To become a successful front end developer, learn about the technical and workplace skills required. There are three types of web development jobs: front-end, back-end, and full-stack. Each of these positions contributes to the creation of a website.
Front-end developers create all the features that are visible to users and accessible to them. To make a website that is enjoyable and easy to use, usability and aesthetics must be optimized. A back-end developer, on the other hand, manages the software, databases, and infrastructure that keep websites alive by managing the back-end of websites. While a full-stack developer performs both front-end and back-end tasks. Learn what a front-end developer does, what skills you need to become one, and how to build your experience.
What Is a Front End Developer?
A front end developer, also known as a front end web developer, is responsible for designing and implementing the interface. Users require this interface in order to access the application. A web designer creates the appearance and design of a website. Front end developers use coding languages such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to ensure the design works on the web.
We should take a moment to clarify the differences between a front end developer, a back end developer, and a full stack developer. Front end developers are responsible for the parts of an app or website that users see and interact with. Back end developers take care of the “behind the scenes” matters, such as infrastructure and databases. The full-stack developer is a jack of all trades who is capable of handling the entire design process from start to finish.
There is a trend today where the line between front-end and back-end development is blurring. Since front end developers are increasingly handling tasks usually handled by back end developers.I forgot to mention that there are also full-stack engineers. They’re full-stack developers with project management experience who can configure, manage, and maintain computer networks.
What does a front-end developer do?
A front-end developer designs and constructs interactive web pages, as well as prepares the visual identity of a website. Additionally, they create the functionality of web pages, including links, buttons, images, and texts. The front-end developer does this by writing code. A common programming language used by them is JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. An example of a front-end developer’s role is as follows:
- Designing and implementing websites in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Create all the visual aspects of a website through programming, adjusting, and creating
- Aiming to improve the user interface (UI)
- Optimizing your website for search engines (SEO)
- Improve the user experience (UX) on all browsers by developing tools
- Making sure websites can be found on different browsers
- Consideration of all screen sizes and how a website looks on a phone, tablet, and desktop
- Organising UI releases (planning, testing) and changes (authorizing changes)
- Easy navigation by linking images and texts
- Websites that are adapted to their markets
- Connecting the back-end developer to the database by creating code
- Communicating with colleagues and discussing progress and decisions
- Software management and web application interface maintenance
Skills required for front-end developer
As a Front-End Developer in 2023, it is recommended to have the necessary web development skills. These are some of the most important skills that a Front-End Developer should have:
- Web performance optimization (WPO)
- Node.js
- AngularJS
- UI widgets
- Animations in CSS and JavaScript
- HTML semantics
- SVG
- Testing
- The wireframe
- SEO
- Content management systems (CMS)
- HTML and CSS
- JavaScript
- Frameworks and libraries knowledge
- Version control
- Testing cross-browser and cross-device
Steps To Become A Front-End Developer
Here are the steps to becoming a front-end developer:
Step 1: A complete knowledge of hypertext markup language (HTML), JavaScript, and cascading style sheets (CSS). The foundation of a web developer is these skills. Websites are developed using these programming languages.
Step 2: The coding process. Coding will enhance your programming skills if you practice it thoroughly.
Step 3: Develop your command line skills and learn version control. You should also be familiar with version control systems like Git in order to use the text interface effectively.
Step 4: Application program interfaces (APIs) understanding
Step 5: Create a strong online portfolio.
Step 6: Improve your communication and teamwork skills.
Step 7:You should do an internship. It’s important to intern so that you can practice your skills and improve them as you go. Internships are a great way to practice and learn your new skills as well.
Future of Front End Developers?
The future looks bright for those seeking a career in front end development. Studies predict that by 2023, the United States alone will have a shortage of approximately 1 million developers. It will be even worse for the rest of the world, according to other studies.
From 2016 to 2026, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that Web developer employment will grow 15%. This rate is much higher than the average for all occupations.
Final Thoughts
This article explains what a front-end developer does and how to become one. As we’ve seen, becoming a front-end developer without a degree is not only possible, but also attainable. The last question most people have is how long it takes to become a front-end developer. It depends entirely on your learning pace and prior knowledge how long it takes.
Don’t compare yourself or your learning pace to others as you learn. Do your best to set aside some time each week or day to learn, and then rejoice when you’ve succeeded.