How to become a web developer | Complete Guide

The British Chamber of Commerce found that more than 75% of UK businesses face an electronic skills shortage, so a lifetime career in web development may be lucrative, along with flexible.

Businesses based across Hertfordshire are needing experienced digital professionals, causeing the the ideal time and energy to look at a career in web development.

Whether you’re choosing your future school exam options, you’ve just graduated or you need to retrain in a futureproof industry, by following the steps inside our essential guide you are able to begin to plan your career as a web developer. Alternatively, you can take a website developer course or contact us today for any web design Hertfordshire-related questions and queries.

What does a web developer do?

Also called web programmers or web coders, web developers essentially make a website work by building the functionality, interactivity and visible structure of your website, normally based on the vision of designers and other key roles.

Web developers will also be accountable for ensuring a site functions correctly on all browsers – both desktop and mobile – through testing. Once a site is live, a developer carries out  updates and other maintenance tasks as necessary.

What is the difference between a web developer and a web designer ?

While the roles of web developers and web designers are interdependent, they are also completely different in terms of their required skill sets and duties.

Web designers create the aesthetic components of a site, including all visuals, graphics and imagery. The usage of image editing software such as Photoshop is key to their role.

Web designers are responsible for multiple tasks, including prototyping, creating UI design, and collaborating with their team to develop a product that really meets the market’s needs. For higher efficiency, Mockplus is a must-have tool for them to handle all this work in one place.

Web developers take the internet site design created by a web designer, then make a functioning website from it.

Web developers may be split into two different aspects of responsibilities and skills – frontend and backend. Frontend developers concentrate on programming languages such as HTML, CSS and Javascript to generate the visual and interactive areas of a website – essentially the parts you are able to see.

Backend developers are accountable for creating the logic that runs on a server which typically involves communicating with a database and manipulating data, before passing it back to the browser and presenting to the user. Typical programming languages used are PHP, Ruby, ASP are SQL.

Inside an agency, the roles tend to check out a framework:

• Creatives – also called web designers, accountable for design work, using software such as Photoshop and Sketch
• UID – User Interface developers – also called frontend developers. Using HTML, CSS and Javascript, they’ll create interactivity including mouseovers, on screen validation and interactivity
• Backend developers – write code which interprets user input and either stores it to a database or performs functions on the input such as calculation libraries or templating systems
• Most modern sites will demand both backend and frontend development. Backend technologies include languages like C# and sit in frameworks such as the .Net framework

Web developers don’t have to be designers and vice versa, however by addressing grips with user experience design, you’ll understand how a website is likely to work in order to function properly.

While it may seem such as the code languages tend to be more difficult to get at grips with than French, German or Spanish, after you have mastered the fundamentals they become a whole lot more accessible.

What qualifications do you need to become a web developer ?

While there are no formal or specific qualifications required to become a web developer , a numerate degree in an interest such as maths or science is going to be useful.

It’s also wise to ideally have an aptitude for – or connection with – elements such as:

• User experience (UX)
• Interface (UI)
• Visual design
• Coding languages including HTML and CSS
• Frontend web programing languages and skills such as JavaScript, Ajax and web animation techniques
• Backend web programing languages such as C# or Java, PHP and Ruby
• Design software like Photoshop and Illustrator and Sketch
• An comprehension of SEO
• Web servers and how they function

A lifetime career as a web developer is quite specialised. While programs such as Adobe Dreamweaver and platforms such as WordPress are often perceived to take the area of core coding skills – and they do indeed allow novice users to generate sites with basic knowledge – developing sites for corporate clients requires high levels of customisation which cannot be met with the usage of programs such as Adobe Dreamweaver, as web developers are expected to code in the raw language of the web.

A portfolio of your projects is a perfect solution to demonstrate your skills as a developer. Aim to include:

1. Examples of websites you’ve worked on – this enables you to share the job you’ve completed and helps to show prospective clients what you can do
2. Testimonials from clients you’ve previously caused – this may reassure prospective clients that you’ve completed work for other clients and they were satisfied with what you delivered. Always ask any clients you work for to supply a testimonial as soon as you complete a project
3. Your USPs – here is the ideal way to really sell yourself to prospective clients, showing why is you stand out and why they will choose you over other developers
4. Your contact details – your name, email, telephone number and social media marketing handles, plus a connect to your portfolio

Resources you may find helpful in building your portfolio include:

• Sitepoint- tips on how best to produce a portfolio site to obtain you hired
• Codementor – advice on elements you should always include in your portfolio

If you are considering which subjects may stand you in good stead for a lifetime career in web development , consider numeracy-based subjects such as maths or science, plus subjects such as computer science.

