What Is Web Coding?

Web coding is the process of writing a set of instructions in a programming language that a website’s browser can understand and execute. This is what powers websites to load, display content and perform functions such as navigating between pages or submitting information online. Web coding skills are in high demand across a variety of industries, including software engineering, IT and data analytics.

To build a website, web developers use what’s known as a markup language. These are sets of tags that identify different elements of a webpage, such as text, images and tables. Each tag has a starting and closing element. The tag tells the browser what format to display its contents in (e.g., bold or italicized text), while the /> tag closes the markup language and tells the browser to stop displaying its contents in that format.

Once a website is coded, it’s hosted on a server, which stores the site’s files and makes them accessible to users around the world by using a domain name. Depending on the type of website, a server may also serve up videos and other multimedia content.

The most popular markup languages used in web coding include Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). These are the foundational tools that all web developers must be proficient in. Other technologies to know include JavaScript, Python and Ruby for front-end development, and SQL for back-end development.

Modern web developers need to be skilled at responsive design, which ensures that a website can work well on different devices and screen sizes. The use of CSS frameworks and media queries help achieve this. It’s also important to consider security measures when designing a website, such as implementing secure coding practices and strong password protection.

A career as a web developer requires a solid portfolio of projects to show potential employers what they can do. In addition to traditional coding examples, web designers often include a selection of graphic design work and visual designs that showcase their ability to think beyond the code.

Web developers are keen problem-solvers who regularly come up with solutions and workarounds to make sure websites can function as intended. This can include implementing new features, improving the user experience and ensuring that websites are compatible with multiple browsers and platforms.

A good place to start learning about web coding is by trying out a few online resources, such as Web Lab or Codecademy. Web developers should also try to engage with communities of fellow designers on forums such as Reddit and Stack Overflow, to get tips and feedback. The more they practice, the better they will become at solving problems and creating a functional website. The future of web coding is looking bright with new innovations in mobile and cloud computing technology driving innovation and making it easier for more people to become involved with the field. With the right skills and experience, a web developer can create a successful and rewarding career.