What Are The Different Types Of Web Developers?
Web development has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether managing social media profiles or creating websites, web developers play a major role in today’s businesses.
Web designers create sites from scratch, using various tools such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and other software programs. They also collaborate with programmers to develop new features and functions on their sites.
There are several different types of web developers. Some specialize in frontend (HTML/CSS), backend (JavaScript) or both. There are also those who focus on mobile apps, eCommerce platforms, CMS systems, etc. The main difference between these categories is their type of programming language.
Types Of Web Developers
Front-End Web Development:
The front end consists of the user interface users see when browsing a website. It includes things like navigation menus, buttons, forms, text boxes, images, and videos. Front-end developers write all of a website’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back-End Web Development:
A back-end developer writes server-side code which runs on a computer. This includes PHP, ASP.NET, NodeJS, Java, Ruby, Python, Go, C#, and many others. Back-end developers often combine this knowledge with front-end skills to build better websites.
Full Stack Developer:
A full-stack developer combines both front and back-end development. Full-stack developers can use their front-end knowledge to make changes to a site’s look and feel while maintaining its functionality.
Search Engine Optimization:
SEO stands for search engine optimization. SEO professionals help companies rank higher in search results by optimizing their content so that it will be more visible to search engines.
Programmer:
Software engineers program applications, websites, games, robots, drones, and much more. Software engineers may have a bachelor’s degree but usually have at least five years of professional experience under their belt.
Server-Side Programming:
Servers run your websites. Web servers receive requests from clients such as browsers and forward them to a web application server. Servers then return responses to the client. If you want to learn how to code a server-side script, there are plenty of tutorials online.
Database Management:
Database managers organise information and data in the database. They typically use SQL to interact with a database.
User Experience Design:
UXD is a term used to describe the overall user experience of a product. UXDs are responsible for designing products and interfaces that are easy to navigate, intuitive, and most importantly, enjoyable to use.
Career Paths In Web Development
If you’re interested in becoming a web developer, here are some career paths you could take. These are just examples, not meant to represent the only options.
1. Frontend Web Developer
This position requires a great deal of creativity and problem-solving skills. You’ll need to know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and maybe even a bit of jQuery.
2. Backend Web Developer
This position involves writing code for the server side of a website. You might write scripts in PHP, ASP.NET or another language.
3. Search Engine Optimization Specialist
You’ll be working with a team of people to optimize websites for Google. Your job will include creating copy, analyzing competitors’ pages, and managing keyword research campaigns.
4. Mobile App Developer
Mobile app developers create apps for smartphones and tablets. You’ll need knowledge of iOS and Android SDKs and coding skills in Objective-C, Swift, Java, XML, JSON, and HTML 5.
5. User Interface Designer
UI designers create designs that improve usability and accessibility. They also come up with ideas for new features. An ideal candidate should have an eye for detail and be able to communicate effectively.
6. Digital Marketing Manager
Digital marketing managers oversee all aspects of digital advertising. They manage everything from strategy to social media posts. A good understanding of analytics tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights is required.
7. Content Marketer
Content marketers develop and produce content to attract visitors to websites. Some content marketers focus on producing written text, while others specialize in video production.
8. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create logos, brochures, advertisements, package designs, and other visual materials. Many graphic designers study art and design in college before transitioning into this field.
9. Database Administrator
A DBA works behind the scenes to ensure the stability and security of a company’s database systems. This includes maintaining backups, monitoring performance, and repairing problems when they occur.
10. Project Manager
Project managers coordinate teams of programmers, testers, writers, and other professionals to complete projects on time and within budget.
11. Social Media Strategist
Social media strategists plan and execute strategies for businesses using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat.
12. WordPress Developer
WordPress Developers build custom themes and plugins for the WordPress platform. They can also make changes to existing themes.
13. Web Application Architect
Web application architects analyze user needs and implement solutions using technology stacks such as NodeJS, Python, Ruby, Net, Java, and PHP.
14. Software Engineer
Software engineers use programming languages like C++, C#, Java, and Javascript to create applications. They may also contribute to open-source software communities.
15. Website Developer
Website developers create websites using technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They must be familiar with responsive design techniques so their sites display well across multiple devices.
16. UX/UI Designer
UX/UI designers create wireframes, prototypes, and detailed graphics for websites and mobile apps. They often collaborate with product owners to determine which direction the project should go.
17. Video Editor
Video editors cut videos together and then add special effects to give them a polished look. They typically start by recording footage on a camcorder or DSLR camera.
18. Data Entry Clerk
Data entry clerks enter data into databases manually. These positions require typing fast and accurately. While some companies hire freelancers to perform data entry, many prefer full-time employees who will stay productive throughout the week.
19. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives help customers over the phone or through live chat. They answer basic questions and provide information about products and services.
20. Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants assist staff members with scheduling meetings, answering phones, and completing other administrative duties.
Top 10 Programming Languages
- HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) – The most common markup language used for creating static pages that don’t change frequently. Most people learn HTML after learning how to write computer programs.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) – A way to apply formatting to text and images without changing the underlying HTML code.
- SQL (Structured Query Language) – Used for interacting with relational databases. Relational databases organize information into tables containing rows of records, each consisting of one or more columns.
- JavaScript – Usually used for adding interactivity to web pages. In addition to being embedded directly in HTML files, it is available separately online at no cost. It can access the functions of both the client and server.
- ASP (Active Server Pages) – This was an early form of dynamic page generation. Now you have ASP.NET, PHP, ColdFusion, etc.
- XML (Extensible Markup Language) – A standard format for encoding documents. For example, your resume could be stored in an XML file.
- Visual Basic.NET – An easy-to-learn object-oriented programming language similar to BASIC.
- Java – One of the first mainstream object-oriented programming languages. It’s usually associated with desktop applications rather than the web.
- Delphi – Object Pascal was made popular by Borland.
- C# – Microsoft’s version of JAVA.
What are some tools that every web developer needs?
Compilers:
HTML Editors:
CSS Editors:
JavaScript Editors:
Web Servers:
Database Management Systems:
Web Frameworks:
IDEs:
Programmers’ Tools:
Other:
1. Compiler
A compiler takes source code written in a high-level programming language and converts it into binary machine instructions that computers can understand. Web browsers use compilers to convert HTML and CSS into specific instructions needed by the browser.
2. HTML editor
An HTML editor allows you to edit HTML code. There are two main types of HTML editors: WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) and non-WYSIWYG.
3. CSS editor
A CSS editor allows you to edit CSS code. You can also create new stylesheets using these editors.
4. JavaScript editor
A JavaScript editor allows you to edit JavaScript code. When writing JavaScript, it’s important to know which parts of the code are executed on the client side and which parts are executed on the server side.
5. Web servers
A web server hosts a website and makes the site accessible via the Internet. If someone wants to visit your site, they must connect to the web server.
6. Database management system
A database management system stores information in a structured way. You can use them to store contact details, customer orders, inventory, and even employee records.
7. IDE
An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that helps programmers develop their ideas into working programs. IDEs often include features like syntax highlighting, error checking, debugging, project management, and refactoring.
8. Framework
A framework provides a set of prebuilt libraries that make developing websites easier. They are built to provide certain functionality such as user authentication, data validation, and session management.
Other includes things like FTP clients, image editing, and other valuable programs.