Hi developer! In this article, we are going to discuss every important point that is involved in web development and that you may not know as a beginner in web development.
If you're thinking about learning web development, first consider how interested you are in this field, especially in your work. If you're keen on it, picking up web development will be much easier for you.
So let's get to the point.
All web developers are classified into three categories:
1. Front-end developer
2. Back-end developer
3. Full-stack developer
Some people choose to be front-end developers, some like to be back-end developers, and some like to be both. If a developer knows both front-end and back-end, we know them as a full-stack developer.
1. Frontend Developer
When you're browsing a website, everything you see on the screen is called the front end. For instance, as you're reading this blog, all the content you're viewing is part of the front end.
To become a front-end developer, you'll need to learn three main programming languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages are used to design the layout and interaction of websites that people interact with.
HTML:
HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. This is important for structuring a website. Imagine HTML as the skeleton of a webpage, providing the basic structure and layout.
CSS:
CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. When you create the layout of a website with the help of HTML, then CSS takes care of where to place that layout and how to style and animate it.
To understand CSS using a real-life example, just as a stylish outfit enhances a person's looks, similarly, CSS improves a website, making it more appealing to visitors.
JavaScript:
JavaScript creates the logic on our site. With this, we can make any layout capable of responding. We can use JavaScript on both the front and back ends.
If we understand it with the help of real-life examples, then if any question is asked of us, our brain helps us answer that question. Similarly, whenever a user clicks on a button or any layout of the website, JavaScript helps in giving its response.
JavaScript provides us with libraries and frameworks to create websites more easily, so we can directly use pre-built layouts and customize them according to the theme of our website. However, for beginners in coding, it's advisable to begin by mastering the fundamentals of JavaScript before exploring these advanced tools.
This is an example of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in action.
2. Backend Developer
The backend operates on the server side, handling tasks that are invisible to users. Back-end developers transform input into output, simplifying various processes.
Consider a simple example: When you order something online, there's a process that happens in the background to make the transaction happen. It's like when you search on Google there's stuff happening behind the scenes before you see the results.
Back-end developers have various languages to choose from, like Node.js, Python, PHP, and more. However, it's essential to focus on mastering one of these languages. Among them, Node.js and PHP are widely used in the industry. Node.js allows you to run JavaScript on the server side, while PHP is a traditional choice for web development.
Beginning web developers should know computer programming, JavaScript, and object-oriented programming. This will improve your coding skills.
Back-end developers must grasp data management concepts and database handling. Proficiency in modern back-end frameworks is crucial for building servers, developing custom APIs, and serving static websites and files.
Databases:
To manage databases effectively, you'll need to learn SQL. Consider that when you make an online purchase, the backend updates the database with details of your transaction, like what and when you bought something.
To effectively work with databases, you need to comprehend network protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, and associated commands. Along with this, it is also important to learn Git and GitHub for version control and collaboration.
After learning these skills, build a full-stack project, like a portfolio website or an e-commerce platform, to put your knowledge into practice.
Starting a project often brings challenges, but each problem you encounter is an opportunity for growth. Try solving difficult errors on your own first. If you're stuck, feel free to ask in the box at the end of the article for assistance.
After finishing your project, you'll need to know how to put it online by hosting or uploading it to a server. You have the option to select from a range of hosting platforms, including well-known paid services such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Azure, and Digital Ocean. All of these platforms allow you to host the website you generated on their servers.
New users on Digital Ocean receive free credits, allowing them to host their projects and see how they perform live on the web. You can share your work effortlessly by accessing your hosted project via a link provided by Digital Ocean, allowing you to showcase your skills to others.
3. Fullstack developer
MERN stack
The MERN stack consists of MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js. People who are good at using these technologies are called MERN stack developers, and they're also known as full stack developers.
- MongoDB: A digital filing cabinet for storing application data.
- Express.js: Tools and shortcuts for faster web app development with Node.js.
- React.js: A magic wand for adding interactive features to web pages.
- Node.js: The engine powering server-side tasks and data processing.
React JS:
React.js is the star of the MERN stack, which enables developers to craft stunning websites with ease. React simplifies the creation of intricate interfaces, seamlessly connecting them to backend data and rendering them as HTML for users to interact with.
Node JS and Express JS:
In the MERN stack, Node.js and Express.js work hand in hand as the backend components. Express.js, running within Node.js, serves as a lightweight framework for handling HTTP requests efficiently. It's adept at managing routes, middleware, and other server-side functionalities.
With React.js on the front end, you can connect to the backend powered by Express.js using XML HTTP requests like GET or POST. These requests trigger Express.js functions, which interact with MongoDB's Node.js drivers to track and update data in the MongoDB database. This interaction is facilitated through promise or callback functions, ensuring seamless communication between the front end and back end of your web application.
Mongo DB:
MongoDB is a place where you can keep the necessary data to fulfill the requirements of the user. It can be used seamlessly with React JS, Express JS, and Node JS. So that developers can easily manage data.
Using MongoDB, you can effortlessly store JSON documents from React.js directly into the database via Express.js. Its proficiency in handling data in JSON format simplifies working with it across your application.
For today's web developers, the MERN stack, especially for those skilled in React.js, is the go-to choice. It expedites development and streamlines the creation of dynamic websites.
MEAN stack
The MEAN stack includes MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js. People who know this stack well are called MEAN stack developers, which is another way of saying they're full-stack developers.
With the MEAN stack, developers can create all parts of a website, like the front-end, back-end, and database, using JavaScript and JSON, which makes building websites a lot easier.
Angular:
Angular.js is a JavaScript framework with the help of which developers can create websites without any hassle. It makes it much easier to create complex layouts from scratch.
Follow this to learn web development effectively 👇
You don't need to master HTML or CSS as a beginner. Start with the basics, then dive into JavaScript. In the beginning, focus on knowing HTML 80%, CSS 70%, and JavaScript 50–60%. Learning by doing projects is key, so jump in and start coding.
Starting may feel tough, but don't give up. Learn the basics first, then practice with projects. You'll face challenges, but solving them helps you learn better. Practice makes perfect. Do lots of projects to grasp everything better.
Watching videos or reading blogs is helpful, but doing projects yourself is where the real learning happens.
JavaScript libraries and frameworks are necessary to build a good website, but you need to know JavaScript to use them. You can also learn Bootstrap for CSS, and you get pre-made good UI layouts. After this, you can also learn tailwind CSS, which is very helpful in giving us inline styling.
In JavaScript, React allows for the creation of dynamic websites that don't require page refreshing. Another useful tool, Next.js, built upon React, makes it easier to develop server-side rendered (SSR) and static websites.
Conclusion
Learning web development may seem daunting at first, but with dedication and practice, you can become a skilled developer. Remember to take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Kindly share this valuable content with your friends who are interested in starting web development. If you have any questions about this article or anything related to web development, feel free to ask using the question box below. And you will get the answer as soon as possible. Thank you!