Introduction
In web development, website developer develops web applications and websites. A web developer, also called a web developer, specializes in programming web applications, platforms, and dynamic websites accessible from the private internet. Its task is to create efficient applications and websites and to ensure that they function correctly.
Creation of website
He creates the various components of the site or the web application. He programs the source code, develops the user interface, and implements the content management systems (CMS, Content Management Systems) and data protection systems.
For example, in developing a website or a platform for e-commerce, a web developer designs the architecture and site map to decide how to connect different Web pages, configure the database necessary for the operation of the site, and load the multimedia elements.
In practice, it ensures that the website meets the system requirements, technical specifications, and customer needs, both for the part visible to users (the front end) and used by users. Site administrators (the back end).
Therefore, the web developer carries out testing activities to identify errors and malfunctions (bugs), and he ensures that the site works correctly with all types of browsers and devices (computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.). Finally, the debugging phase brings the final version of the web pages online and ensures that they remain active, work, and are updated.
Although the functions of a web developer potentially cover all activities related to creating a website from the beginning, in reality, the continual evolution of IT pushes towards a greater specialization of professions. Therefore, the work entrusted to the web developer mainly consists of writing the code and structuring the website (the design of the architecture). In contrast, other aspects, such as the design and graphics of the web pages, the writing of the texts and the creation of multimedia content (photo and video), optimization for search engines (SEO) are generally entrusted to professionals such as the web designer, web content manager, copywriter, and SEO experts.
Programming languages used
The web developer is actual, above all, an expert developer in web programming languages: the most used are PHP, ASP, JavaScript, Node, and Python. Besides scripting languages, the web developer is also proficient in other aspects that affect the operation of a website or a web application, such as mark-up languages (e.g., CSS, XML, HTML ), database programming (for example in SQL), network communication protocols, web server configuration, IT security, user experience ( UX design ) and user interface ( UI design ).
Contexts in which a web programmer finds work are extremely varied and numerous, from start-ups with very few people to multinationals with thousands of employees to web agencies that offer website development services: web, e-commerce portals, mobile apps, intranet platforms, and corporate web applications.
Remotely work
A web developer can work as an employee or, more often, as a freelance, which allows him to work remotely without being physically present at his employer.
The dimensions of the company influence the actual responsibilities of the web developer; the more significant the programming department, the more precise the level of specialization of each employee. Thus, in a context of large dimensions and highly structured, the web developer will deal exclusively with the programming of the code; in smaller, less structured contexts, on the other hand, it could be the point of reference for all aspects of web application development.
The main functions of the web developer are as follows:
- Develop websites and web applications, from the initial concept to the final configuration, according to the company’s specifications
- Test the proper functioning of the site or web app from all points of view.
- Correct the errors that appeared (debugging)
- Put the developed website/application online on time.
- Develop technical support documentation
- Solve technical problems related to the operation of the website/web application
Required qualities for a web developer
The knowledge needed to become a web developer is vast and complex to work as a web developer. Therefore, it would be best if you generally had a master’s degree in computer science or engineering. There are also many web developer training courses organized by different organizations and courses that allow you to obtain attestations and certifications of knowledge of programming languages, web platforms, and development methods such as Agile.
However, as for other professions in the IT sector, job offers for web developers all require technical knowledge rather than diplomas: knowledge of HTML, XML, CSS, server-side programming languages (such as Python, PHP, Ruby, etc. C, C ++) and client-side (like JavaScript, Action Script), databases and their management systems (like MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server), frameworks and libraries, integrated development environments (IDE, Integrated Development Environment) for pages and web applications.
However, the training of a web developer can never be considered complete. Therefore, it is fundamental to always be up to date on UX / UI design and usability and the most recent web technologies, for example, by participating in workshops, conferences, and advanced courses and collaborating with Open communities.
Web Developer – Skills
The skills required in job postings for web programmers are as follows:
- Skills in website development
- Knowledge of different programming, scripting, mark-up languages
- Skills in testing and debugging methods
- Knowledge of data modeling (SQL)
- Organizational and management skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Reliability and punctuality in the delivery of projects
