All the websites that we browse, the gifts we order, the news we get to see online- Web Developers make it possible! They design, build and implement Internet websites. They come up with unique aesthetic properties that include layout and colour, and also make technical considerations about how to design a website to handle a specific volume of traffic. Web Development is the forefront of the digital age.
What does a Web Developer do?
Web Developers are responsible for designing and developing websites and web applications. They use a variety of programming languages and web technologies to manage site functionality, implement application features, and integrate security measures. Web Developers have expertise in object-oriented programming and multi-platform development. They blend creative vision with project management skills to plan, design and build website and integrated apps. One can hire a web developer to get all these things completed for his website project. Because the web development process is a complex one, developers generally specialize in one of two tracks: front-end or back-end development.
Front-end developers or the client-side developers use a variety of programming languages and frameworks such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript to build the exterior look and features of a site. Back-end developers use programming languages such as Python and Ruby to design, develop and integrate applications from front-end development into the back-end. The developers who have skills in both front-end and back-end development are called full stack developers.
How to Become a Web Developer?
- Choose a specialization-
Depending on their specific jobs, web developers will proficiently use various software programs. They will have specialized knowledge not just limited to their roles, but the whole process as a whole. Before you begin, it will be a wise step first to get an understanding of the type of web development work that seems interesting, e.g. user-interface design, mobile application development, or front-end development.
- Educate yourself-
For careers in Web Development, there is no specific degree or educational path. Also, you can become a successful Web Developer with or without a formal education. Developers who can implement coding skills within a broader context will have an advantage. It is where a formal education can help aspiring developers gain foundational knowledge of web development principles and practices. It will expose developers to project management and situations that demand problem-solving and trigger critical thinking.
- Work on developing technical skills-
Web development is a field where concrete skills can trump education when it comes to employment. Companies now a days generally look to hire a web developer who can produce new ideas. Prospective Web Developers must have expertise in the three core programming components, i.e. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Also, knowledge of CSS and CSS frameworks like Backbone, Bootstrap, Foundation and the like, is essential. To build websites, developers need to be proficient in back-end languages such as Java, Ruby, PHP and tools like Oracle and SQL Server.
- Strengthen your coding skills-
The best way web developers can learn is by just getting on with it. Theory will not be of much help. They have to do it. So, set up a Github account and push code to the site. An active Github profile helps you catch the attention of employers who are searching through stacks of resumes. Your profile shows not only what you do to solve programming issues, but also your thought-process and strategies behind those solutions. When you practice coding and get familiar with Git, you prepare yourself to work as a part of a team and also manage complicated site and app builds.
- Launch an online portfolio-
Employers want to see results. They want to see the current successful sites and applications that you have developed. With a strong portfolio, developers can test new technologies and tools. They can showcase their coding talent and technical capabilities. Standout portfolios help to clear the first hurdle of landing a job.
Web Development Degree Levels-
Students who are looking to acquire formal education in Web Development have four typical avenues that include certificate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Professional requirements and goals, as well as the student’s background, will help dictate which path to take.
- Web Development Certificates.
The certification option is for targeting educational training and is for students who need practical and fundamental knowledge relating to web development. Prior programming and computer technology experience can be helpful, but may not be required. Some certificate programs may even serve as a stepping stone to an associate degree in this field.
- Introduction to coding-
This class gives you a foundation in computer programming and basic principles of how computers use software. You can learn programming basics that include syntax, functions, and code structure. You will develop an understanding of hexadecimal and binary numbers, and also the fundamentals of computer networks.
- JavaScript Programming-
You will gain knowledge in basic web programming such as HTML, JavaScript. Since these are more advanced web programming languages, they allow for the creation of interactive web pages. You will learn to design a web application, implement and test client and server solutions, and learn user-interface principles.
- HTML Programming-
You get to learn the basic language of the Internet along with the theoretical principles of HTML and fluency in the HTML programming language. You will be fully equipped with the knowledge about syntax and principles of HTML coding, how to embed other web programming languages. You will gain the ability to create web pages with desired elements and requirements.
- Introduction to Web Design-
This course provides education about all necessary elements to create a website successfully. From computer hardware requirements to principles of computer networking to commonly used Internet coding languages, students will get a wholesome understanding of web page designing. They will gain skills regarding how web page design elements translate to hardware requirements, interaction of multiple web programming languages and how they produce desired webpages, and also maintaining and updating web pages.
