How to become a web developer
A web developer is a programmer who specializes in, or is specifically engaged in, the development of World Wide Web applications using a client–server model. A web content management system is often used to develop and maintain web applications.
Web developers are found working in various types of organizations, including large corporations and governments, small and medium-sized companies, or alone as freelancers. Some web developers work for one organization as a permanent full-time employee, while others may work as independent consultants, or as contractors for an agency or at home personal use. Web developers typically handle both server-side and front-end logic. This usually involves implementing all the visual elements that users see and use in the web applications or use, as well as all the web services that are necessary to power the usage of their developing work. Salaries vary depending on the type of development work, location, and level of seniority.
How do I start a web development career?
- Choose a Development Specialization. Each element of a website is linked to something else, and it’s a complex job to build a website successfully.
- Get an Education.
- Develop Technical Skills.
- Practice Your Coding Skills.
- Launch an Online Portfolio
- Make Any Website Responsive & Mobile Friendly.
- Create Your Own HTML & CSS Websites From Scratch & Host Them For Free.
- Impress Employers With The BBC Website Clone You Will Make In The Course Project.
What do web developers do?
Web developers are responsible for designing and developing websites and website applications. Using a variety of programming languages and web technologies, web developers manage site functionality, implement application features, and integrate security measures.
What qualifications do you need to become a web developer?
While there are no formal or specific qualifications required to become a web developer, a numerate degree in a subject such as math’s or science will be useful.
You should also ideally have an aptitude for – or experience of – elements such as:
- User experience (UX)
- User interface (UI)
- Visual design
- Coding languages including HTML and CSS
- Frontend web programing languages and skills such as JavaScript, Ajax and web animation techniques
- Backend web programing languages such as C# or Java, PHP and Ruby
- Design software like Photoshop and Illustrator and Sketch
- An understanding of SEO
- Web servers and how they function
A career as a web developer is very specialized. While programs such as Adobe Dreamweaver and platforms such as WordPress are often perceived to take the place of core coding skills – and they do indeed allow novice users to create sites with basic knowledge – developing sites for corporate clients requires high levels of customization which cannot be met with the use of programs such as Adobe Dreamweaver, as web developers are required to code in the raw language of the web.
Web developer salary
Web development salaries have steadily been on the rise during the past five years and are projected to continue increasing. Robert Half Technology estimates earnings for web development professionals will increase by an average of approximately 5.6 percent in 2016:
| OCCUPATION | 2021 SALARY INCREASE |
|---|---|
| Senior Web Developer | 5.7% |
| Web Developer | 5.8% |
| Front-End Web Developer | 6.1% |
| Web Administrator | 4.5% |
| Web Designer | 6.0% |
| E-Commerce Analyst | 5.7% |
Specialized skill sets also impact potential earnings according to Robert Half Technology. Based on a review of salary data, the company projects that web developers with in-demand skills can see upward of a nine percent increase in annual salaries.
How to become a successful web developer
- Learn the Basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Go through WordPress Tutorials.
- Learn the Basics of UI and UX.
- Learn SQL and PHP.
- Learn the Basics of SEO.
- Make Sure Your Site is Responsive..
- Decide Your Goal or Path First.
- Basic Tools and Software for Web Development.
- Start With HTML and CSS.
- Responsive Layouts.
- Custom Reusable CSS Components.
- CSS Frameworks.
- UI Design.
- JavaScript.
