Web developers build websites and ensure they perform reliably and efficiently. Learn more about this critical role in the tech industry and how to get started.
What is web development? Web development involves creating websites that are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and perform efficiently. Beyond design, many web developers are also responsible for ensuring the website’s performance and capacity.
Types of web developers Web developers typically fall into one of three categories: back-end developers, front-end developers, and full-stack developers. Additionally, some web developers work as webmasters. Here’s a closer look at each role:
- Back-end web developers create the website’s structure, write code, and ensure the code functions correctly. They also manage access points for others who need to handle a website’s content.
- Front-end web developers focus on the visual aspects of the website—the pages that visitors see and interact with (user interface). They design the layout, integrate graphics, and use HTML and JavaScript to enhance the site.
- Full-stack developers handle both back-end and front-end tasks. They have the skills to build a complete website and are often employed by organizations that do not have the budget for a large web development team. If you’re interested in full-stack web development, consider earning IBM’s Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate.
- Webmasters are essentially website managers. Their primary responsibility is to keep the website updated, ensuring that links and applications on each page work properly.
Web developer tasks and responsibilities As a web developer, you might work for a company, agency, or as a freelancer. Your daily tasks can vary, but generally include:
- Designing user interfaces and navigation menus
- Writing and reviewing code for websites, typically in HTML, XML, or JavaScript
- Integrating multimedia content onto a site
- Testing web applications
- Troubleshooting performance or user experience issues
- Collaborating with designers, developers, and stakeholders
Web developer career path Many web developers start with a single focus, such as front-end or back-end development. Over time, they might move on to full-stack development or explore related fields like project management, computer programming, or graphic design.
How much do web developers make? Web developers enjoy competitive salaries in the tech industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), salaries vary based on factors such as location, industry, and experience. Additionally, BLS projects significant industry growth for web developers from 2022 to 2032, driven largely by the expansion of e-commerce.
How to become a web developer Formal education isn’t always necessary to become an entry-level web developer. Some developers have degrees in website design or computer science, while others are self-taught. While a degree can be beneficial, a strong portfolio is often more important in demonstrating your skills to potential employers. Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Build web developer skills.
- Technical skills: Learn coding languages such as HTML, PHP, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end design. For back-end development, consider languages like Python, Java, or Ruby.
- Responsive design: Create sites that look good on all devices, from smartphones to desktops.
- Technical SEO: Understand how website design affects search engine rankings.
- Version control: Use tools to track and control changes to the source code.
- Visual design: Apply basic design principles, such as white space usage, font selection, and image integration.
- Workplace skills:
- Communication: Effectively discuss design ideas with clients and team members.
- Customer service: Focus on client needs to deliver the best results.
- Detail-oriented: Pay attention to small details in code that can impact website performance.
- Organization: Manage deadlines, tasks, workflow, and budgets efficiently.
- Problem-solving: Identify and resolve design or coding issues methodically.
- Consider a degree in computer science or web design.
- While not always required, a degree can help. For back-end development, a computer science degree is beneficial. For front-end development, consider degrees in web design or user experience (UX).
- Take a course in web development.
- Formal training isn’t always necessary. You can take courses in programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, or CSS and practice on your own projects.
- Build a portfolio of web development work.
- A portfolio is crucial for showcasing your capabilities. Include projects that represent the work you want to do and annotate your code to explain your thought process.
- Get certified.
- Certifications can validate your skills to employers. There are various general and vendor-specific certifications available to enhance your credibility.
By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation for a successful career in web development.
