As we continue to explore its potential, who knows what exciting developments the future might hold?
