What is web development?
Web development is all the activities related to the creation and development of a website. These tasks require the mastery of coding as well as the use of web programming languages and include the design of all kinds of sites or web apps.
Web development: Coding and programming
People often confuse “coding” and “programming”. However, they are different.
The term “coding” comes from the expression “to code” which means to write the source code of a computer program. It is also programming, but it mainly concerns the first steps of computer programming. The coder can write the source code in different languages. However, programming a web application or a website is more complicated.
Programming is the whole process of creating and developing a program that allows your computer to perform different computer tasks. Programming consists of identifying and analyzing a problem, developing logic and working on solutions.
The difference between Web Design and Web Development
The web designer and the web developer are part of the development of a website or web applications. However, they both have their own function.
The web designer takes care of the visual part of the sites. He uses design-related tools to create the content to be integrated on a site. He has a sense of style and uses it to optimize the interface, the aesthetics, the layout of each element of the website or application.
The web developer has the technical skills to maintain the system. He knows the programming languages and uses them to create sites with a clean and solid code. Unlike the web designer, he focuses on the logical and technical aspect of programming.
The three types of web development
Varying according to the function and know-how of the web developer, there are three types of jobs in web development. They are the Front End, the Back End and the Full Stack.
The Front-End
The Front-End developer is responsible for the appearance of the site. In other words, he is responsible for the design of the interface that is directly put in contact with the users. His work focuses on the visual: fonts, drop-down menus, buttons, transitions, sliders, contact forms, etc. He masters the programming languages for static website development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
The Back-End
If the Back End consists of the interactive part, the Back End developer is responsible for the management of the internal part of the site or an application. The smooth functioning of the latter depends on his work and he must be very meticulous; a single mistake can bring down the system. He must have skills in different programming languages, including PHP, Java, Python, Ruby, C, C#, C++, Rust, Go, etc.
The Full-Stack
A Full Stack web developer can do everything. He masters both the Back End and the Front End. As the Full Stack developer has a good command and experience on all aspects of website or mobile application development, he is nicknamed the “polyglot” of IT. He represents the entire web development profession and has a broad field of competence.
However, if your project is large and you need a Back End and Front End developer, it is more advisable to employ two different people. The Full Stack developer is effective for smaller projects.
What is the role of web development in communication?
Technological advances have made having a website a priority for companies today. In fact, according to statistics, about 80% of companies that did not have a website went bankrupt. Are you wondering why it is important to have a website? Discover the advantages.
The benefits of having a website for a company
A good way to communicate
Internet is the best way to communicate and the most used referencing means by the public. The first reflex of people when they want to know more about your products or services will be to consult the internet. Thanks to your website and social networks, your customer will have easy access to your information, they can easily communicate with you at any distance.
Facilitates the marketing strategy
The content of your website allows you to attract the attention of the customer. The more attractive the site is, the more interested they will be. People access different guidelines about your new items, try them and then buy them online. This way you will get a bigger audience and you can promote your item.
Reduces communication costs
Creating a website to communicate with your customers is actually inexpensive. By using the services of web developer, web designer and other content creators, you will optimize your interface so that the site itself will act as an advertisement. This will cost you less than the various advertising campaigns and other means of communication.
Why and how to work as a web developer?
The advantages of the profession of web developer
With the new technologies, the web professions are among the most practiced. Lovers of coding and programming have every interest in becoming a web developer because :
- The time to study or train for web development is short.
- Web programming has an active job market.
- It is an innovative profession.
- The individual is free to choose the framework where he will work: alone or in a company.
- It is an exciting job where he can always learn new things.
- Web developers are entitled to an interesting salary.
Steps to follow to become a web developer
To become a developer and write a website or create web programs, knowing the HTML language is not enough. You need to master the use of technologies, i.e. computer tools, know how to manipulate application software as well as website software. In addition to knowledge, there are technical skills to acquire to do web development.