What skills do you need to become a web developer ?

Key skills to be successful in web development include:

• Computer literacy
• Strong numeracy skills
• Strong creative ability
• Awareness of detail
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• A logical approach to work
• The ability to explain technical matters clearly
• A keen interest in technology

Ongoing self-learning is key to developing in a web development role, in order to stay current with ever more frequent technological advancements and updates.

How much do web developers earn?

While there is no specific salary and what you earn will depend upon experience and expertise, the average salary for a web developer typically sits between £18k for anyone just beginning their career and £40k for individuals who are well established.

Self-employed web developers set their very own rates, typically by the hour or by the project.

What’re the daily duties of a web developer ?

While your exact duties will depend upon the sites you’re building and the kind of company for that you work, the typical daily tasks of a web developer generally involve:

• Meeting clients to ascertain what they want from their site
• Creating design frameworks
• Wireframing pages, positioning CTAs, links and imagery
• Adding multimedia features like sound, animation and video if applicable
• Ensuring your website is responsive, to render properly on all devices
• Testing and improving the functionality and rendering of your website
• Uploading your website to a designated server

Why should you select a lifetime career in web development ?

A lifetime career as a web developer is appealing for several reasons, including:

1. You will be working in the ever-developing digital industry, which can be continuing to expand and evolve
2. You can be as creative as you wish – from websites to apps and emails, you can produce incredible designs
3. You are able to work abroad – web development skills are highly transferable, ensuring you are able to work in just about any country you select
4. You are able to work flexibly – if you select to act as a freelance web developer , you are able to specify your own hours, plus your fee

Web developer career progression

How you develop your career in web development depends on your chosen area of specialism.

There are three aspects of specialism within web development :

1. Frontend development – the ‘frontend’identifies elements on an internet site that you see and talk with, like a search box and your website navigation
2. Backend development – the ‘backend’is essential to ensure an internet site has the capacity to function. It offers elements such as servers and databases
3. Full stack development – this encompasses both backend and frontend development but has become less popular as a expands and there’s a better specialism in frontend or backend development

Deciding the sort of role you’d prefer to work in is effective in determining where you take your career, as you may either be situated in a large company or perhaps a small consultancy. If you don’t need to benefit either, you may choose to work freelance or even create your personal business, after you have sufficient experience.

With experience, a web developer could progress to become technical lead, then the technical architect. You might choose to become web content manager or a style team manager, or alternatively you may specialise in a signal language, which would enable you to focus on one area of development. An over-all knowledge of all different code languages will equip you to work on most platforms.

Just how do I begin beginning a career in web development ?

Should you select web development is the perfect career for you, why not consider work experience as your first port of call, perfect for all Hertfordshire-based students looking for their first taste of web development and the wider industry.

Ruby is an excellent entry-level programming language for novices, perfect for beginning to familiarise yourself with the core concepts that are present in all programming languages. Javascript can also be a straightforward program to access grips with and it’s high demand within a, with many client frameworks reliant on it.

For further information on  specific programs, courses and industry-relevant advice, visit:

• Code School – where you can learn to code with a selection of courses and tutorials
• Treehouse – learn the fundamentals of coding and design with a free 7 day trial
• Lynda – an online portal where you can learn at your personal pace
• Code First Girls – a women-only coding school which provides night classes

Meet ups are ideal if you are beginning a career as a web developer , as they provide the chance to keep up to date with the most recent trends and technology.

Networking events are the perfect opportunity to generally meet prospective clients and grow your reputation in the market in the event that you are a freelance web developer. Also, you can consider using the help of a recruitment agency which could help you get past the application process and secure the perfect role as a freelance developer.

Try to attend several networking events each month to be able to meet potential clients. Even if nothing comes of the function at the time, you may find an opportunity arises further down the line.