Introduction.
Web development has become a popular field in software development and has created more solutions and affected more lives because of the massive users of the internet.
Web development has also become outstanding because all other aspects of software engineering can be included.
What is Web development?
Web development is an aspect of software development. It deals with things that majorly relate to the web, the internet, or anything related to a web protocol called HTTP.
Other aspects of software development are
General Programming
Robotics
Game development
Data science and machine learning, e.t.c.
New generation web platforms like Social Networks and online stores now use machine learning and even successfully integrated game development.
Wrapping it all up, the best place to kick start your software engineering journey is by understanding the fundamentals of web development.
How To Become a Web Developer
Are you an aspiring web developer, or have you already kick-started your journey to web development, and you are finding it hard to attain the peak? This post will guide you on the proper steps you need to take to understand web standards in 90 days.
1. Choose a Niche and Start Learning.
There are many places to get equipped with basic programming knowledge and some of these places are going to be mentioned below.
When it comes to web development, there are various aspects involved. This makes it mandatory to focus on a particular part to make your journey easy. On the other hand, learning every web technology and tool makes it hard for you to comprehend anything meaningful. In this section, I will be stating various aspects of web development that you could consider.
1. Frontend Web Development.
The front end of a website is the part where users communicate with. Everything that you see when you navigate the Internet, from fonts and colours to dropdown menus and sliders, is a combo of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript being dominated by your computer’s browser.
Front-end developers are responsible for a website’s user-interface code and its user experience design.
To achieve those objectives, front-end devs must be adept at three main languages: HTML, CSS, and Javascript programming.
HTML is the building block of any web page, every web page you see on the internet has a touch of HTML in it.
An example of HTML scripts is:
CSS stands for Cascading style sheet, and it is a markup language used in styling every web page on the internet.
CSS allows you to style your web page, those fancy colours, Fonts Icons and layouts you see on every web page are made possible by the use of CSS. After mastering HTML the next step to do is to learn and master CSS.
Attaining this level would take nothing less than a week to three weeks. Make sure you don't waste your time trying to memorize and store every detail, the fundamentals of each are okay for a start.
Also, make sure you build something straightforward with the above knowledge mentioned and don't be discouraged, you will create hideous things at first, but as time goes on, you will begin to mature.
In conclusion this stage, I always recommend not to rely on your basic knowledge of HTML and CSS cos it is a pretty waste of time, there are pretty many CSS Frameworks being developed and maintained by very hardworking developers and tech communities to help you get your project running in no time, and some of them are.
CSS lets you design and enhance any web page to whatever taste you desire. Things like colour, Font and spaces are all configured by the proper use of CSS.
The success of any web project or startup is determined by the ability of the creator to interpret its idea to its users, which is mainly called UX (user experience).
The quality of any web platform User experience is mainly determined by your ability to use CSS properly.
To officially declare yourself a front-end web developer, you must understand the fundamentals of JavaScript, which brings us to a conclusion: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the three most important aspects of web development.
In addition to acquiring these skills, as mentioned above, front-end developers still need a lot of web technologies in their stack belt HTML and CSS frameworks like Bootstrap, Material CSS, Tailwinds CSS, Foundation CSS, Bulma, etc. many more. Also included is the need to master Javascript as a meaningful life for frontend technologies, which provides for: Vue Js, Jquery, Vanilla Js, React JS and Angular JS.
Using these tools, front-end developers work closely with designers or user experience analysts to bring mockups, or wireframes, from development to delivery.
2. Backend Web Development.
Backend web development covers the transfer and storage of data via the web. Back-end web development usually consists of a server, an application, and a database.
A back-end developer builds and maintains the technology that powers those components, which enable the user-interface side of the website to even exist in the first place.
Data is then communicated via an open protocol (REST API, SOAP API, Graph QL or XML).
To make the server, application, and database interact with each other, back-end devs use server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, and .Net to build an application, and tools like MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server to store and manipulate data back to the user in front-end code.
Back-end devs use these tools to create or give web applications with clean, portable, well-documented code.
But before writing that code, they need to cooperate with business stakeholders to learn their particular needs, then translate those into technical requirements and develop a productive and efficient solution for designing that technology.
If you love manipulating data and creating business logic, then backend web development is already calling you. In addition, Backend web development is more accessible than frontend development because you must focus on a programming language.
There are so many programming languages built and designed for backend web development which include: Python, PHP, JavaScript, PERL, Rust, Go Lang, C, C#, C ++ and many others.
Most of these languages are designed to work with more than just web development. They can also be used in many other fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and robotics.
To best make your work easy, the majority of these languages come shipped in with their frameworks; just in case you don't know what a framework is, A framework is simply a skeleton of a problem that you intend to solve, all you have to do it build on top of it.
For example, if all you intend to do is build web services as with any language of your choice, all you need is to master a framework designed for that purpose in the language of your choice.
