web developer skills

What is Web Development?

Web Development is creating websites or `web applications using various markup and programming languages that users can access over the internet.

It involves designing and developing the front end of the website, which is that part of the web which the end users see and interact with. And the backend of the website, primarily deals with the server-side logic, maintaining the user data, etc. things.

Web Development generally (specifically its front-end part) involves creating web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML is used to structure or skeletonize the website, and CSS defines its layout, making it appear visually better. And JavaScript is finally used to add interactivity and functionality to statically existing web pages.

Along with the traditional way of creating web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Websites can also be developed using various web frameworks, which offer excellent performance and easiness to build web pages in often less time.

Who is a Web Developer?

Now, who is a web developer? A Web Developer is a programmer specializing in creating websites and web applications. Web Developers use their skills to develop functional, visually great, and user-friendly websites.

They use various tools and frameworks to create web pages more efficiently. These tools often help automate repetitive tasks and ensure the code written is efficient, performant, and correct.

A web developer also tests and debugs websites to ensure all their functionalities are working correctly and error-free. They also work at some level of website security to develop vulnerability-free websites. Although Web Application Security is an entirely different area and comes under the Cyber Security domain, having a brief overview of the topics surely helps.

What are the Day-to-day Duties of a Web Developer?

Although the day-to-day duties of a web developer may vary depending on their specific role, projects they are assigned, the type of organization they work for, etc. factors. However, some everyday tasks a web developer may perform are:

1. Developing and Maintaining Websites - One of the primary responsibilities of a web developer is to build and maintain websites. This includes creating the website's structure, layout, user interface, and functionality using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or with the help of various front-end frameworks.

2. Collaborate with UI designers - Web Developers work closely with designers to bring the website's design to life. They translate the designed UI into a fully functional website, and in the process, they ensure that the design elements are adequately implemented and properly optimized for the web. They may also suggest some of their inputs to the designers to improve the website.

3. Writing and Testing code - Web developers write and periodically test their or other developers' code to ensure that a website functions correctly and is error-free. In addition, they may use various debugging tools to troubleshoot problems and ensure the website runs smoothly. They also use version control systems like git to manage and track changes made to the codebase.

4. Update and Maintain Websites - Web Developers are responsible for maintaining the websites, ensuring they are up-to-date and functioning correctly. This involves adding new features, fixing known bugs, and ensuring the website is appropriately optimized for search engines.

5. Work with Web Frameworks and Content Management Systems - Web Developers use various web frameworks like React, Angular, Vue, Swelte, etc., and Content Management Systems like WordPress to create websites more efficiently. Therefore, they are expected to be familiar with these tools and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the web development field.

6. Collaborate with other Team Members - Web Developers will often work in a team with other team members. All of them may not be developers. They may include project managers, marketers, content creators, designers, etc., so they must be able to work effectively in a team environment, communicating properly` to meet the desired outcome.

Web Developer Skills

To become a successful web developer, one will need a combination of technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. In addition, web Development is a constantly evolving field, and staying up to date with the latest technologies is an essential factor here. Here are some of the critical skills that are required for a web developer:

Front-end Skills

Front-end means the part in which users interact on a website. It primarily comprises -

HTML - HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is a standard markup language for creating web pages. It is the foundation of any web page. It provides the structure of the website using a series of tags like headings, paragraphs, images, and other necessary elements. It is also used to create links to other `web pages etc.

CSS - CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to style the web page structure, which we create using HTML. It controls the web page's layout, colors, fonts, and other design elements. CSS is often used to create a responsive design that auto-adjusts to different screen sizes and devices; if you have ever wondered how a website looks great on your laptop and mobile phone, it's because of the CSS.

JavaScript - JavaScript is a scripting/programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to the web page. It allows web developers to create interactive elements like dropdown menus, image sliders, form validations, etc. JavaScript can also perform more complex tasks, such as creating animations, handling user input, and making API requests.

Frameworks - Front-end frameworks like React, Angular, Vue, Swelte, etc., provide pre-built components, modules, libraries, etc. These utilities can then be used to develop web applications faster and more efficiently. These frameworks can help developers create responsive and mobile-friendly designs, manage data and perform several other advanced tasks. They also often come with built-in tools for testing, debugging, and optimizing performance.

Backend Skills

Backend web developer skills are as necessary as front-end skills for building successful websites and web applications. Backend web development primarily focuses on server-side programming and creates the logic, algorithms, and database management systems that power a web application. Let's now look at some of the critical areas for backend development.

