How to Become a Web Developer in 2023: [Simple Guide]

Are you wondering how to get started in web development? 

Search no further!

Despite the state of the economy, the web development industry is still growing. Now that the “post-Covid mayhem” is over, more and more people are trying to secure their jobs for the future by planning to become web developers in the new year.

Also, becoming a web developer is easier than ever because there are many options. The benefits of becoming a web developer include the high demand for them and the ability to work remotely.

The field of web development is constantly growing. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for web developers will grow by 23% between 2021 and 2031. A web developer can expect to earn an annual salary of $82,394 in the United States.

Before we dive into how to become a web developer, let’s look into who a web developer is:

Who is a Web Developer?

A web developer is a professional responsible for building and maintaining websites. The developer handles both the user interface and the technical aspects of the site, such as its speed and traffic capacity. There are three distinct sorts of web developers: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. 

Front-end developers focus on the user experience, while back-end developers are responsible for the code that makes the website function. Full-stack developers typically work on both front-end and back-end areas. 

We’ve gathered all the information you need to become a web developer to make your path easier. Let’s dive into each of these in greater detail:

How To Become A Web Developer?

So, before you start pursuing a career in web development, you should understand what it takes to become a web developer and how to get there. Here are seven things you need to know about how to become a website developer:

1. Pursue a Web Development Course or a Computer Science Degree

Formal education is not always required to work as a web developer. You can learn the necessary abilities on your own. For instance, you could enroll in a programming course to study HTML, JavaScript, or CSS and then use what you’ve learned to create your own website.

Many e-learning platforms offer courses and bootcamps in web development, such as Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and BrainStation. These programs can add to your knowledge foundation and help you apply the concepts when developing websites. 

Even though experience is important for learning, getting a computer science degree will work wonders for your job prospects. In the tech-focused world of today, a degree in computer science is very valuable because it teaches you how to make digital graphics, web apps, and online code. Depending on your course, you might also learn how to use networking and internet security in site designs.

2. Self Study the Basic Web Development Skills

Another great way to get into web development is by diving straight into it. Test the waters and find what path is great for you. Practice makes perfect, so start designing and developing from scratch and expand your knowledge. Explore different avenues and languages which will help in developing basic web development knowledge. 

3. Find an Entry-level Web Development Job

The internship is a great way to learn the fundamentals from professionals to get started in web development. This could be in the form of coaching or even through contract-based jobs, where you can get exposure to web development from your mentors and supervisors. 

Through internships, you can learn how to create a website and better understand the dos and don’ts of creating one. This exposure from professionals can enhance your experience considerably. 

4. Enhance your Web Development Skills

Employers and clients usually look for web developers with certain skills to meet website needs. 

Here are some skills that will come in handy if you want to learn how to become a web developer from scratch:

Coding skills

For front-end development, popular programming coding languages include HTML, PHP, CSS, and JavaScript. However, for back-end development, you should learn Python, Java, Ruby, and other programming languages to kickstart your career. A full-stack developer will typically be skilled in all of the above.

Responsive Website

People visit websites on a range of devices. Websites should be able to look just as beautiful on mobile devices as they do on tablets and laptops. The website interface should be user-friendly so that the overall experience is a good one. 

Even though knowing a lot about technology is helpful, there are other things you need to do to become a good web developer. In addition to their technical skills, web developers who do well in their jobs share the following seven traits:

• Creative Problem Solving
• Analytical skills
• Creativity 
• Vision
• Pick the right tools
• Ability to adapt
• Communication skills

5. Learn the essential programming languages for developing websites

There are three core languages you must learn if you want to work in web development: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Let’s examine each one’s function and what makes it so important.

Html

HyperText Markup Language is the foundation of web development since it establishes the organization of a web page’s content. The title, headings, and body text of a page, for instance, are determined by HTML. 

CSS

Since Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are used to specify how HTML content will be displayed to the end user, they go hand in hand with HTML. You can change the font, color, background, and other visual components of a web page with CSS.

