The Beginner’s Guide to Web Development
What is web development?
Web development is the process used to build, create, and maintain a website. It applies to anything from a simple plain-text webpage to a complex web or social network application.
What types of web development are there?
Developers specialize in different types of development. Some developers work on the user interface, some work on the underlying code for a website’s functionality, and others work on all parts of a website. Each type of web developer concentrates on a different aspect of development, but they all have one thing in common: code. Here are some different types of web development:
Front-end development: Front-end development involves creating the user interface using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript so that users can view and interact with the website.
Back-end development: Back-end development involves creating server-side software, which focuses on everything you cannot see on a website. Back-end developers ensure the website performs correctly, focusing on databases, back-end logic, application programming interface (APIs), architecture, and servers.
Full-stack development: Full-stack development involves creating both the front-end and back-end portions of the web application.
Website development: The process used to build, create, and maintain a website.
Desktop development: Desktop development involves building, creating, and maintaining a website that performs on computers. It focuses on developing applications for the three most popular operating systems: Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Mobile development: Mobile development involves building, creating, and maintaining a website that works on mobile devices.
Game development: The art of designing and creating games for desktops, websites, and mobile devices.
Embedded development: Embedded development involves creating applications using programming languages such as C and C++ for medical devices, drones, flight controllers, etc.
Who is a web developer?
A web developer creates and codes websites and web applications.
They are responsible for the web page layout, functionality, and features.
Web developers are knowledgeable in a variety of programming languages.
What are the five stages/roadmap of website development?
Step 1: Create a Design
The creation process is the most enjoyable part. There may be an initial discussion with the client about the color schemes, function, special features (such as eCommerce), graphics, movies, and the website's overall look. The creative team always recommends the client bring a couple of samples of websites they enjoy to the meeting. Following that meeting, the creative team spends some time making a 2D rendering of the vision.
Step 2: Review
After the team has spent time thinking about the design, it's time to demonstrate the website to the client. The demonstration typically occurs in person. During this time, additional discussion of the layout, colors, and other details occurs. More meetings are likely to follow because input from the client almost certainly results in modifications.
Step 3: Development
It's time to send the website to the developer now that the design is approved. The developer begins building the website on a production server so the client can view it online without making it public. The creative team normally uses this time to work with a copywriter and other company teams to finalize the voice, content, and graphics of the website. The step is usually the most time-consuming portion of the procedure, but it is also the most crucial!
Step 4: Testing
After the developer has finished coding and the client has decided on all the content, it's time to test the new site on the test server. The client is sent a URL to the website, which they can share with their colleagues and other decision-makers. Before finalizing the site, the client may make a few modifications.
Step 5: Launch
Finally, the new website is ready to go live! The developer will begin the launch procedure after the client gives their approval. This step includes purchasing the domain and setting up hosting for the website. Propagation will also take some time.
To become a web developer, what do I need to learn?
You should be familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript if you want to work as a web developer. Refreshing your knowledge of CSS and CSS frameworks is a good idea. These core web development abilities give you the foundation and reasoning necessary to communicate with computer languages. In six steps, you can learn how to become a web developer:
Learn the fundamentals of web development.
Develop your specialty.
Learn a few relevant programming languages.
Develop your skills by working on projects.
Create a portfolio of your work.
Learn basic principles of UI and UX design.
What is a web developer’s job?
The responsibility of a web developer is to construct dependable and high-performing web-based applications and services. As mentioned previously, there are several types of web development that web developer do. The most popular types of web development are back-end, front-end, and full-stack development.
Whether working for an agency or freelancing, the task for web developers is to build products to clients’ specifications. Work can vary and web developers may work on multiple projects simultaneously. Web developers meet with clients regularly to discuss their needs and keep them up-to-date on their progress. Job titles might differ depending on the role.
What is the responsibilities of a web developer?
Some web developer responsibilities may include:
Create a prototype for new applications using programming languages such as JavaScript or PHP.
Design the components of applications’ architecture, choosing the best technologies and languages for the project, test sites, and applications in various browsers and environments.
Problem-solving.
Fix project bugs.
Test new features to verify proper functionality.
Test performance benchmarking.
Review and test your co-workers' code.
Build application program interfaces (APIs) for programmers that exchange data, incorporate open-source projects, and contribute to them.
Meet with designers, developers, and project employees to get updates on projects’ progress.
Elicit information from clients and consumers.
Keep current on new technologies, frameworks, and languages.
Keep up with the latest web development trends and innovations.
Database creation and maintenance.
Use best practice coding and comments so that other developers that later work on your project can understand your code.
Design information architecture for the application or website.
Attend and speak at web development conferences and workshops.
What are the benefits of learning web development?
The benefits of learning web developments are:
There are many web development jobs available.
Great salaries.
You can work remotely, i.e., from anywhere.
You can work at a cutting-edge technology company like Google, Microsoft, Meta, etc.
There are many opportunities for freelancers.
The work is creative and fun.
What is the difference between a web developer and a web designer?
Web developers build websites or web applications. A web developer is primarily concerned with website functionality. They also focus on the features, aesthetics, art direction, and programming language.
A web designer creates the logos, graphics, and layout that define the appearance and feel of a website. Web designers use tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create designs. Coding knowledge is a plus for web designers because it helps them to communicate with web developers.
What are web development tools?
You will master web development faster if you have the necessary tools. To get started in web development, you need three tools: a browser, a text editor, and a version control system.
Web Browser. Browsers are where you put your code to the test. Web developers need to work with different browsers. The most widely used browsers among web developers are Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Edge, Brave, Safari, and Opera. A beginner should use one browser type and add additional browser types when they get more experienced.
