Beginners Roadmap to Web Development

Internet and web development go hand in hand. Since the advent of the internet, web development existed in one form or another, and it has been progressing accordingly. The growth of WWW has been exponential since the beginning. Such has been the rate of advancement in web development which has transformed the internet and the World Wide Web. To deliver the new trends and technologies, and maintain the pace with what was quickly becoming the new computing phenomenon prevailing today, modern web development techniques and technologies were considered the need of the hour. Web development has been adapting to rapid technological interventions and changes. From the basic Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) to modern Progressive Web Apps (PWA), web development has undergone a lot of advancements over time. The web development field is exciting and on the top of the digital age. Given the never-ending technological innovations, it’s also a continuously growing field.

Web Development is High in Demand Today

Web developers are the true warriors of the internet age. Be it buying stuff, researching for academics, getting worldwide news, or connecting with friends and family, all have been made possible by the web developers. They are part of the core team working on website creation projects. From creating the complex coding aspects to make the website operate seamlessly to designing an aesthetically pleasing layout, web developers play different roles as per their areas of expertise. With the increasing benefits of the internet, the demand for the internet is increasing, and gradually everything is becoming digital. There are millions of websites running today.

Furthermore, in the modern era, web development is not only about creating landing pages. The stakeholders of the global village, i.e., the internet, are well aware of the future potential of the web. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT), new design perspectives and utility of the internet have become important.

Over the years, the field of web development has grown rapidly. Being a web developer today is different, as it was ten years ago. In the past, learning coding languages like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, as well as having knowledge of frameworks like Ruby on Rails, was enough for a prospective career in web development. However, in today's world, this is not primarily the case because now companies require specialized skills people to use modern era development tools. A web developer must now have everything to build websites and applications that are innovative and out of the box due to the increasing demand for specialized web development.

With an enormous amount of internet usage and continuous need for websites, web development and web developers are highly demanded in the market. Moreover, due to the constant experimentation in technology, this trend can be seen in the future too. There is never a better time to learn than today. To make a career shift towards web development or enhance web development skills, all that is needed is to channel energies in the right direction. The demand for web developers today is higher than before, and it seems to be increasing in the future too.

Web Development Areas

The use of multiple tools and techniques makes the process of web development is complex. Web development is carried out by individuals with specific expertise who are called web developers. Based on skill, there are different types of web developers; each of them focuses on a different aspect of website creation.

To understand better what a web developer is and how the procedure is carried out, it is crucial to know the three main types of web development and their role in the creation of a website.

Front-End Development

As the name suggests itself, it’s about the forefront of any website. In front-end development, a developer takes the website design and writes the necessary code to implement it on the website. This is where the user interface is created. The layout, color scheme, font styles, and web or mobile compatibility is designed in front-end development. An expert front-end web developer must have hands-on experience in at least three programming languages; HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Front-end development encompasses the work, which includes the graphical and visual aspects of the website. Thereby, it includes color schemes, buttons, margins, etc. All these tasks are achieved using CSS. The next key element in front-end development is HTML. It contains the building blocks of web programming and usually directing the arrangement of the content. HTML might look simple and easy; still, knowledge of HTML 5 is crucial. Another main element of front-end development is JavaScript. It is used to enhance and support the HTML. JavaScript is also used to incorporate dynamic and special effects the webpage needs. It is compatible with all modern browsers, making the user experience seamless. Besides, working with the above mentioned three front-end foundations, front-end development also involves client-side libraries/frameworks, which are React, Angular, and Vue.js.

Back-End Development

Back-end development is where communication with the database takes place. It handles almost all the logic, and forward the requested data to the front end after sorting it. Back-end development involves designing and representation of databases as Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams. A server, where the database is mostly stored, can be written in different coding languages. One of the easiest languages, among other choices, is Node.js, which is JavaScript-based. It makes the transition from front-end to back-end easy, as they both use the same language. Server-side isn’t visible on the client’s end as it works on the backside. The languages used for server processing or the back end are PHP, ASP.NET, Ruby on Rails, Python, etc. Functions like customization of the website are performed in the back-end development.

Moreover, dynamic inputs and modifications to the website content are also handled. It also handles responses for data queries by the user. For example, when the user logs in, the verification is done on the back end after a running certain authentication process. Understanding and working with the database is one of the core functions in back-end development. It involves more complex concepts like concurrency, locking, and transactions. A database operated via SQL is the most popular, but there are other options also like NoSQL and GraphQL.

