What Is Web Development? A Beginner’s Guide for 2024

Are you wondering what web development is and how to build a career in this field? This detailed guide will answer your burning questions and explain the key concepts and skills essential for building a web development career. 

You’ll learn about the various roles a web developer can pursue and gain insights into the processes involved in creating websites and web applications. 

What Is Web Development?

Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications. It includes a wide range of tasks, from designing a website’s layout and appearance to coding its functionality. 

There are two main approaches to developing websites: 

• Coding from scratch: Building a website’s structure, design, and functionality entirely through programming languages like HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript. This approach is best for complex websites with specific requirements or unique designs.

• Using templates: Utilizing pre-designed layouts and components within a content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla. This is faster and easier but offers limited customization. It’s ideal for simple websites, beginners, or those with limited budgets.

Web apps are more complex digital products, usually requiring front-end and back-end development efforts.

Who Is a Web Developer?

A web developer is a professional who translates web designs into code, develops web applications, and ensures that websites function correctly across different browsers and devices. 

Web developers also collaborate with designers, content creators, and other stakeholders to implement a site’s visual and interactive elements. Aside from building the front or back end of web apps, web developers are responsible for the following: 

• Website maintenance: Regularly updating websites to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. 
• Database management: Designing and managing databases to store and retrieve data efficiently. 
• Testing and debugging: Ensuring web development projects are free of errors and work correctly through various testing methods. 
• Security: Implementing measures to protect websites from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Web Design vs. Web Development

Wondering the difference between web design and development? Here’s a quick overview:

Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text,  frameworks like Angular, React, Vue.js for front-end development; Django, Ruby on Rails, Jasmine, and Mocha for JavaScript testing;	Web design	Web development
Primary focus	Visual aesthetics and user experience (UX)	Functionality, performance, and technical aspects of a web development project.
Skills	A keen eye for visual composition, color theory, and typography.  Ability to design intuitive and attractive interfaces.	Strong analytical skills to solve complex programming problems. Understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to turn designs into functional website pages.  Knowledge of server-side programming languages (e.g., Python, Ruby, PHP, Java) and database management.
Tools and software	Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and InVision for creating mockups and prototypes.	Web designers work closely with marketers, web developers, product managers, and other roles.
Typical processes/responsibilities	Understand user needs and create wireframes to outline the basic structure of each web page.   Create reusable UI components for easy designs.	Write and test code, integrate databases, and maintain website security.
Outcomes	Visually appealing, user-friendly website designs.	Fully functional and efficient websites or web applications.
Key roles	UI Designer, UX Designer, Graphic Designer	Front-end Developer, Back-end Developer, Full-stack Developer
Programming languages and frameworks	HTML, CSS, JavaScript (basic)	HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, Node.js, React, Angular, Vue.js, Django, Ruby on Rails.
Collaboration	Web designers work closely with marketers, web developers, product managers and other roles.	Web developers collaborate with web designers to create functional websites.  They also work with project managers and product owners.

Types of Web Development

Web development teams often consist of different web professionals with various skills. This section shows you the types of web development and the programming languages/tools for each:

Front-End Development

Front-end development is the practice of creating the visual and interactive elements of a website or web application that users see and interact with directly. Front-end developers primarily focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, ensuring that the website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and functional across different devices and browsers.

Key Front-End Development Languages:

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The backbone of any website, defining the structure and content of web pages (text, images, links).
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Used for styling website pages, including layout, colors, fonts, and responsiveness.
• JavaScript: A coding language that adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to websites (animations, form validations, fetching data from servers).

Back-End Development

Back-end development focuses on the server side of web applications. It involves creating and maintaining the technology that powers the server, database, and application logic. Back-end developers ensure that the front end can communicate effectively with the server and that the application can handle various user requests.

Key Back-End Development Languages:

• Python: Versatile language for web development, data analysis, and automation.
• PHP: A server-side scripting language heavily used for building dynamic websites and web applications, known for its large community and vast ecosystem of frameworks and libraries.
• Java: An object-oriented programming language with a “write once, run anywhere” philosophy, suitable for building enterprise-level applications, Android apps, and large-scale systems.
• C#: Type-safe language developed by Microsoft, primarily used for building Windows desktop applications, games with Unity, and web applications with ASP.NET.
• Ruby is a dynamic, open-source language that prioritizes developer happiness and productivity, often chosen for building web applications with the Ruby on Rails framework.
• SQL: Standardized language for managing and querying relational databases, essential for storing, retrieving, and manipulating structured data in various applications.

