What is Web Development? How To Become A Web Developer
In this fast paced world there are so many career options that one can take, each more interesting and competitive than the other. When it comes to that one thing the world is thrilled about all the time – INTERNET, its related careers are also multi-faceted and operational in many cases.
For instance, web development is the literal creation of excellent websites. This includes the UI and UX development of the web, front and back end development and more. Each page that you see over the internet is designed by a thriving and motivated web developer with a backing team of professionals that overlook other operations. As easy as it seems there is so much to being a web developer that you might not know.
What is Web Development?
In summary, everything that you see on the web, is the hardworking production of web development. The technical aspects, the working of icons, buttons, the graphical captivating interface and the user-friendly structure are all associated tasks that a web developer must know of.
In terms of division, it is categorized into four main sectors:
- Back-end development – Responsible for maintaining operations related to server, database and the applications.
- Full-stack development – Capable for creating client and server software.
- Front-end development – Responsible for the front view of the website including designing on the with languages including Java/HTML etc.
- Web designing – This separate division includes the overall structure of the web, content and image placement, color theme etc.
What does a Web Developer do?
A web developer doesn’t have one job! He should be a jack of multiple trades to excel in this career path. Like every experience and education a web developer must have multiple skills to be successful. From web designing to linking pages into an optimized format and uploading the web, making it live…the list just doesn’t stop anytime soon!
How to be a Web Developer?
If you’re interested in shifting your career to be a versatile, modern appeasing web developer then you must read through:
1. Education
Related degree or a certification program is a must if you want to be a web developer. Unless you have mastered the fundamentals you cannot proceed to the real deal. Usually a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science includes web development and designing courses along with several web development language classes and projects that you can do to gain perfection.
2. Select your specialization
Just like being a doctor you need to evolve your expertise, here as well, you must make sure that you are specializing in one discipline. Based on your interest, take a pick between front or back end development, full stack or web designing. Gaining professional expertise in one field means mastering an art to the fullest instead of knowing little about everything.
3. Take on Projects
You must then start working on actual projects. Start slow! Take on easy projects that might require a few minutes of your time daily. Notice the different dynamics and then accelerate as your progress.
4. Keep on learning
One thing you must understand is that you should keep on learning and expanding your knowledge. Don’t stick to something that you know or are comfortable with. You must expand your circle of learning new techniques, new developmental languages.
5. Assess yourself
The best way to determine your skill set is by taking your own tests and carrying out regular assessments. This helps you develop skills and refresh the ones you already have.
6. Create your own portfolio
A solid portfolio with multi dimensional experiences from varying fields and industries shows how diverse you are. Your portfolio should reflect every skill you have learned so far.
7. The 6-month rule!
This technique is productive when you use it the smart and right way! Assign a goal to fully understand what you need to develop as your next goal. Give yourself 6 months and adopt a rigorous cycle of how and when you should implement it.
With the right skillset and experience, you will definitely become a successful web developer in no time!
What non-technical skills are required to be a web developer?
From a non-tech point of view, there are a few attributes that you must polish before taking on as an actual profession.
1. Avid Team Player
As a web developer you will be working in a team of professional employees, each will have its own expertise. There will be a constant information exchange and collaboration happening in the room, so if you are used to working in a controlled, secluded environment, you have to brush up on being able to work in a team.
2. Creative
Even though this might seem as the opposite to creativity, it isn’t! A web developer must be creative enough to create a web that entices and excites the visitor. Thinking of creative ways to generate a website is also a skill that you must fully take!
3. Communication Skills
Again, as you are collaborating with a team, you should have communication skills that please people and put your point across the team without offending anyone. Being a professional player in this regard is of high importance.
4. Attention to detail
A website is an amalgamation of many elements. You should have the keen eye to spot defects and flaws in a website. If you lack attention to detail you must practice enough that you readily spot without others pointing.
5. Problem solving
A web can encounter thousands of problems. You can get grounded due to technical faults or interpersonal skills, but you must be vivid to closely work your way around such instances. Pair it with awareness and leadership skills and you are good all the way!
6. Client focused approach
Your client is the king! Look for ways in which you can make their web experience comfortable and easily manageable. If you are developing a web that does no good to the client, they will eventually make it out of the website and probably find a customer-centered website that does create a remarkable world.
If you have successfully learned these skills and have an excellent grasp in handling projects with the given time requirements set, then you are a definite well-versed web developer already!
I am a tech savvy pen wielder who has a great interest in learning skills, gaining professional expertise and gaining knowledge through so much info on the web! A painter at heart, freelance developer at Diginerds.co and a science fanatic – but there is always more!