Java

A popular server-side programming language for creating websites and mobile applications is Java. It is also well-liked for developing applets, or little programs, that function as a component of websites.

6. Choose A Specialization

Web developers can usually be divided into three categories: back-end developers, front-end developers, and full-stack developers. Let’s take a closer look at each of these website development specializations. 

Front end developer

A front-end web developer’s job is to guarantee that users of the website can navigate the page with ease. They accomplish this by combining programming, design, and technology to code a website’s aesthetic and take care of debugging. Everything you see, click on, or use when visiting a website is the result of the efforts of a front-end developer.

Back end developer

The entire back end of a website must be developed, maintained, tested, and debugged by back-end developers. This includes the core application logic, databases, data and application integration, API, and other back-end processes. They might also be responsible for controlling access points for other people who need to control the content of a website.

Full stack developer

A Full stack web developer performs the duties of a front-end and back-end developer. These programmers can create an entire website and may work for companies that lack the funding for a large website staff.

7. Create your web development portfolio

Don’t forget to record your experience in the form of an online portfolio while gaining as much knowledge as you can.

An online portfolio serves as a digital showcase of your abilities, accomplishments, and expertise. Having one will make it easier for you to demonstrate your expertise as a seasoned web developer during job interviews.

Building a website, along with the information in your portfolio, will give you a chance to show potential clients how good you are at web development. 

Include a wide range of work, show off your ability to solve problems, and give detailed explanations of how you solved the problems to make a compelling portfolio. Here are some examples of projects you can include in your portfolio:

• Make a one-page resume.
• Make a hobby or tribute page.
• Make a task list.
• Make a WordPress website.
• Create a survey or email contact form.
• Create an online store landing page.

How do I become a web developer with no experience?

Web development is one profession that is easy to pick up without any formal education or training. After a few weeks or months of study and practice, you can start right away and have a functional understanding of how to create a website.

How Much Does a web Developer Make in a Year?

In the United States, a web developer can expect to earn an average of $92,500 a year, or $37.65 per hour. Minimum salaries start at $68,253 per year, and most people with experience can earn up to $130,000 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to become a web developer?

The journey to becoming a web developer is not without its difficulties. Web development requires ongoing learning because the technology sector is constantly changing. However, with the right mindset and skills, you will be able to achieve your goals. 

What qualifications do you need to be a web developer?

To become a web developer, you must be qualified in several languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. After getting good at the basics of a language, the next step is to learn its libraries and frameworks like Bootstrap, jQuery, Git, and GitHub. 

How long does it take to become a web developer?

If you can spend a few hours a day learning, learning web development from scratch could take 5 to 6 months. But each person’s exact learning time will depend on how they learn and how hard they work.

How can a beginner become a web developer?

Learning to code is the first step toward becoming a web developer. Coding is the basic building block of any web developer’s career, after which they can choose their learning pathway and gain experience by volunteering and interning. 

Can I become a web developer without a degree?

Yes, you can become a web developer without a college degree, but if you enroll in a web development bootcamp or any other certification program, build a portfolio, and do internships in the same field.

Can I become a web developer at the age of 30?

Yes! Many folks who are 35 or older have learned to code. Developers are very much in demand in the tech industry. Given that becoming a developer doesn’t require a college degree, software engineering is also one of the professions with the best potential for financial success.

Is a web developer certificate worth it?

Yes, a web development certificate is a great investment that will help you gain the abilities that businesses are looking for in candidates. It will also give you more opportunities to advance in your profession and earn more money.

Conclusion

The field of web development is constantly growing and has great benefits. In the US, the average web developer earns $74,742 annually or $36 per hour. People now see a website as essential, especially for a business, given the growing demand for digitized information. 

Due to this, there is a significant need for skilled web developers. Web developers also have the advantage of flexible working conditions. This allows you the opportunity to work remotely and set your own hours as more and more businesses adopt the work-from-home model. 

If you want to pursue a career in web development, this guide will surely help you. Check out this list of the best web development courses you can enroll in to kickstart your journey as a web developer. 

With so many benefits, what’s stopping you from starting your journey as a web developer?