Full-Stack Development

Full stack development involves working on a web application’s front-end and back-end portions. 

Full-stack developers have the skills and knowledge to handle all aspects of web development, from designing user interfaces to managing databases and server-side logic. They can seamlessly create fully functional applications by integrating client- and server-side technologies.

Key Full-Stack Development Languages:

• All the coding languages and tools mentioned in front-end and back-end development.
• MEAN/MERN Stack: A stack of JavaScript-based technologies used for building full-stack web apps. (MEAN/MERN stands for MongoDB, Express.js, Angular/React, Node.js.)

Website Development

Web development involves both front-end and back-end development, but it’s typically more focused on building complete, static, or dynamic websites rather than web applications. 

Website developers are responsible for implementing the visual and interactive elements designed by front-end developers and ensuring the site’s functionality and performance from the back-end perspective.

Key Web Development Tools:

• WordPress: A popular open-source CMS known for its flexibility and ease of use.
• Drupal: A powerful CMS for building complex websites and applications.
• Joomla!: Another popular open-source CMS for creating websites and online applications.
• Web Design Software (Adobe XD, Figma): For creating visual mockups.
• Code Editors (VS Code, Sublime Text): For writing and editing code.

Mobile Development

Mobile development is the process of creating software applications that run on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. 

The primary focus is designing user interfaces optimized for smaller screens, touch input, and the specific capabilities of mobile devices (e.g., cameras, GPS). Mobile developers build apps that are fast, responsive, and provide a seamless user experience across different mobile platforms.

Key Mobile Development Languages and Tools

• Code editors and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): e.g., Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, IntelliJ IDEA
• Version control systems: e.g., Git, GitHub, GitLab
• JavaScript libraries and frameworks: e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js
• CSS frameworks: e.g., Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, Foundation
• Backend Frameworks: e.g., Node.js with Express, Django, Ruby on Rails
• Content Management Systems (CMSs): e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Drupal

Game Development

Game development involves the creation of video games for various platforms like PCs, consoles, mobile devices, and web browsers.  It requires a combination of creative and technical skills, including game design, storytelling, programming, art, animation, sound design, and testing. Game developers work collaboratively to bring game concepts to life, building immersive experiences that entertain and engage players.

Key Game Development Languages and Tools:

• Unity: Cross-platform game engine used to develop both 2D and 3D games and interactive experiences.
• Unreal Engine: A powerful game engine developed by Epic Games, known for its high-quality graphics and extensive toolset.
• C#: Programming language developed by Microsoft, commonly used with Unity for game development.
• C++: Another high-performance programming language often used in game development, especially with the Unreal Engine.

Security Development

Security development focuses on building and implementing measures to protect software systems, websites, and applications from cyber threats. Security developers identify vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and create tools to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and other malicious activities. 

Key Security Development Languages and Tools:

• Python: Used for scripting, automation, and penetration testing.
• Java/C/C++: Used for developing secure software and low-level security tools.
• JavaScript: Used for web application security testing.
• Cryptography libraries (OpenSSL, Bouncy Castle): These libraries provide web developers with algorithms and protocols to secure data.

Top 12 Skills for Web Developers

Web development is an ever-evolving field that requires a blend of technical prowess and soft skills to create effective, user-friendly websites and applications. 

This section shows you the top skills web developers need in 2024, drawn from industry reports and expert analyses.

Technical Skills

• JavaScript: JavaScript remains one of the most in-demand languages for web development. It enables web developers to create interactive and dynamic web experiences. Mastery of frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue.js is also essential for modern web development.
• HTML/CSS: The backbone of web content, HTML and CSS are critical for structuring and styling web pages. Advanced knowledge of these programming languages and responsive design techniques ensures websites are accessible across various devices.
• Backend Languages (Python, Java, PHP, Ruby): Backend development requires proficiency in server-side programming languages. Python (with frameworks like Django and Flask), Java, PHP, and Ruby are popular choices that power the server, manage databases, and handle application logic.

