Learn Web Dev: Start Here

A career in web development? Well, it might be a little challenging. There are numerous languages and tools to grasp, making it tough for beginners to decide where to start learning. 

However, what else might be true is that you are making it out to be way more complex than it is. Ask anyone working in a web development company where they started from; most of them will say the same. Once you understand the essential skills required for entry-level web development services, you can quickly establish your academic groundwork.

Laying Out Your Path To Join A Good Web Development Company

Equip Yourself with the Essentials

Basic Computer Requirements

From where you are right now, any machine capable of running Windows, macOS, or Linux will do. Here are the minimum specs you’ll need:

  • Intel i5/i7 processor, or Apple Silicon processor for newer Macs
  • Full HD monitor or built-in laptop screen, preferably 1920×1080
  • 8GB of RAM
  • Text Editor

Managing your code is essential, and for that, you’ll need a text editor. Luckily, there are plenty of free options available:

  • Notepad++ is great for beginners, though it’s exclusive to Windows.
  • Atom is another excellent choice compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux.

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Web Browsers

A web browser is a must-have for coding. Chances are, you already have one, but having multiple browsers is beneficial so you know that your site looks good across platforms. Some popular options include:

  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Brave
  • Opera
  • Local Web Server

Setting up a local web server allows you to test your code without publishing it online. This is what can help you with tweaking layouts, scripts, and new features during development. Consider utilities like:

  • XAMPP, which works on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
  • MAMP, is suitable for Mac and Windows users.

Graphics Editor

Developers often need to create and edit graphical elements for websites. While Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard, it might be costly for newcomers. Here are some alternatives:

  • GIMP, a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
  • Inkscape, a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator, is ideal for vector graphics creation.

Mastering Web Development Basics

Grasping the fundamentals. That’s where you begin with everything. For web development, this includes getting a solid grip on HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript.

Many future web developers are turning to coding boot camps to accelerate their learning process. These boot camps have gained popularity due to their concise, immersive approach that focuses on practical outcomes and job placement.

People who get started in this career need to understand that, more than professionals in many other fields, they must continuously learn to keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape of web development services. This can include programming languages, tools, and trends.

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Specialise in Web Development

As your skills progress, you’ll need to pick a specialisation within web development services. Web Developers typically fall into three primary categories:

  • Front-End Developer: These developers focus on the “client-side” of web development, dealing with things that users directly interact with, such as site layout, design, and user interfaces.
  • Back-End Developer: Back-End Developers concentrate on the “server-side” of web development, dealing with the functionality of a website, which includes databases, servers, networks, hosting, and other technical aspects.
  • Full-Stack Developer: Full-Stack Developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. They work on all aspects of a website, which is why they need knowledge of both client-side and server-side technologies.

Next Stage: Essential Programming Languages

No matter your focus area, you can’t skip mastering coding and understanding various programming languages.

Three main families of programming languages serve as fundamental tools for web development:

  • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
  • JavaScript

Grasp the Basics of UX Design

Many newcomers to web development often mix up UI and UX. User experience is the special ingredient that animates a website, turning it from a static arrangement of elements into something that resonates with the emotions of those scrolling through it.

The color scheme, content, typography, layout, and visuals all converge to cater to your audience. Here are some key UX principles you should understand:

Understanding User Personas

You must grasp the link between websites and their visitors. A web development company begins working by comprehending end-users. You need to leverage this information to craft designs that meet the audience’s needs.

Information Architecture

Without clarity in an organisation, visitors will become disoriented and leave. Information architecture and content mapping lay out a plan for how the website and its sections will function together.

User Flows

While constructing user flows may become more pertinent as you tackle larger design projects, it’s beneficial to start considering and developing them early on. User flows illustrate how users will navigate through a design, aiding in prioritising key sections and ensuring accessibility.

Get Acquainted with UI Design

UI (user interface) design is a significant aspect of web development services. A user interface is essentially a tool that activates a piece of technology. For instance, a doorknob serves as a user interface. Similarly, the volume control on your car radio or the keypad on an ATM are examples of user interfaces. Just as physical buttons allow interaction with machines, UI elements on a website enable users to initiate actions.

Apply Your Knowledge and Create

While tutorials, blog posts, and free web design courses are valuable for learning web design theory, the only way to truly become a web designer is to start designing websites. That’s probably one of the first things employers at a web development company are going to ask you.

Begin with a straightforward project. Perhaps a friend needs assistance with building a portfolio, or someone you know has a side business lacking an online presence. Offer to design a website for them free of charge.

Creating a blog is another excellent beginner project. This will allow you to gain hands-on design experience with tools like a content management system (CMS) and showcase your writing abilities.

Designing a website for a fictional company or business is another enjoyable creative exercise to hone your design skills. Additionally, you can add these projects to your portfolio.

Final Thoughts

With most of your learning path laid out clearly in front of you, getting started should not be a problem. You’ll see yourself joining a web development company in no time. For more guidance, you can keep visiting Senotrix’s website. You’ll see we can help you learn a lot.

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