WEB DEVELOPER: Duties, Skills, Salary, Courses & Software

A web developer is an expert who handles the planning, creation, and upkeep of websites and web applications. To design a website’s structure, appearance, and operation, web developers employ computer languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. To create dynamic websites that can communicate with databases and offer visitors personalized content, they may also use server-side programming languages like PHP, Python, and Ruby. As we read on we’ll learn more about Web developer Software, necessary skills, salary for a web developer, and the required courses for web development.

Web developers need to have strong problem-a web developer, abilities as well as an eye for design in addition to their technical skills. They must have the ability to collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to comprehend their demands and create solutions that satisfy them. Web developers can work as freelancers or for a range of businesses, such as technology firms, marketing consultancies, and non-profits.

Who is a Web Developer?

A web developer is essential to the development and upkeep of websites and web-based applications. Web development is the process of creating, testing, and deploying functional and aesthetically pleasing web-based solutions using a variety of computer languages, tools, and methodologies. To make sure that the website or web application satisfies the needs and expectations of the target audience, the web developer closely collaborates with the web designer.

Web developers also make ensuring that the website or web application loads quickly, is compatible with a variety of devices and browsers, and is search engine optimized. To safeguard confidential information and prevent unwanted access, they put security measures in place like encryption and authentication. They also regularly check the website or web application for bugs, errors, and other problems that can impair its functionality.

Types of Web Developers

There are different kinds of web developers, and each one focuses on a different aspect of web development. The specific needs and objectives of a project will determine the kind of web developer needed. A group of various web developers can work together to construct a complete and useful online application.

Here are some of the common types:

Front-End Developer: A front-end developer is in charge of designing the user interface and making sure that the website or web application appears and performs as intended in a web browser. The client side of the program is created using tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back-End Developer: A back-end developer is in charge of creating and maintaining the web application’s server-side code. They construct the application’s logic and connect it to databases and other third-party services using programming languages like Python, Ruby, and PHP.
Full Stack Developer: A full-stack developer is in charge of both the front end and the back end of the web application. They are adept in a wide range of databases, frameworks, and programming languages.
Developing web apps that are mobile-friendly is the area of expertise of a mobile web developer. They employ responsive design strategies to make sure the application appears and operates properly across a range of screen sizes.
DevOps Developer: DevOps developers are in charge of managing, automating, and deploying online applications. They automate the development process and make sure the program functions properly using tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.

Web developer job description

Web developers are responsible for building and sustaining websites. They are in charge of a website’s general aesthetic. Web developers are also in charge of a website’s technical aspects, such as its performance (speed) and capacity (the maximum amount of traffic the site can support at any given time). A web developer typically has programming and visual design skills.

E-commerce, gaming, and news websites are just a few of the many types of websites that web developers work with. There are specifications for each of these several website kinds. For instance, a gaming website needs to handle complex graphics with finesse. On the other hand, e-commerce websites would need to integrate a payment processing feature and have the ability to handle goods coming in and going out. A web developer chooses the apps and designs for a website.

A back-end web developer is responsible for handling the technical or building components of a website. They create the foundation of the website and make sure it runs well. They write the scripts and programs that run the server, databases, and any additional applications that the website could have. The foundation for the site’s SEO (search engine optimization) is essentially established at this stage because back-end coding has a significant impact on a site’s speed and performance. These programmers also make it possible for others to add new pages to the website.

A front-end web developer is in charge of a website’s visual design. They design the layout of the website and incorporate software, images, and other material. A front-end developer could occasionally additionally contribute to the site’s content. A full-stack web developer performs both front-end and back-end development tasks. Typically, full-stack developers are used to build small websites with modest development budgets.

Salary for a web developer

The average annual salary for a web developer in the United States as of April 20, 2023, is $75,836.

If you need a quick pay estimator of the salary of a web developer, that comes out to be about $36.46 per hour. This amounts to $6,319 per month or $1,458 each week.

The bulk salary of a web developer presently ranges between $52,000 (25th percentile) and $92,000 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $116,500 yearly across the United States, according to ZipRecruiter, which reports annual wages as high as $133,000 and as low as $23,000. There may be numerous prospects for growth and better pay depending on the web developer’s skill level, location, and years of experience. The average salary range for a web developer varies substantially (by as much as $40,000).

According to recent job ads on ZipRecruiter, there is a strong need for Web Developers in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the neighborhood. Your region’s average yearly salary for a web developer is $75,077, which is $759 (1%) less than the $75,836 national average. Regarding salary for a web developer, Georgia comes in at number 49 out of 50 states.

