What Is Web Development and What Can You Do?

Web development is the process of building and maintaining websites, which involves creating user interfaces, writing code, and ensuring websites are user-friendly and secure.

Web development encompasses a wide range of skills, including front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development.

You can work as a freelance web developer, creating websites for clients, or work for a company, building and maintaining their online presence.

A web developer's tasks can vary from designing and implementing a website's layout and user interface to writing and debugging code, ensuring the website functions smoothly and efficiently.

Web development is closely related to web design, but it's the actual construction and programming of websites and apps. Web developers build websites and applications for the internet using programming languages and technologies.

Web development is a broad field that involves building websites and applications, and it's not just about coding with languages like CSS, which is mostly concerned with styling the pages. Functionality is the main focus of web development.

Web developers use a variety of programming languages, which vary depending on the tasks they are performing and the platforms they are working on. This means that web developers need to be versatile and have a broad range of skills.

The field of web development is mixed, and it depends on a range of factors, including the type of industry they work in, the size of the company, and the size of the team they're in. The nature of the projects they work on and whether they are employed by a company or are a freelance web developer also play a role.

Here are some of the key factors that influence what a web developer can do:

There are three main types of web development: front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development.

Front-end development focuses on the client-side of the website, where users interact with the site. It's the part of the website that users see and interact with.

Back-end development, on the other hand, is all about the server-side of the website, where the website's logic, database, and API are handled.

According to an Indeed study, Full-Stack Developers are the fourth-most in-demand job in tech, with a 15 percent growth rate expected by 2026.

Web development and web design are two distinct fields that often overlap, but have key differences.

Web designers create everything a user sees on a website or software product, including visual, color, typography, and usability elements. They work directly with clients to bring their vision to life.

Web developers, on the other hand, write the code that makes a website function, whether it's on the front end or back end.

Here's a comparison of the two:

Web designers may need some knowledge of programming languages, but it's not always necessary. Web developers, however, need expert-level knowledge of a variety of programming languages and technologies.

Web development involves a range of programming languages, but some stand out as the most common.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a fundamental language for web development.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to add style and layout to web pages.

JavaScript is a versatile language that enables dynamic interactions on the web.

These three languages are often used together to create functional and engaging websites.

Here's a quick rundown of the most common programming languages in web development:

Back-End Development is the unsung hero of web development. It's the behind-the-scenes work that makes a website function properly.

Back-end developers are responsible for creating the basic framework of a website, including database interactions, user authentication, and server configuration. They work with server-side programming languages like PHP, Ruby, and Python to build the application.

To manage data, back-end developers use tools like MySQL, MongoDB, and SQL Server. These tools help them find, save, or edit data and deliver it back to the user in frontend code.

The primary responsibility of back-end developers is to ensure the functionality of the site, including its responsiveness and speed. They have to know how to build servers with modern frameworks and manage databases and data on a web server.

Back-end developers use a range of tools to get the job done, including:

Their work is essential to the success of a website, and it's no wonder that back-end development is a highly sought-after skill in the industry.

A Full-Stack developer is someone who understands and can work across both the front-end and back-end of a website. They're essentially a jack-of-all-trades in web development.

Full-stack developers are experts in every stage of the web development process, from hands-on work to guiding strategy and best practices. They're proficient in both front-end and back-end languages and frameworks.

According to a recent Stack Overflow survey, 48.2% of developers consider themselves full-stack developers. This is likely because full-stack developers are well-versed in both business logic and user experience.

A full-stack developer's skillset often depends on the tech stack they specialize in, but they typically have a strong command of HTML/CSS and JavaScript for front-end development, allied with the back-end runtime environment Node.js.

Here's a breakdown of the key responsibilities of a full-stack developer:

Full-stack developers are highly sought after, and their demand is expected to grow 15% by 2026, much faster than the U.S. average rate of job growth.

Web development involves a range of roles, each with its own responsibilities and requirements. Web developers work closely with stakeholders, clients, and designers to understand the vision for a website, taking into account both the client's needs and those of the end-user.

There are several job titles within front-end development, including Front-End Developer, Front-End Engineer, and CSS/HTML Web Developer. These roles cover different skill sets and experience levels, with Front-End Web Designer and Front-End User Interface Developer roles focusing on visual and interaction design requirements.

Front-end development also encompasses specialized roles such as Mobile Front-End Web Developer, Front-End SEO Expert, and Front-End Accessibility Expert. These roles require specific skills and experience, but share a common goal of creating a seamless user experience.

Here are some specific front-end development roles:

On the other hand, backend development involves building and maintaining the technology needed to power the front-end. This includes the server, application, and database, which must communicate with each other smoothly.

Front-end development is the client-facing side of web development, responsible for the way a digital product looks and feels. This includes translating website design and visual ideas into code.

Front-end developers typically possess a solid understanding of programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks like React, Bootstrap, Backbone, AngularJS, and EmberJS. They also need to be familiar with site structure and SEO best practices.

Responsibilities of a front-end developer include creating responsive websites, conducting website testing, and fixing any bugs detected along the web development process. They must also ensure site structure follows SEO best practices.