Full Stack Development

Full Stack development is a mixture of both front-end and back-end development. It doesn’t necessarily have to include all features of the front-end and back-end. Full-stack development is more of a selective mix depending on the tasks. Full Stack development is about linking the client-side and the server-side to make them perform tasks collectively.

This development process involves all three layers of web design and development, which are:

• Presentation layer - which includes a front-end part that deals with the user interface.
• Logic Layer - including back-end part that deals with data validation; and
• Database Layer - which works with server and data stores.

The role of full-stack development is to manage all the steps and processes from the conception of an idea to the actual finished product. In the modern era, this type of development is famous and demanding as it requires a specialist. The specialist work on each of the different subsystems proves quite expensive. Organizations look forward to full-stack developers who are proficient in working across multiple layers.

General Overview of Web Development

In the late 20th century, the demand for the internet has grown at a fast pace. In the modern world, a large number of people have internet access in some form. Resultantly, the percentage of people using the internet every single day is increasing day by day. Web development, in simpler words, can be defined as designing, creating, and maintaining websites for the World Wide Web or private networks. It includes aspects like web design, programming, publishing, and database management. In more technical terms, web development can be referred to as the process, which includes User Interface design, content development, client-side/server-side coding, and network security configuration, among many other tasks. The complexity and magnitude of web development vary according to the requirements. It can be a simple web page built with HTML and CSS with a few hundred lines of code.

On the other end of the horizon, it can be a complex and heterogeneous combination of various Progressive Web Apps like Facebook that supposedly contains around 60 million lines of code. The Internet isn’t going away anytime soon. It has become an outlet and primary source of connection, research, education, shopping, and entertainment in the world. Even with the fast growth of mobile technology, web development is still vital and in-demand because, as cell phones and tablets are getting more advanced, creating cross-platform apps are becoming a necessity to run in the web browser.

In-Demand Web Development Tools

As the internet is in a continuous development process, and technology is evolving each year exponentially. The web development industry is also evolving constantly. To keep pace with technological interventions, web development has come a long way. Today web development has become complex and beneficial for developers at the same time. Tasks that used to take weeks to be completed are now completed within a few minutes. Comparing with the past, in the modern era, there are several essential tools for web development. Without these tools, ’ developers cannot even think about designing quality websites and web apps. Some of the latest and in-demand tools that are essential for the web development process are as follows.

Front-end Development Tools

React.js

React is a JavaScript library for creating interactive user interfaces. To update or amend a single element on the website without having to update the whole page, its component-based architecture comes handy. It enables to simplify the workflow by breaking down a complex UI / UX development process into small exponents. React library is used by Yahoo, Facebook, and BBC among big names.

Angular.js

Angular is considered a complete solution. It allows developers to save time on choosing the right frameworks & tools and assist in keeping the focus on the project. However, Angular is mostly used for creating small or middle-size web applications. Some of the relevant features of Angular are fast development, compatibility with other technologies, and rich toolset. Forbes, Google, and WhatsApp are some of the big names using Angular.

Vue.js

Vue.js makes it easier to operate JavaScript library as it has been becoming more and more famous since its release in 2013. From simple to more complex web platforms, Vue development services for building outstanding user interfaces comes handy. Either way, the usage and popularity of Vue.js will continue to grow soon.

Back-end Development Tools

Node.js

Node.js is used for building server-side apps with JavaScript. It is an ideal choice for building real-time web applications, e.g., e-commerce transaction software, live chatbots, video conferencing apps, and online gaming apps. Since reaching its peak of popularity in 2014, it has maintained its reputation by fulfilling the demands of the back-end developers.

Go / Golang

Go was created by Google with an idea to bridge the gap between Python and C languages. It is also intended to speed up the development process. Go enables back-end developers to accomplish the same tasks at a faster pace than Python. The popularity of Go web development is skyrocketing. Web giants like Netflix, Uber, and BBC have taken advantage of Go development.

Python

Python possesses a well-established reputation in web development. All that due to the presence of a dynamic library of Python modules. It allows the developers to add functionality without writing codes. The popularity of Python has risen during recent years. Big tech names like YouTube, SurveyMonkey, and Instagram are developed using Python.

Database Tools

Most of the websites and internet-based services are built on a database. There are two types of databases; relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL).

PostgreSQL

The most advanced database to be considered is PostgreSQL. It is an open-source solution that can handle multiple tasks efficiently. PostgreSQL provides a particularly flexible solution. It can run on various operating systems such as Windows, OSX, Linux, and some other OS. PostgreSQL can be used for medium or large applications. PostgreSQL is already being used by Microsoft and IBM.

