A web developer is responsible for building and maintaining the website through code , ensuring that navigation is easy for the user.
The web developer can focus on designing the logic and solutions so that the actions requested on the web page are executed correctly, that is, the backend.
On the other hand, the web developer can specialize in the interface from the point of view of the code, so that the user can interact with a system, which is called the frontend . Likewise, the web developer can be full stack and work both on the server side and on the client side.
The work of a web developer involves being focused on the project and working with a team of people who coordinate the needs of the client with the final product. Among his main activities is meeting with clients to discuss the needs and requirements for the website and how to keep the site up and running.
The web developer needs a combination of graphic design skills and technical computer skills to create designs on web pages. You must understand technology, and how computers and web servers work.
Similarly, they are familiar with software programs and programming languages such as HTML/XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby on Rails, and C++ . In addition to having knowledge in server architecture and experience with database systems.
Some of the qualities that stand out in a web developer:
Extensive functional knowledge and coding experience.
Experience in team management.
Ability to multi-task tasks within constraints of time, budget, and business objectives.
Basic knowledge in search engine optimization.
Strong communication skills.
What are the tasks of a web developer?
Create and test applications for websites
Troubleshoot website
Maintain and update the website
Monitor website traffic
Make website prototypes
Submit Design Specs
Work with web designers
The web developer creates and shapes the user experiences of a website by creating page layouts, website styling, and page features such as images and animations. Therefore, they work closely with project managers and designers to ensure that the final product meets the client’s requirements, budget and predetermined design.
Sometimes web designers need to prototype the website to help the employer or client understand what the final product will look like.
Another important element in the work of a web developer is the maintenance of the site , since it is necessary to update and add new features. Therefore, they must also ensure that these changes are implemented smoothly and do not disrupt the functionality of the site.
What does a web developer do?
Roles and skills of a web developer
The web developer, apart from having technical skills related to creating a website, also require interpersonal or soft skills that allow them to have a career as a web developer.
Soft skills
detail oriented
Problem resolution
Self motivation
Communication skills
Patience
Creativity
detail oriented
A line of code can have a big impact on the functionality or appearance of a website, for this reason web developers have to make sure not to lose details that can affect the site.
Problem resolution
This point is related to the previous one, since when troubleshooting a code problem, they need to know where to look for it. On the other hand, they need to know how to translate a client’s vision into a real and functional website , since the client’s needs may not be so easy to satisfy.
Self motivation
Sometimes the work of a web developer tends to be lonely, so they must be able to concentrate on their tasks. On the other hand, you need to be motivated to learn new techniques and stay up-to-date , as new scripts, widgets, and layouts are released daily.
Communication skills
Web developers work with multiple members of an organization to ensure website goals are met, so keeping lines of communication open and using words other team members can understand is a must.
Patience
It is very common for the client to request very detailed changes or updates, so patience is a very important attribute for this role. This also relates to communication skills, as the better you can communicate with the client, the better the workflow will be.
Creativity
Often the web developer is involved in the appearance of a website and must ensure that it looks innovative and up-to-date, for this reason being creative will help you with your day-to-day tasks.
How to become a web developer?
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related
Decide approach (frontend or backend)
Take course or bootcamp
Learn HTML and CSS
Learn JavaScript and JQuery
The path to becoming a web developer varies, with some earning a college degree while others choose to take a course or bootcamp. However, to become a web developer, you need to start by deciding what type of developer you want to be, whether to focus on the frontend or the backend of a website.
Many companies still require a computer science or related degree, although it is becoming more common for companies to hire self-taught developers. On the other hand, you can choose a course or bootcamp where they teach you the basics of web development.
To become a web developer you need to learn HTML and CSS as these two skills are the starting point for creating a website. Once you’re comfortable with HTML and CSS, you should start learning JavaScript and JQuery , which allows you to add interactivity to your site.
How long does it take to become a web developer?
There is no standard period to become a web developer, as it depends on the chosen learning path. An undergraduate program can take approximately four years, and a bootcamp can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks.
Similarly, the time varies depending on the type of web development you want to focus on. Learning HTML and CSS can take anywhere from six months to a year, just like learning JavaScript. However, it is important to keep in mind that learning web development is a continuous training process. Practice is essential to becoming a web developer and working on real projects while receiving guidance can make this development much faster.
Is a web developer the same as a web programmer?
Web development can be considered as a subset of programming. So web developers are programmers but not necessarily all programmers are web developers.
Web development and web programming are very similar, they both use code to make sure the website is easy to use and the functionality of the site is their top priority.