Front-end development jobs can vary in skill set and experience level, with job titles such as Front-End Developer, Front-End Engineer, and CSS/HTML Web Developer. Other job titles include Mobile Front-End Web Developer, Front-End SEO Expert, and Front-End Accessibility Expert.

Here are some common job titles in front-end development:

Front-end developers use a variety of tools to develop coding processes for functional and visually compelling websites. These tools include web-based application servers, desktop or notebook computers, and other programming devices.

A Backend Developer?

A backend developer is responsible for building and maintaining the technology needed to power the frontend, consisting of three parts: server, application, and database.

Backend developers use server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, or Java to build the application. They also use tools like mySQL, MongoDB, and SQL Server to find, save or edit data and deliver it back to the user in frontend code.

A key component of being a backend web developer is being able to work with databases. They'll liaise with the client or business owner to understand their needs and requirements, then deliver these in a number of ways depending on the specifics of the project.

Backend developers create code that ensures everything the frontend developer builds is fully functional. They also make sure that the server, application, and database all communicate with each other smoothly.

Here are the key responsibilities of a backend developer:

These responsibilities are crucial in making sure that the website or application functions properly and provides a good user experience.

You can become a web developer with a certificate, especially if you already have a STEM background.

Earning a certificate in coding or programming may qualify you for some entry-level positions.

According to O*Net Online, 46% of responding web developers reported possessing a bachelor’s degree.

Finding a school with accreditation should always rank among students’ top priorities.

A bachelor’s program may offer more opportunities for advancement, especially for those considering college for the first time.

Proficiency in common coding and programming languages, such as Python, C++, and JavaScript, is necessary for skilled web developers.

Coding bootcamps can help, but only if students select the best bootcamp suited to their career goals.

Becoming a web developer takes more than just technical skills, although those are essential. A formal education isn't always necessary, but it can make you a more competitive candidate.

You can teach yourself how to code and design websites, or earn a degree in website design or computer science. A strong portfolio can go a long way in validating your skills to potential employers.

Web developers use specific skills and languages, which they often learn through certificate programs or degrees. They can also earn professional certifications, such as certified professional in Python programming or Adobe certified expert.

To become a web developer, a formal education isn't always necessary. Some web developers have an associate or bachelor's degree in website design or computer science, but others teach themselves how to code and design websites.

A degree can take 2-4 years to complete, while a bootcamp may only require 3-6 months. Besides meeting their educational requirements, web developers also earn professional certifications.

Learning frontend development is often a great way to start, especially for those looking to change careers into web development. This is because frontend development is the easiest way to make changes and build something you can see from the start.

To become a certified web developer, candidates must first complete comprehensive coding and programming training to pass certification exams. Independent organizations provide certifications for web developers in popular coding languages.

According to O*Net Online, 46% of responding web developers reported possessing a bachelor’s degree, though educational requirements vary widely by employer. This means that having a degree can make you a more competitive candidate, but it's not the only way to become a web developer.

If you're interested in becoming a web developer, creating a professional portfolio to demonstrate your skills and knowledge is crucial. A strong portfolio can go a long way toward validating your skills to potential employers.

The job market for web developers is on the rise, with a projected growth rate of 13% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is driven by the increasing demand for mobile-friendly and e-commerce websites, which requires skilled web developers to design and build them.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers can expect a median salary of $73,950 per year, with the top 10% earning over $125,000.

As the demand for web development services continues to grow, so do the opportunities for freelancers and remote workers, with many companies offering flexible work arrangements.

With the rise of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, web developers with expertise in these areas can command even higher salaries and have greater job security.

The field of web development is constantly evolving, with new frameworks, libraries, and tools being released regularly, making it an exciting and challenging career to be in.

If you're a web developer looking to expand your horizons, consider exploring similar careers that leverage your existing skills. These careers often overlap with web design and development, making it easier to transition.

Software engineering is a natural next step, requiring a bachelor's degree and no prior experience. Median annual salaries are around $109,020, with a projected growth rate of 25% from 2021 to 2031.

Database administration is another career path to consider, also requiring a bachelor's degree and no experience. Median annual salaries are around $101,000, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2021 to 2031.

Security analysts are in high demand, requiring a bachelor's degree and less than 5 years of experience. Median annual salaries are around $102,600, with a projected growth rate of 35% from 2021 to 2031.

Web designers can also explore related fields like video game design, which requires a bachelor's degree and no experience. Median annual salaries are around $78,790, with a projected growth rate of 5% from 2021 to 2031.

Here's a quick rundown of these similar careers:

Backend developers use server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, or Java to build applications. These languages are the foundation of web development.

Server-side tools like mySQL, MongoDB, and SQL Server help developers find, save, or edit data and deliver it back to the user in frontend code.

The server side, also known as the data layer, is a crucial component of being a backend web developer. Being able to work with databases is a key part of this role.

Backend developers will often liaise with clients or business owners to understand their needs and requirements. They'll then deliver these in a number of ways depending on the specifics of the project.

As you can see, web development involves a range of tools and resources.