MongoDB

The most trending database for the future, according to predictions, is MongoDB. It is a document-based database and mostly used for high speed and large applications. Its cross-platform functionality makes it store data as flexible documents that are easy to handle.

Popular Web Development Platforms / Software

Web development platforms/software are handy tools that help in creating complex codes for websites using different languages. The software have several built-in features that make the development tasks easy.

Angular.js

Angular.js is the platform used when building a framework for developing applications that suit the need of a website as it works quite well with the other libraries and is fully extensible. To meet the needs, its every feature can be changed or moved with the other to provide very own workflow development and many other features at hand. For declaring static documents, HTML is good, but when it comes to declaring dynamic views in web-applications, it usually stalls. For your applications, you can extend the HTML vocabulary in AngularJS. The results it provides are readable, quick to develop, and extraordinarily expressive.

WordPress

WordPress is a popular developed blogging platform that supports the users by building a personal website on its server. It uses the database of PHP or MySQL, and its coding language is also PHP. Being one of the best web developing tools, WordPress software can be used to make commercial websites. To get started, it is very easy to install, which contains many tools for site-building. It also offers a verity of themes and website templates that are free to use. WordPress also have the search engine optimization (SEO) tools to enhance web traffic. It is a safe and active platform, with a huge number of developers preferring it.

Weebly

Weebly is used for businesses, professional and personal websites. Among the people who want to develop their websites, Weebly is one of the most popular website development tools. It allows developers to build a site without any coding necessity. Moreover, Weebly also allows developers with an option to edit CSS / HTML if you have a coding background. On the application, developers can switch between trendy and responsive templates that are available. To keep the workflow intact without any disturbance, there are lots of pop-ups info buttons. It contains more than 40 layout designs and portfolios to help web developers with development and design.

Bootstrap

Bootstrap is a free source for mobile front-end web development. With HTML, CSS, and JS, Bootstrap, among front-end developers, is considered as a popular and powerful framework to make beautiful designs for websites. By technical users around the world, Bootstrap is considered as the most developed and advanced features. Team features and multiple support options are provided in Bootstrap. A great library of free Bootstrap and templates are available, including custom components, frameworks, navigation bars, and experiments. It's built using the default components of Bootstrap and utilities with little customization.

GitHub

You may not be considered a truly qualified developer if you don’t know about the GitHub. It inspires us to find the open-source, best solutions, and high-quality suggestions as a developed platform that connects over 40 million people. It also offers for every project such as bug tracking, code review, and project management.

Tips to Choose Your Career Path in Web Development

If you are ambitious to become a web developer, then your first step should be to choose the expertise; this means choosing between front-end, back-end, and full-stack development. Furthermore, you will need to learn the relevant coding languages and the continuous practice of building websites and the applications which run them. Here are some tips you must take into account when thinking of becoming a web developer.

Choose a Specialty

As explained earlier, you can choose between Front-end, Back-end, or Full Stack development and specialize in it. However, to become a full-stack developer, it is important to start acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge from the front-end.

Acquire the Needed Programming Language Skill

Each web development specialty needs necessary programming languages. It is important to focus on programming languages from basic to complex. Furthermore, web developers must be proficient in using various web development software programs, e.g., CSS, JavaScript frameworks, Version Control, and Database.

Start Small and Build an Online Portfolio

Just like every new thing, developers need to start small. Get small projects and gradually move on to bigger ones. There’s no need to rush. As soon as you’ve learned some basic skills, apply them, and create a web page that features your work and experience. You should also use social media like Facebook and Twitter to showcase your skills, connect with other coders, and find projects to work on.

Join an Online Forum and Interact

You should be an active user of the web developers’ community. You get to learn a lot from others’ experiences and get informed on important updates and several other benefits. GitHub is a great online forum for developers. An active GitHub profile can give the access and attention of employers searching through a large number of resumes.

Practice, As It Makes You Perfect

Organized and formal education has its advantages. However, web development is a field in which specific skills can even trump education. Companies prefer skills rather than degrees. To become a successful web developer, hours of web development training and practice are required. So, keep learning and keep practicing.

Web Development Training with QuickStart

As the demand for web developers is increasing, companies like QuickStart are providing adequate knowledge and training to the web developers through which they can enhance their skillset. A web developer, Bootcamp, launched by QuickStart, helps beginners to gain the right knowledge and expertise in the following areas.

• Programming concepts
• jQuery
• Bootstrap and WordPress
• js
• Python
• Responsive design
• JavaScript
• MySQL
• js
• js
• Git

To get more information on web development contact our experts at QuickStart.