The three steps to follow to succeed as a web developer:
- Choose a language: You don’t use the same language for mobile application development, web application development or website development. Whether the developer specializes in Front End, Back End or Full Stack will be decided based on the language chosen. To start, HTML and CSS are the most suitable. Some say that they are not languages in themselves, but they are the basics of programming.
- Learning the language: Once you have chosen a language, you need to start studying it. No matter how busy you are in class or at work, you should always spend time learning. However, it is always better to ask for help from a web development expert for more guidance.
- Continue and practice: Whether the apprentice web developer is studying programming to become a web engineer or is self-taught, practice is always paramount. It is necessary to practice the language already learned and, why not, learn another one.
Thus, anyone who wants to start in web development must study computer languages
What is computer language?
Computer language is the technical language designed for programming computer tools. It is through it, by writing lines of code, that you can interact with them and submit instructions to them, allowing them to function.
There are different types of web programming languages that allow you to define these instructions and they are used for specific purposes. Knowing them is essential for anyone who wants to become a web developer, but also for you if you are looking for a development expert for a specific project.
Programming languages for a static website
The most known programming languages are HTML and CSS, JavaScript accompanies them to optimize your website or web applications. They are mostly used in the creation of a static website and are very useful for the front end developer.
HTML/CSS
They are complementary. HTML or HyperText Markup Language is the language that structures your web page. The web developer uses it to integrate external links and other elements by connecting to a web server. However, it is not relevant enough for websites with a large number of pages.
On the other hand, Cascading Style Sheets allows you to bring the visual part of your websites. One of its versions, CSS3, helps to establish the digital interface design technique that can adapt the display of web pages on any screen: the responsive design.
Java Script
This is the scripting language that adds interactive elements to your web pages. It is activated when a client opens the web page on his browser and improves the user experience. It is an interpreted language and its use by the Internet user is completely safe. However, a web browser that is not updated may not support it.
Programming languages for a dynamic website
PHP and Ruby are “server” languages used by the Back End developer. He uses them for the creation and development of dynamic websites where data is stored and managed.
PHP
PHP is also a scripting language, but used on the server side. It can be combined with HTML and allows a good communication between the page and the web server. PHP is compatible with different kinds of databases and operating systems.
Ruby
This is a widely used language, especially among beginners in web development. It is easy to learn and handle, you just need to practice continuously to get used to it and progress.
SQL
SQL or Structured Query Language is a language used by web developers to manipulate a database. The database is what allows the web developer to record information and different statistics in an organized and hierarchical way.
Along with SQL, there are DBMS or Database Management Systems that store your data. The most well known programs are the open source software MySQL, MariaDb, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
Programming languages for a mobile application
The languages used in the creation and optimization of mobile applications are nowadays widely used by mobile users. You just need to choose the appropriate programming language for your mobile application project.
Java
do not mix it with the programming language for websites.Java is reserved for developing a native mobile application on Android device, but it is easier to make it work on iOS or Windows operating system. And before you start developing any application, you should know the difference between Java Virtual Machine, Java Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment. An expert web developer mainly uses the JDK.
Swift
This is an open source programming language created by the Apple company for the purpose of developing applications for iOS and Mac. Swift has documentation and resources available to experts and students.
C#, C or C++
C is an old language used in programming since 1970. It has evolved over time and its C# and C++ variations are suitable for novices, having been accommodated to new languages and technologies.
Programming languages for artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is now present in most of your devices, such as your computer and smartphone. It is increasingly associated with web services and has led to the establishment of new programming languages.
Java and Python
These are the most used. Java is slower, unlike Python which is fast and light. On the other hand, even if Python is convenient and compatible with many operating systems, it cannot be used to develop an AI on mobile application.
Scala & Julia
Julia and Scala are relatively new languages that are rapidly gaining popularity. Julia is virtually as simple to learn as Python, whereas Scala has a Ruby-like syntax and is as reliable as Java. They are advised for people who want to get a head start on becoming web developers.
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