- Associate Degrees.
The associate degree is a well-known track for aspiring developers. Such degrees usually last for two years, and it can also serve as a base for a future bachelor' degree. Students will get to learn extensive web development, computer science and information technology concepts. They will also be taking general education classes to obtain a well-rounded education.
Most of the associate degrees will cover the following topics-
- Website Graphics-
It focuses on how you need to use graphics in website designs. It will discuss both aesthetic and technical considerations. Students will gain skills regarding industry-standard graphic formats, compatibility issues between web browsers while displaying graphics, and how to manipulate graphics for website use.
- E-commerce-
Students will learn to create websites for businesses, considering the needs unique to businesses. Students will know about principles of customer service, valid web page techniques for marketing, and creation of active electronic storefronts for business.
- Web Page Multimedia-
Along with the use of graphics, students will learn about animation, video, and objects and what their utilities are in creating websites. Students will gain skills in the manipulation of multimedia for effective web page presentation, an overview of different types of multimedia, and when and how you should and can use certain types of multimedia.
- Database Management-
It includes an introduction to database concepts, principles, and design. It will also cover computer concepts. Students will gain familiarity with SQL for database management, understanding of underlying computer science principles of databases, and how they function. They will get skills in identification and experience with different database platforms.
- Bachelor’s Degree.
A bachelor’s degree provides a comprehensive education for web development and design, as well as extensive general education background. The typical bachelor’s degree takes four years and covers a large variety of subjects.
- Website Usability-
This course teaches students the basic principles of what makes a website easy-to-use. It educates about how we obtain and interpret information, strategies for designing websites in an organized way for easy usage and web interface technologies.
- Social Media and Collaboration-
Students become familiar with web-based interaction and collaboration technologies and then learn how to apply those technologies to a given objective or purpose. They will learn to differentiate between Web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, working of collaboration and online services and the fundamentals of social media communications.
- Website Optimization-
You will learn techniques that help improve website traffic, streamline efficiency and monitor website performance. You will know how to optimize websites to achieve a given goal, how to secure a site based on its purpose and methods used to monitor websites and quantify its performance.
- Advanced Web Design-
You will learn sophisticated and advanced web creation techniques and the website-making process from start to finish to become a professional web designer for hire . You will learn how to utilize a storyboard to plan a website, website creation conforming to a given budget, and technique/tools for monitoring website performance.
- Master’s Degree.
The master’s degree is generally in the field of web development. It is for web developers who seek advanced or specialized knowledge or those who are already in industry related to computer technology but would want to shift their focus to web development. The course length varies from one to two years. The most common classes in this level include:
- Content Management Systems-
This course lays down details about how content management systems work and how you can use them to streamline the creation of web content. You will learn the theoretical principles for creating a content management system, basics of database management, and tailoring content management system features to a given application.
- Digital Communications-
Students will learn how communication theories apply to digital and internet age. You will be able to employ communication principles to improve website effectiveness, understand mass media, and how to use it and understand the theoretical principles of digital communications and their functioning.
- Web Development for Servers-
You will learn the creation of web applications for servers using functional programming languages. You will learn to utilize programs like PHP and SQL to create server web applications. You will be able to ensure web application security and implement server principles when developing server-based web applications.
- Capstone Project-
The final step before completing the master’s degree, the capstone project brings together major concepts covered in prior classes to provide an opportunity to showcase the students’ understanding of web development. The developer will now be able to manage a web project from start to finish, work on a website project applying real-world principles and considerations, and handle all aspects of website creation including design, monitoring and maintenance.
Skills required to be a successful Web Developer-
HTML.
CSS.
CSS Frameworks.
JavaScript.
Responsive Web Design.
Version Control.
Browser Development Tools.
Testing.
Programming Languages.
Available Certifications for Web Developers-
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE).
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer: Web Applications.
Zend PHP Certification.
W3Schools Certification.
CIW JavaScript Specialist.
Amazon Web Services Certified Developer- Associate.
Certified Ruby Programmer.
Professional Scrum Developer.
Main Career Options in Web Development are as follows:
Front-end Developer.
Software Developer.
E-commerce Analyst.
Related career options include the following:
User Experience Designer.
Mobile Application Developer.
Web Administrator.
Information Architect.
Database Developer.