Python is a multipurpose language and can be used in artificial intelligence, web development, data science, etc.
If I ever wanted to build websites using python code, all I needed to learn is a web framework created in python called (Django or Flask).
The same goes for every other language, PHP(Laravel) and Ruby Land(Ruby-on-Rails).
3. Full Stack Web Development.
Lastly, most people decide to stay on both sides, and if you are like me, you like to know what is going on in every part of your application, then you should become a full-stack web developer.
Full-stack developers, like back-end devs, work on the server-side of web programming, but they can also fluently speak the front-end languages that control how content looks on a user interface. They are also called Jack-of-all-trades.
Now that the market is becoming thin, and most companies do not like to hire people with a single skill, it is better to learn everything.
To become a full-stack web developer, you need to master all tools mentioned needed by a frontend and a backend web developer. However, don't be tempted to run away; being a full-stack is very interesting because you get to control everything. It also makes you good at leadership, especially when managing other web developers like you.
4. Mobile Development.
A Mobile Developer is also known as a mobile app developer, or an app developer is someone who designs, develops, and implements mobile applications.
They are responsible for developing these software applications in line with the appropriate mobile platforms.
Smartphones have become an integral part of every tech solution, and most people now choose to interact via an IOS or an Android phone than large screen desktops and computers.
Devices like tablets and smartphones have continued to play an essential role in our everyday life for many consumers.
A mobile developer can choose to develop for a specific platform such as Android, IOS, Windows, or even develop for all ( cross-platform apps).
To master mobile development, you need to deviate from the usual frontend and backend tools, though you can add them to your tool belt.
To become a mobile developer, you need to master languages like Java, Kotlin, Swift, Dart and even JavaScript.
To begin your journey towards the mastery of web development, you need adequate offline and online resources. Most people prefer to use paid Bootcamps, but not all fingers are equal; most people do not even have enough money to pay for a Bootcamp.
If you fall into the category above, you need a great online resource to get you started.
1. YouTube.
This is one of the very accessible and most effortless channels to get started from; personally, as a web developer, I developed myself in web development by learning from free YouTube channels such as The New Boston, and The Coding for Entrepreneurs, and so many others.
If you are broke and seek a rapid means of getting skilled, you can consult YouTube for a start. However, note that learning is at your own pace, and you don't get certified.
TRY IT NOW- YouTube.com
2. Freecode camp.
This is another fantastic platform that allows you to develop essential coding skills, you get access to hundreds of courses for free in an interactive lesson in form of question and answer format. Moreover, you can get started with the Freecode camp for free and even certified.
3. Udemy.
Udemy is another hosted online school for individuals who want to learn web development; Udemy hosts thousands of courses from thousands of professional tech experts in various subjects such as Artificial intelligence, mobile and app development, and many others. Udemy is not free, but it comes at an affordable price.
TRY IT NOW- udemy.com
4. Pluralsight.
Pluralsight is another excellent platform for getting started as a web developer; with Pluralsight, you get access to various tech-related courses such as game development, web development, etc.
With Pluralsight, you also get the opportunity to become certified by companies such as Google. In addition, you can get started for free and access premium courses at very affordable prices.
Suppose you are broke and do not have money to start Pluralsight. In that case, you can get hooked up to the Google developer scholarship on its platform that gives you access to free web development fundamentals and certifies you. This opportunity comes up every year.
You can follow up on the official Pluralsight website, it is even better to sign up for their newsletter to get notified when the opportunities are made available.
TRY IT NOW- Pluralsight.com
5. Udacity.
Udacity is an American online tech education platform created by Sebastian Thrun, David Stevens, and Mike Sokolsky to offer massive open online courses.
Udacity was founded in 2012, and ever since it has raised over $100 Million in revenue. Udacity has also connected hands with various big tech companies all over the world such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft to be able to create courses.
Udacity offers various courses in; programming and development, AI and Data Science, Web Development, Business, Autonomous systems, cloud computing and digital marketing.
Coupled with all of the courses mentioned above, you also get certified after completing any system, making you authentic.
TRY IT NOW - Udacity.com
2. Apply For an Internship.
An internship is a short-term work experience offered by companies and other organisations for people.
It is as much of a training experience as it is work. Ideally, interns work on related projects, learn about the field, make industry contacts, and improve both hard and soft skills. Internships sometimes even lead to full-time job offers.
As an intern, you can work side-by-side with proficient industry experts and get a pretty good idea of what an entry-level role might require.
You will gain real work experience and meet and learn from the pros. And you start to build your network, from your fellow interns to seasoned leaders.
Most times working and learning alone won't help sharpen your skills too much, and you may find yourself unable to meet up; you have to make a few sacrifices by becoming an intern at a tech company of your choice.
