Is Web Development Fun: How Do I Know It's for Me?

The internet has really grown over the recent years. Today, there are billions of websites online and thousands of new ones are being launched daily. Web developers, also referred to as front-end, back-end, or full stack developers, are responsible for creating these websites. They make use of static visual designs and turn them into working websites that people can visit and interact with.

Outlook for Web Developers

Websites are increasingly becoming complex and advanced. Every business is looking to make a strong statement through web presence to effectively engage their target audiences. Websites today use the latest multimedia, e-commerce, and superior engagement tools to draw traffic and keep visitors returning for more. 

If you want to venture into this dynamic field, you need the right education, the right soft skills, and the creativity and technical know-how to create fun and functional websites for customers. Let's take a look at what it's like to be a web developer.

What it is Like to Work as a Web Developer?

Web developers build websites using more advanced tools than the simple template-based blog sites you can create on your own. It's kind of like the difference between making boxed mac & cheese vs homemade fettuccine alfredo. They're both cheesy pasta, but they're not really on the same level. 

Web developers utilize high-level coding skills to build websites or web-based applications from scratch. These apps can be used to input and output data, animate content, store information, process payments, or interact with other websites and social media apps.

Web developers may be present in client meetings to learn the specs of the website they're expected to build. Solid communication skills and organized note-taking can be helpful when determining project scope, client deliverables, and compliance requirements for the industry and the internet as a whole. That's without even considering the website design, platform, or content! 

Web developers often collaborate with graphic designers, project managers, copywriters, marketers, and other stakeholders. A website can be many things and serve many needs, including sales tool, retail platform, brand awareness, business front, and so much more. What's more, the developer must compile all this input and deliver a fully-functional product within a specified timeframe and budget. 

After completed and launched, web developers may stay on retainer to maintain, update, or troubleshoot the website as needed. Web developers must be able to work as part of a team, as well as independently. 

Skills Required in Web Development 

To build your future in web development, you’ll need to learn three major programming languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There is much more to learn, but these three are mandatory to be considered a developer. 

HTML

Hyper Text Markup Language, simply referred to as HTML, is a markup language that describes the basic building blocks of a website. This language tells a computer how to present data as part of a webpage. Every website in existence is an HTML file--yes, this one, too! 

The HTMP code includes tags that direct browsers on how to render data on various device screens. This language informs the monitor when certain content parts like paragraphs and images begin and end. Web developers use HTMP language to write simple web pages.

CSS

CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, come in handy when creating layouts and presentations for websites. If you want your website to have a default font or background color, you define it in the CSS. 

CSS changes can adjust the color, fonts, and layout of a webpage. CSS is also useful when adapting content to suit different screen sizes and devices. As more and more users are browsing the internet from a small mobile phone screen, this has become one of the most important part of website development. If your website is not responsive (meaning it adjusts to fit the screen size) users will have a tough time using it. CSS can help developers build mobile-responsive websites. 

JavaScript

HTML and CSS can help you create an exciting website, but it will be static--unchanging. To make it more dynamic, you might need to add some interactivity like news feeds, videos, or animations. JavaScript is great at communicating with your browser and telling it how to respond when users take certain actions, without having to consult the server. This saves time, improves usability, and gives web developers more control over the website.

Web Developer Challenges

One of the biggest challenges for most web developers is explaining technical ideas to non-technical individuals--this can include clients, coworkers, even supervisors. It requires a lot of patience and excellent communication skills to make sure everyone is on the same page. You'll need to learn the art of breaking down technical aspects of web development into simpler pieces that are easy to understand.

Are you interested in web design and development? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development - Web Design and Development Track, ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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