As millions of active jobs are published locally across America, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database to determine the most precise annual salary range for Web Developer positions.

Web developer skills

Success as a web developer depends on having the appropriate set of skills. Although each company will have different requirements for this profession, web developers generally need the same set of skills.

The precise qualities required to be hired and succeed in a web developer profession are referred to as Web developer skills. Having a wealth of these skills can set you apart from other applicants vying for the same position and in your daily work tasks. As with any job, you can improve your web development skills over time. Understanding HTML, general design abilities, and analytical thinking are some of the skills needed by web developers.

Web developer skills examples:

You’ll need a variety of hard and soft skills to flourish as a web developer. The following are some of the most essential skills for this position:

#1. HTML/CSS skills

You need to be familiar with HTML and CSS if you want to work as a web developer. Web developers utilize HTML, the most used markup language on the Internet, to construct web pages. On the other side, the website is styled using CSS. It determines the layout, color scheme, and typefaces used on a website. While CSS styles a webpage, HTML establishes its structure.

#2. Analytical skills

To build a range of effective websites, you’ll require sharp analytical skills as a web developer. Making sure the website is functional and the coding is proper is part of this.

Understanding the requirements of your consumers or customers is also crucial. You must assess their needs and wishes and be prepared to make any adjustments they request on the website. Your client will benefit from your website more in the long run if you have a deeper understanding of them.

#3. Responsive design skills

It’s crucial to comprehend how responsive design functions if you work as a web developer. The websites you design must adjust to the shifting screen sizes because many users read web pages both online and on mobile devices.

Your website won’t be compatible with the desktop or mobile versions if it is not responsive. In other words, neither of these platforms will allow it to work or display properly. Since most people leave a website if it isn’t displaying properly, your ability to create a responsive design can also affect how many visitors a website receives.

#4. JavaScript Skills

As a web developer, you’ll also need to comprehend JavaScript. High-level programming languages like JavaScript are used to develop complicated functionality on websites. Moving elements, search bars, videos, and interactive maps are examples of this on websites. You’ll be able to exceed your client’s expectations during the web development process if you are familiar with JavaScript.

Since the majority of people tend to prefer interactive web pages that grab their attention, using these skills will also enable you to attract more website viewers. Special features play a big part in capturing visitors’ attention, and your work as a web developer is crucial to seeing them materialize on a computer screen.

#5. Interpersonal skills

You must have strong interpersonal skills because you’ll be interacting with a range of clientele. This involves a variety of social skills like appropriate body language, active listening abilities, the capacity for collaboration, as well as an overall strong work ethic and positive outlook. The web development process will go more smoothly for both of you the better you get along and can communicate with your clients.

#6. Debugging and testing skills

Knowing how to regularly test your website for any potential faults is crucial for web developers. You should also be able to debug any issues if they occur. Functional testing or unit testing will be used to ensure that your coding is doing as it should. In this profession, it is crucial to be able to test and debug your webpage consistently and successfully.

#7. Back-end basics

Additionally, you’ll need to comprehend some of the foundational concepts of back-end web development. This is because you’ll either be collaborating with back-end developers or may be required to employ these talents on your own. You’ll need to understand servers’ operation as well as APIs, SQL, databases, and cybersecurity in this regard. As they pertain to the server side of a webpage, each of these is a crucial skill to possess.

#8. Search engine optimization

You must be well-versed in search engine optimization as a web developer. This is a result of how crucial website traffic is to businesses. By appearing high enough on search engine result pages, a website with effective SEO will draw more website visits. Web developers must be proficient in SEO because more and more businesses are seeking it.

Web Development Software

You might be unsure about how to begin creating a website if you are looking for the best web development software. The idea of creating a website or engaging in any other web development-related activity is intimidating for the majority of us. There is no need to be concerned, though, as we can use technology to produce a completely functional and attractive website using the appropriate web development or design software.

#1. WordPress

It is the most widespread web development software used platform for creating websites
Many tools for building websites are included, and installation and setup are simple.
Strong, versatile, and rich third-party plugins for use with increased functionality.
There are many free website themes and templates available.
Optimized for SEO and good for high SERPs.
Strong community support, safe and active, with tens of thousands of developers contributing and reviewing WP.

