Web developer: 2 words that can add a significant amount of value to your job title.
Web development is recognized for its high pay, mental stimulation, and the fact that the business is rapidly expanding, making it a good pick for a career path. It is ranked as the 8th best job in tech (with a similar role software engineer at #1). The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for web developers will grow at a rate of around 8% by 2029, which is double the national average. It’s no surprise, then, that web development credentials are becoming increasingly valuable.
There’s no doubt that this is a very appealing career path—but how do you break into such an enticing industry?
If you want a piece of the pie but don’t know where to begin, this is the recipe for you. Let’s look at the who, what, how, and why of a programming career.
1. Who is qualified to work as a web developer?
A web developer can be anyone. You don’t have to be a tech wizard or have an endless list of formal qualifications to pursue a career in web development; as long as you’re passionate about the field and willing to learn, it’s well within your reach.
That’s not to say that establishing a successful career in web development is simple. Learning the essential skills takes time and dedication, and your brain will sometimes hurt. But the point is that web development is not limited to one type of person, nor is there a clear path into the field. Anyone who wants to can do it.
2. How can I tell if a career in web development is a good fit for me?
There is no hidden secret for becoming a successful web developer—as we’ve seen, anyone can learn to code! However, if you’re a good problem solver with a knack for building and getting things to work, you’ll probably be right at home in the web development industry. You can ask yourself many questions to determine if you’re a good fit for a web development career, but if you enjoy puzzles, riddles, or logical tests, you’re likely to enjoy programming as well.
Patience and perseverance are two other tell-tale signs. While working as a web developer, you’ll spend most of your time dealing with problematic code and finding solutions.
It’s important to understand that a career in web development entails more than just sitting behind a computer and hacking away at code. You must also be an excellent communicator, especially if you are working in-house. It also helps to be able to think strategically and create solutions that benefit both the user and the business.
3. What are the essential skills for a web development qualification?
It’s important to remember what a web developer actually does as part of their day-to-day job. So, before you can call yourself a professional and begin applying for jobs, you must first master the following skills:
Languages: HTML, CSS and JavaScript
If you are not fluent in these three core languages, you will be unable to pursue a career in web development. HTML is the language used to build websites and apps; you’ll use it to describe the page’s structure. CSS is used to explain the visual presentation of these pages, determining layout, colors, and fonts, among other things. These pages are interactive thanks to the use of JavaScript. These aren’t the only programming languages—a list of the top ten can be found here—but they are the most useful for beginners.
Libraries and Frameworks: Bootstrap and jQuery
Once you’ve mastered the fundamental languages, you can begin exploring libraries and frameworks designed to simplify and accelerate the way you work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There are numerous libraries and frameworks available, but Bootstrap and jQuery are the most widely used, so knowing these two will give you a significant advantage. Bootstrap is a free, open-source front-end library that contains HTML and CSS-based design templates. It allows you to create responsive, mobile-friendly websites that look great on any device. Do you recall the programming language JavaScript? jQuery, on the other hand, is merely a JavaScript library. In its most basic form, jQuery condenses common JavaScript tasks into fewer lines of code. We’ve elaborated on the differences between the two if you want a more in-depth look.
GitHub and Git
Git is a version control system that allows you to keep track of all code changes. GitHub is essential for developers because it serves as a hosting service for your Git repository, allowing for teamwork and collaborative projects.
Optional: Design Software Sketch and Photoshop
It’s not strictly imperative to be familiar with programs like Sketch and Figma when working in web development, but it doesn’t hurt. Many front-end designers use these tools to present website mockups and prototypes, and if you ever want to work as a freelance web developer, this will undoubtedly help you.
Of course, these are only a few of the many languages, tools, and platforms that web developers work with on a regular basis. However, to begin with, it is critical to the fundamentals and walks before running!
4. Do I need a web development certification or formal qualification?
This is one of the most common concerns for people considering a career change into web development. Especially if your student days are long gone, the prospect of going back and starting over can be horrifying.
The good news is that no qualification, degree, or certification is required. You are competent to enter the world of web development as long as you can demonstrate your work and demonstrate that you have mastered the necessary practical skills!
The internet is brimming with free resources, and you can certainly get a head start by reading up on the fundamentals. One might easily get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available and have no idea where to begin. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in this field, you’ll need to organize your studies and practice on real-world projects. If you feel compelled to enter this field with some form of accreditation, consult our guide to the best web development certification programs.
A career in web development is tough and rewarding, and it is more accessible than you may think.
