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Web Developer

Becoming a Web Developer.

Becoming a web developer is not something one does overnight. What’s involved? Where do you start if you want to be a web developer? What is the income for a web developer? Where do you start? How popular is the role? How secure is the role? Should you work for yourself? All of these are questions you must ask before you head down the road of being a web developer?

What is the role of a Web Developer and what skills are required.

If you are looking to become a web developer or you require the support of a web developer, then this post describes the skills and knowledge a web developer is expected to have. If you are looking for someone manage a project then you need to know exactly what you’re looking for.

Choosing a Web Developer for your project.

When choosing a web developer you are looking for someone who is more knowledgeable in front-end development as web development encompasses so many skills. A front-end developer will have experience of a framework such as Bootstrap and core skills including HTML, CSS, JavaScript. If you’re looking to employ the skills of a web developer then you are likely to be talking to someone who specialises in front-end development, but also someone who has knowledge of all aspects of web development, and someone who can connect with other web development specialists. If you are looking to develop a website you I might also suggest you seek out someone who can connect all the dots and deliver that site as a project.

I, Phillip Donnelly, classify myself as a front-end web developer, but my skills also include back-end development with my core experience being Relational Databases and SQL. I also have strong WordPress skills and experience, and PHP experience.

Role of a Web Developer

A web developer is responsible for building, maintaining, and optimising websites and web applications. Their role involves writing code, implementing designs, ensuring functionality, and enhancing user experience. Web developers work with various programming languages, frameworks, and tools to create websites that meet client or business needs.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Developing & Coding Websites
    • Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code using languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend languages (PHP, Python, Node.js, etc.).
    • Ensuring websites are responsive (work on all devices) and cross-browser compatible.
  2. Building Web Applications
    • Creating interactive and dynamic elements using JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular).
    • Integrating databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB) and APIs for data storage and retrieval.
  3. Testing & Debugging
    • Identifying and fixing bugs in code.
    • Using debugging tools and browser developer consoles to troubleshoot issues.
  4. Performance Optimization
    • Improving website speed and efficiency using techniques like lazy loading, caching, and image compression.
    • Writing optimized code to reduce load times.
  5. Security Implementation
    • Protecting against security threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and data breaches.
    • Implementing HTTPS, authentication, and user role management.
  6. Collaboration & Maintenance
    • Working with designers, project managers, and clients to bring web projects to life.
    • Updating websites regularly, fixing issues, and adding new features.

Types of Web Developers

  1. Front-End Developer – Focuses on the visual aspects of a website using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Vue.js.
  2. Back-End Developer – Works on server-side logic, databases, and APIs using PHP, Python, Node.js, Ruby, etc.
  3. Full-Stack Developer – Handles both front-end and back-end development.
  4. WordPress Developer – Specializes in building and customizing websites using WordPress.

Skills Required

  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages, version control (Git), and databases.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot issues and debug code efficiently.
  • Creativity: Understanding UI/UX design principles for creating user-friendly websites.
  • Communication: Working with teams and clients to translate requirements into functional web solutions.

While I have significant expertise and I will undertake a web development role my experience is so considerable that I am better suited to a project management role. I have known a few clients over the years who have been disappointed by the promises made by a front-end web developer, they can be unreliable, make delivery promises they can’t possibly keep and loose control of budgets.

For someone who wants to be a web developer I would say focus on core skills of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and a Framework. Learn how to use PHP, and the basics of SQL and RDMS. Learn basic PHP skills, such as the INCLUDE function, look to build your websites around PHP functionality. When I started coding it was a very different world, now we have Flexible websites and frameworks, make good use of them Learn Bootstrap.

My next post will discuss Python. I’ll add a post on UI/UX, then Ruby and finally Node.js. I will also provide eBooks on each of the core skills though a lot of content already exists.

That’s it for the moment but I will re visit this post at a later date.

What is the income/pay for a Front-end Web Developer.

These figures are averages and can vary based on specific job requirements, company size, and individual qualifications.

PayScale.com and Reed.co.uk have Front-end web developer roles. Pay scales as of early 2025, for front-end web developers in the UK the average annual salary ranges from approximately £38,649 to £57,255, depending on experience, location, and the specific demands of the role.

Key Factors Influencing Salary:

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions typically start around £30,000 per year, while senior roles can command upwards of £60,000 annually. uk.talent.com
  • Location: Salaries vary by region. For instance, front-end developers in London often earn higher salaries, with an average of £47,393 per year. glassdoor.com
  • Industry Demand: The UK’s tech sector is experiencing significant growth, with many companies planning to expand their teams and offer competitive salaries, some ranging between £70,000 and £150,000 annually. thetimes.co.uk

If you found a web developer who’s worth his/her salt then you’ll need a good domain name, and hosting. I highly recommend that you visit https://www.topfreehosting.co.uk or visit my provider using this link, which is an affiliate marketing link. I’ll tell you all about that in another post. FASTHOSTS I have been with Fasthosts for over 10 years.

Fasthosts.co.uk provide a domain service, and hosting for WordPress. They also have an AI powered website builder. There domains start at £2.99 rising to much higher sums for premium names but the vast majority can be had for £11.99 per year with a FREE 1st year, With their WordPress

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