How to get started in a web development career

What is the difference between a web developer and a web designer?

Before we move on, it’s crucial to be sure that there is a distinction between web developers and web designers. In simple terms, web developers create the foundation that allows a website to function while a designer is focused on the visual aspects of a website which includes the webpages that users view when they open the website to their web browser.

The job of a web developer is to work alongside designers and other parties to create the features of a site, and with technology for websites ever-changing and brands constantly needing to create new designs to provide fresh and innovative designs working as a web developer has never been more vital.

A designer may come up with the idea of the way a website should appear and feel, while other consultants may think of things like the structure as well as navigation, and other aspects of the site’s accessibility; it’s the developer who turns this vision into a realization. Developers are also responsible for ensuring that the website runs smoothly across every platform, as well as providing support regularly in the form of bug fixes and introducing new features.

Career opportunities in web development

In most cases, you’ll become a developer junior, advance to senior, and eventually lead developer. There are many opportunities for specialized in web design, and a few developers opting to specialize in specific programming languages, platforms like Drupal, or mobile apps. Broadly speaking, web development jobs fall under the heading of backend or frontend development:

• As the name implies, front-end developers create a website’s structure and public parts using programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Their role is to create the concept of a web developer. Therefore, they are experts in layouts and how users engage with websites. There are various types of front-end developers. include:
• JavaScript developer – a web developer specializing in JavaScript
• CSS/HTML Developer – web developer who specializes in CSS and HTML
• Frontend User Interface Designer Someone with specialist abilities in creating web pages with interactive elements.
• Frontend developer for mobile and tablet devices – Web developer specializing in frontend development on mobile devices.
• On the other hand, backend developers manage the functions of websites behind the scenes: the applications, servers, and databases used to support the website. They employ programming languages like Java, C++, Ruby, Python, and Scala to develop APIs and web services that allow the site’s public part to function. The types of backend developers include:
• Java developer – a backend designer who specializes in using the Java programming language
• API Backend Developer A person specializing in writing APIs, also known as ‘Application Program Interfaces,’ allows two programs to communicate.
• Scala Backend Developer A backend programmer who specializes in Scala programming language. Scala programming language
• Combining the skills of backend and frontend development is referred to in the field of the entire stack development. A full-stack developer has the expertise to design a functional website server-side, from coding APIs to creating the website’s look with CSS.

Similar to other digital skills, there are several different options to work as a web developer. Many developers test out several of these throughout their careers:

• In-house You are an employee of a company, focusing on managing and maintaining their website instead of creating websites from the ground up.
• Agency Working as a web development company and juggling projects for various clients. You’ll likely work on a variety of projects, including the creation of new sites, as well as providing assistance and new features to existing websites. The agency work can be great at building experience and establishing your resume when you’re only getting started.
• Freelance Similar to agency work in the sense that you’ll generally have a range of clients, notwithstanding that you’re working for yourself

Everyday life in web development

The work of a web designer is quite varied. It’s not only writing code. You could be asked to address issues with websites or introduce new features. You may conduct tests to ensure that functionality on the website is working according to its intended functionality in various browsers and on different devices. You may also be in charge of ensuring the website is secure from cyber-attacks. You could also meet with clients and determine how they would like an innovative feature to function.

Problem-solving will likely play a role in most of your day-to-day job as a web developer. You’ll have to be adept at communicating with non-technical colleagues. When a customer calls in regarding a site problem and talks to a representative from customer service regarding it, it’s your job will.

What are the skills and knowledge you require for web development?

The first step to developing a website requires getting into the code. Many people begin by studying HTML or CSS before adding additional tools for programming, including PHP, SQL, and JavaScript. Alongside programming for server-side and client-side, it is also necessary to be familiar with specific the following areas:

• Frameworks for Web-based applications
• Database management systems
• Systems for controlling the version
• Responsive web design
• Security and encryption

To complement your technical abilities as a web designer, there are many additional things you should have an in-depth knowledge of, such as:

• UX (UX) (UX)understanding how people behave online and what creates a positive user experience is essential to constructing successful websites.
• Designing websitesWeb design is a different job. However, having a basic understanding of web design will let you collaborate more effectively with designers.
• Analytics The ability to analyze the performance of a website is helpful, especially in regard to issues such as understanding how your website performs in different browsers as well as on other devices.
• SEOThis can assist you in creating sites that can be SEO-friendly right from the beginning. This will add value to the string when it comes to securing work.
• Commercial awarenessWebsites are built for clients, so you must know the demands they face and the objectives their websites are designed to achieve.

