What is a Web Developer?
A web developer is responsible for programming the code that “tells” a website how to function. A developer builds a website from the bottom up, which means designing it in such a way that end users have no difficulty navigating the site. The website should not be so simple that it does not appeal to advanced users, nor should it be so complicated that the beginner is easily lost in the process.
Web development can be divided into three parts: code that executes in a web browser and determines what customers or clients will see when they land on a website (client-side scripting); code that executes on a web server and powers the behind-the-scenes mechanics of how a website works (server-side scripting); and database technology, which helps to keep a website running smoothly and efficiently. Large-scale web projects often divide these tasks among multiple web developers.
What does a Web Developer do?
A web developer builds and maintains websites with the client and consumer in mind. That is, the end design must include products and services offered and show how users may access these. For example, a customer may want a form to capture an end user’s e-mail to request additional information, provide a newsletter, or thank a customer for their business.
One type of developer may focus on setting up the back end of a site (back-end developer) while another may focus on the client side to add style and functionality to the website itself (front-end developer).
The work is typically very project-focused and involves collaborating with a team of people who help coordinate the client's needs with the end product. Work may include meeting with clients to discuss their needs and requirements for a website or discuss how to keep their website functioning and up-to-date. Web developers typically construct the layout of a website, creating a visually interesting home page and user-friendly design, and may sometimes write content for the website. After a website is up and running, developers make sure that the site is functional on all web browsers, testing and updating as needed.
Web developers are familiar with technology and understand how computers and web servers operate. They are also very familiar with many software programs, web applications and web programming languages, such as hypertext markup language (HTML), JavaScript (JS), Ruby on Rails, and C++. They must be able to communicate effectively, set goals and meet deadlines.
Types of Web Developers:
Front-End Developers - A front-end developer is a web developer that codes the front end of a website. While web design is the way a website looks, front end development is how that design actually gets implemented on the web.
Back-End Developers - A back-end developer is someone who builds and maintains the technology needed to power the components which enable the user-facing side of a website to exist. Their back end code adds utility to everything the front-end designer creates.
Full Stack Developers - Full stack developers understand how every part of the web development process takes place and can guide on strategy and best practices. These developers will have an increasingly important role in the web development of the future, and are able to look at the 'big picture'. They are knowledgeable with the server side as well as the client side’s user experience.
JavaScript Developers - JavaScript (JS) is a type of web programming language that is supported across all web browsers and tools, and is the language that gives JavaScript developers control and power to create, enhance and modify websites. Even though a JavaScript developer typically works on the front-end, the programming language itself is not limited to front-end use only.
What is the workplace of a Web Developer like?
A web developer may work full or part-time in a technology department or may choose to conduct business at home. Travel may be involved if a developer chooses to freelance. Some web developers freelance their skills to various organizations, while others choose to outsource their skills to organizations by using their expertise to act as consultants or independent contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?
One of the main differences between software engineering and software development is job function. Software engineering applies engineering principles to create software, therefore software engineers take part in software development by connecting the client’s needs with technological solutions. They systematically develop processes to provide specific functions by using engineering concepts to develop software.
On the other hand, software developers are responsible for the entire development process and are the driving creative force behind programs. They typically work together with the client to create a conceptual design and then have computer programmers create the programming code needed to run the software. The computer programmers along with the software developers will test and fix problems together and the developers will provide project leadership and technical guidance through each stage of the software development life cycle.
To sum things up, a software engineer is often involved with software development, but very few software developers are engineers. The main difference between software engineering and software development is that one oversees the engineering while the other focuses on creating functional programs.
How long does it take to become a Web Developer?
There is no standard length of time that it takes to become a web developer. It depends on the chosen approach to learning. This means that the education track for this career can vary from an 8-to-12 week bootcamp to a two-year Associate’ Degree or a four-year Bachelor’s Degree program.
Steps to becoming a Web Developer
More often than not, the road to working in this profession varies from one web developer to another. While some earn an undergraduate certificate or degree, others opt for the shorter education track offered by bootcamps.
What are Web Developers like?
Based on our pool of users, web developers tend to be predominately artistic people. They also demonstrate a high investigative aptitude. Together, these two characteristics perfectly describe individuals who are responsible for designing and developing websites and website applications, managing site functionality, implementing application features, and integrating security measures.
Should I become a Web Developer?
Here are some of the reasons that practising web developers cite when asked why they entered the field:
You don’t necessarily need a degree Many successful web developers are self-taught and do not have any formal qualifications. With knowledge of a programming language and experience with database management, it is possible to enter the field.
It’s creative Developers, in general, are problem solvers. Web developers, though, are also able to create user experiences.
You’ll be part of a community Perhaps more than any other field, web development exposes its practitioners to countless online communities. These communities are valuable resources and places to interact and network with like-minded people.
Money! Demand for web developers continues to surpass supply. Employers are therefore paying higher salaries to get the best talent available.
You can work as a freelancer or as part of an organization As a freelancer, developers can pick and choose their projects and control their own career.
You can work remotely The nature of web development means that you can work from anywhere in the world, on your own time – especially as a freelancer.
You can become a specialist Developers who most enjoy working with a particular language can choose to specialize in it and still have plenty of work.
It’s future proof As web technology expands and evolves, developers are increasingly in demand.
It’s fun With countless companies on the lookout for new talent, there are exciting opportunities to work in the field and to be given creative control and ownership of projects.
You can expand into other areas Web development skills are highly transferrable. The mobile sector, for instance, has similar interfaces, allowing web developers to quite easily transition to mobile development. Companies seeking new ways to engage with customers are always looking for customer-facing web developers.
Web Developers are also known as:
Web Content Developer