Since the booming of the Internet at the end of the 20th century, we all have witnessed a resulting rise in websites. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth rate for web developers in the U.S. from 2019 to 2029 is 8%, doubling the average change of all occupations. This indicates that web development is becoming a promising and sought-after job in the market.
You may think of becoming a web developer and plan to learn one or two coding languages. However, do you ensure that you fully understand what a web developer does? This article will detail the main role of web developers and provide a comprehensive guide to starting this career path. Let’s find out in this article with Designveloper.
What Is a Web Developer?
Web developers are programmers who engage in the development of websites and web applications by using programming languages such as JavaScript, Java, PHP, or Python that make sites operate properly. They build websites that not only satisfy the demands of end-users but also enable them to be attracted and navigate easily. Companies now can employ either full-time, part-time, or freelance web developers for different projects.
When web developers perform behind-the-scenes activities that particularly focus on web servers to deliver database information to browsers, they are called back-end developers. Meanwhile, front-end web developers work in browsers and identify what end users will see in the interface part. Besides, those working on both client and server sides are known as full-stack web developers.
What Does a Web Developer Do?
Going further into what a web developer exactly does, you’ll find out his or her main duties and daily routines. However, the roles of web developers may vary in the different companies they work on. Today’s post will list the main and daily responsibilities you’ll take, regardless of your web developer job.
1. Main Responsibilities
- For back-end web developer: Use back-end server languages (e.g. PHP, Python, Ruby, or Java) to construct databases and design the architecture of websites or web applications;
- For front-end web developers: Use front-end Javascript frameworks and libraries (e.g. Vue.js, React Native, Backbone.js, or Angular) to add functionality to sites and design smooth UIs;
- Meanwhile, a full-stack web developer is liable for those tasks above;
- Fix bugs and issues regarding the performance of websites or web applications;
- Peer view a development team’s work and deliver prompt feedback to guarantee the code’s cleanliness.
- Develop Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to make sure the fluent data exchange between applications;
- Work with different stakeholders to check the project’s progress and add new features to websites (if any) to ensure their performance;
- Perform maintenance and improvement activities to avoid unpleasant user experiences;
- Update new and advanced technologies, frameworks, and trends, then share with colleagues.
2. Daily Tasks
- Receive new projects, analyze client requirements and suggest possible solutions;
- Create parameters for new web applications or websites;
- Cooperate with other development team members such as business analysts, web designers, project managers, and other stakeholders to develop functional websites;
- Test bugs and performance errors;
- Receive feedback from clients and testers, accordingly fix bugs or errors
- Maintain and update websites regularly to improve user experience;
- Proofread coding of coworkers;
Recommended reading: How Much Does Google Pay Their Software Engineers?
3. How Much Does a Web Developer Make?
Web developer salary depends on various factors such as location, companies you work for, technical background, and even your gender. The BLS reports the 2019 median pay for web developers is $73,760 if they hold at least an associate’s degree and work full-time. Besides, those working for publishing companies can earn a massive $121,160, followed by the median annual wage paid by firms that provide computer systems design and related services ($72,050).
According to Glassdoor, a front-end web developer in the United States receives an average amount of $76,929 per year, whereas that of those working on the server side is rather lower at $68,524. Web developer salary will increase when you have more working experience.
Even a freelance web developer in the U.S. can have an average earning of $75,430. However, beginners without an impressive web developer portfolio or enough experience may struggle to find a well-paid project.
Recommended reading: Web Developer Salaries in Vietnam 2022
How to Become a Web Developer?
Similar to other occupations, those who wish to become skilled web developer need to devise a detailed plan in pursuit of this career, ranging from choosing their favorite programming languages, and preparing for essential qualifications and skills to identifying when they can complete a course and seek a job. Here are four fundamental steps you should follow to become a web developer in the future:
Determine What Kind of Web Developer You Prefer
Which web developer jobs are you aiming at? The front end, Back end, or Full stack web developer? Key roles and necessary coding languages for kinds of web developers are rather different. For example, a recruiter who needs a full-stack web developer may require applicants to show their proficiency with both front-end languages such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript and server-side languages such as Python or Ruby. If you have experience with only client-side technologies, you cannot be chosen for the position. Therefore, you initially should determine which aspect of web development you’re more interested in and good at.
Required Qualifications
Many companies don’t require which qualifications you should have to apply for a web developer position. They value your outstanding knowledge and skills over bachelor’s degrees. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that no web developer certification and qualification are important, especially for freshers.
Accordingly, entry-level web developers should hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), or related fields. If you don’t spend much time on tertiary education, you can enroll in short-term courses or boot camps to get some web developer certification.
Soft Skills
Working on computers doesn’t mean you don’t need to communicate with human beings. Therefore, a web developer today is required to have decent soft skills to interact with his/her team members and clients effectively. These skills include:
- Detail-oriented skills;
- Decision-making and problem-solving skills;
- Logical analysis;
- Can work independently and work in groups;
- Ability to multitask – that is, to participate in several projects at the same time;
- Ability to have responsibility and capability for getting projects done on time;
- Communication and negotiation skills to discuss with colleagues, customers, and superiors;
Promote Yourself with Online Portfolios
Saying is much easier than doing. This means you cannot persuade recruiters that you’re an excellent candidate by only showing your academic results. A web developer portfolio is always essential to prove your capabilities. Like a website, it should facilitate navigation and provide sufficient information for companies to know you’re well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Difference Between a Web Developer and a Web Designer?
Their roles differ. A web developer uses coding languages to build the structure and layout of the website, while a web designer is more responsible for improving user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) by designing appealing websites. In other words, web developers will bring the creative ideas of designers to life and make sites more functional.
2. How Long does it take to become a Web Developer?
The answer relies on how you learn to become a website developer. Normally, companies may prefer employing prospective applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related majors. So it takes them around four to five years to complete those programs. Meanwhile, some can choose online courses (with or without tuition fees) from universities (e.g. Southern New Hampshire University or Hodges University) and learning platforms (e.g. Udemy, Coursera, or Edx), or participate in boot camps. Those courses shorten your study time to even approximately 6 months if you devote yourself to learning every day.
3. Our Web Developers in High Demand?
Definitely yes. The employment of skilled web developers is estimated to always grow because various startups or even large corporates now all have a high demand for web and progressive web apps to attract and attain customers. However, some website developers now still struggle to find a job because their existing expertise and skills cannot fulfill the requirements of recruiters. For example, a company that needs a LAMP dev is unable to use a candidate who only knows the MEAN stack. Therefore, becoming a high-qualified developer and understanding what recruiters need will undoubtedly secure a job.
4. Is it Hard to Become a Web Developer?
The answer depends on various factors such as your faculty for learning coding languages and tech stacks, time and efforts channeled into a study or even a good teacher. Please bear in mind that the technology world is always changing, so you, as a developer, have to keep learning not to fall behind your coworkers.
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