Soft skills are also essential, particularly the ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients and understand their requirements.

While some web developers may be more independent in their work, you’ll have to function as part of a team most of the time.

It’s important to remember that, like everything in the digital age, the tools and programs you’ll need to learn as a web developer constantly change. To remain at the top of the game, it is essential to keep up-to-date with the ever-changing world of web development to ensure your knowledge is always current.

Join our mailing list.

We are here to support you through all phases of your business’s online expansion, and development is vital for us.

We want to provide you with all the necessary technological tools to achieve your goals.

If you sign up with us, we’ll choose the best pieces of our content to send them directly to your mailbox.

Web development qualifications

It doesn’t require education to get a job as a developer; however, if you’ve had a background in something like computer science or maths, you’ll discover that the abilities you’ve acquired will be helpful. Unsurprisingly, you’ll require a high proficiency in computer science to succeed in web development. However, If you need help with what it takes to program, a simple method to start is through Codeacademy, which provides 12 different programming languages. You can sign up for free.

There are many other, usually free, classes that you can learn to help you understand the subject. For instance:

• freeCodeCamp is a non-profit, interactive learning platform, with certified certifications and tutorials covering all things from JavaScript and responsive design for the web, with the capability to test and apply code via an interactive web portal
• FutureLearn An Introduction to Web Development, A free online course that Google supports, provides you with the fundamentals of how to create interactive websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Coursera HTML0 Coursera HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for web developers There are many online development programs to select from on Coursera, from this introductory introduction to more advanced courses like Full-stack Web development using React.
• Mozilla Development Network, The company behind the Firefox browser, offers a variety of excellent information for web developers just starting, like this guide to Web development with frontend technology.
• Udemy is a platform that offers various free or low-cost courses in web development, and they range from simple basics of web design to specialist subjects like this one which teaches how to learn Git, GitHub, Node.js NPM, Obj-oriented JavaScript, ES6, web pack Netlify, BEM, and Tips for Job Interviews
• Codewars are perfect for those making progress in web development; this collection of free codes is an excellent way to put your knowledge to the test by working on them on the web.

Although there’s no substitute for experience in the real world, however, there are a few more formal qualifications for web development that you can take advantage of to master the basics and demonstrate your expertise, such as:

• Chartered Institute for IT provides a range of professional certificates for various specializations, including agile software testing and agile programming.
• Oracle Certification Programme – for developers working in Oracle database management systems

As you will see, the available certification is typically limited to specific platforms. If you are looking to pursue one particular path of expertise, it’s worth a look for opportunities to show your abilities. Being on the lookout for the latest and most innovative technologies and being the first ones to be certified can put you in an excellent position to apply for jobs that require specialized skills that tend to be more lucrative.

How do you build experience and a portfolio online?

If you want to be a web developer, you’ll require an online portfolio that shows your abilities. It should showcase websites you’ve developed; however, even if you don’t have a portfolio to showcase, it’s time to work on something! Codeacademy Pro membership lets you tackle real-world coding projects that will help you begin creating your portfolio. You can also try any or all of the following when just beginning out:

• Please create your website. It lets you test out new concepts you’ve learned and gives you the freedom to display your abilities.
• Create websites for your friends and family. Do you know someone needing a website? Ask on social media, and you can create websites that automate prices to increase your portfolio.
• Pro volunteer work for charitable organizations. It is possible to offer to do work for free of cost for charitable organizations that are meaningful to you
• Hackathons are events in which developers come together to create something together
• Open source code Contributing to open-source projects can be a great way to become accustomed to working together

Another option is to create your profile for yourself on Github, which is an excellent platform to connect with other developers, practice coding and receive feedback from a vast online community and showcase your expertise with coding as well as being part of the team.

When you begin to collect information for your web development portfolio, It’s important to have a place to show it off online so that you can show samples from your projects to prospective employers and clients if you’re allowed to do this. We’ve already looked at some excellent portfolio websites to help you get started, and here are other fantastic examples of portfolios of web developers at FreeCodeCamp.

There are plenty of no-cost or low-cost portfolio templates to choose from if you’re looking to get your portfolio up and running quickly without writing your code from scratch. The best places to search for them are:

• ThemeForest
• Themes
• Rigorous Themes

How do you find an opening in web development?

Similar to any job, you can look at websites such as LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed and look for web developer jobs that are general or more specific areas of expertise. Job listings are also on specific digital job websites like the Stack Overflow Job Board or Only Digital Jobs.

Are you sure that web development is the right job for you?

