From the simplest applications to the more groundbreaking inventions. Every website or piece of software we come across has been created by a web developer, but what exactly is web development and what does a web developer do?
To the outsider, it can seem like a complicated, confusing, and dark room. So, to shed some light on this fascinating industry, we’ve put together the ultimate introduction to web development and what it takes to become a full-fledged web developer.
In this guide, we’ll go through the basics of web development in detail and show you the most important skills and tools you’ll need to break into this industry.
What is web development?
Web development is the process of creating websites and applications for Internet or for private network known as an intranet. Web development is not about designing a website. Rather, it’s about the coding and programming that make up the functionality of the website.
From the simplest websites to “social media platforms” and applications, from e-commerce websites to editorial systems (CMS). All the tools and functions that we use every day on the Internet were created by web developers. Web development can be divided into three layers: client-side code (frontend), server-side code (backend) and database technology.
Frontend development
“Client-side scripting” or “front-end development” refers to anything that the end user experiences directly. Frontend development is done in a web browser and is directly related to what people see when they visit a website. Things like layout, fonts, colors, menus and contact forms are all controlled by the front end “.
Backend development
“Backend development” is all about what’s going on behind the scenes. The “backend” is essentially that part of a website that the user cannot actually see. He is responsible for storing and organizing data and ensures that everything runs smoothly on the “front end”. Whenever something happens on the “client side”, for example when a user fills out a form, the browser sends a request to the “server side”. The backend “responds” with relevant information in the form of “front-end codes”, which the browser can then interpret and display.
Database technology
Websites also rely on database technology. The database contains all the files and content necessary for a website to function and stores them in such a way that they can be easily accessed, organized, edited and stored. The database runs on a server, most websites usually use some kind of “Relational Database Management System” (RDBMS).
In summary, frontend, backend and database technology all work together to create and operate a fully functional website or application. These three layers together form the cornerstone of web development.
What is the difference between web development and web design?
You may hear the terms web development and web design in the same sound, but they are two very different things. Imagine a web designer and web developer working together to build car: The developer would take care of all functional components, such as engine, the wheels and the gearbox, while the designer would take care of the visual aspects, e.g. the layout of the dashboard, the design of the seats, as well as the user experience that the car offers is responsible.
Web designers create what the website looks like and how it actually feels to the end user. They moderate the layout of the website and ensure that it is logical, user-friendly and pleasant. They take into account the different visual elements: what color scheme and what fonts are used? Where is the menu, what does the navigation look like? where is the CTAB placed? The web design also takes into account the information architecture of the website and determines what content should be included and where it should be placed. Web design covers a large field and is often divided into specific roles such as “user experience design”, “user interface design” and information architecture.
It is the job of the web developer to turn this design into a living, fully functional website. A front-end developer uses the visual design as provided by the web designer and projects it using programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. A backend developer creates the advanced functionality of the website, such as the checkout function on an e-commerce website.
In short, a web designer is the architect while the web developer is the engineer.
What does a web developer do?
The role of a web developer is to create websites and maintain them. Web developers can be in-house or freelance, and the specific roles and responsibilities depend on whether they work as a front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer. Full-stack developers specialize in both the front and back end.
Web developers are responsible for creating a product that meets the needs of both the customer and the end user. Web developers work with stakeholders, clients, and designers to understand their visions: How should final website look and function?
A large area of web development revolves around identifying bugs and fixing them in order to constantly optimize a website or system. Web developers are therefore keen problem solvers who regularly come up with solutions and workarounds to ensure that their systems run smoothly.
Of course, all web developers use certain programming languages. However, different developers work with different languages (depending on their specific job title and area of expertise). Here’s a closer look at the different levels of web development:
What does a backend developer do?
The backend is essentially the brain behind the face (frontend). The developer is therefore responsible for setting up and maintaining the technology required to operate the front end, which consists of three components: a server, an application and the database.
The code that the backend developer creates ensures that everything the frontend developer builds is fully functional. It is the responsibility of the backend developer to ensure that the server, application and database communicate with one another. So how do you do it? First, they use server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, and Java to build the application. Then they use tools like MySQL, Oracle, and SQL-Server to find, store, or manipulate data.
Just like the frontend, the backend also works with the customer or business owner to understand their needs and requirements and ultimately implement them in the same way. You then deliver these in different ways, tailored to the specifics of the respective project. Typical backend development tasks include creating, integrating and managing the databases, creating server-side software using backend frameworks, developing and using CMS (editorial system) (e.g. for a blog), and working with web server Technology, API integration and operating systems. They are also responsible for testing and debugging all backend elements of a system or application.
What does a frontend developer do?
It is the frontend developer’s job to program the part of the application or website that the user sees and interacts with. It takes the backend data and turns it into something that is easy to understand, visually appealing, and fully functional for the everyday user. You work from designs provided by the web designer and then bring them to life through HTML, JavaScript and CSS.
The front end implements the layout, the interactive and navigational elements of the website such as buttons and scroll bars, images, content and internal links that navigate from one page to the other within the same website. The front-end developers are also responsible for ensuring an optimal display across different browsers and devices. This means that the website adapts to every screen size and guarantees the same user experience on every smartphone.
The front-end developers also carry out so-called “usability tests” and correct any errors that may occur. At the same time, SEO is taken into account and the website should be constantly optimized and updated.
What does a full stack developer do?
A full stack developer is someone who understands the “full stack” of the technology, i.e both the front and the back end, and can work with it. These types of web development experts are equipped to familiarize themselves with the material, but can also provide guidance on strategies and best practices.
Most full-stack developers have many years of experience in a wide variety of roles and tasks, giving them a solid foundation across the spectrum of web development. You are proficient in both front-end and back-end languages, frameworks, as well as server, network and hosting systems. They are also very familiar with both the business logic and the user experience.
Mobile (smartphone) developer
Web developers can specialize in mobile application development. Either for IOS or Android. IOS developers develop apps that run on the IOS operating system (Apple devices). IOS developers are proficient in “Swift”, the programming language that Apple developed specifically for their apps.
Android developers create applications that are compatible with all Android devices such as Samsung smartphones. Java is the official programming language for Android.
How do I become a web developer?
The first step to a career in web development is learning the necessary languages, libraries and frameworks. You should also master certain keywords and deal with the common terminology. In terms of languages you learn, it all depends on whether you want to focus on front-end or back-end development. However, all web developers should be proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, so start by learning these three languages. If you want to find out more about programming languages, stop by here.
