Most, if not all, businesses need to have an online presence today. Especially with the pandemic, businesses are pivoting to online operations to survive this contactless era. That’s why companies are looking for web developers who can create their online store to their specifications.
So if you have the skills, web development is in-demand more than ever.
What is Web Development?
Web development is the process of creating a website that is executed in a web browser. You use code to develop a series of web pages that can attract customers or readers. And these websites should be easy to navigate.
There are three primary codes for web development. These are client-side scripting (what clients see when they visit the website), server-side scripting (back-end mechanics that ensures the website works), and database.
Based on these aspects, there are different types of web developers. And here are the three general classifications.
Front-end Web Developers
Front-end web developers are tasked to develop the “front” or the face of the website. It’s what you see when you open a website. It’s where the developers implement the web design into code. And incorporate data, design, content, and functionality for the end-users.
The most common tools used for front-end development are HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
Back-end Web Developers
Websites are more than just what you see at face. Mechanisms are working at the back-end that makes the website operations smooth running. And back-end developers are responsible for this.
Back-end developers programs and maintains servers, applications, and databases. They ensure the sites responsiveness, stability, and speed. These components are then synchronized with the front-end elements to have a seamless user experience.
Also, back-end developers debug and test the back-end for risks and errors for continuous operations. After all, a little downtime might mean thousands of dollars lost for some companies.
Most back-end developers are adept in programming languages such as Java, PHP, Ruby on Rails, Python, and .Net.
Full-Stack Web Developer
Front-end and back-end development are different disciplines. They have to work hand-in-hand to create the best experience for your clients. What if you can hire one point person to guide the process? There are actually full-stack developers for your cause!
Full-stack developers are adept in both front-end and back-end development. They can work with cross-functionality depending on the client’s specifications. And with this, the flow of data will be cohesive since one handles both aspects (usually with a team helping out).
So what are the skills needed to become a sought-after web developer? Here are 7 essential skills you should know about.
Technical Knowledge
It’s quite obvious. But you need to have the technical knowledge to create something from scratch. Web development is not easy. There are numerous programming languages available. Which is the best for your client’s needs and resources?
Attention to detail
Every web developer should have attention to detail. One wrong line of code will render some websites unusable. So you should be wary when you create code. And in cases that the errors are there, you should know how to spot and correct them.
Analytical
Attention to detail is coupled with the web developer’s analytical skills. Based on the requirements, how will you code the website? What is the best way that can make it usable but easy to navigate? How can it work well with SEO rankings?
You need to balance these things in mind and analyze the best course of action.
Creativity
A fully functional website wouldn’t matter if it’s not aesthetically pleasing. Most people on the web have a fleeting attention span. In fact, attention span dropped to around 8 seconds in our time. How can you catch their attention? That’s why web developers should also have creativity.
And not just front-end developers. Back-end developers should also acquire this skill to assist the front-end properly. They should know what mechanism can work well with the design.
Communication Skills
Web developers rarely work alone. They work with a team to create the best output possible. But a lot of web developers don’t have communication skills.
To stand out among the rest, you should know how to deal with people. How can you collaborate, both synchronously and asynchronously? In this way, you can have a harmonious workflow between you and your colleagues.
Patience
We can all make mistakes. With all the code written, sometimes we overlook critical components. These bugs and errors can be quite frustrating.
You should have the patience to push through. You should know how to step back first and try again.
Up-to-date with a Learning Attitude
The web development field is evolving every single day. There are new languages and innovations discovered to make things easier for both the end-users and the developers. As a sought-after web developer, you should know these updates.
You should be up-to-date with the latest trends and technological advancements in your field. You should also learn new things an upgrade your craft.
In this way, you can apply web development that’s future-proof for your clients.
Conclusion
Do you have all the skills listed above? The good thing is you can start with what you have now and work your way up the top!
If you’re looking for opportunities in this field, check out this link. Good luck!
