How to Become a Web Developer – Beginner’s Guide
If you are a newbie in web development, the coding and the ‘jargon’ might seem too overwhelming. Although the gurus and those already established in the industry will try hard to convince you that it is an easy task, the long lines of code and information will be screaming otherwise. We all have been there, everyone needs a starting up point and count yourself lucky because this article here, might help kick-start your journey towards a successful career in web development. So, what do you need to succeed in Web Development? What are some of the things that will help you crack it in this lucrative industry? Well, if you are having a problem coming up with some ideas, worry not because we are here to help.
Whether you are a newbie in this field or someone with basic knowledge looking to expand the horizons as far as web development is concerned, here are tips we think will help you immensely. These tips encompass both the basics and fundamental insights to help you get a better grip of web development. Here are tips to help you become a web developer;
Languages to learn
HTML- This is the backbone of web development. Although there are considerably many programming languages available out there today, HTML remains to be the most basic and most commonly used. You therefore need to begin your journey by understanding what it entails.
Beautiful your work with CSS- Learn how to add colour and flair to your webs using CSS. Understanding CSS will give you an idea of shaping and landscaping your pages. It is pretty easy to learn as well.
Java- This is the other commonly used language that is almost irreplaceable. It is class-based and object-oriented programming language. Understanding it from an early age will give you an upper hand in the field.
JavaScript- it is very essential in developing interactive web functions. You need to understand it.
C++ – C++ is an intermediate-level language with object-oriented programming features, originally designed to enhance the C language.
Python- Python is a high-level, server-side scripting language for websites and mobile apps. It’s considered to be a relatively straight forward language for beginners due to its readability and compact syntax.
Ruby- probably the easiest coding language as far as web development is concerned. It is so dynamic and object oriented. This is the best pick up point for beginners who have had a good grasp of HTML and CSS.
PHP- More complex but can be very instrumental as it encompasses many areas. It is good language to learn when you are perfectly conversant with the prior mentioned languages.
General Guides and tips
Join coding forums and communities if you are to quickly grasp web development. The good thing about this is that there are thousands of online forums that you can join and get insights from daily.
Practise your code every single day. When you learn a new trick, the best way to make sure you that have understood it is to practise using it as many times as possible.
Copy other people’s code. Don’t shy away from looking at other people’s codes and trying them. Whenever you find something that you think you like, copy and edit it to your liking. That’s how you become a guru in web development.
Be active as you possibly can in your forums and online communities. The more active you are, the better the chances of learning new things and interacting more with the members.
Don’t shy away from asking questions, however dumb they may end up making you look. With time, you will realise that there is nothing like dumb in coding. It is a learning curve.
Make sure you are up to date with the resources and tools that the other programmers and web developers are using. There are quite a number of good tools that will get you started that are available for free download online.
There are online forums and schools that offer free training on web development. I personally am a proud alumni of Code Academy. The likes of Khan Academy can help you start your career in coding without having to pay a dime.
To further boost your skills in coding, it is advisable that you take part in competitions and contests. There are numerous forums that will facilitate these forms of matchups. Github is a good starting point.
It goes without saying that you will need to create your own website for the start. This is where you have the liberty to play around with all the lines of code you have learned without worrying about angering anyone. The moment you think that your web is up to the standard, you can then venture into the market.
Start by working on gigs. The small gigs will help you advance your skills by testing your levels of understanding. In no time, you will be competent enough to land bigger opportunities in the market.
Create an online portfolio. Create a profile on LinkedIn and other websites to showcase your skills and let the world know that you are competent enough.
Never stop learning. Coding and web development is dynamic. Things change on a daily basis and to stay ahead of the rest, you will need to replenish your coding skills and add new tricks.
It goes without saying that you will need to brace yourself for mobile devices. You web development needs to accommodate mobile devices now more than ever because most people are using mobile devices to browse the web. Things like responsive pages should be your cup of tea.
Diversify your skills. Don’t concentrate on a single area. The more diverse you are, the more the chances of landing more lucrative deals.
