Problems Web Developers Face
Understanding that web developers often face challenges and obstacles throughout their careers helps us appreciate the hard work put into developing and programming. Additionally, we think speaking out on web development issues is importantto gain perspective and create community and opportunities. Today, web developers face common issues considering the evolving nature of our technological realm. Different levels of web developers are equipped to mitigate common issues effectively and efficiently. Developers must collaborate to handle challenging issues to provide high-quality experiences for their users.
Website Maintenance
One significant issue web developers face in today’s industry is the maintenance aspect after the launch of a project. There are bound to be challenges and roadblocks that can sometimes overwhelm a developer. In cases where their website goes live, bugs and issues that need to be addressed can arise. Depending on the program’s complexity, bugs can take hours, days, or even months to resolve. There are different levels of bugs that web developers need to take into consideration. For example, a bug that prevents the program from running will most likely be given priority over a smaller issue. Many developers and programmers will do website maintenance at least once a month to ensure the program runs properly and smoothly. A solution to this website maintenance issue is providing frequent updates, check-ins, and care for the program/project.
Browser Compatibility
Another common problem developers may encounter is browser compatibility due to various browsers interpreting code differently. Compatibility issues can lead to inconsistent rendering of websites throughout different browsers which impacts the functionality, layout and lead to visual inconsistencies. Cross browser compatibility issues result in a negative user experience and make it strenuous for web developers to ensure their projects/code run smoothly for everyone. Web developers handle this issue by testing their projects on different browsers, with the help of CSS frameworks which provide browser compatibility. Additionally, developers try to stay up to date with web standards, and engage in the best tools available for debugging and fixing cross browser compatibility matters. Depending on the complexity of the issue, developers can take hours or days performing tests. It’s important for developers to be intentional about devoting enough time resolving this issue in order for a consistent user experience across browsers.
Security
Furthermore, developers face the difficulty of ensuring website security. Developers are responsible for protecting users and their websites from potential threats from others. Threats can include hackers, data leaks, and cyber attacks. Developers will tackle this problem by continuously monitoring/updating software and adding secure coding practices. The time it takes to ensure website security varies depending on the complexity of the site. Simple security measures will be easily handled. However, more complex security measures, such as implementing firewalls, may take the developers longer. Website security can arise at any stage of the development. For developers, it’s important to be aware from the early stages to address possible vulnerabilities. Lastly, as technology evolves, developers must ensure websites remain secure over a long period of time to defend against digital thefts.
Efficiency and Speed
No one enjoys delays or waiting for a site to load. Web developers are tasked to ensure consistent, stable website performances and their intricacies. Slow websites can frustrate users and lead to lower rankings of Google searches. Issues surrounding website efficiency can arise from several factors. A few areas where issues can happen are during code/database optimization, large extensive media files, and server configuration. Also, poorly written code affects how smoothly a website can run. To combat this, developers may improve algorithms that enhance performance. If a server lacks resources, then it could lead to delays and slower response times for users. Resolving these issues depends on certain circumstances; simple advancements can be fixed quickly; however, more complex issues will require more time, effort, and testing. Developers must optimize a website’s performance to create a smooth and pleasant experience.
Accessibility
Everyone should have access to their desired website. This is why developers need to be mindful of creating accessible websites that all individuals use. Today, many websites disregard accessibility guidelines, resulting in poor experiences for users with disabilities/challenges. Designers may tackle these issues by following the web checklist that meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
A few accessibility basics are keyboard navigation, image text, color contrast, and plain language for all users to comprehend information. Although every website is accessible, developers must remember their audience and the best ways to reach them. It’s pivotal for developers to prioritize accessibility options to provide users equal access and ensure inclusivity.
Code Structure
Oftentimes, web developers write out inadequate code structures, which over time cause challenges to maintain and understand for other developers. When bad code structures are disorganized, it can lead to bugs and issues in collaboration with developers. Bad code structure can happen in various areas if developers aren’t following proper code structure. It can occur due to inconsistent/poor planning or lack of communication between developers, which, as a result, leads to consistent code structures. Improving code structure varies depending on the extent of the issue. It may take a few hours or days if the codebase is rooted in structural issues. Web developers mitigate this issue by practicing good coding practices and promoting the importance of having clean code.
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common issue that adversely affects developers. It’s a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy amongst their peers. Despite acquiring the same skills, they tend to question their abilities and are worried about being a disappointment. As web development evolves, this continual change can cause developers to feel stress and anxiety due to the fear of being a failure. Many combats this by contacting colleagues and sharing similar experiences with other developers to help find a sense of belonging. Resolving imposter syndrome takes time and effort; Developers must have a sense of self-compassion to challenge their negative thoughts. Developers suffering from this imposter syndrome may even quit their jobs as a form of escape. Everyone experiences imposter syndrome at some point. Accepting and learning to be uncomfortable is crucial for developers in acknowledging their accomplishments and celebrating their successes.
Developer Burnout
Many developers start their careers with the passion to learn more. Over time, that passion fades as programming becomes stressful and overwhelming. Developer burnout is the state of exhaustion, both physically and mentally. This is due to the constant pressure of meeting deadlines, impressing bosses, and the long hours of coding, which can take a severe toll on one’s well-being. Additionally, unhealthy habits can contribute to a developer’s burnout. These unhealthy habits may include lack of sleep and exercise, being isolated from others, and straining your mind for long periods of time. Symptoms include losing motivation to complete work tasks, irritability, and fatigue. Burnouts affect developers’ livelihoods and various aspects of their lives, such as health, relationships, and friendships.
Developers identify burnout with various signs. The signs include feeling like their work isn’t meaningful, feeling drained, and no longer finding their passions in web development joyful. However, ways to prevent developer burnout are by taking breaks throughout the day, making time for hobbies you enjoy, surrounding yourself with loved ones, getting consistent sleep and exercise, and allowing yourself to be comfortable outside of your career.
UX/UI
Web developers need help with their work. One of these problems would have to be ensuring websites have a user-friendly design that can dictate a website’s success.
When a website is being made, ensuring it can be easily navigated and used is one of the most important things a web developer must ensure. When web developers make a complicated website, sure, it gets the job done, but it still needs to complete its task of providing a service to users.
One example of a website without a user-friendly design would be Ebay. Ebay’s design problem is that it bombards you with too much information and calls to action, making it hard to locate specific options. When you are looking to buy an item, it tells you an excessive amount of information, and there are way too many calls to action from things encouraging you to buy it, add it to your cart, save it to a watchlist, and sell it. An answer to this would be to simplify the website pages and move the other features to other areas for those who are looking for them like making an area of the website for those wanting to sell items and another for those looking to buy.
Another example would have to be CNN. CNN has problems with loading. It’s noted to be the slowest-loading website on the internet. The problem with CNN’s slow website is that their content library is weighing it down. A good answer would be to reduce this content library by reducing the amount of text, images, and videos on the website pages.
Websites like these can be problematic because if they continue like this, it will only cause more problems for their users and lead to a worse reputation. If practices like these continue without being fixed, more websites and web developers will think that making their websites user-friendly isn’t much of a problem when it is.
Takeaway
Web developers are often referred to as the backbone of website development that contributes to the success of projects. They are responsible for many aspects, covering maintenance, security, and visual appearances. Recognizing the hardships they encounter consistently helps us to appreciate developers as they make our lives easier. By knowing the challenges they face, we can collaborate, create a supportive community, and share resources to address these issues. Understanding these frequent issues fosters an inclusive environment for all web developers and non-web developers.