Fixing Websites

Coding Errors

If a website is broken or you run into errors, the first place you’ll likely want to check is the site’s code. Coding errors are fundamental common causes of many broken websites and are often the first thing developers will check when trying to resolve them. This can be difficult for people trying to fix other people’s websites, as it takes time to read and debug the user’s code.

The code could be inefficient or conflicting. You might also be experiencing code bloating. These problems can cause your website to be broken and run slowly. Most programming experts can look at the code and find quick fixes.

Slow Websites

Slow loading times are another problem that often requires fixing. There are many possible reasons why a website could be loading slowly. As previously mentioned, code bloat or short code could be a problem. There could be server performance issues. If a server performs poorly, it will take longer to respond. The server location can also affect loading speeds. If a user on the opposite side of the world clicks on your website, the information must travel.

So, what’s the solution to this fix? Fixing slow speeds can be done in many ways. There won’t be as much bloating by reducing code density, which will help increase the speed. Optimizing code will help solve slow websites. Notice that many topics listed in the image cause website errors and affect each other. 9 Ways on How to Improve Your Website’s Loading Speed by Jason Simon says, “Blank space means something to the web browser. It may look empty to you or me, but each blank space is a character that must be read and rendered.” These are a few of the many fixes for slow website speeds.

Error 404 when Fixing Websites

Error 404 is a common problem faced by many users. An error 404 is when a requested page is not available. It’s a standardized HTTPS status code. Error 404 states, “The typical trigger for an error 404 message is when website content has been removed or moved to another URL.” Other reasons why this error could occur include the following:

• URL/content either being deleted or moved
• URL being written, linked, or typed incorrectly
• The website server is either not running or the connection is broken
• Entered domain name doesn’t exist

Fixing the error “404 Not Found” can usually be done in a few steps and is recommended in the following order. Start by reloading the webpage. Next, try checking the URL for any typos or missing symbols. Go back through the directory levels. Use the website’s search function. Entering keywords could help you find a specific page you’re looking for.

Web creators can implement a 404 error fix by introducing a domain redirect. Another thing you can do is delete the browser cache and cookies. Finally, if all else fails, contact the website.

Broken Links

When researching broken websites, broken links popped up in the search engines numerous times. It’s only appropriate to discuss this problem and how to fix it. Broken links are closely related to the previously mentioned error 404. A broken link can cause the 404 pages not found error to occur. Broken links or dead links are links on a web page that are no longer working because the website is encountering one of the following:

• Improper URL
• The destination website removed the linked web page
• The destination website may no longer exist
• There is software or firewall blocking access

Getting a website hacked and fixing sites can be avoided

Websites can get hacked, like a computer infected with a virus, if not properly secured and maintained. For example, Google recently noted that it had seen a 32% rise in hacked websites. Also, Google outlined the six ways that websites get hacked by spammers:

• • Compromised passwords
  • Missing security updates
  • Insecure themes and plugins
  • Social engineering
  • Security policy Leaks
  • Protecting websites from malicious attacks

However, a hacked website is not unfixable. Again, there are so many ways a website can get hacked. New exploits are always open when new web technologies come on board.

Numerous articles are available online on Repairing a hacked website, phishing, and securing websites. Assess the damage, evaluate the situation, and plan how to proceed. For example, scan your computer/hardware for any potential virus or malware. It’s good to start here before excluding the possibility that your computer was the attack’s origin. Next, change your passwords to ensure attackers cannot access your page and database. Following this, replace infected files with files from an uninfected backup. For the best protection of your backups, copy them to a separate local data storage device or cloud storage—close known security holes by updating applications, extensions, and plugins. Every plugin affects the security of your website. Finally, remove your website from denylists.

Low website security is often another issue that requires fixing. A hacked website can be alarming at first. To prevent hacking, increase the security of your website. Following these steps will help improve the problem and increase future prevention.

Summary of Fixing Websites

Fixing broken websites can seem overwhelming as there are many more causes of broken sites than what has been highlighted here. However, many solutions and sources are available in so many ways these things can occur. Finding a professional web developer or freelancer might be the most effective and convenient solution.

These services will look at your website and fix everything, but if you have a specific problem, other external tools can solve those particular problems. Setting up a broken website can be tricky but not impossible. Fix your broken website sooner than later. Also, staying ahead of website trends will help you better understand the ins and outs of potential exploits.