Web development consists of three parts. The first is the client-side scripts, what is displayed on the screen to the users, that is, the frontend. The second part is the server-side scripts that keep the database in communication with the computer, known as the backend. Lastly is the database technology that helps the site run smoothly.
On the other hand, a web developer is the person behind the curtain who is in charge of keeping the website running. They allow to take the information entered on a website and store it in a database.
Thus, a web developer can create a site from scratch, while a web programmer keeps the website running in the background.
Differences between a web designer and a web developer
A web designer is responsible for creating the concept of a website. They decide what should be a certain color, create infographics, logos, and videos, and tell the web developer where these elements should be placed on the website. However, they do not participate in the construction of the website.
Instead, the web developer takes the concepts of the web designer and creates the code to build the website.
Although in some cases the web designer and web developer are the same person, the roles are different. So a web designer doesn’t necessarily know code, in the same way that a developer doesn’t need to have graphic design skills.
differences between a web designer and a web developer
How to become a freelance web developer?
Choose an area
Create your personal brand
get organized
Market your services
Keep learning
After you’ve spent time learning to code, freelancing can be a way to “reap” some of the rewards.
Being a freelance web developer has its perks, like having a better work-life balance, being your own boss, working from anywhere in the world, setting your own hours and rates, and more.
To become a freelance web developer you have to:
Choose an area
A programmer can do a bit of everything, however, his value will be greater as an expert in only a few areas. It may be easier to differentiate yourself if you are the best in a particular area or if you are the only one who can do it.
Create your personal brand
There are many opportunities to connect with people and become known as an expert. Make yourself visible by keeping your goals simple. You can showcase your work, write articles for a blog, and build a network.
One of the most challenging challenges is having a portfolio that shows the completed projects of the clients. That’s why your website as a freelance developer is a showpiece in itself, so it needs to be engaging and interactive. It is important to indicate that you have created the site. It can also be an opportunity to add links to your social networks, add a form and include your blog.
get organized
Being a freelance implies that you are a project manager, salesperson, programmer and give customer service. Use time and project management tools to make this process easier for you. Meet with a CPA to better determine your business structure, learn about paying taxes, purchase the equipment you need, and write a business plan.
Market your services
Once you’ve set the rates for your service, do some real projects and show them off to potential clients. There are platforms like Freelancer.com that can help you gain that first experience.
You can also start doing projects for local charities, schools, or small businesses that can help you build a portfolio. This way you help them and they help you.
Keep learning
It is important to hone skills and stay on top of current trends. It’s a good idea to start with the most in-demand languages and continue to build experience with more technologies over time.
Remember that in web development keeping yourself updated is very important, since new frameworks or tools are constantly coming out. Spending time getting additional certifications will keep you from becoming stale and allow you to expand your clientele.
steps to become a freelance web developer
What is a web page built with?
LAMP
MEAN
MERN
Flutter
Ruby on Rails Stack
Meteor.js
serverless stack
Web developers can build web pages with various technologies. For this reason, technology stacks are used in web development , some may be for backend and others for frontend.
LAMP
This open source stack is the classic standard in web development, due to its simplicity, power and stability, it is one of the favorites to develop web applications. It is composed of Linux, Apache, MySQL AND PHP. It runs efficiently on all operating systems, provides better performance, profitability and flexibility to the website.
MEAN
This stack is made up of MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js. Some experts consider it to be the best technology for web development. The only language used in this stack is Javascript.
MERN
This technology is almost identical to MEAN, only instead of Angular it has React. The React integration is a great benefit as it has a large library and the ability to use code simultaneously on servers and browsers. This stack can be used for full stack development.
Flutter
It is an open source development program for developing mobile, web, and desktop applications from a single code base. This web stack is revolutionary for the cross-platform development industry. Some of its main components are the Flutter engine, Dart, Foundation Library, and layout-specific widgets.
Ruby on Rails Stack
It is a friendly web development stack, it is also open source and object oriented. It uses the Ruby on Rails programming language, which makes it easy to develop lightweight applications. Allows the use of default structures for web pages and database management.
Meteor.js
This open source development platform makes JavaScript app development much faster as you can use the same code to develop mobile, desktop, and web apps.
serverless stack
Currently, application development on cloud infrastructure is a trend in web development. Infrastructure management has become easy with the provision of services and tools provided by serverless computing platforms.
With the serverless stack, it’s easy to scale to thousands of users immediately during sudden spikes and scale as the spike subsides.