How to become a web developer?

a web developer

Becoming an entry-level web developer doesn't always require formal education. Some web developers have an associate's or bachelor's degree in website design or computer science, while others teach themselves how to code and design websites. While earning a degree can make you a more competitive candidate, a strong portfolio can go a long way in validating your skills with potential employers.

If you are interested in becoming a web developer, here are the steps you can take.

Build your skills as a web developer.

Employers and clients often expect web developers to have specific skills to demonstrate their ability to meet website requirements. If you're interested in a career in web development, you can focus on these skills to set the stage for success.

Technical skills

• Coding: Common programming languages include HTML, PHP, cascading style sheets, and JavaScript for front-end design. Consider learning Python, Java, or Ruby if you want to do back-end development.

• Responsive design: People use a variety of devices to view websites. Developers should be able to create sites that look as good on smartphones and tablets as they do on computer screens.

• Technical SEO: Many factors of website design can affect the site’s search engine ranking. Understanding how search engines rank sites is useful in a developer’s work.

• Version control: This lets you track and control changes to the source code without starting over from the beginning each time you run into a problem.

• Visual design: Understanding basic design principles, such as how to use white space, choose fonts, and incorporate images could boost your marketability.

Workplace skills

• Communication: Web developers spend time discussing design ideas with their clients and team members through each step of the project.

• Customer service: A web developer creates websites for the client to use and should remain client-focused to achieve the best results.

• Detail-oriented: Little details, like a small change in code, can make a big difference in how a website performs.

• Organization: Keeping track of deadlines, project tasks, workflow, and budgets is helpful if you want to complete a website design on time.

• Problem-solving: Web developers often run into issues when designing websites. They should have the patience and ability to identify problems in the design or coding and solve them in a methodical way.