Web development is an ever-growing industry that involves creating a variety of products and services for the Internet. It includes web design, coding, content management systems and security. There are many different ways to become a web developer, from a full-time employee to a freelancer. The job path will vary depending on the type of website, the programming languages used and the resources available. A common route to web development is to enroll in a coding boot camp.
In order to develop an interactive website, a web developer must write code. This code is what implements the visual assets created by the designer. For example, the code may use CSS, which is used to style the site and make it adapt to different devices. JavaScript is also commonly used. JavaScript adds interactivity to the site and helps it function as a dynamic piece of software.
Many web developers specialize in one or two aspects of web development, such as front-end or back-end. Front-end web developers are responsible for the visual components of a website, while a back-end developer creates the server side of the site.
Web developers are typically part of larger teams. They can work on a single project or be a part of a larger team that is responsible for developing several sites. Some web developers take on the role of a client liaison, while others work on the coding side of the equation.
Some developers specialize in HTML, the standard language for websites. HTML is supported by all modern web browsers. While it is not a very difficult language to learn, it can be challenging to master. Another language to consider learning is CSS, which is often used to style and structure the content of a page.
In addition to coding, front-end web developers often build graphics, animation, and navigation. Web designers can use a visual editor like Photoshop or an app prototyping tool such as InVision Studio. Other important components of web development include databases and web server configuration. Using a content management system is also a good way to streamline the process of changing the content on a site.
Learning how to become a web developer can be daunting. However, it is an exciting profession with endless possibilities. The internet is here to stay, and with it comes an ever-growing need for skilled developers. Even if you are self-taught, networking and developing a strong portfolio are good ways to stand out. If you are interested in learning how to become a web developer, check out Team Treehouse, an online subscription service that offers hundreds of courses on everything from WordPress to e-commerce.
Besides learning how to code, you can get involved in online communities to connect with other web developers and share ideas and information. Stack Overflow is an excellent resource for developers to ask questions and get answers. With the increasing importance of websites in a company, it is becoming increasingly common to have a web development department.
