According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of web developers is projected to grow 4% faster than the average growth rate of other occupations. If you are interested in working as a web developer, there is no better time than now to try it.
This article will show you how to become a web developer. You will learn what this job offers, the skills required and its advantages. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions and provide all the relevant information you may need to make up your mind.
What does a web developer do?
A web developer creates websites using various programming languages. His responsibilities include designing and developing the functionality of the site to meet user needs.
Sometimes, after the project is finished, a web developer can be in charge of maintaining the performance of the website, making updates and checking for technical problems.
Since web development covers a wide range of areas, it is divided into three specializations:
- Front End Web Developer: Responsible for the , functionality, and other client-side elements. The goal of a front-end web developer is to make a website visually appealing and fully interactive.
- Back End Web Developer: Takes care of the website infrastructure and server-side elements. A backend web developer makes sure that a website has optimal performance and all the necessary backend functionality.
- full stack web developer: covers the skills of front-end and back-end developers, as well as mastering several programming languages. A full-stack developer must also understand business logic, hosting and network environments, as well as user experience.
Benefits of being a web developer in 2021
Like any other occupation, being a web developer has its perks. If you’re still not sure if being a web developer is the right choice, check out these benefits:
- great salary. The average salary for a web developer in Spain is , with an hourly rate of €10.10. The more skills and experience you have, the higher the salary rate.
- many job opportunities. With the increasing need for digitized information, people find a website necessary, especially for a business. This increases the demand for professional web developers.
- Flexible work environment. As more and more companies switch to work from home (WFH), this job gives you the opportunity to work remotely and decide your work schedule. All you need is a laptop and a good internet connection.
- continuous improvement. Working in one of the fastest growing industries allows you to continually learn new information, be more creative and improve your problem-solving skills. This work ethic benefits both your career and your everyday life.
- Lots of side job opportunities as a web developer. Many job marketplaces, like and , offer freelance web developer jobs. In addition to earning extra money, being a freelance web programmer allows you to gain work experience much faster.
What does it take to be a web developer?
Remember that there is no set path to becoming a professional web developer. Here are general steps that can guide you in the right direction.
1. Research about web development career
Before you consolidate your career path in this field, make sure that it is what you really want. Like any other career choice, doing something you’re passionate about will improve your chances of success and the quality of your work.
Here are a couple of tips to help you decide if a web development career is right for you:
- Consider your passion. Back-end development often involves critical thinking and the need to think outside the box. Instead, front-end development is more suitable for people interested in graphic design and human behavior. Think about which option suits you best.
- Talk to a professional advisor. Consulting an expert can help you organize your career plan and identify what you need to achieve your goals. They can also help you discover alternatives that are better suited to your abilities.
- Talk with industry professionals. Experienced web developers are the best people to answer your questions and concerns about choosing this career. They can tell you how to avoid the most common mistakes most professionals make when starting out.
- Investigate the cons. Despite having a flexible work environment, a web developer tends to experience frequent eyestrain and back pain due to sitting for long periods of time. If he doesn’t seem attractive to you, this career may not be for you.
- Know the necessary tools. As software and hardware technology continually evolves, you should be prepared for tools that are expensive but necessary. Front-end developers, for example, may need to purchase graphic design software, such as and .
2. Choose a specialization in web development
Since web development has numerous fields, learning all of them will take you too much time, money and energy. With that said, the next step you need to take is to choose a specialization in web development.
First, decide if you want to be a front-end or back-end web developer. Passion plays an important role in determining the right specialization, as these areas require different skill sets.
Another point to take into account are the tools and programming languages. Becoming a front-end developer requires proficiency in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and . For its part, back-end web development often uses server-side programming languages such as , Python, and Ruby.
It’s best not to start out as a full-stack web developer as this career requires advanced coding language skills and an understanding of front-end and back-end elements. Most full-stack web developers build their portfolio as back-end developers first.
Once you’ve narrowed down your specialization, research the most widely used programming languages and software skills and choose them as your main focus of learning. Remember that certain projects often require a specific programming language.
3. Training
After familiarizing yourself with your chosen web development specialization, the next step is to dive into it. Start by taking online courses and consulting tutorials to understand how the programming languages you have focused on work.
If you know any professional web developers who are happy to share their previous projects, ask them to show you what it will be like when you become a developer. Don’t be afraid to ask him for guidance and advice to start your own web development project.
Many online learning platforms like , , and offer web development courses taught by various professional web programmers.
We recommend starting with to make your career path less financially risky in case you change your mind midway.
Alternatively, you can learn web development independently with the help of online YouTube tutorials and programming discussion forums. For example, it can help you connect with amateur and professional web developers from various specialties.
It’s good to start working on your first project during this stage as it will give you a general idea of what to expect when you pursue this professionally. This first project will be challenging but remember that practice makes perfect.
4. Attend a coding bootcamp
If learning on your own doesn’t work for you, you can sign up for a programming bootcamp. This is a 17-34 week training program that focuses on practical skills that are in high demand. Furthermore, since the program is generally intensive, it tends to produce work-ready individuals.
Another advantage of signing up for a programming bootcamp is that it is cheaper than obtaining a university degree. Each program focuses on a specific specialization, programming language, or tool, so you only learn what you pay for.
In addition, some bootcamps offer job search assistance through their association with companies in the technology sector. Other coding bootcamps offer job placement guarantees, as they will refund your upfront tuition if you can’t find a job after completing the program.
With that said, coding bootcamps do have a number of downsides. In addition to being narrow in focus, the short length of the program makes for a rigorous learning experience. If you don’t like this method of learning, this type of program may not be for you.
Some of the best coding camps in America are , and .
If you live in Europe, , and they may be more suitable. Most bootcamps also offer online courses.
Since there are several types of coding bootcamps, here are some factors to consider when choosing one:
- intensity level. Part-time bootcamps last longer than full-time ones because they run in the evenings and on weekends. This allows people with other priorities to participate at a slower pace.
- Accessibility. An in-person bootcamp provides hands-on learning, while an online bootcamp offers more options regardless of your location. On the other hand, tailored programs are better for beginners with a specific learning style that requires flexibility.
- Experience. Be sure to check the bootcamp level requirements to ease your learning process. Start with beginner level programs until you master the basics, then move on to the next level to gradually deepen your skills.
- Tuition. Many bootcamps offer Revenue Sharing Agreements (ISAs), where the program fee will depend on the person’s salary rate after completing the course. However, a large number of bootcamps continue to offer their programs for a one-time fee.
- Type of course. Be sure to review the program’s learning materials before joining one. As mentioned above, most bootcamps only focus on specific aspects of web development.
- Tutor. Since coding bootcamps don’t have fixed curricula like traditional schools, there is very little control over certification requirements for tutors. Do not hesitate to contact the organizer of the bootcamp…
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