What’s the difference between a web developer and a designer?

Before we get any further, we must be aware of the distinction between the web designer and the designer. In simple terms, a web developer creates the foundation that enables a website to function, and a designer concentrates on the visual aspects of a website which are the web pages that users see when they open the website to their web browser.

The job of a web developer is to collaborate alongside designers and other stakeholders to develop the features of a site; with technology for websites constantly evolving and companies continually having to be reinvented to provide new and exciting designs working as a web developer has never been more vital.

A designer may come up with the idea of the way a website should appear and feel, while other consultants could think of elements like the architecture or navigation as well as other aspects of a website’s accessibility; it’s the developer who turns this vision into a realization. Developers are also responsible for ensuring that the website is functional across every platform, as well as offering ongoing support in the form of bug fixes and introducing new features.

Career opportunities in web development

You’ll often begin as a junior designer, advance to senior level, and finally lead developer. There are lots of opportunities to specialize in the field of web design, and a few developers opt to be experts in specific programming languages, platforms like Drupal, or mobile apps. It is generally accepted that web development jobs fall under the umbrella of front-end development or backend development.

• As the name implies, front-end developers create a site’s structure and public-facing elements, employing programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Their task is to realize the concept of a web developer, which is why they specialize in layouts and how users engage with websites. There are various types of front-end developers. include:
• JavaScript developer – a web developer specializing in JavaScript
• CSS/HTML Developer – web developer specializing in CSS and HTML
• Frontend User Interface Designer Someone with specialist abilities in creating web pages with interactive elements.
• Frontend developer for mobile and tablet devices – an experienced web developer specializing in frontend development on mobile devices.
• On the other hand, backend developers manage the functions of websites behind the scenes, that is, the servers, apps, and databases used to support the website. They use programming languages like Java, C++, Ruby, Python, and Scala to create the APIs and web services that enable the public-facing portion of the site to function. The types of backend developers include:
• Java developer – a backend programmer who specializes in using the Java programming language
• A backend API developer is a person who specializes in writing APIs, also known as ‘Application Program Interfaces, ‘ that allows two programs to communicate with one another.
• Scala Backend Developer is a backend programmer who specializes in Scala programming language. Scala programming language
• Combining the skills of developing for the front and back end is referred to in the field of the entire stack development. A full-stack developer has the expertise to build an effective website by writing server-side APIs to define the website’s style with CSS.

Like other digital abilities, There are options for working as a web developer, and many developers attempt several of them throughout their careers.

• In-house You are an employee of a brand and spend your time managing and updating their site instead of constantly creating websites from beginning to finish.
• Agency Working as a web development company and juggling projects with various clients. You’ll likely be working on multiple projects, including creating new websites and offering support and features for existing sites. Agency work is an excellent way of learning and growing your resume when you’re just beginning your career.
• Freelance is Similar to working for an agency in that you’ll generally have a range of clients, except that you are self-employed.

Everyday life in web development

The work of a web developer can be very diverse – it’s more than only writing code. You may be required to address issues with websites or introduce new features. You may conduct tests to ensure that a website’s functionality works according to its intended functionality in various browsers and on multiple devices. You could also be in charge of ensuring your website is protected from cyberattacks. You could also meet with customers and determine how they would like the new feature to function.

Problem-solving is likely a part of your daily work as a web designer. You’ll have to be able to communicate with colleagues who aren’t as technical; when a client calls to inquire about a problem with their website and talks to the customer service rep regarding it, it’s you who they’ll seek assistance!

What are the skills and knowledge you require to develop a website?

The first step to being a Web developer requires learning to code. Most begin by studying HTML and CSS before adding other tools for programming like PHP, SQL, and JavaScript. In addition to the server-side and client-side programming, you’ll need to be acquainted with specific areas like:

• Frameworks for Web-based applications
• Database management systems
• Systems for controlling the version
• Responsive web design
• Security and encryption

In addition to your technical expertise as a web designer, there are additional things you should have a grasp of, for example:

• Experience for users (UX) (UX) Understanding how online users behave and what creates a positive user experience is the key to creating successful websites.
• Designing websitesWeb design is a distinct job. However, having a basic understanding of web design will let you collaborate more effectively with designers.
• Analytics The ability to analyze a website’s performance is beneficial, especially regarding issues like knowing how the website you’ve created works in various browsers and on multiple devices.
• SEOThis will allow you to build sites that can be SEO-friendly right from the beginning. This will be a great string to add to your bow in the event of success in your work
• Awareness of commercial needsYou’re creating websites for customers, and you’ll need a knowledge of the pressures they face and the goals their site is meant to fulfill.

