Best Way to Learn Web Dev for Beginners

Learning web development can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can get started quickly. Start by learning the basics of HTML and CSS, which are the building blocks of the web.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used to create the structure and content of web pages, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used for styling and layout. You can learn the basics of HTML and CSS in just a few weeks.

Beginners should start with online tutorials and coding challenges to get hands-on experience. Online platforms like Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp offer interactive coding lessons and projects that can help you learn by doing.

With consistent practice, you can develop problem-solving skills and learn to code efficiently.

Developers use a variety of programming languages for web development, including JavaScript, Python, and C#.

The right coding language depends on your career goals and interests, but good choices include C#, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails, and PHP.

You might consider learning two languages - one for front-end development and the other for back-end work - as Python and Ruby work well for back-end development, while JavaScript suits the front end.

JavaScript is often considered a good choice for beginners, as it's relatively easy to learn and is used for front-end development.

Developers choose between high-level and low-level programming languages, with high-level languages being easier to program but requiring an interpreter for the machine.

C#, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails, and PHP are all good choices for web development, depending on your career goals and interests.

For back-end development, Python and Ruby work well, while JavaScript suits the front end.

Learning any of these languages will give you a strong understanding of what computers are about and allow you to develop your programming skills.

Most web developers today do not program professionally in the language they first learned, and have since learned additional languages.

Choosing a CMS is a crucial step in building a website. A Content Management System (CMS) is what makes it possible to change the content on a website without needing to know how to code.

There are different types of CMSs to choose from, but one popular option is a Headless CMS. A Headless CMS separates the website content from the backend, allowing you to manage your content on the CMS and deploy it to any channel you choose.

A Git-based CMS is another great option, especially for beginner web developers. It acts as a layer between your Git repository and the content editors, providing full version control and flexible workflows.

Choosing a Git-based CMS like CloudCannon can be a great choice, as it provides a flexible interface, all the tools needed to build new pages, and live previews via visual editing. This makes it easier for non-technical editors to feel confident making content updates to their own websites.

To start learning web development, you have a variety of choices depending on your learning goals, preferred timeline, and career path.

You could attend a coding bootcamp, pursue a traditional four-year college degree, or explore different online web development courses.

Getting started with web development is far more critical than choosing the perfect language or course.

For most people, the best first programming language to learn will be JavaScript, Python, or one of the other most popular programming languages.

Learning any of these languages will give you a strong understanding of what computers are about, and allow you to develop your programming skills.

You don't have to stick with your first language, as most Web Developers today probably do not program professionally in the language they first learned, and have since learned additional languages.

You can launch your first website today. CloudCannon allows you to visually edit your static websites for free.

Getting started is as easy as signing up for a free account on CloudCannon.

Go is a high-performance programming language that's perfect for software engineers and programmers. It was first released in 2007 by the Google development team.

Google initially commissioned Go to improve their services department, but it quickly grew to become a full-fledged language in 2009. Now, Go is used across various industries, including product engineering, system design, and web development.

You can start using Go today and take advantage of its high-performance capabilities. Go has a wide range of applications, from robotics control systems to web development.

CloudCannon is a great tool for launching your first website, allowing you to visually edit static websites for free.

Coding bootcamps are a fantastic way to build the necessary skills and real-world experience to develop websites.

According to Indeed, four out of five companies in the U.S. have hired a graduate from a coding bootcamp.

A coding bootcamp's project-based, hands-on learning experience can best prepare you for Web Developer jobs, even if you have very little previous experience.

In fact, 80 percent of coding bootcamp graduates had found jobs with the skills learned in their programs, according to a Course Report survey.

Coding bootcamps are a worthwhile investment for those looking to kick-start a career in development.

More than 44,000 students attended a coding bootcamp in 2020, which was a 30 percent increase from the year before, according to Career Karma.

Employers are increasingly valuing skills and experience over higher education, making coding bootcamps a great alternative to a four-year college degree.

According to Course Report's Outcomes Report, 83 percent of respondents say they've worked in a job requiring the technical skills they learned in the bootcamp.

A full 90 percent of graduates from BrainStation's coding bootcamp have found work within six months of graduation.

A four-year bachelor’s degree of some kind is often a requirement for a Web Developer job. However, there is no specific degree that you need to become a Web Developer.

Bachelor’s or associate’s degree programs in computer science, software engineering, and other related courses could help to give you a foundational knowledge of development frameworks.

Traditional college programs will not typically teach the on-job web development skills that you would need to step into a job as a Website Developer.

You would need to supplement even an advanced degree with more web development training to prepare for a job as a Web Developer.

Learning web dev skills requires a solid foundation in programming languages. JavaScript, Python, and HTML/CSS are considered the best languages to learn first, as they form the backbone of web development. HTML is used for page layouts, CSS for styling, and JavaScript to add interactivity.

For beginners, interactive online tutorials, courses, and coding bootcamps are excellent resources to learn these languages. Online resources like FreeCodeCamp and The Odin Project offer project-based curriculums that prepare you for real-world applications and build your portfolio.

To master web development, you'll need to learn version control with Git, which is crucial for collaborative web development and project management. Git workflows allow developers to keep code organized, collaborate with others, and easily roll back changes. Learning Git early on will benefit you in learning languages in a real-world coding environment.

