The Importance of Learning Web Coding
Web coding is the process of creating the structure and design of websites and web applications. As one of the cornerstone roles in tech (without it, there’s no Internet or websites, or social media platforms, or even apps on your phone), knowing how to code is an invaluable skill.
Web developers are responsible for converting the vision and plans created by web designers (a separate but related role) into the websites you see on your computer, tablet or phone. It’s a crucial job and knowing how to code can help make you infinitely more hirable in this rapidly growing field.
There are various coding languages used to build and run websites and web applications, but the most common are HTML, CSS and JavaScript. HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language and is the basic building block of every website on the internet. The companion language, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), takes care of the website’s aesthetic, and JavaScript is the cherry-on-top that adds functionality to a web page.
You can learn to code on your own, or take a course like Treehouse or Codecademy. You can also join online communities that focus on learning to code. One of the most popular is Reddit, which has a large community and subreddits focused on specific topics, such as front-end or back-end development. Another excellent resource is Mozilla Developer Network, which provides tutorials and a library of resources for web development and coding.
If you’re a complete beginner, it can be helpful to start by creating a very simple website using a free site builder, such as WordPress. This will allow you to practice the basics of coding, and get an idea of what it’s like to work as a web developer.
Web development is all about creating and running a website, but the skills required go far beyond writing HTML and CSS. Web developers must be comfortable working with a wide variety of tools and software, including content management systems, search engine optimization tools, graphic design software and more. They must also be able to test and debug their work, making sure everything is functioning properly.
Web development is constantly evolving to meet user needs, and it’s important for business websites to stay current. That’s why it’s vital for web developers to be aware of the latest trends and best practices in their industry. This helps ensure that their websites and apps are up-to-date and as useful as possible for users. It’s also why it’s so important for businesses to have a clear understanding of what their needs are when hiring web developers. Without it, they may end up with a website that doesn’t serve their users well or provide the best experience possible. The internet is here to stay, and it’s up to web developers to keep it improving.