Learning a new skill can be challenging, especially when you do not know how to begin the journey on the right path. Web development has become one of the top skills you can acquire to secure a job for the future. With the growing demand for web application development, this sought-after skill can be a great option if you are looking for a lucrative career opportunity. Read more to know about how to start web development as a complete beginner.
The Roadmap To Start Web Development
You do not need a fancy CS degree to be a web developer. These days people from diverse backgrounds are coming to this sector and excelling with dedication. However, the learning journey is long and you have to push yourself to implement the learning into practical projects. Starting with the right roadmap can make your way easier saving a lot of time. Let’s explore more.
Start With The Basics
Before diving into the details you need to know how the websites work. Every website is comprised of front end and backend. The front end includes everything that a user deals with, whereas the back end deals with the more complex side of web development that includes logic, integration, and other activities. Different programming languages are used to complete the building process of a website.
Usually, Front-end developers use computer programming languages like JavaScript, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to design websites. Backend developers need extensive knowledge on Java, Python, Ruby to build applications. Whether you want to work in frontend or backend, you should start with the following programming languages to gradually develop your expertise.
HTML
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language which is used to create the basic structure and design of a website. In short, it provides the skeleton of a website- paragraphs, words, titles, and images that are displayed on the screen. This language is widely accessible and great for beginners to use as a web developers toolkit. It consists of a bunch of tags that are used to translate functions into readable information. Some of the common tags are given below-
- <HTML>…</HTML>
- <title>…</title>
- <head>…</head>
- <body>…</body>
CSS
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) describes how HTML elements will appear on a website. More specifically it deals with the visual aspects presenting the style, layout, font, color, etc. This language has diverse applications, from a simple task like color change to a more complex one such as animation can be easily done using CSS. The document is then presented to users converting it into a usable form that most of the browsers can open.
JavaScript
While HTML and CSS are used for the structure and layouts of your website, JavaScript controls the behavior of your web page. When you scroll down or click the buttons on a website, Javascript makes the website interactive by manipulating the features.
Decide Where You Want To Specialize
After mastering the basic programming language, decide which part of web development interests you more. Web development can be classified into two branches- front end and back end, based on the area where you are working. The fully functional websites need the expert touch of both front and back-end development, though they have some significant differences in terms of purpose and functionality.
Front-End vs. Back-End
Front-end development deals with designs, fonts, layouts, and everything a client interacts with. If you love creative designs and do not have much interest in coding then gaining skills in front-end development can be a prudent choice for you. Conversely, if your interest lies in problem-solving with logic and codes, go for back-end development. Have a look at the following table to clarify your confusion-
| Front End Developers | Back End Developers | |
| Work area | Designing the physical appearance of websites with front-end programming languages. | Create the structure or logic of a website by using server-side programming languages. |
| Programming Language | JavaScript, HTML, CSS | Python, Java, Ruby, PHP |
| Frameworks | jQuery, AngularJS, SASS, Bootstrap, EmberJS | Django, Laravel, Spring, Zend, Symfony, CakePHP |
| Average Salary | $112,184 | $158,395 |
By this time if you think that you are interested in both areas of web development, pick full-stack development to master all the aspects of development. Excelling as a full-stack developer needs patience and commitment to hard work. As a developer, you will handle everything of a website, from implementing design to managing server-side functions that need time and passion for work.
These skills offer you a rewarding career for the future with the booming tech industry everywhere. The opportunities and the potential advancement of technology will place these skills at the top of demand for the next few decades. So, if you are thinking to start learning web development, this is the right time now.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Learning the basics provides you with the foundational knowledge required to deal with complex problems. However, it does not prepare you with job-ready skills and address practical problems. If you are learning yourself then become familiar with coding boot camps and online learning materials that focus on finding solutions rather than theoretical knowledge. You can also enroll in a comprehensive web development course to get in-depth knowledge of this field.
Start Networking
Whenever possible try to attend networking events to meet people already working in the tech world. Learning becomes a fulfilling journey when you can reach out to the experts if you get stuck. In fact, a robust network makes your way easier for the future to get a job. Doing a course makes the networking process easier, where you can seek help from the instructors if you face any difficulty.
Ready To Start?
Now that you know how to start web development, it’s time to take a step. The job market is getting competitive, many traditional jobs are phased out every day. In this situation learning a demandable skill can secure your future with a handsome salary. So if you are still confused, make the right decision, and start learning this job-ready skill. By following the steps we’ve listed here, you can start out on the path to becoming a successful developer.