JavaScript is a common web development language known for its simplicity, making it easy to dynamically create web pages. It's also one of the world's oldest coding languages, developed in 1995 by Brendan Eich, an employee of Netscape Communications.

JavaScript was designed to complement Java, using similar syntax, and was originally named Mocha before being changed to JavaScript. Microsoft decided to compete with Netscape by using JavaScript in its Internet Explorer 3 browser in 1996.

Programmers can find various options for frameworks like jQuery that improve how they create animations and graphics, and how they connect data models. JavaScript has become one of the most used coding languages today due to its help in streamlining the development process.

To master JavaScript, it's essential to learn the basics of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages form the backbone of web development, and learning them can be done through interactive online tutorials, courses, and coding bootcamps.

Here are two free, beginner-friendly, project-based web development learning platforms to help you get started with JavaScript:

Learning JavaScript requires patience and persistence, as it can be frustrating at times. But with the right mindset and resources, you can develop the skills needed to become proficient in JavaScript.

Ruby on Rails is a highly popular and complex language created by David Heinemeier Hansson in 2004. It's considered object-oriented and has features like concurrency and metaprogramming.

Many industries use Ruby, including e-commerce, education, government, and social media. This open-source framework allows people to build powerful web applications with minimal effort.

Ruby is a good choice for back-end development, which is a crucial aspect of building dynamic websites. Dynamic websites require a solid understanding of UI frameworks and server-side languages like Ruby.

Learning Ruby can be a valuable skill for aspiring web developers, and it's relatively easy to learn. With Ruby on Rails, you can build powerful web applications with minimal effort, making it a great choice for those new to web development.

PHP is a popular language for web development, and it's been around since 1995.

Its simplicity and scalability have made it a favorite among developers, and it's been growing in popularity lately.

You can use PHP for both back-end and front-end web development, making it a versatile tool to have in your toolkit.

PHP also powers online advertising, game development, database management systems, and hosting services, so you can see how its applications go beyond just web development.

Learning web development skills requires a solid foundation in the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages form the backbone of web development, and mastering them is essential for building dynamic websites.

To get started, you can enroll in online coding boot camps, web developer certifications, or web development courses that cover HTML tutorials and in-depth courses in responsive web design. These courses will teach you the latest client- and server-side coding practices.

Interactive project-based curriculums are highly recommended, as they better prepare you for real-world applications and help you build a portfolio. You can choose from free, beginner-friendly platforms like FreeCodeCamp and The Odin Project, which offer structured roadmaps and interactive coding challenges.

Developing the right mindset for learning to code is crucial. You need to be prepared to tolerate frustration, break down problems logically, and communicate your problems to other developers. This will help you stay motivated and focused throughout your learning journey.

Here are some popular web development courses to consider:

These courses will provide you with a solid foundation in web development and help you build a strong portfolio.

Project Development is where the magic happens. You've learned the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and now it's time to bring it all together.

The first step in project development is to plan and design your project. This involves creating a wireframe or mockup of your website or application, which helps you visualize the layout and functionality.

A good project plan should include a clear description of the project's goals and objectives, as well as a list of the features and functionalities you want to include. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you're building something that meets the needs of your users.

You should also consider the user experience and user interface (UX/UI) design, which involves creating a user-friendly and visually appealing interface that meets the needs of your users.

A well-designed UX/UI is crucial for keeping users engaged and converting them into customers.

Having a strong career and portfolio is crucial for web developers. Build a professional portfolio website to showcase your work, including your projects and skills, and make it accessible through your CV, GitHub account, and professional LinkedIn profile.

As you build your portfolio, start reaching out to potential employers on popular job boards for web developers, or potential clients on freelance platforms. Brush up on your job interviewing skills to make a good impression.

You can consider various job roles, such as technology applications engineer, web architect, web design specialist, web designer, or webmaster.

Discovering web development jobs can be a thrilling experience, especially with the growing demand for online presence. Companies are investing heavily in web development, creating a wide range of job roles for professionals.

Some of the top job roles in web development include technology applications engineer, web architect, web design specialist, web designer, and webmaster. These roles require a combination of technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

If you're looking to break into the web development field, consider attending a coding bootcamp. These immersive programs have proven to be highly effective in preparing students for web development jobs, even for those with little prior experience.

In fact, a Course Report survey found that 80 percent of coding bootcamp graduates had found jobs with the skills learned in their programs. This is a testament to the value of coding bootcamps in providing real-world experience and job-ready skills.

Here are some of the most in-demand job roles in web development:

With the right skills and training, you can launch a successful career in web development. And with the increasing popularity of coding bootcamps, it's easier than ever to get started. According to Career Karma, over 44,000 students attended a coding bootcamp in 2020, a 30 percent increase from the previous year.

Building a portfolio site is a crucial step in showcasing your web development skills to potential employers or clients. It's a way to demonstrate your abilities and build your professional brand.

To start, you'll want to build a professional portfolio website that showcases your web development skills. This can be done using your new skills in web development, and it's essential to make it accessible through your CV, GitHub account, and professional LinkedIn profile.

Having a portfolio site will make it easier to reach out to potential employers on popular job boards for web developers, or potential web development clients on freelance platforms. If you're seeking traditional employment, it's a good idea to brush up on your job interviewing skills to make a strong impression.

If you're interested in becoming a freelance web developer, you can check out our comprehensive guide to getting started.