3. Get Certified.
This is not usually a very important criterion as a web developer, but it only exposes you to more opportunities, getting certified as a web developer does not mean you will do better than a self-taught developer who practices more often and updates himself with the needed industry-standard skills. There are many companies to get certified from, including Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and so many others.
1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer.
Microsoft usually issues this certification, and it requires the successful participation and passing of three examinations such as Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3, Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications, and Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services.
2. W3SCHOOLS Certification.
W3Schools is another online organisation that offers several certification tracks in web development, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
Each certificate is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of each professional area's foundational principles and concepts. To earn a certificate, candidates must participate in an Internet-based examination of over 100 questions.
3. Amazon Web Services Certified Developer.
Another excellent certification that could be acquired is the AWS Certified Developer certification. The certification is for individuals who develop and maintain applications on the Amazon Web Services platform.
Candidates need to have at least one year of experience working with AWS applications, a fundamental understanding of at least one programming language, and knowledge of creating Amazon application solutions. The test is 80 minutes running and comprises multiple-choice and many answer questions.
4. Attends Meetups and Developer Gatherings.
Now that you must have started learning, It is not so good to know all on your own, and the journey begins becoming lonely, and you might lose motivation, so at this stage, the next step would be to hook up with other developers. There are so many ways to meet up with developers in your location, and some of them include.
5. Design a Portfolio Website.
A portfolio website contains all your work and competence as a developer. It is usually a single or multi-page website that says a lot about you as a developer.
A portfolio website can be hosted on a free host and built on any technology, it is often the first criterion that would set you to prepare you for a job and even convince a recruiter that you are capable of your work.
6. Start Monetizing
Now that you have been armed with these skills, it now time to start making money.
Honestly, I must tell you that picking a career in web development is not a day's Job because the inflow of web developers is becoming massive every year.
Like the music industry, the web development industry is becoming highly competitive.
This is because so many people are just waking up and calling themselves web developers, which has caused the industry to look overloaded.
Never mind that the difference between them will usually appear in their projects and knowledge. Here are ways to start making money with Your newly acquired skills.
1. Start a Blog.
So many tech people are searching for tech-related stuff online and need answers to those questions. You can create a blog related to tech and post about your knowledge of solving web-related capabilities.
A perfect example is websites like scotch.io and many more. The most exciting part about technical writing and blogging is that you would be seen as an authority, and people would trust you. You can even get a mentorship endorsement to mentor other upcoming developers and get paid for it. Here is an article I recommend you read to help you get started with blogging.
2. Bootstrap your Idea.
This is declining every day among present-day software developers. There is a massive inflow of software developers, but very few create products. We have very few products with an army of software developers and this is so because we have so many people who want to become web developers or software engineers because they hated their former job and want something more flexible.
So, they carry the less productive mindset into the game. If you want to hit it big in software development, then you need to think of solving a solution for the world. Unfortunately, most people will never start their own software company because they feel they don't have access to funds.
You can read my article on getting business grants to help you get started with getting funds.
3. Get a Job.
Getting a job has been why so many people become software developers. And I must tell you that software development jobs are exciting and sweet when working with a reputable company.
You get goodies even more than people working in the banking sector or even with the government, and this ranges from very high salaries, gym, laptop set health insurance, even the opportunity to travel out of the country in most cases and most cases working remotely from your home for a company overseas.
Just in case you need these excellent jobs, you can get them here in Nigeria or even overseas through this platform.
1. Stack overflow Jobs.
Stack Overflow is a question and answer site for professional and enthusiast programmers, all it does is help programmers post errors that they get on their project on the platforms and get solutions from other programmers on the same platform.
See it just like a Quora, but majorly designed for software engineers this time. This is not where I would like to draw the curtain, all I would like to say is that apart from being a Question/answer platform for software engineers, Stack Overflow also features a way to connect web developers seeking jobs with prospective clients.
This can be done on the same platform but this time called Stack Overflow Jobs. Stack Overflow Jobs was created to connect software developers with potential employers worldwide. So all you need to do as a web developer is to sign up, or better still if you already have an existing Stack Overflow account, you can visit the link below, update your CV, fill out your profile and begin to apply for jobs.
TRY IT NOW - Stack Overflow jobs
Vanhacks.
Google Jobs
Participate in Hacks.
Hacks are software events that allow developers to come together with the sole aim of building a project that would be eventually selected and funded.
Just like building your startup but this time you are awarded a grand prize and in most cases, you get all the support you need to become a company.
There are so many Hackathon events in the Nigerian and global space you can subscribe to my Email Newsletter to get an email when it eventually comes.
Conclusion
Choosing a career in web development does not necessarily mean that you will be better in just one day; you just have to keep smashing those buttons, learning and unlearning and keep believing.
These stacks look very hard and time-consuming, but they will all come together if you do not relent.
I must tell you that the software development world might seem over-bloated, but we only have very few creators. You can be one.
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