Text Editors. You will write your code in a text editor. Text editors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Your computer probably has one built-in text editor, but upgrading to a more powerful one is beneficial. The text editors most frequently used for web developers are Atom, Sublime Text, VS Code, and Brackets.
Content Management System (CMS). CMS is software that makes it easy to create, edit, and publish your work. It gives you complete control over your content by combining all your website's functions into one easy-to-use platform. A CMS provides the building blocks (like plugins and add-ons) and lets you create the structure with your code. Many CMSs assist with content management, marketing, and distribution. They usually use a database (such as MySQL or MariaDB) to contain a collection of applications and tools. Examples of CMSs are WordPress, Drupal, Typo3, and Joomla.
For a web developer, what are the most important skills?
Anyone can become a web developer. Web developers do not need a college computer science degree. However, you do need to understand a few things before you can start looking for work in the sector. Web developers need the following skills:
A basic understanding of the internet and websites.
Fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Knowledge of libraries and frameworks like jQuery, React.js, and Bootstrap.
Back-end web development programming languages like Python and Ruby.
GitHub and Git.
All these talents build on one another organically. To establish a solid foundation, it's critical to learn step by step, steadily. Web developers need these additional skills:
Technical knowledge of server-side languages and web application frameworks.
Experience with version control systems.
Understanding of web application architecture, web security, and encryption.
Attention to detail and a logical approach to problem-solving.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
Experience with development methodologies such as agile and waterfall.
Experience managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
Good communication skills.
What types of web development languages are there?
Web development is not only about creating what the user sees. A modern website has a lot going on below the hood. Smart web developers can navigate the entire terrain with these skills:
Client-side scripting. Client-side scripting refers to using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the layout, appearance, and feel of a website. It also includes the development of web apps that run within a web browser. Client-side scripting languages include:
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
jQuery
Front-end developers specialize in client-side scripting.
Server-side scripting. Web developers employ server-side scripting to design the back-end of a website. It entails building the framework that allows the website's database to interface with the web browser. The interface connection is accomplished by embedding scripts into your site. These scripts will display graphics or information in response to user interaction. Important languages for server-side scripting are:
ASP
C
Java
PHP
Python
Ruby
Specialists in this field are known as back-end developers.
Database technology. A database is required for any website in order to store its code, photos, files, and other data. Relational database management systems (RDBMS) are recognizable to a well-rounded web developer. Popular RDBMS for web-based apps are:
Oracle
MySQL
Microsoft SQL Server
Apache
IBM DB2
MongoDB
Large-scale web development projects may have multiple web developers in front-end and back-end roles assigned. Smaller web development projects, on the other hand, necessitate a thorough understanding of all three components. Full-stack developers understand front-end and back-end development and the ability to work in all aspects of web development.
Best web development tutorials for beginners
The following list includes some of the best web development tutorials:
CareerFoundry
Coursera
FreeCodeCamp
Codecademy
Web Dev Simplified
LearnCode.academy
Codepip
Web Documentation
Google Chrome DevTools
How to find a job in web development?
Now that you have confidence in your abilities, it is time to start looking for work and use your web development skills. What do you do first? What are your employment possibilities? Let's consider three things to help you choose the right job:
Determine your specialization: The first stage in your job search is to determine what type of web developer you want to be. There are three main types of web developer positions: front-end web developer, back-end web developer, and full-stack web developer.
Determine your best environment: Before starting a career as a web developer, you should think about what setting you’d like to work in. Working as a freelancer, finding a full-time job with a large corporation, joining a start-up, or even teaching are all options. Decide which setting is most appropriate for your current circumstances. Your circumstances will influence how you market yourself, how you design your portfolio, and where you look for job openings.
Build your portfolio: A strong web developer portfolio is essential for landing jobs in the industry. A portfolio is where you can show off all your hard work, stunning designs, and best web projects. As a beginner, do not let this step overwhelm you. You will assemble everything you need for a portfolio as you learn more and practice. You can include your early projects in your portfolio!
Where to find web development jobs:
General job boards: Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn.
Tech-specific job boards: Mashable Job Board, Smashing Jobs, Krop, GitHub Jobs.
Remote/freelance job boards: Topcoder, Upwork, Just Remote, JobsPresso, FlexJobs.
Start-up job boards: Startupers, Angel, and Hired.
How to Improve Web Development Skills?
Practice coding: The best way to improve skills is to practice coding daily. Coding should become a daily habit for a web developer. You can practice by participating in online web development challenges and while coding projects.
Learn from an experienced developer: For each web development project, you should review the code of an experienced developer to improve your skills. Find and read web development articles published by experienced developers. You can find the answers to your questions or ask new questions on websites like Stack Overflow, Medium, programming languages forums, and web development platforms forums.
Learn new technologies and frameworks: Keep up with the trends in web development technologies and frameworks. Learn new technologies and frameworks based on client demands. Trends web development technologies and frameworks for 2022 are:
HTML
CSS technologies and frameworks like Bootstrap or W3
JavaScript technologies and frameworks like Nodejs, ReactJS, and Angular.
Server sides languages like Java, C#, PHP, Python, Nodejs
Databases like The Oracle, Redis, Firebird, MySQL, ElasticSearch, Neo4j, and MongoDB
API management platforms like Postman, IBM API Connect, and Azure API management.
Join the open-source community: Joining an open-source community allows you to work with some accomplished developers and get exposure to some good coding. The open-source community of developers is helpful when working on overwhelming projects.
Improve soft skills: Soft skills—including interpersonal skills, communication skills, and time management—are vital when working on projects with multiple team members and end-user clients. Soft skills help with:
Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes: Interpret the technical requirements for systems from another person's perspective.
Communication: Learn to communicate with clients in a way that can be easily understood. This will help you to accurately discover project expectations and build successful projects that you and your team can be proud of.