As a beginner in the web development industry, you need courage to absorb useful information and deliver clear code. The field is exciting and complex. It requires creativity and technical prowess to bring various websites and applications to life.
The first months in a web development firm might seem difficult. The landscape is complex and vast, but with the right guidance, you will navigate through the storms and enjoy the calm. The journey is difficult, but it comes with many rewards.
In this article, our expert developers will offer a step-by-step guide to web development basics, tips, and hacks for overwhelming challenges. Start your journey with your right foot in and leave it up to us to ensure necessary assistance where and when needed.
First steps in web development
Well, web development is a growing industry, touching many economic sectors, some not known to the general public, but vital to day-to-day activities. Statistica , a great source of fascinating data, has shared with the public that as of 2023, there are over 5.16 billion internet users worldwide.
To this extent, there is a constant need to make websites as essential tools for businesses, organisations, and individuals. The demand for highly capable web developers is consistently high. The same goes for beginners who want to learn the trade and practice it with due diligence every single day.
The first months are never easy, irrespective of the field. You should develop a strong mental attitude towards achieving your daily tasks and develop a holistic view of the future. Web development is vast and includes countless opportunities and use of modern technologies. Until you see your full potential unfold, you might be tried by feelings of misplacement.
Take it from us: web development is a great career path!
This field has a great impact on the world, or at least in specific areas. The more you know about the industry, the easier it will be to grow and become a skilled developer. If you join the Newroco team, you will receive full support from your colleagues. We desire to create and maintain a work environment based on collaboration and fair play.
We comprised an infographic with the basics of web development. Please review it and discover new things about this field and its particularities. Are you ready?
Step 1: Understand and learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript
HTML, CSS and JavaScript represent the most important things to master in web development. The more you know the better. Most senior developers recommend investing time in research and personal education. You can read specialised books, view educational videos and podcasts, and go through online courses. There are many ways to educate yourself and become a master of your craft. All it takes is only 10.000 hours of work and perseverance.
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. This is the groundwork of web development. Without it, there would be no web project. You could imagine HTML as the skeleton of a website , ensuring solid structure to the rest of the content. We could mention headings (<h1>), (<p>), as part of the way HTML organizes various elements.
We could offer a useful tip: Consider using semantic tags such as <article>, <header> or <footer> for smooth accessibility and search engine optimization. The latest algorithm update from Google tends to prioritize websites that include semantic HTML.
CSS is ideal for styling your website.
What is CSS? It stands for cascading style sheets. CSS is how you add various layout designs, animations, and colour to your website. Most specialists recommend that a comprehensive understanding of responsive design with CSS media queries is necessary to obtain proper results. If you do so, the website will look amazing on all devices.
JavaScript for interactivity
As you know, JavaScript allows you to make any website interactive. You can add dropdown menus, pop-ups, and if live updates. According to W3Techs, it seems that over 95% of websites have integrated JavaScript in some capacity. Best to know it well!
Step 2: how to choose the optimal framework or content management system
Almost every website has a CMS. There are many options out there (Wordpress, Drupal, Joomla, etc ). These CMSes or frameworks significantly simplify pre-built structures and tools. Every option comes with advantages and disadvantages. Once you learn more about them, you will identify the ideal option for your project.
Some of the most popular frameworks include React.js, Vue.js and Angular (perfect for big enterprise applications). When it comes to CMS for beginners, Wordpress, Shopify and Wix might be great choices.
Step 3: Design for mobile and the rest
Remember: mobile-first and then the rest. Over 60% of global website traffic is allocated to mobile devices. As a result, make sure your website has a responsive design. You could always look at Google’s Mobile-friendly test to properly evaluate the website’s responsiveness. See the results and take action if needed.
Step 4: Understand the backend basics
You must understand and manage the deliveries of the “behind the scenes” functionality of your website. This particular set of skills may involve databases, user authentication, security and others. We have to emphasize on learning languages like Node.js, Python and PHP (the solid core of WordPress). In addition, for databases, learn MySQL, PostgreSQL and MongoDB.
Step 5: Don’t overlook Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is very important if you want your website to rank well. Google is a harsh environment with stiff competition. You have to do all that you can to help the website rank and stay there as long as it takes to be successful. Follow Google’s guidelines. Invest time in technical SEO and work with specialists in the field to create a URL architecture with content strategy and whatever it takes to register success.
Step 6: Test, edit, optimize and deploy
Do not rush things or slack off. There is a fine line between great deployment and disappointment. We recommend testing, optimizing, and removing bugs before deployment. Perform functionality testing, browser compatibility, and speed testing. On the last part, Google recommends a load time of under 2 seconds. Users want their results fast, and you must deliver at your best.
Even though starting your web development journey can be difficult, we laid out some things to consider. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. Search the internet for answers. We guarantee you will not leave empty-handed.
If you want to work with us , leave a message. Newroco is always searching for new capable talent.
Contact us today!