Have you ever wondered who makes websites? The correct answer is web developer. Yes, a web developer is a person who uses his technical skills to develop and maintain websites.
If you love problem solving, being creative, and keeping up with the latest technology trends, working as a web developer is the right career choice for you.
You don’t need to worry about where to start learning. In this article, we’ll look at what a web developer is, including the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful web developer. Now, let’s read the article!
What is a web developer?
A web developer is a programmer whose job is to create and develop websites or the World Wide Web.
Typically, a web developer’s responsibilities are to create websites or applications and maintain optimal website performance.
However, the scope of this profession is wide. Therefore, types of web developers are categorized based on the role and discipline they master.
- Back end developer. I am a web developer responsible for server related work. They are responsible for ensuring that access to the website is always fast, secure and appropriate for its intended use. Front end developer. Website interface design. The goal is for your site to look and function and be easy for visitors to use. Full stack developer. Web developers perform front-end and back-end tasks simultaneously. A full-stack developer must be able to create the appearance and functionality of a website while increasing speed and security on the server side.
Once you understand the meaning of web developer, you will be more curious about the responsibilities and obligations of a web developer, right? Let’s move on to the next discussion.
Web Developer Responsibilities and Obligations
Web developers are tasked with programming and designing and developing websites using one or more programming languages. Programming is the process of writing code to create a website.
A web developer’s responsibilities also include the smooth functioning of the website and user experience. More broadly, a web developer’s responsibilities and duties include:
1. Design site logic
Web Developer Type: Backend Developer
Web developers are tasked with designing website logic based on the type of website being created. For example, to create an online shop, a developer might create a flow that guides each visitor to create an account or log in before finally selecting a product and paying.
2. Build a database
Web Developer Type: Backend Developer
In addition to website logic, web developers also build databases. A database is a place to store data such as various website images, product information, visitor accounts, and order information. Apart from that, developers must also manage the database so as not to burden website performance.
3. Website exterior design
Web Developer Type: Front-end developer
Designing a website interface is one of the tasks of a front-end developer. The goal is for your site to look and function and be easy for visitors to use. Apart from that, front-end developers must ensure that the website has a responsive screen so that it looks stylish on computer, smartphone and tablet screens.
4. Location testing
Web Developer Type: Front-end developer
After successfully creating a website, the web developer must also carry out regular testing, also known as a usability test. Maximize the user or visitor experience with website usability testing capabilities. A good user experience will make your visitors happy when they visit your website.
5. Find and fix site security vulnerabilities.
Web Developer Type: Backend Developer
To reduce the risk of cybercrime, web developers should scan websites and servers for vulnerabilities and fix them according to cybersecurity rules. Therefore, your site will always be safe from hacker attacks and the trust of your visitors will be maintained.
Skills a web developer must have
What do I need to learn to become a web developer? Of course, you must understand SEO technology, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and be proficient in various programming languages.
More specifically, here are some skills that a web developer must master:
1. Have HTML/CSS and Javascript skills.
Whatever type of web developer you are, mastering a coding language is still necessary. Because this is the basis for creating website pages. Markup languages you can learn include:
- HTML is a language for creating web pages and inserting content such as paragraphs, titles, and images into the page. CSS is a language for defining the appearance of text, buttons and other elements on web pages. JavaScript is a language used to create interactive and customizable content such as image sliders, animations, and pop-ups.
2. Learn how to create mobile-friendly designs
One of the main indicators of whether a website is good or not is its design. If your website design is not mobile friendly, it is likely to perform poorly and compromise user experience.
This means that it is important for web developers to know how to make a website mobile friendly. So your website can look good on all types of devices.
3. Proficiency in a specific programming language
To become a skilled web developer, you must have a programming language that you master. Is it Python, SQL, Java, etc.
It doesn’t have to be everything, and there’s no harm in learning a specific programming language. You can modify it according to your interests, the type of web developer you want, and the needs of the website you are working on.
4. Various web developer tools available.
There are many tools that web developers need to implement programming languages or facilitate performance.
Web developers need a website to store and manage their code to facilitate project collaboration. Apart from that, it also prevents code changes that can damage the original code. For example GitHub.
