What is web development? It’s the labor related to creating websites for the internet or an intranet. It can include building a static page made up of text or creating complex web apps. It’s a topic related to web design and has essential differences.
Web development is a behind-the-scenes type of work that uses a variety of programming languages. These languages are used following the need they cover. Some of these languages are used for the visible part of the website, and others for the back end or the invisible part. I’ll explore more about it next.
What does a web developer do?
The short answer is that web developers maintain and create websites. They work in various industries, such as computer system design, management consulting, publishing, advertising, etc. You will find web designers with a job, and others are self-employed.
Education requirements are varied. Some positions will ask for a range of skills, while others require a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. In some areas, the demand is so high that many employers hire those who are knowledgeable about the field, even if their credentials are not standardized.
Sometimes web developers will meet with management or directly with clients to gather the needs to design and develop the functionality of a website or an interface. They test applications, navigation menus, and interfaces for a website. They usually write code in Python and PHP and markup languages such as HTML.
The development of many websites requires teamwork, which is why you’ll find web developers work with team members to divide their work. They will also work with designers to analyze graphics and website layouts. They integrate graphics, video, and audio into the website. Part of their work involves monitoring website traffic.
What are the types of web development?
You’ll find three types of web developers:
- Front-end developer
- Back-end developer
- Full-stack developer
Each one of these types of developers fulfills specific web-developer functions. Front-end developers are responsible for implementing visual features users interact with and see in a web application. Their work is usually supported by back-end web developers. For web applications to function, much of their work has been shifted to the front end. A few years ago, the back end ruled software development for websites, but changes in paradigms have turned engineering upside down.
Back-end web developers have the responsibility of creating server-side app logic. They integrate the work front-end developers do. So who writes the APIs and web services front developers use? You guessed right, the back-end web developers. The back end of a website includes an application, a server, and a database.
Occasionally, you’ll find a rare breed of developers, the ones who can code the front end and the back end. Their knowledge includes how to navigate between these two seemingly disparate worlds. Besides being fluid in HTML/CSS, they also know the browser’s programming (jQuery, JavaScript, Vue, or Angular) and program servers (ASP, PHP, Node, or Python)
What language is best for web development?
The short answer to this question depends on the developer and the functionality he/she wants to implement. Some of the following languages are in many top lists covering programming languages. You may want to research and test one or more to see if it fits your requirements.
PHP
With this language, you can create any type of website. It’s the language you have to use if you develop WordPress websites. It powers platforms like Facebook. It’s flexible and high-speed.
JavaScript
With this programming language, you can build websites from scratch. Moreover, you can create complete projects since now you can use Node and server-side JavaScript to create all kinds of websites and applications.
Python
Python is a general-purpose programming language. Artificial intelligence (AI) is in vogue among developers around the world. Python is the preferred language for AI. In addition, you can create automation scripts or complete web-based projects.
ASP.NET
The NET framework allows you to build rich, dynamic web applications and websites with compiled languages such as C# and VB. In addition, it will enable you to use .NET languages such as J#, C#, VB, etc. .NET is here to stay.
Web Development vs. Web Design
Web design refers to the usability and aesthetic parts of a website. Web designers use software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other similar tools to create the visual aspect of a website.
The work of a web designer complements what a web developer does. With these design files, a web developer will create a functioning prototype and then the final version of the website using markup languages such as HTML/CSS and providing functionality through programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, PHP, and others programming languages.
Design and development are not the same. In large teams, the distinctions are usually clear. Sometimes, the individuals who work as freelancers and in small companies, one person will perform web design and web development duties.
In the modern job market, you’ll find designers who can code with markup languages, and you’ll also find developers who can create a storyboard or do some basic design. This not only increases their marketability but also makes for better teamwork. A few years ago, one group didn’t exactly know what the other team was doing.
The final verdict is that no job is better than the other. Each job simply fulfills different needs in the website creation process at different times.
Conclusion
We began exploring web development and then listed what a web developer does. We then examined the types of web development. We then analyzed what languages are best for web development. Finally, we understood the differences and similarities between web development and web design.
You’ll find there are many resources available online if you want to dig deeper or if you want to become a professional in the area of web development. This area could be the perfect fit if you find yourself inclined to the analytical aspect of creating websites, blogs, and blog functionality.