• Version Control (Git): Git is the standard version control system used in web development. It allows web developers to track changes, collaborate with others, and manage code repositories efficiently.
• Application programming interface (API) and Web Services: Understanding RESTful and SOAP APIs is crucial for integrating different systems and enabling communication between various components of a web application.
• Database Management (SQL, NoSQL): Knowledge of database management systems (DBMS) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB is vital for storing, retrieving, and managing data effectively.
• AI: While not yet mainstream, AI coding is becoming increasingly important for web developers. For instance, over 67% of respondents to GitHub’s Developer Experience Survey report using AI coding tools both in and outside of work. That’s a staggering figure that’s expected to rise higher in the coming months/years. Familiarity with AI concepts and libraries is a valuable asset.

Soft Skills

• Communication: Effective communication is crucial for collaborating with team members, understanding client requirements, and presenting ideas clearly. It ensures that technical solutions align with business needs.
• Problem-solving: Web development is inherently about solving problems. Whether debugging code or figuring out the best way to implement a feature, strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Time Management: Managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines requires excellent time management skills. Prioritizing tasks and staying organized are key to maintaining productivity.
• Creativity: A creative mindset helps design intuitive user interfaces and come up with innovative solutions to technical challenges. It’s not just about aesthetic design but also about solving problems in novel ways.
• Adaptability: The tech landscape changes rapidly. Being open to learning new tools, programming languages, and methodologies is crucial for staying relevant and competitive in the field.

Interested in a web development career but overwhelmed by everything you must learn? You’re not alone! Most newbies feel the same way. Dan was like that, too, until he discovered Mimo. He started his web development journey with our self-paced learning path and transitioned from a non-tech background in the hospitality industry to a full-stack developer in just a few months!

Web Developer Careers

The web development field offers a diverse range of career paths, each catering to different skill sets and interests. Here are some key careers in web development:

• Front-end developer: Specializes in the interface and user experience of a website, working with languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create visually appealing and interactive website pages.
• Back-end developer: Focuses on server-side logic, databases, and application integration, ensuring the smooth functioning of the website behind the scenes. They typically work with server-side languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, and databases like MySQL and MongoDB.
• Full-stack developer: Combines the roles of both front-end and back-end developers, possessing a comprehensive understanding of how a web application operates from server to client. They are versatile professionals skilled in multiple programming languages and frameworks.
• Web designer: Responsible for the aesthetic aspects of a website, including layout, color scheme, and typography. Web designers often work with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and have a strong understanding of UX/UI principles.
• Web developer: A generalist who can work on various aspects of website creation and maintenance, often overlapping with both front-end and back-end development tasks.
• DevOps engineer: Bridges the gap between development and IT operations, focusing on the deployment, automation, and maintenance of web apps. They work to streamline processes and improve the efficiency of software development and deployment.

Web Development Process: How to Develop a Website

Follow these simple steps to build your own website:

1. Planning and Research

Start by defining your objectives. 

Determine what you want your website to achieve: are you creating an e-commerce site to sell products, a blog to share insights, or a portfolio to showcase your work? Having clear objectives will guide your decisions throughout the process. 

Next, identify your target audience. Understand who they are, what they need, and how your website can meet those needs. This helps tailor your site’s design and functionality to attract and retain your audience.

2. Design

With a solid plan in place, move on to design. Start by creating wireframes to visualize the structure and user flow of your website. Wireframes are basic, low-fidelity layouts that show the arrangement of elements on each page. Tools like Sketch or Figma can help you with this. 

Create prototypes to simulate the user experience and test the functionality of your site. Prototypes are interactive, high-fidelity models that allow you to see how users will interact with your site. At this step, you’d usually collaborate with web and graphic designers.

3. Development

Now, it’s time to develop your website. 

• Start with back-end development, which involves setting up server-side logic, databases, and application integration using languages like Python, Ruby, or PHP.  For an e-commerce site, this means creating product databases and payment processing systems. Create a sitemap to organize the content and structure of your website, ensuring that all pages are easily accessible. 

