The Complete Guide to Building Websites

After spending many hours coding and experimenting with websites, I now view web creation as a kind of art and a way to bring ideas to life. Even though web development usually refers to web markup and code, it also includes all related development tasks, such as client-side and server-side scripting, server and network security settings, e-commerce development, and content management system (CMS) development.

Why is web development so important?

5.30 billion people globally have access to the Internet, which is incredible. That represents over 50% of people on the planet use this incredible digital environment for leisure, education, communication, and research. I don’t think of the Internet as a luxury; I think it’s a need in our daily lives.

Given the exponential growth in the number of Internet users, it is not surprise that the web development industry is expanding swiftly. Employment growth for web developers is expected to be 13% between now and 2030, which is significantly faster than most other technology vocations. It’s an exciting time to be in this industry, therefore I’m thrilled to be a part of this thriving sector.

Web development as opposed to web programming

Web development and web programming are synonymous, as the term suggests. But there’s one very important distinction.

Web development is the process of creating a website or online application, including its coding, design, layout, content creation, and operation. There are several computer languages, tools, and frameworks available for use in the creation of websites and online applications. It could also involve project management duties including replying to development requests from stakeholders or independent contractors.

However, web programming specifically refers to a website’s front-end or back-end scripting and code. The major challenge is writing code that provides dynamic content, manages data, and interprets user input. A web programmer would seldom, if ever, oversee the entirety of a web development project. They might build a particular section of a website or address bugs.

In my career experience, this difference has proven to be crucial since it has helped me understand the complexity and breadth of skills required in the web development sector. It acts as a reminder of the range of abilities and expertise that come together to form the contemporary digital world.

Types of Web Development

I first became interested in web development in the fascinating area of front-end development, where I had fun converting code into visually appealing, dynamic webpages.

I then immersed myself in back-end coding and studied the inner workings of a website. Learning Python and Ruby has improved my comprehension of the seamless front-end and back-end link.

Regardless of whether you want to hire or become a web developer yourself, you should be aware of the wide range of talents that web developers possess.

These web development categories primarily represent the many fields within the web development business that web developers may work in. Many web development talents are often possessed by web developers, and some of these distinctions overlap.

1. Front-end development

Front-end developers work on the client- or user-facing side of websites, applications, and software, or what users see. The visual components, including the graphics, layout, navigation, and other aesthetic components, are designed and created by them.

These developers usually contribute to the user experience aspect of their projects because their primary duty is to create interfaces that help users achieve their goals.

2. Creating back-end systems

If consumers see the front-end, they are not seeing the back-end. Back-end web developers labor on the servers of websites, apps, and software to maintain their back-end operation.

These developers work with technology including servers, operating systems, databases, and APIs and supervise the code for security, content, and site architecture. They collaborate with front-end developers to bring their products in front of consumers.

3. Creation of the Whole Stack

Front end and back end development of a website are handled by full stack developers. They are able to begin and complete the creation of a website, application, or software. The several technologies, including the server and interface, that oversee different aspects of a single website are referred to as the “stack.”

Businesses looking to build or manage their websites usually look for full-stack developers for this role because years of experience in the industry are required to acquire the necessary abilities. This developer’s deep grasp helps with performance optimization, early problem discovery, and team member understanding of different web service components. This broad skill set is often covered in a full stack developer course.

4. Building Websites

Website developers can be classified as front-end, back-end, or full-stack developers. However, these professionals are better at making websites than they are at making video games, desktop applications, or mobile apps.

5. Programming Workstations

Desktop developers specialize in developing apps that run locally on your device, bypassing the need for a web browser and the Internet. The skill sets of these developers can overlap with those of web developers when an application can function both offline and online.

6. Mobile Development

Mobile developers produce applications for mobile devices, such tablets and smartphones. The functioning of mobile apps differs greatly from that of other websites and software programs, therefore creating one calls for a unique set of abilities and expertise with specialized programming languages.

7. Making Video Games

Video game developers are professionals in creating code for PC, console (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.), and mobile games. Their experience and mobile development therefore share certain commonalities.

8. Coordination of Design

Embedded developers deal with any gear that isn’t a computer, or at least, what most of us consider to be “computers,” replete with a keyboard and screen. This includes consumer electronics, Internet of Things devices, electronic interfaces, real-time systems, and more.

With the present boom in connected devices like smart appliances, virtual assistants, and Bluetooth technologies, embedded development is becoming more and more in demand.

9. Security Development

Security developers provide procedures and methods for the safety of websites and applications. These developers are usually ethical hackers who try to “break” websites to expose vulnerabilities without doing any damage. They also develop technologies that recognize and get rid of security risks.