Learn to Code: A Guide for Aspiring Web Developers | 2023

As you may imagine, web developers build websites. They ensure that a website’s functions perform and work efficiently and reasonably. Web development plays an integral role in the digital world as more businesses and organizations rely on websites to attract customers and boost sales. If you want to become a web developer, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

Do you want to develop the right skills for your web development career? At TECH I.S., we can help you develop the technical skills to help improve your job opportunities. 

What Is Web Development?

A web developer primarily creates a website. They need to make the website visually appealing and easy to navigate for the user. These developers will also ensure that the website’s performance is not affected by coding problems or other issues. The role of a web developer is comprehensive, and several types of developers exist.

These web developers will fall into three categories: back-end, front-end, or full-stack. 

Back-end web developers will write the website’s code and create the site’s structure. They will manage access points across the site, which can help when multiple parties need to control the site’s content. 

Front-end web developers work on the site’s appearance, including the user interface and pages. These professionals will design the site’s layout, enhance the site with JavaScript and HTML, and integrate graphics for a more visually appealing appearance. 

Full-stack developers are responsible for both the front- and back-end of the website. These professionals know how to build an entire website from scratch. In many cases, they work for businesses or organizations that don’t have the budget for a large development team. Often, full-stack developers will work alone or with a few other developers. 

Web Developer Tasks And Responsibilities

Many web developers work for an agency or company. Some will work as freelancers, taking on different projects for several clients. While these tasks do vary depending on the situation, many day-to-day responsibilities include:

– Writing and reviewing codes for websites, including JavaScript, HTML, and XML

– Integrating multimedia into the website

– Designer navigation menus and user interfaces

– Troubleshooting problems with user experience or performance

– Collaborating with other developers, designers, and stakeholders

Web developers will usually start working as either front-end or back-end professionals. As they gain experience, many move on to be full-stack developers in computer programming, graphic design, and project management. 

Salary of a Web Developer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual salary for a web developer is $77,200. However, with experience, many developers earn up to $249,297 annually. Web developers can expect faster-than-average job growth over the next decade. With a focus on more eCommerce business, web development is expected to be in demand, as companies need functioning websites to operate their businesses. 

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Becoming a Web Developer

Getting a formal education is not always necessary to start as a front-end developer. Many web developers will have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science or website design. However, many professionals teach themselves to design and code. Earning a degree will make these individuals more attractive to companies, but a strong portfolio is an excellent way to show those skills to potential employers.

Some simple steps to become a web developer include:

Build Web Developer Skills

When clients and employers want to find a web developer, they need someone who can deliver exceptional results. There are many technicals skills that a web developer will want to learn, such as:

– Coding: Some of the most popular and common programming languages include PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and cascading style sheets for front-end work. Those who want to focus on back-end development should learn Java, Ruby, or Python. 

– Responsive Design: Users don’t just visit a website from a desktop computer. Today’s websites must be able to look good on tablets and smartphones. 

– Technical SEO: Several factors in the website’s design can affect how it ranks in various search engines. SEO is vital in a web developer’s work.

– Version Control: This skill allows web developers to control and track changes without needing to start over when there are issues with the site. 

– Visual Design: All web developers must understand basic principles, such as choosing fonts, using white space, and incorporating images. 

Consider other skills to master for a web development career, including:

– Communication: Web developers spend plenty of time discussing ideas with team members and clients. These professionals must focus on making clear and concise communications at every step of the development process. 

– Customer Service: These professionals need to remain client-focused to create the best websites for their clients. 

– Detail-Oriented: Even the smallest detail will make a big change in the performance and look of the website. 

– Organization: Web developers need to keep track of all workflows, budgets, deadlines, and project tasks. Otherwise, they will not complete their job on time.

– Problem-Solving: Web developers can run into problems during the development process. These individuals must be patient to identify coding or design issues and efficiently solve them.  

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Consider a Degree

While you don’t need a degree in web development, it doesn’t hurt your chances of attaining a great job. You should find a program that matches your talents and interests. Front-end developers should choose courses in user experience or web design, while back-end developers want to get a computer or data science degree. 

Take Courses in Web Development

As previously mentioned, formal training is not needed to become a successful web developer. However, you can take a few courses to help develop your website-building skills. You might want to sign up for CSS, HTML, or JavaScript classes. With that knowledge, you can put your skills to the test and practice on your websites. There are plenty of online training programs that allow you to build skills as you build a website for your portfolio. 

Built a Portfolio

When finding a project or job, prospective clients will want to see your work. You cannot show off your skills without a portfolio. A portfolio is almost as important as a resume. With this collection, you can show clients and employers you have the skills to develop great websites. You will want to show off the type of projects you want to do in the future. If you excel at coding, you can even annotate your portfolio to display your work through various process stages. 

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Get Certified

Consider obtaining certifications to validate your skills with clients and employers. There are many general and vendor-focused options, such as:

– Adobe Certified Expert

– Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate

– Amazon Web Services Certified Developer

Start Your Career as a Web Developer

With these tips, you can fast-track your way to becoming a web developer. Whether you want to focus on the back-end, front-end, or full-stack, you must practice your skills and build your portfolio. The most successful web developers will have a range of skills that help develop and design websites for their clients. 

Do you want to become a web developer? At TECH I.S., we have the programs and certifications to help boost your future career.