Pathways to becoming a Web Developer.
Web development has become mainstream nowadays, and many people are interested in that. Many people want to learn codes and how to become a web developer and always ask these questions: “where should I start?” or “what should I do?” etc. These questions are frequently asked; there have been different answers and no right or wrong answers.
So let’s explore how you can become a web developer, what kinds of basic steps you should learn first, and what variety of topics and lessons you should practice.
You may ask, what are these? As it was mentioned above, there may have been varieties of answers. Still, starting with simple HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is better, where you create a simple web page without any function or database. So, this research paper will show you the paths and things you need to know about becoming a web developer.
2. What are HTML & CSS
HTML and CSS are two of the core technologies for building Web pages. HTML for the page structure and CSS for the visual and aural. HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) describes the Design of Web pages and the creation of Web pages. It allows creating the sections, paragraphs, and links using HTML elements. One thing to note is that HTML is not considered a programming language since it can’t make dynamic functionality.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the language for describing the presentation of web pages, such as colors, font design, layout, etc. It allows you to create good-looking web pages. CSS can be independent of HTML and still be used with other markup languages such as XML. CSS is a rule-based language that you can define by specifying groups of styles.
Let’s say you want the main heading on your page in large red text. You might want your tag to be the same as the one you use in the HTML part, which is h1 in this case. This is how to do it in CSS.
There are three ways to write CSS in the HTML file. They are inline CSS, Internal CSS, and embedded and external CSS. Inline style is the simplest because it is next to the tag you want to style. Embedded techniques are set in the head section of your Html, like the picture above, and the external style sheet is a separate text file that other pages on the website can link to get its style. One more thing to notice is inline style overrides the other two, and the embedded style overrides the external style when all of them are present.
3. Why JavaScript is needed in creating a website
First, before we talk about why JavaScript is essential in web development, we must know what even JavaScript is. JavaScript is a programming language used mainly by web developers to create a dynamic-looking and interactive user experience. Back in the day, websites without JavaScript is filled with grey boxes with a wall of text, but nowadays, the website looks clean, friendly, and smooth. Most cool-looking dynamic features you see on the website are probably coded in JavaScript.
So, how does JavaScript work exactly? JavaScript is known as a client-side script because most web app work due to an interaction between a remote server and the user’s device. While it’s a client-side language, one of the most powerful features in JavaScript is asynchronous interaction with a remote server. Asynchronous interaction means that JavaScript can connect with the server in the backend without interrupting the user experience in the foreground. Since we can’t create any better-looking website that is up to date with the world without JavaScript, it is essential to know how to use JavaScript together with your HTML and CSS for developing the website, but this is not the only client-side scripting language in the world, it was one of the first and still most functional scripting languages.
The following picture is about the pros and cons of using JavaScript. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of JavaScript, it is overall a good programming language to implement.
4. Types of web development
There are three main types of web development. They are backend development, frontend development, and full-stack development. So, what are those? Well, backend development is the process of coding, designing, and testing the functionality of the website. The part where developers work on the database with users’ interaction and handle requests from the users. This is also part of developing the program’s architecture to write code for data storage and user authentication.
Backend developers work together with frontend developers who build the visible part of the website. They create interfaces that end users see on the website where they can interact with. Frontend development consists of different types of programming languages and tools for design and testing frameworks. Frontend developer usually designs and develops graphical UI and tests the web pages using mainly HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Last but not least, Full-stack development is the process of developing a website from start to finish, including frontend and backend development. Therefore, it includes the research, designing stages, developing stages, testing stages, and the deployment of all the required components. This development is becoming more and more common nowadays.
5. Qualification and Skills
No specific or formal qualifications are required to become a web developer. Still, some degree in math or science will be handy in this qualification. Moreover, you should have some experience with the following elements as
● User experience (UX)
● User interface (UI)
● Visual Design
● Coding Languages (HTML, CSS)
● Frontend web development language skills such as JavaScript, Ajax, and some form of animation techniques.
● Backend web developing languages such as PHP, C#, or Java
● Design software like illustrator, Photoshop, and Sketch
● Web servers and how they work.
Becoming a web developer is very specialized, where programs like Adobe Dreamweaver and platforms like WordPress frequently take the position of core coding skills. They allow beginners to create sites with basic knowledge of developing sites.
On the other hand, what skills do you need to become a web developer? Don’t get confused with the qualification that was mentioned above. This is for the individual personal skill, which is nothing to do with programming or web development knowledge. Essential skills to be successful in web development are
● Computer Literacy
● Strong numeric skills
● Strong creative ability
● Attention to detail
● Strong communication skills
● Excellent problem-solving skills
● A logical approach to work
● The ability to explain technical matters clearly
● A keen interest in technology.
The most important thing about this is to go on self-learning to stay updated with current technologies and updates.
Where to learn
AAS and BS programs
Many schools and institutes offer AAS (Associate of Applied Science) and BS (Bachelor of Science) programs for web development. Some of them are Colorado Christian University, Highline College, etc. Going this route will undoubtedly give you the guidelines and pathways to becoming a web developer, but you will also have to keep learning independently. Following only lectures and assignments from your course won’t help you get far, but at least you will know which materials to look for depending on your level. You can also take online classes if that’s more convenient for you.
Self-taught/experience
Getting those skills may depend on who you are and where you are from, but generally, it is always right to take a web development class, whether it is online or in person. Self-studying is also one of the best ways to learn how to be an excellent web developer if you are committing to it. There are some free websites, such as freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, Udemy, and The Odin Project, where you can learn web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. Or you can watch web development videos on YouTube and learn from there. Self-teaching is an excellent way to approach something in general when it is your first time.
Additional Skills
For the personal individual skill, you just got to have it in you, based on your experience before this path to becoming a web developer, or you can still improve every each one of them if you think you need more of them. For example, if you don’t have strong communication skills, talk to other people, have a conversation, and do a practice run down with a friend.
Self-taught/experience vs. certifications from schools
Both options are plentiful. It depends on you whether you prefer this one over another. Taking degree courses at schools will cost you more than self-teaching, but self-teaching won’t give you a degree or any certification. Just because you’ve taken many web development courses doesn’t mean you are more skilled than others who make their way up with self-learning. I’ve seen some people with a degree in computing but fewer skills and experience than those without a degree. The table below shows the pros and cons of self-teaching and taking a course from schools.
8. Demand and Salary
This topic that affects everyone can be tricky to navigate if you are new to this web-developing industry. There is no fixed salary for web developers, and the salary depends on your skills level, years of experience, and the company you work for. However, it can establish a realistic range by looking at industry data. To give you a rough idea of salary, look at this global snapshot. Still, considering web design?