Programming Languages

• PHP - PHP is a server-side scripting language widely used for web development. It is a powerful language for creating dynamic web pages and plays a significant role in popular CMSs (Content Management Systems) like WordPress and Drupal. It can also be used to create APIs.
• Java - Java is a popular front-end and back-end development programming language. It is a powerful language for creating complex web applications and is widely used for enterprise-level applications. In addition, Java is known for its scalability and reliability, making it a preferable choice for large-scale web applications.
• Python - Python is a popular general-purpose programming language widely used for backend web development. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use and is used in popular web frameworks like Django, Flask, Chalice, etc. Python is also used for creating web applications, machine learning, and data analysis.
• JavaScript - JavaScript is a popular front-end programming language that can also be used for backend web development. With the introduction of NodeJs, JavaScript can be used to create server-side applications, APIs, and real-time web applications. In addition, JavaScript is known for its flexibility and ability to create interactive user interfaces.

Scripting Scripting is a programming methodology or technique to automate tasks, manipulate data, and create dynamic web pages. Scripting languages like Python, PHP, Ruby, etc., can be used to write scripts that are executed on the server side, which means, in general, they will be run first before the requested data is sent to the user's browser.

Scripting languages allow web developers to write code that can interact with databases, perform calculations, and manipulate data in various ways. For example, we can also have scripts to help us validate user inputs, manage server resources, dynamically generate web pages, etc. Overall, scripting is an important web developer skill that allows developers to automate various tasks and perform complex calculations on the server side.

Databases Databases are an essential component of web development and a crucial aspect of web developer skills. They are used to store and manage large amounts of data that software applications can access and manipulate. In web development, databases store website content, user information, and other data required for website functionality. There are different types of databases such as relational, NoSQL, object-oriented, etc.

Web developers must have a solid understanding of databases and how they work to build effective and efficient web applications. In addition, they must be able to design and implement optimized databases for performance, security, and scalability. They also should be proficient in using database management systems, querying languages such as SQL, and core database concepts like indexing, normalization, and data relationships.

Check out Scaler Academy's Full Stack online course to master these skills and get certified!

Tools

Web Servers Web servers are a crucial component of web development and essential to web developer skills. They are responsible for serving web pages to the users who request them using a web browser.

• Apache - Apache is an open-source web server that has been around since the mid-1990s. It is known for its flexibility and wide range of features. Apache is highly customizable and can be used on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Apache is also highly extensible, with a large ecosystem of modules that can be used to add new functionality to the server.

• Nginx - Nginx is a newer web server that was developed in 2004 and is known for its speed and scalability. Nginx was designed to handle a large number of simultaneous connections and requests, making it well-suited for high-traffic websites and applications. Nginx is also highly configurable and includes load balancing and reverse proxying out of the box.

Version Control Version controlling is an essential web developer skill that allows developers to manage changes made to their codebase over time. The system enables developers to track revisions, collaborate with others, and maintain code quality by tracking who made a specific change and when.

• Git - Git is a popular version control system web developers use to track changes made to their codebases. It is a distributed system, meaning that through git, every developer has a complete copy of the codebase and can work independently, making changes and committing them to their local repository. Git also has powerful branching and merging features, allowing developers to create and work on different codebase versions in parallel.

• Github - Github is a web-based platform with a centralized location for hosting git repositories. It offers collaboration features such as pull requests, code reviews, and issue tracking, which makes it an invaluable tool for teams working on software development projects. GitHub also allows developers to contribute to open-source projects by forking their repositories, making changes, and submitting a pull request to have their changes reviewed and potentially merged into the main codebase.

DevOps Tools Web developer skills encompass not only writing code but also deploying and maintaining web applications. This is where DevOps tools come into existence. DevOps is a set of practices that involves automating the processes between software development and operations teams. Below are some of the popular DevOps tools that web developers should be familiar with:

• Linux - Linux is an open-source operating system widely used by web developers for hosting web applications. It provides a stable and secure environment for running web applications and can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of a web application.
• Azure - Azure is a cloud computing platform developed by Microsoft. It provides various services such as computing, storage, networking, and analytics that can be used to build and manage applications in the cloud. Azure supports a wide range of programming languages, tools, and frameworks and is often used by web developers to deploy and host their applications.
• AWS - Amazon Web Services is also a cloud computing platform developed by Amazon. It offers various services such as computing, storage, databases, analytics, and networking. AWS is highly scalable, reliable, and flexible, making it popular among web developers. In addition, it supports various programming languages and allows developers to quickly provision and manage their infrastructure in the cloud.
• Docker - Docker is a containerization platform that allows web developers to package their applications and dependencies into a single container. This makes it easier to deploy and manage web applications across different environments.
• Jenkins - Jenkins is an open-source automation server that can automate web application build, testing, and deployment. It provides a wide range of plugins that can be used to integrate with other DevOps tools such as Docker and AWS.

