What is web development
Web developers are responsible for creating websites. Web developers have many responsibilities. They are responsible for the website’s speed and capacity, ensuring it looks great and is easy to navigate.
Different types of web developers
Web developers typically fall under one of three types: front-end, backend, or full-stack. Web admins are sometimes also employed by web developers. Let’s look closer at each one.
Backend developers design the website’s structure and code. They also verify that the code works. They may also manage access points to other people accountable for the website’s content.
The visual part of a website is the pages that visitors interact with. Also known as the user interface, front-end web developers are responsible for designing and implementing the website’s user interface. They create the page’s physical layout, integrate graphics and use HTML/JavaScript to improve the site. You can learn essential front-end web design skills through Meta’s Front End Developer Professional Certificate.
Full-stack web developers perform the same tasks as front-end and backend developers. These developers can build websites from scratch and are often able to work with organizations that need more resources or budget for large teams. Consider earning IBM’s FullStack Developer Professional Certificate if interested in full-stack Web development.
Web admins manage websites. They are responsible for keeping the website up-to-date and ensuring all links and applications work correctly.
Web developer tasks and responsibilities
You can work as a web developer for an agency or company or freelance for clients. You will have different tasks depending on what your job situation is, but the most common charges are:
Designing navigation menus and user interfaces
Reviewing and writing code for websites, usually HTML, XML, or JavaScript
Integrating multimedia content onto a site
Test web applications
Troubleshooting performance and user experience issues
Collaboration with developers, designers, and other stakeholders
Career path for a web developer
Many web developers begin their careers with one focus: front-end or backend development. They might become full-stack programmers or pursue careers in related fields such as project management or computer programming.
How much do web developers make
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of web developers in the US was $78,300 [ 1]. According to Glassdoor salary insights [ 2], web developers can make up to $249 297 in the US. The amount you make will depend on where you work, your industry, and how experienced you are.
BLS projects a 23 percent industry growth in web development between 2021 and 2030, faster than the average rate for other occupations. E-commerce is one of the main drivers behind the rise in web development jobs. Businesses increasingly depend on websites that work on multiple devices to conduct business.
How to become a web developer
An education in web development is only sometimes required to be an entry-level developer. While some web developers hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in website design, or computer sciences, others learn how to code and design websites. A degree is a great way to make yourself more competitive, but a solid portfolio is a better way to prove your skills to potential employers.
Here are some steps to consider if you want to become a web developer.
Build web developer skills.
Clients and employers expect web developers with specific skills to be able to meet their website requirements. You should focus on these skills if you want to be a web developer.
Technical skills
Coding The most common programming languages are HTML, PHP, CSS, and JavaScript. This is for front-end design. If you are interested in backend development, consider learning Ruby, Java, and Java.
Responsive Design: Websites can be viewed on a variety of devices. Developers should be able to design websites that work on tablets, smartphones, and computers.
Technical SEO Website design is one of many factors that can impact the site’s ranking in search engines. A developer can benefit from understanding how search engines rank websites.
Version control allows you to track and control the changes made to the source code without starting over every time you encounter a problem.
Visual design: Knowing the basics of design, like how to use white space and what fonts to choose, and how to incorporate images, can help you increase your marketability.
Workplace skills
Communication Web developers spend time with clients and colleagues discussing design ideas throughout each project stage.
Customer Service: A web designer creates websites that clients can use. To achieve the best results, he should be client-focused.
Detail-oriented Even a tiny code change can make a massive difference in a website’s performance.
Organization: It is essential to keep track of deadlines and project tasks, workflows, budgets, and other details if you want your website design to be completed on time.
Problem-solving Website developers often need help with creating websites. They must be able to see the problems and then solve them.
Consider a degree in web design or computer science.
Although a degree is not necessary to work in web development, it will help. Some majors better suit you if you are already in school or considering getting a degree. A degree in computer science might be more appealing if you are interested in web development in the back end. Choose a degree program in web design or user interface (UX) if you are more interested in front-end development.
Learn web development
You don’t need formal training to work as a web designer. You can learn the skills you require on your own. You can, for example, take a course in programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, or CSS and then put the knowledge into practice on your website.
You can learn web development skills by taking an online course like Web Design For Everybody: Basics of HTML Development & Coding at the University of Michigan. This will allow you to build your portfolio while also completing projects.
Create a portfolio of web design work.
Your portfolio is essential to your resume if you are a web developer. Your portfolio shows potential employers what your skills are. You should include the projects that best represent your work. Include code to illustrate your thinking process.
A certification is a way to prove your skills to potential employers. There are many options available, both general and vendor-specific.
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSD).
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Certified Developer
Zend Certified PHP Engineer