Wanna Be a Web Developer?
Do you have an interest (or, at least a curiosity) in websites? Want to know how websites are built? If so, then you’ve came to the right place.
The following entries will help you learn a little more about web development; and can maybe inspire you to make your own projects. Coming from a web developer myself, it’s both a fun and challenging role at the same time. But once a site is complete, you have that great feeling of accomplishment.
Before We Start…
Some of the tips and techniques from the chapters below are from my own education and experiences. Although coding a website has the same building blocks, the tips and techniques will differ from person-to-person, depending on your job duties, or programming languages used. The chapters below will explain the basic building blocks and principles to a website. Your results may vary, so please use at your own discretion.
Requirements
The following are essential for web developement:
- A computer or laptop: You might already have this, given the fact you’re on this site…but a desktop or laptop computer is optimal during coding.
- Text editor: At the very minimum, you’ll need Notepad for Windows, or a Mac/Linux equivalent (whichever computer you’re working with).
- A web browser (Chrome or Firefox): Either one will work fine, depending on what you’re comfortable with
(DO NOT START WITH IE/EDGE, you will thank me later).
And that’s usually it! However, these items are optional, but highly recommended:
- An internet connection: I say optional because although you’re developing a website, you “technically” don’t need a web connection when opening your own local (on your computer) files. But eventually you will need this to publish your work or research a problem.
- Notepad++: It’s a great program to download for programming and development. Similar to basic Notepad for Windows; the program has proper syntax and tag highlights that will be very useful.
- Pencil/pen and a notebook: You’ll eventually need something to take notes on, especially when gathering requirements for websites.
- A comfortable and quiet area to work: Web development at times can be stressful and requires concentration, especially during troubleshooting and trial-and-error periods. I would go so far as to have some headphones and some music handy around your workspace.
Web Developers vs. Web Designers
Some may be curious and wonder, what’s the difference? Although these two career choices both deal with websites in some fashion; there are differences between the two. To give a brief analogy:
A web developer use coding languages, such as HTML and JavaScript to create the website according to specific requirements. A developer’s job is more technical than creative.
However, a web designer uses graphic programs (such as Adobe PhotoShop) to design how a website should look like. A designer’s job is more creative than technical.
In a common fashion, the designer designs the specs and write out the requirements, then passes the information to the developer; who builds the website according to those specs. The designer gives how the site should look like, and the developer makes sure that look is kept exactly as specified. Depending on the career choice, web designers and developers would need to wear both hats, especially if you consider freelancing. Some designers would have to write code; while some developers have to create designs.
Now that we have the preliminaries taken care of, I guess it’s time to start the first chapter!