Becoming a Web Developer
A website is an important tool for anyone who wants to promote themselves online, whether they’re a freelancer, entrepreneur or artist. However, putting together a website is no small feat and requires the knowledge of programming languages and other technologies. While it’s possible for beginners and entrepreneurs to use web-building applications, those who want to become web developers will need to dive into coding languages and other technologies to learn how to code from scratch.
A web developer is a software engineer who specializes in building and maintaining websites. These experts work with a variety of other teams, including graphic designers and user experience (UX) engineers, to create a website that meets the needs of the organization or individual who will be using it. They also help determine the structure of a site, design wireframes and create content.
While web developers work in a wide range of industries, they often have similar skills and expertise. They need to be familiar with a variety of front-end and back-end programming languages, as well as various web development frameworks. For example, they should know how to use HTML, CSS and JavaScript to construct what users see on a website, and they should be able to build and maintain sites that are responsive across platforms, from desktop computers to smartphones.
There are a few ways to become a web developer. Some professionals attend a four-year college program and earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, while others choose to take part in a bootcamp or complete an online course. Regardless of the path they take, all web developers should have a strong portfolio of projects that demonstrate their abilities and skills.
In addition to coding, web developers need to have access to the tools and resources they need to write, test and debug their code. They need to use version control systems, which allow them to track changes and share their work with colleagues. They also need text editors and IDEs, which are programs that let developers create and edit HTML, CSS and JavaScript code. Popular text editors and IDEs include Sublime Text, Atom and Visual Studio Code. Additionally, web developers need to have access to a variety of testing and quality assurance tools, including Selenium, JUnit and LoadRunner.
As web technology continues to evolve, so too does the need for skilled developers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects web development jobs to grow by 13 percent through 2030. The demand for developers is especially high because a growing number of organizations are turning to the internet to expand their customer base and engage with customers online. As a result, the need for e-commerce websites and other dynamic web apps is on the rise. To stay competitive, businesses will need to hire a web developer with a deep understanding of front-end and back-end technologies. To make the most of these opportunities, it’s essential to be proficient in the latest coding languages.