The Basics of Web Coding
Web coding is the process of building websites. While a website might seem simple, it involves many complex elements to function properly. As a result, web developers must be fluent in a variety of programming languages and front-end frameworks to create the complex and dynamic websites that we use on a daily basis.
The world of computer software is fast-paced, and the demands for productivity are high. Software Developers must be able to think quickly, solve problems in an iterative fashion, and make changes while keeping their code consistent. They must also be able to adapt to changing technology, including the rapid growth of new hardware and operating systems.
While most professional developers have a degree in software engineering, computer science, or a similar field, there is growing demand for entry-level and intermediate-level web development jobs. As a result, coding bootcamps have become increasingly popular and are a viable option for those who want to learn the necessary skills in a shorter period of time. According to a study conducted by BrainStation, nearly half of the respondents who participated in the survey began their careers in a different industry and learned web development later in life through self-education or by enrolling in a coding bootcamp.
The foundational language for a web page is HTML, which stands for HyperText Markup Language. It’s one of the simplest and most basic programming languages to learn, making it an excellent starting point for beginner coders. HTML is used to create the structure of a web page, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to add design elements like font, color, and layout.
Another essential coding language for web development is JavaScript, which allows a developer to take the static HTML and CSS files and build a functional website. It is often paired with other front end frameworks to give the website functionality and responsiveness across multiple devices.
Other important coding languages for web development include PHP, which is often used in conjunction with MySQL to create dynamic web pages and databases; and Python, which is commonly used for data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. Both of these languages are considered easy to learn because they use English keywords and recognizable syntax.
Aspiring web developers should also consider the tools they will need to work with these programming languages and frameworks. There are a variety of free and open source tools that can help automate common development tasks. For example, gulp is a task runner that can reduce the number of steps involved in running a local server and performing other tasks like optimizing images and preprocessing CSS. Another tool aspiring developers should look into is webpack, which is commonly used to bundle and minify JavaScript code. This can improve the performance of a website and make it easier to debug. Finally, a good web developer will be comfortable with Git, an online repository for version control and collaborative work. Git allows developers to work on the same project simultaneously, share files, and track changes.