User Experience and Design

User experience (UX) and design (UI) are critical aspects of web development. UX refers to the overall experience user has while interacting with a website, while design refers to the visual appearance and layout of the website`. Web developers need to understand user experience and design principles to create websites that are visually great and easy to use and navigate. In addition, they need to work with a designer and another team member to ensure a seamless user experience.

Along with the UX,web developers should have a good understanding of user interface(UI)design and be able to use various design tools such asFigma, Adobe Photoshop, Sketch`, etc. Therefore, strong UX and design skills are crucial in web development skills.

Problem-solving and Collaboration

Problem-solving and collaboration are essential skills for web developers. Problem-solving skills are necessary because web development often involves identifying and resolving complex website functionality, performance, and usability issues. Web developers need to be able to think critically, analyze problems, and develop solutions that meet the needs of the end users. They should also be able to troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently using various tools and techniques.

Collaboration is another critical skill for web developers, as they often work in teams with other developers, designers, project managers, etc. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills, the ability to listen and understand others' perspectives, and the ability to work towards a common goal. Web developers need to be able to work collaboratively with others to achieve project objectives, provide feedback, and share knowledge and resources. Therefore, strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential to web development skills.

Security

As day by day websites are becoming an essential part of the success of an organization, it then also becomes crucial for web developers to ensure the security of the websites. A lack of website security understanding can result in problematic consequences such as data breaches, loss of sensitive information, etc. Therefore, website security is a vital aspect of web developers skills.

Web developers should know website security threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices for securing websites. They should be able to identify potential security risks and implement effective measures to mitigate them through encryption, firewalls, and `secure coding practices.

Web developers should also be familiar with various security standards and protocols, such as HTTPS, SSL/TLS, etc., and be able to implement them properly. By having a solid understanding of website security, web developers can create websites that are secure, trustworthy, and less vulnerable to cyber attacks, which is essential in today's digital world.

How to Improve Web Development Skills

Improving web development skills require a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience (projects). One can start by taking online courses (you can even start with free courses on youtube), attending workshops, reading articles, practicing coding exercises, working on personal projects, contributing to open-source projects, etc.

Additionally, staying up to date with the latest technologies, tools, and frameworks is essential for web developers to keep upskilling themselves. Developers committed to continuous learning and self-improvement` can improve their web developer skills and build a successful career in the field.

How Much Do Web Developers Earn?

Web development is a rapidly growing field with high demand for skilled professionals. As such, salaries for web developers vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialization.

In the United States, the average salary for a web developer is around $76,000 per year. This can range from around$50,000 for entry-level positions to over $120,000 for senior-level roles. In addition, web developers who specialize in areas such as mobile app development or front-end development may earn even higher salaries.

In India, web developers typically earn much less than their counterparts in the United States. The average salary for a web developer in India is around INR 303,000 (approximately $4,000) per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and skill level.

It's worth noting that while salaries for web developers can vary greatly depending on location and other factors, the demand for skilled pprofessionalsin in this field is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As such, individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in web development may be able to earn a competitive salary` by acquiring the necessary skills and experience.

What is the Difference Between a Web Developer and a Web Designer?

Web developers and web designers play important roles in creating websites, but they have `different skills and responsibilities.

Web Developer

A web developer is responsible for building the website's functionality and creating the website's structure, layout, user interface, and backend systems using various programming languages and tools such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, `SQL, etc. They also work on website maintenance, optimization, and security. A web developer must have strong technical and problem-solving skills, familiarity with various programming languages and frameworks, experience in database management, and knowledge of web servers and version control systems.

Web Designers

On the other hand, a web designer is responsible for creating the website's visual elements (consider it like an artist who imagines and draws how a website should look like). It includes the layout, typography, colors, etc. In addition, they work on designing the user experience and creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes using tools such as Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, etc. Therefore, a web designer must have strong artistic and design skills, familiarity with various design tools, and experience in user research and testing.