The so-called soft skills are also essential, particularly the ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients and comprehend their requirements.

Although some web developers work more independently in their work, more often than not, you’ll be required to work in a team.

It’s also important to remember that, like everything in the digital realm, the tools and programs you’ll require to learn as web developers constantly evolve. To remain at that level, you must be aware of the constantly changing environment to ensure your knowledge is always current.

Join our mailing list.

Helping you in all stages of your business’s online development and growth is crucial for us.

We want to equip you with all the technological abilities that you require to be successful.

When you join us, we’ll choose the top parts of our content and send them straight to your email.

Web development qualifications

There is no need for a college qualification to be a designer; however, if you’ve had a computer science or maths background, you’ll notice that the knowledge you’ve acquired will be helpful. It’s a given that you’ll require a reasonable degree of computer literacy to be successful in web development; however, if you still need to be made aware of the basics of programming, a simple option to begin is through Codeacademy, which provides 12 programming languages. You can sign up for free.

There are a myriad of other, sometimes free, classes you could learn to help you understand this topic, including:

• freeCodeCamp – a non-profit and interactive learning platform featuring authentic certifications and tutorials on all things from JavaScript and responsive design for the web. It comes with the capability to test and use code using an interactive web portal.
• FutureLearn the Basics of web development is a no-cost online course supported by Google, providing you with the fundamentals of creating web pages that are interactive with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Coursera – HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for web developers. There are many Web development classes to select from, starting with this fundamental introduction to more advanced courses like Full-stack Web development with React.
• Mozilla Development Network, The company behind the Firefox browser, has a wealth of excellent information for web developers just starting out, including this guide to Web development with frontend technology.
• Udemy provides various free or low-cost courses in web development, and they range from simple intros to specific areas like this one that teaches how to learn Git, GitHub, Node.js NPM, object-oriented JavaScript, ES6, web pack Netlify, BEM, tips for preparing for a job interview.
• Codewars are perfect for those who are making progress in your web development. This collection of no-cost codes is an excellent opportunity to put your abilities to the test by working on them on the web.

Although there’s no substitute for experience in the real world, There are more formal qualifications for web development available if you’re looking to get started and demonstrate your skills, such as:

• HTML0 – The Chartered Institute for IT offers a variety of professional certificates for various fields of study, like software testing and agile.
• Oracle Certification Programme – for developers working in Oracle database management systems

As you can see, the certificates that are available are typically restricted to specific platforms. If you discover yourself in one particular path of expertise, finding out what you can do to demonstrate your knowledge is worthwhile. Keeping an eye on emerging technologies and being the first to receive certification will put you in a prime chance of being considered for jobs that require specialized, typically higher-paying skills.

How do you build your experience and create an online portfolio?

To be successful as an internet developer, you’ll require an online portfolio that shows your abilities. The portfolio should include websites that you’ve created, and even if you don’t have a portfolio to showcase, it’s time to begin working on a few! Codeacademy Pro membership allows you to create real-world projects that can help you get started developing your portfolio. you can also try one or more in the below when just beginning out:

• Create your website. It allows you to test out new concepts you’ve mastered and an area where you can have the freedom to display your abilities.
• Create websites for your friends and family. Do you know someone needing a website? Consider asking on social media, and you could be able to create websites for a fee that inmates to build your portfolio.
• Pro volunteer work for charitable organizations. You can provide labor at no cost for charitable organizations which are essential to you.
• Hackathons – are events where developers come together to create something together
• Open source code Contributing to open source initiatives is also an excellent way to be accustomed to working in a team.

Another option is to create your profile on Github, an excellent platform to connect with other developers, practice coding and get feedback from an online community, showcase your coding abilities, and be part of the team.

When you begin to collect information for your web development portfolio, It’s essential to have a place to display it online, so you can show some examples from your projects to prospective employers and clients if you’re allowed to do that. We’ve already looked at a few fantastic portfolio websites to get ideas and excellent examples of portfolios for web developers in the course of FreeCodeCamp.

A variety of no-cost or free portfolio website templates are available in case you’re looking to get your portfolio up and running quickly without having to code your own from scratch. Some good places to start are:

• ThemeForest
• Themes
• Rigorous Themes

What is the best way to find an opportunity in web development?

Like any other job, you can browse sites like LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed and look for general web developer jobs with different niche specializations. Job listings are also on specific digital job websites like the Stack Overflow Job Board or Only Digital Jobs.