Learn more about what a web developer is in this article.
A web developer is a person that builds and develops websites for individuals and companies using markup, stylesheet, scripting, and programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Web developers use their creativity to ensure that the websites they create are user-friendly, compatible, fast, interactive, fit for purpose, eye-catching, etc.
Anyone that is passionate about the field and willing to learn can have a career as a web developer. All they need is a sufficient amount of knowledge and a degree in computer science would be useful. More information about the responsibilities and requirements of a web developer are listed below.
Responsibilities Of A Web Developer
The responsibilities of a web developer may include:
Writing and developing web applications using programming languages, such as JavaScript, PHP, Node.js, jQuery, TypeScript, and more.
Testing websites in different web browsers and devices to ensure that they are compatible.
Building and maintaining databases.
Fixing any issues that have occurred with existing websites, such as syntax errors.
Managing the interface and look of a website using HTML and CSS.
Taking note of the requirements of individuals and companies.
Deciding on the best colours and styles for a website.
Communicating with clients to determine website needs and questions about the website.
Ensuring the security of developed websites (e.g. ensuring that HTTPS is used with SSL/TLS for websites where users enter confidential information and reducing the risks of SQL injection attacks).
Optimising developed websites for search engines.
Delivering developed websites to clients within a specified period of time. Clients can then accept or decline their completed website.
Setting up payment methods on the website.
Creating backups of websites locally on computers or on file storage services.
Creating and annotating design plans for a website.
Working with ecommerce platforms, such as WooCommerce.
Requirements Of A Web Developer
The general requirements of a web developer are:
Good understanding of markup and programming languages of the Web, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
Even though it is not an absolute requirement, knowledge of extra programming languages, libraries, and frameworks less commonly used on the Web, such as Node.js, jQuery, Ruby, Python, TypeScript, C++, Java, and more would be useful.
Knowledge of accessible website design that abides by the procedures of the W3C.
Even though there is not a specific degree for web development, a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field is useful.
Good independent decision-making skills.
Good attention-to-detail.
Good visual design skills.
Good understanding of browser compatibility issues.
Good understanding of technical limitations.
Good understanding of content management systems, such as WordPress and Joomla.
Difference Between A Web Developer and A Web Designer
The terms 'web developer' and 'web designer' look similar, but they do not have the same role. Web developers usually focus on the backend of a website, which includes the databases and programming aspect of creating a website, whilst web designers manage the look and feel of websites and only focus on the frontend. These are also known as frontend developers. Some web developers may combine both skills of working with the backend (server-side) that works behind the scenes to deliver information to users and the frontend (client-side), which are what the user sees and the visual elements of websites that a user interacts with. These are known as full-stack developers. However, they may just be called 'web developers'. Web developers may also be involved in designing a website, whilst web designers only design web interfaces using HTML and CSS.
Note:
Some web developers may only specialise in one field. For example, a web developer that only specialises in PHP is a PHP developer.