Additionally, web developers should also be able to use frameworks depending on the programming language required. An example of a framework is Laravel which carries out the task of developing websites using the PHP programming language.
5. Understand SEO
Because the main goal of a web developer is to create websites, that means you need to learn SEO (search engine optimization).
Understanding SEO allows web developers to design websites according to SEO rules. You want your website to appear on the first page of Google and have greater potential to drive more traffic.
How to become a web developer?
Do you know the various skills a web developer should have, but are still confused about where to start? To become a web developer, follow these steps:
1. Determine your specialty
The first step is to determine your specialty. It is best to choose the type of developer that suits your interests.
For example, if you are interested in website design, you could focus on becoming a front-end web developer. Or, if you like server administration, learn how to become a backend developer.
By deciding what kind of developer you want to be, you will be able to achieve your goals without worrying about giving up on learning because it is difficult.
2. Obtain a formal university qualification
The next step in becoming a web developer is deciding where to get your knowledge. To learn how to become a web developer, you have at least three options: college, online courses, and bootcamps.
Ideally, you should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in web design or computer science. Although it may take a while, you can get a bachelor’s degree, which is important for applying to top companies.
It doesn’t end here, putting your web development knowledge into practice is the next step. For example, taking part in a training program offered by a company or university. Your experience during your internship can be the foundation of your future career.
3. Expand knowledge through online courses
Even though studying is the main choice, there is no harm in studying independently. The fact that more and more web developers have the ability to learn on their own is proof of this.
The most important thing in creating a website is the final result of your work. So, as long as you have enough skills to create a good website, you can get a job or get a lot of projects.
There are many platforms you can use to learn. Examples include Codeacademy, freeCodeCamp, Coursera, Udemy, etc. But keep in mind that the structure of online courses is not as elegant as a college curriculum. So, you have to wisely choose the one that suits your technology needs.
4. Participate in boot camps and get certified
If you feel like studying on your own is less effective, sign up for a more intensive developer bootcamp. In a few weeks, you and the other participants will learn how to be guided by more than one teacher, so you can ask questions and discuss more often.
Bootcamp certifications can also be trusted when applying for jobs. If you haven’t had time to go to college, this degree could be the key to starting a career as a web developer.
In addition, some bootcamps have partnerships with IT companies. So this can help you get a job. In fact, some of them guarantee that you will work straight away after completing the tutorial.
5. Create a wallet
Your portfolio will showcase a collection of your best work as a web developer. Your portfolio should demonstrate your skills and expertise as a web developer.
Portfolio content can be personal projects or websites you worked on during your internship or at a previous job.
If possible, showcase your business on different types of websites. This can open up opportunities to get involved in wider web development projects.
What are the advantages of being a web developer?
With the many responsibilities involved in website development, what are the advantages of being a web developer?
1. High salary
You may be wondering: How much do web developers make?
The average web developer salary is $81,957 per year. Of course, this is an important consideration if you want to pursue this career.
Apart from that, your experience in the world of website creation also influences the amount of income offered. The more flying hours and portfolio you have on various projects, the greater your earning potential.
2. The need for web developers is increasing.
Web developer jobs have a bright future as the demand for them continues to increase. In fact, the demand for web developers is expected to grow 15% between 2020 and 2030.
This is not surprising, considering the growing awareness of the importance of websites as online identities. Businesses, organizations, and individuals still need web production services to reach their audiences.
3. Work flexibility
Do you feel the office atmosphere? Or do you prefer to work from home because you want to achieve work-life balance?
Web developers can easily do whatever they want. With the basic requirements for connectivity and a capable computer, web developers can work from anywhere.
Interestingly, web developers don’t have to work at just one company. You can work as a freelancer by working on projects for various clients, including international clients.
Do you want to become a web developer?
Now you know what a web developer is, right? you’re right. People who create websites are called web developers. Web developer is a career with great prospects both now and in the future. Because so many people need his expertise.
If you want to become a web developer, first choose the field that interests you. Do you want to be a front-end, back-end, or full-stack web developer?
Whatever you choose, don’t forget to improve your skills through real-world practice experiences. The easiest way is to apply your knowledge by modifying your hosting and creating a website. Even if you’re just trying it out, don’t choose hosting carelessly. Hosting problems often occur so they can disrupt your learning process.
