Web Developer Working on Code at a Computer

The Essential Guide to Becoming a Professional Web Developer: Part 1

To most Americans, the internet probably seems ubiquitous. Everything from our phones and computers, to our TVs and even our washing machines is designed with WiFi in mind. And yet, there are huge swathes of the world where online connectivity is limited or even totally absent. 

Therefore, the internet is only going to keep expanding in the coming decades. This means that mastering professional-level coding is a great idea regardless of whether you’re a high school student or a working adult looking for a career change.

Before you enlist in a full-stack developer bootcamp in San Diego, however, you should take the time to learn basic coding terms and how to go about becoming a coder. Keep reading to learn more.

Table of Contents:

Who are web developers?

Web developers are the construction contractors of the online world. Their job is to write and maintain the actual code that forms a website. They make the features end users see and interact with directly (client-side), as well as the “invisible” features such as server-side code and databases.

Web development is split into two major sections:

  • Back-end (or server-side) web development creates the background framework that enables data to be quickly transferred from the server to the user’s web browser. They create the machinery that runs “under the hood” of any given website. 
  • Front-end (or client-side) web developers design and build interactive features (forms, drop-down menus, video players, etc.), layouts (how the features are arranged on a website), and appearance (colors, sounds, etc.). 

Of course, it’s absolutely possible to learn both front-end and back-end web development. People who do this are known as full-stack developers. Full-stack developers are the human Swiss army knives of the coding world and are therefore highly sought-after by employers.

What makes a good web developer?

To be a programmer of any kind, you need to have an intellectual mindset and a passion for writing code. Furthermore, you need to devote yourself to mastering a dependable programming language such as Ruby on Rails and JavaScript. 

Successful web developers have the following traits:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Patience and a cool head
  • Rational and logical thinking
  • A love for learning new things
  • General interest in computer science
  • Working knowledge of at least one coding language

What are programming languages?

Programming languages are formal languages comprised of a set of instructions that can be used to implement algorithms. They enable you to create a “to-do list” that computers can interpret in order to form useful outputs.

Various coding languages have been created over the decades. Most of the ones that are in use today have been designed to be used in a specific field of development (for example, front end). 

Some of the most useful coding languages and tools include:

  • JavaScript is the go-to language for frontend developers.
  • HTML & CSS are markup tools that form the backbone of every website.
  • MySQL is an open-source database that’s used in most modern websites.
  • Ruby is a high-end programming language often used by back-end developers.

Where can I find a comprehensive full-stack developer bootcamp in San Diego?

If you’re looking to become a programmer in San Diego, look no further than LEARN academy. We’re dedicated to getting our students well and truly ready for the real-life aspects of a web development job, including providing you with a month-long internship at a reputable coding firm.
Give us a call today and schedule your free tour of our East Village premises. The web development train is rushing full speed into a bright future and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Don’t let it pass you by!

Continue To Part 2