Technology is a crucial part of our everyday activities, from the simplest apps to the most innovative inventions.
Every piece of software or website we see was created by a web or software developer.
This guide will explain what web development is and how you can become one.
It can appear overwhelming to the uninitiated, confusing, and difficult field. We have created the ultimate guide to web development to help you understand what it takes to be a web developer.
It is not as difficult to become a web developer as you might think. It will take a lot of work, but it is possible. It is worth the effort.
This guide will cover the basics of web design in great detail. It will also show you how to get into this industry.
You have decided that web development is right for you. Now you need to learn the essential skills. This content will help you do this.
What’s web development?
Web development can be referred to as the creation of websites and applications that can be used on the internet or in a private network called an intranet.
Web development does not concern the design of websites. It is all about the programming and coding that makes the website function.
Web developers have created all the tools that we use every day via the internet, from the most basic static pages to the most complex content management systems (CMS) to eCommerce websites.
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Should you venture into web development?
We think it is clear that the future of the job market and the projected growth in employment are quite clear. It is a great time to be a web developer. Technology is now more important than ever in our lives.
It’s how we communicate with family and friends, get healthcare, shop, and so on. We encourage you to join this industry and help build the technology of tomorrow.
Let’s start with the basics. What is web development, and what do web developers actually do? Continue reading to learn more.
We have two divisions of web development
- Web designer
- Web developer
Web designer
Web designers create the look and feel of a website. Web designers design the website’s layout, making sure it is logical, easy to use, and enjoyable to use.
All visual elements are considered: which color schemes, fonts, and fonts will they use? Which buttons, drop-down menus, and scrollbars should they be placed?
Web design includes the information architecture of the site, which determines what content is included and where it should go.
Web developer
Web developers take the design and turn it into a fully functional, live website. The web designer’s visual design is taken by the frontend developer, and he or she builds the website using coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The backend developer creates the site’s more complex functionality, such as the checkout function for an eCommerce website.
Information about being a web developer
There are three parts to being a web developer:
- Frontend developer
- Backend developer
- Database
Frontend developer
The frontend developer is responsible for coding the application or website’s frontend. This is the area that the user interacts with and sees.
They interpret the backend data into something that is easy to understand, visually appealing, and fully functional for everyday users.
They will use the designs of the web designer to bring them to life with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
Frontend developers implement the website’s layout and interactive elements, such as scrollbars and buttons, images and content, and create internal links (links that allow users to navigate between pages within the same website).
Frontend developers also ensure optimal display across all browsers and devices. The front-end developers will code the website, so it is responsive to different screen sizes.
This ensures that users have the same experience on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Frontend developers will also conduct usability testing and fix bugs. They will also consider SEO best practices and manage software workflows.
Additionally, they will develop tools to enhance the user’s experience with websites in all browsers.
Backend developer
The backend (or frontend) is basically the brain behind the frontend. The backend developer is known for developing and maintaining the technology required to power the frontend. It consists of three components: a server and an application.
Backend developers write code to ensure that all frontend developers’ work is functional. It is the job of the backend developer to ensure that the database, application, and server communicate with one another. How do they do it?
To build the application, they first make use of server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, and Python. They then use tools such as MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server to search, save, or modify data and return it to the user using frontend code.
Backend developers work in the same way as frontend developers. They will communicate with clients and business owners to learn their requirements.
These will be delivered in various ways, depending on the details of the project.
Backend development tasks can include building and managing a database, creating and integrating the database, and developing server-side software with backend frameworks.
Backend developers also have the responsibility of testing and debugging backend elements within a system or an application.
Database
Database technology is also used by websites. Database technology stores all files and content required for websites to function. It is compiled in a way that makes it easy for users to access, organize, edit, and save.
The database runs on a server. Most websites use some type of relational database management system (RDBMS).
The three layers of web development are the backend, frontend, and database technology.
We have so much data that we need to display, but it can’t be stored on web pages. Database management systems are important as they efficiently manage data and allow users to complete multiple tasks quickly.
You will need to know either Mysql or NoSQL, depending on which programming language you choose.
You will be using PHP to learn Mysql, which is an open-source database management system in the IT industry. MongoDB is the database management system that you will use if you are learning Python.
Okay, I won’t try to bore you with technical terms. You can start with any. Because they are simple for beginners, I recommend Php or Python.
Tools for Web Development
To write code, web developers will use a text editor such as Atom, Sublime, or Visual Studio Code; a browser such as Chrome, Firefox; and a very important tool: Git!
API: An application programming interface is also known as an API. This interface is used by developers of applications to let other developers use the functionality of the application without having to share code.
I don’t want to expand this much as this is to help beginners learn, this is going so far as an advanced level which is the next stage.
Git/Github – Github is a public repository that anyone can use to store, manage and push their source code.
Git is a version management tool that allows you to track and manage any changes to your source code.
This is something you will need as you move forward in your web development journey.
Where do I learn Web Development?
Now that you have decided that you want to get into the web development world.
It is important that you have access to websites or platforms that will help you learn.
We have lots of websites that can give you basic knowledge of web development.
Here are some sites to get started with:
I have already written a post that contains a list of coding websites that will help you realize your dreams of being a web developer.
Conclusion
Learning the required languages, libraries, and frameworks is the first step in a career as a web developer.
It is crucial for you to familiarize yourself with the tools and terminology used in web development.
It all depends on your focus on backend or frontend development when it comes to the languages that you choose to learn.
All web developers need to be proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Learn these languages first.