HOW TO BECOME A WEB DEVELOPER IN 2023: A QUICK GUIDE

As the world continues to become more digital, the demand for web developers is constantly growing. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for a change, becoming a web developer can be an excellent choice.

However, the process of becoming a web developer can seem daunting, with so many programming languages, frameworks, and tools to learn. In this blog post, we will break down the steps to becoming a web developer and provide you with some valuable tips and resources along the way. By the end of this post, you will have a clear roadmap to follow and be well on your way to starting your career as a web developer.

So, let’s get started on this exciting journey of becoming a web developer!

The Web as I envisaged it, we have not seen it yet. The future is still so much bigger than the past.
Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of the World Wide Web.

Who is a web developer?

A web developer is a professional who specializes in the development and maintenance of websites and web-based applications. They use programming languages, frameworks, and tools to create the visual elements and functionality of a website. Web developers work on both the front-end and back-end of a website, which includes designing and coding web pages, creating databases, and managing server infrastructure.

Web developers use various programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to create the layout and design of a website. They also use frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js to create complex web applications more efficiently. Web developers use server-side languages like PHP, Python, and Ruby on Rails to develop the back-end of a website, which includes managing databases and server infrastructure.

In addition to technical skills, web developers also need to have strong problem-solving and communication skills. They need to work collaboratively with designers, project managers, and other developers to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the client.

The demand for web developers continues to grow as more businesses and individuals are looking to establish an online presence. Web developers can work in a variety of settings, including software development companies, marketing agencies, and freelance projects.

To become a web developer, you need to have a solid foundation in programming and web development concepts. You can start by learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are the three core languages of web development. You can also learn popular frameworks like React and Angular, which can make the development process faster and more efficient.

What is web development?

Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites, web applications, and other digital services. Web development involves various aspects, including web design, front-end development, back-end development, and server management. A web developer is someone who specializes in the development of web-based applications and websites. They use programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the visual elements of a website and make it functional.

Web development has become an essential part of the digital world, as more businesses and individuals are shifting towards an online presence. As such, the demand for web developers has increased significantly in recent years. Becoming a web developer can be a rewarding career path, with opportunities for growth and high-paying jobs.

Websites are built either using codes from different programming languages or with a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress which powers 35% of the internet.

Types of Web development

Web development is a broad field that encompasses several types of web development. Web developers specialize in different areas of web development based on their skills and interests. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of web development.

1. Frontend web development:

Front-end development focuses on the visual aspects of a website, including its layout, design, and user interface. Front-end developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the visual elements of a website that users see and interact with.

What is HTML?

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. This is the standard language for creating web pages which consist of a series of elements that tells the web browser how to display the contents.

HTML can also be called the backbone for all web pages

These elements include headings, paragraphs, links, buttons e.t.c

What is CSS?

CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheet. This takes care of the look and feel of a website. It is the language that is used to style our HTML Documents and also determines how HTML elements are being displayed on the web. This styling includes the background color, text color, fonts (font family, font size), etc.

What is Javascript?

This is the world’s most popular programming language. Javascript is known to be the programming language for the web. It adds functionality to the websites and also makes the website interactive for the users.

It was invented by Brendan Eich (co-founder of the Mozilla project, the Mozilla Foundation, and the Mozilla Corporation).

Javascript is an easy programming language to understand but it requires a lot of hard work and dedication (you never stop learning). Javascript is unique in such a way that it can be used as a backend programming language.

Javascript has given birth to popular frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.js, etc.

After learning how to build websites using basic HTML, CSS, and Javascript you will have to pick a Javascript framework either Angular, React, or Vue to further advance your career path.

Learn Front-End Development Here

2. Back-end development

Back-end development is an essential part of web development that involves the server-side of a website. Back-end developers use programming languages like PHP, Python, and Ruby on Rails to manage data and handle server requests. They are responsible for creating and managing databases, web servers, and APIs that support the functionality of a website.

Back-end developers work closely with front-end developers to ensure that the website’s functionality aligns with the design and user interface. They also ensure that the website’s server infrastructure is secure and optimized for speed and performance. Back-end developers typically work on complex web applications that require a high level of data processing and management.

Back-end development is a crucial aspect of web development that enables websites to handle complex data processing and server requests. Back-end developers are highly skilled professionals who are proficient in programming languages and tools that manage server infrastructure and databases. If you are interested in becoming a back-end developer, it is recommended to gain experience working with server-side programming languages and tools and develop a strong understanding of web development principles. Back-end development can be a challenging and rewarding career path for those with a passion for web development.

Learn Back-end Development Here

3. Full-stack development

Full-stack development involves working on both the front-end and back-end of a website. Full-stack developers have a broad understanding of web development concepts and can handle all aspects of web development. They are proficient in both client-side and server-side programming languages and can manage databases, server infrastructure, and web hosting.

Full-stack developers typically have experience working with frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js for front-end development and platforms like Node.js, Ruby on Rails, and Django for back-end development. They also have experience working with databases like MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL. Full-stack development requires a strong understanding of web development principles, as well as the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and programming languages.

Full-stack development is a valuable skill for web developers who want to be proficient in all aspects of web development. Full-stack developers are in high demand as they have a broad skill set and can handle all stages of web development. If you are interested in becoming a full-stack developer, it is recommended to gain experience working with both front-end and back-end frameworks and tools to build a well-rounded skill set.

We also have Content Management System (CMS) development:
CMS development involves creating websites and web applications using content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. CMS developers create custom themes, plugins, and modules to extend the functionality of these platforms. Here, you don’t need to write a line of code to build a website

How long will it take for me to become a web developer?

The time it takes to become a web developer varies based on individual factors such as prior experience, level of commitment, and the specific skill set needed for the desired role. Some people may become web developers within a few months, while others may take years to develop the necessary skills.

Where can I learn web development?

There are many resources available for learning web development, including online courses, coding boot camps, and formal education programs. Some popular online platforms for learning web development include:

YouTube channels I also recommend to help you get started

If you want to become a Full Stack Developer, you might consider taking these courses:

These platforms offer courses and tutorials on various programming languages, frameworks, and tools used in web development.

In conclusion, becoming a web developer requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and a passion for problem-solving. With the right mindset and resources, anyone can learn to become a web developer. Whether you choose to pursue formal education, attend a coding boot camp, or teach yourself through online resources, consistent practice, and dedication are key to developing the skills necessary to become a successful web developer.

To become a web developer, you will need to learn programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development and other programming languages like PHP, Python, or Ruby on Rails for back-end development. You may also need to learn other technologies such as databases, server infrastructure, and web hosting. The more skills you develop, the more valuable you will be as a web developer, and the more opportunities you will have to pursue a rewarding career in web development.

If you find this post helpful, please share it with others and if you have any questions you can kindly drop them in the comment section.