Are you thinking about becoming a web developer? Find out what technical and non-technical skills are needed for the job and think about whether you want to learn and improve these skills to have a successful future as a web developer.

Key Takeaways

Web developers need to know how to code in languages like Python, Java, Ruby, and PHP for back-end programming and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development. For Full Stack Web Developers, knowing back-end languages is very helpful.

  • The ability to track and manage changes made to code is an important professional skill. Git is the version control method most people use.
  • It is important to learn how to use libraries and frameworks that make programming easier and faster. Back-end developers should know Express, ASP.NET Core, Spring, Flask, and Django, while front-end developers should know React, jQuery, Angular, and Vue.js.
  • Web developers need to be able to evaluate code, check it for bugs, and fix mistakes.
  • They should also understand how users feel and make websites that are engaging and easy to use.
  • Non-technical skills include learning adaptability, attention to detail, focus, and clear communication.
  • Web developers should be able to collaborate with customers, artists, writers, SEO experts, and other developers.
  • Web development bootcamps can help beginners learn the skills needed to get a job. Taking a few classes independently can also help someone decide if this career is right for them.

Technical Skills

1. Writing Code

If you want to be a Web Developer, you’ll need to know how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Especially on the front end, as these languages are very important for making websites.

  • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Standard markup language for making web pages.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Styles fonts, colors, layouts, and designs. Works with HTML.
  • JavaScript: Adds interactive parts to web pages, making them more interesting and lively.

You will also find these languages useful if you want to work as a full-stack web developer. People who want to become Full Stack Web Developers should also learn a few back-end languages, like PHP, Ruby, Python, and Java.

Back-end web developers need to know the same kinds of languages as front-end developers: HTML, JavaScript, and maybe one or two others; CSS is not required.

2. Keep Track of Changes

It is important for every Web Developer to be able to track and control changes that are made to code. This is called version control. Most of the time, this is done with software that was made just for that purpose. Git is by far the most popular.

Web developers need to know how to use version control software like Git because it helps them keep track of and control changes to code and makes it easier to fix mistakes. For example, if a developer makes a few small changes that break the website, they can easily go back to the last version of the code that worked and start over instead of searching through code to find the mistake.

3. Components and Library

You need to be ready to learn how to use tools and libraries if you want to become a Web Developer. People often use these two words to mean the same thing, but they’re not.

  • A framework gives the developer a set structure that they must work within.
  • A library’s reusable code gives the developer more freedom to choose the design.

One thing that libraries and frameworks have in common is that they’re both used to make development easier and faster.

  • Front-end frameworks/tools: React, jQuery, Angular, Vue.js
  • Back-end frameworks/tools: Express, ASP.NET Core, Spring, Flask, Django

4. Testing and Fixing Bugs

Code validation is another skill that Web Developers need to have. They need to be able to check code for bugs and fix mistakes. Testing and debugging take a lot of time and are often hard to understand. Fixing code takes up a lot of a developer’s work hours. Code checking may be done by someone else sometimes, but coders still need to know how to check and fix their own code.

5. How the User Feels

Another important skill for a Web Developer is the ability to picture how customers and clients will use the finished product. The whole process of web development is pointless if the website doesn’t meet the wants of its users, who are the main reason it exists.

Good Web Developers know this before they even start a project; they know how important it is to keep the user interested by making a website that looks good, is engaging, and is easy to use. Even though some people only work as UX designers, Web Developers should also know what the user wants. This is because a programmer who is interested in UX will have better job chances than one who is only interested in coding.

10 Essential Skills Every Web Developer Needs

ALSO READ: UX vs UI: Understanding the Core Differences

Non-Technical Skills

1. Have Fun Learning
People say that the tech business is always changing quickly. Because of this, Web Developers need to be flexible and willing to learn new things. Technology and styles are always changing. What’s popular this year might not be popular next year because there will be something better.

2. Careful Attention
If you want to become a Web Developer, you should pay attention to the little things as well as the big picture. A website is made up of many lines of code. You will waste a lot of time trying to find and fix all the mistakes you make if you don’t pay attention to all the little things along the way.

3. Pay Attention
Focusing is a skill that you need in order to pay attention to details. It’s hard enough to pay attention to all those little things, but someone who quickly gets distracted would find it almost impossible. You might not be able to keep track of where you are in the code if your mind keeps drifting. The good news is that this is a skill that can be learned; the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it.

4. Not Giving Up
Being patient and persistent is important. Working on a website comes with a lot of problems that need to be solved, and those problems aren’t always easy to find. The best Web Developers are persistent and keep working even when things get hard.

5. Talking to People Well
Web Developers need to be able to communicate effectively. Many people think programmers spend their days coding alone, but this is not true. Developers collaborate with clients, designers, writers, SEO experts, and users. They must listen, explain technical concepts clearly, and write well to give instructions for software or projects.

How to Get a Job as a Web Developer

  • Assess your skills against the list above.
  • If you need to improve certain skills, consider attending a web development bootcamp.
  • Bootcamps offer intensive, skills-based training to prepare for a new career in months.
  • You can also take live online web development courses for flexibility.