#2. Mockplu

It is a complete tool that serves as a good web development software for web prototyping
For your rapid prototyping, a set of ready-made components (3000) and icons (200) are provided.
It provides several capabilities, including the Repeater, Auto Data Fill, Format Painter, and Paste Style, to increase the design efficiency of creating repetitive webpage elements and layouts.
The most complete method for previewing and testing your project, including exporting to images, demo packages, online and offline HTML, mobile apps, QR code viewing, etc.
Design ideas and project structure can be immediately reflected with the help of the MindMap and UI Flow design modes.

#3. Macaw

This is the ideal web development software for those who are familiar with coding.
In your library, save your design components for later use.
Your design elements can be converted to CSS or HTML codes with the Alchemy tool.
A real-time layout engine allows for simple manipulation of your design elements.
Your entire website will be mobile-friendly.

#4. Weebly

The simplest website builder for both amateur and experienced designers.
To get you started in online design and development, there are more than 40 layout designs, including website maps and portfolios.
There are numerous informational buttons, pop-ups, lists, and email sequences to look after your workflow.
Simple switching between the application’s numerous modern and responsive templates/themes.

#5. Adobe Dreamweaver

Among the most reliable website development software for web developers
It provides a flexible grid.
You may write and edit any type of code using it, including JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and XTL.
With its WYSIWYG interface, you can see the final product as you’re producing it.

#6. Bootstrap

The most widely used HTML, CSS, and JS library worldwide is Bootstrap.
There is a great library of free Bootstrap form templates and examples, including experiments, custom components, frameworks, and navbars.
With minimal customization, it is constructed using standard Bootstrap utilities and components.
Features for teams and a variety of support options are offered.

#7. Codepen

The top online code editor and open-source learning platform is Codepen.
You can view and test the code using a variety of techniques with the build & test editor.
gives designers and developers a better understanding of how code operates and how a website is developed.
Gather ideas and collaborate with the front-end community.

#8. MAMP

A Mac OS and Windows local web development software
allows experienced web developers to simply control the development environment.
opens the local mail server to simulate a real testing environment when testing the PHP script.
an effective setup for local debugging.
Low learning curve.

#9. Github

It is the top platform for software development in the world
Code review is straightforward because of built-in review tools.
The project management tools make it easier to determine, assign, and monitor progress.
About 6 million Git repositories are hosted.
Utilize collaborative features to connect with 40 million other developers working on similar projects.

#10. Photoshop

The best photo, image, and design editing program is Photoshop.
Make and improve images, drawings, and 3D artwork.
Create mobile apps and websites.
Editing films can resemble paintings in real life and more.

Web development courses

Taking free web development courses is one of the simplest methods to get your feet wet.

Even though a coding boot camp can advance your skills, it’s crucial to start by enrolling in one of the many available free, self-paced online web development courses that cover everything from fundamental programming principles to development best practices. The top web development courses will be examined below, along with some of the greatest resources to check out and what they can provide you.

The top eight online courses for web development are shown here. and study web design.

Codecademy
Khan Academy
MIT OpenCourseWare
Coursera
Mozilla Developer Network
HTML5 Rocks
A List Apart
Coding Dojo Algorithm Prep

Do web developers make good money?

Yes, web engineers can earn a nice living after working for a while in the real world. The median annual compensation for web developers and digital designers is $78,300, which is more than the $45,760 average salary for all occupations in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do I need a degree to be a web developer?

For careers in web development, there is no set degree or educational path, and one can become a web developer with or without a formal education. Although learning coding languages independently is certainly possible, web development is more than just coding.

Do web developers do a lot of coding?

Web developers need to have sophisticated programming skills and be proficient in a variety of programming languages and libraries because creating code is at the heart of their profession.

What do entry-level web developers do?

An entry-level front-end web developer contributes to the development of a website’s user interface and interactive features. You support members of the web development team who use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to program websites as entry-level employees.

Summary

One of the reasons why technology is so interesting is because it is constantly changing. While some computer science concepts and methods haven’t changed much in decades, some aspects of software development are always evolving. Some software industries are more reliable than others. While emerging domains may necessitate frequent rewrites every few years as things change, legacy software is entrenched with older technology that requires more maintenance with little innovation.

In other words, experts in web development are required to continuously look for ways to improve their skills and keep up with emerging trends.

If that is accepted, it may not necessarily be an issue. Data science, UX design, product management, digital marketing, and SEO expertise can assist a developer in better comprehending technology as a whole and improving their ability to communicate and collaborate with clients and colleagues from different departments and industries.