• Then, move on to front-end development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the visual aspects of your site. Front-end web development focuses on creating a responsive design that looks good on all devices. Connect the front-end and back-end to ensure smooth functionality and interaction between the interface and the server-side logic. 

• Finally, thoroughly test your website across different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility and fix bugs.

Note: There’s also an option to use a CMS like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify. A CMS simplifies the development process by providing pre-built templates and tools, making it easier to create and manage your website without extensive coding knowledge. However, using a CMS limits your customization options. That’s why many larger businesses hard-code their websites while using CMSs to host corporate blogs. 

4. Content Creation

While your site is being developed, start creating content. Develop a content strategy that aligns with your objectives and audience needs. Create high-quality text, images, and videos that engage your audience and convey your message effectively. At this stage, you would normally with with a content writer and an SEO specialist for keyword research. 

5. Launch and Maintenance 

Purchase a domain name and choose a hosting provider to make your website accessible online. Conduct pre-launch testing to ensure everything works correctly, then deploy your site to a live server and open it to search engines. Regularly monitor your site for issues and track performance, updating content and fixing bugs to keep your site relevant and functional.

FAQs  

What Is a Website?

A website is a collection of web pages that can be viewed on the internet.

What is Coding?

Coding is writing instructions using a programming language that a computer can understand.

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address is a unique numerical label given to a device connected to the internet.

What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, it is a protocol used to transfer data over the internet.

What Is Front-End?

Front-end web developers focus on creating the user interface and user experience of a website using languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. 

What Is Back-End?

Back-end web developers focus on the server-side logic, database integration and API connectivity of a website using languages like Python and Ruby.

What is a Framework in Web Development?

A framework is a pre-built structure that helps web developers build web applications efficiently, like React and Angular.

What is a CMS?

CMS means Content Management System. It is a platform that enables users create, manage, and modify websites. E.g., WordPress. 

Is Web Development The Same as Coding?

No, Web development encompasses coding, design, project management, and other aspects of building a website. 

Is Web Developer a Good Career?

Yes. It is a highly sought-after career with good compensation and future prospects.

Can You Become a Web Developer with No Prior Experience?

Yes, many resources are available to help you learn. 

Can You Be a Web Developer without a Degree?

Yes, many web developers are self-taught. If you’re looking for a career in web development, you can also learn coding online, e.g., with Mimo’s full-stack career path. By completing this career path, you’ll master various coding skills at your own pace and build a real-life coding portfolio.

What Pays More, Web Design or Web Development?

Web development generally pays more than web design, as it requires more technical expertise and problem-solving skills. The average annual salary of web developers in the US is $79,959 as of May 2024, according to Indeed.com. The average annual income of web designers is $54,540.

Web Development vs. Web Programming

Web development and programming are related concepts, but they differ in scope and focus.

• As mentioned earlier, web development is the entire process of creating and maintaining a website or web application. It includes various aspects such as planning, design, content creation, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Web developers may specialize in specific areas like front-end or back-end development, or they may have a more general skillset.

• On the other hand, web programming refers specifically to the coding aspect of web development. It involves writing the code that makes a website or web application function. Web programmers use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end web development and Python, PHP, and Ruby for back-end development.  In essence, web programming is a subset of web development. Web developers may or may not be involved in programming, depending on their role and specialization. 

For example, a web designer might focus on the visual aspects of a website without writing any code, while a full-stack developer would handle both the front-end and back-end coding.

Web Development vs. Front-End Development

Front-end development is a specific area of web development that focuses on the part that users see and interact with directly in their web browsers.  Front-end developers are responsible for designing and implementing a website’s visual layout, interface, and interactive elements. But the front-end alone isn’t enough to deploy a functional, secure, and thriving website. 

Depending on the website you’re building, you’ll often need contributions from a back-end developer, along with designers and other members of the web development team.

Conclusion 

Web development is a dynamic field that involves the creation, maintenance, and optimization of websites and web applications. The essential roles within web development include front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers.

However, web designers take responsibility for a separate set of UX and UI design tasks. Overall, web development offers numerous career opportunities, a competitive paycheck, and many remote work opportunities.

Interested in giving it a try? Start building your web development career with Mimo — a flexible and interactive platform for learning full-stack, front-end, Python development, and more.