This document provides an introduction to a course on web programming for GIS applications. It outlines who the course is designed for, including GIS specialists and analysts looking to deploy internet-based applications as well as web programmers interested in expanding into geospatial applications. It then provides background on the instructor's experience with programming dating back to the 1980s, including experience with desktop GIS applications and the motivation for creating this course to help others transition their skills to web development. The document emphasizes that the course will focus on conceptual understanding over coding specifics.