How to become a Web Developer

Web Developer is responsible for efficiently coding websites that are functional and secure according to a company’s specifications. Web developers are involved in building a website from scratch as well as in the maintenance and upkeep of existing websites. Their aim is to ensure that the website is functional and easy to use across multiple platforms. As opposed to a web designer who focuses on how the elements of a website must be visually laid out, a web developer shall focus on building the website’s core structure using coding languages.

Using their knowledge of programming languages, web developers write the code to technically implement the web designer’s creative vision. They work on coding that is executed on the web browsers, on the website’s server, as well as the database system that keeps the website running. They can work as front-end developers who build the frameworks that the user interacts with, or as a back-end developer who works on coding on the web servers and databases, or as a full stack developer who juggles the entire development.

Here are the steps to becoming a Web Developer

1. Define Your Goals: Understand why you want to become a web developer and what specific areas you want to focus on (front-end, back-end, full-stack, etc.). Setting clear goals will help you plan your learning path.
2. Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: These are the foundational technologies of web development. HTML is used for structuring web content, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for adding interactivity to websites. Numerous online tutorials, courses, and resources are available to learn these languages.
3. Study Web Development Concepts: Familiarize yourself with essential web development concepts like responsive design, accessibility, version control (e.g., Git), and web performance optimization.
4. Choose a Programming Language: To focus on back-end development, and you must learn a server-side programming language like Python, Ruby, PHP, or Node.js (JavaScript)—research which language aligns with your goals and interests.
5. Learn a Database Technology: For back-end development, you'll likely need to work with databases to store and manage data. Popular choices include MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and SQLite.
6. Explore Frameworks and Libraries: Frameworks and libraries can streamline development and provide useful tools. For example, front-end developers might learn React, Angular, or Vue.js, while back-end developers might delve into Express.js or Django.
7. Build Projects: Hands-on experience is crucial in web development. Start building simple projects to apply your knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.
8. Get Comfortable with Version Control: Learn how to use Git and platforms like GitHub to manage your code, collaborate with others, and showcase your work.
9. Learn about APIs: Understanding how to work with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allows you to interact with external services and data, expanding the functionality of your projects.
10. Stay Updated and Engage with the Community: Web development is an ever-evolving field. Follow industry news, blogs, and tech communities to stay current with the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
11. Consider Specializations: As you gain more experience, consider specializing in mobile web development, e-commerce, web security, or user experience (UX) design.
12. Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio website to showcase your projects and skills. Potential employers or clients often want to see tangible examples of your work.
13. Networking and Collaboration: Attend web development meetups, conferences, or online forums to network with other developers and potential employers.
14. Seek Internships or Freelance Opportunities: Real-world experience is invaluable. Look for internships, freelance gigs, or volunteer opportunities to work on projects.
15. Continuous Learning: Web development is dynamic, so never stop learning. Explore advanced topics, take on challenging projects, and refine your skills.

• Create and maintain websites according to the client’s requirements
• Write error-free, efficient, testable code for developing a functional and secure website
• Troubleshoot website problems by fixing any server or hosting issues and resolving coding errors
• Determine user needs and outline technical specifications and requirements for the website
• Implement security and data protection measures
• Produce documentation for the software, generate backups to local directories for recovery, build code libraries for future use
• Ensure that the website is compatible across devices and platforms, and optimize its speed and capacity
• Integrate multimedia into the website including audio, video, and graphics in website compatible formats
• Collaborate with web designers and graphic designers to technically execute the visual designs

Web developers must possess thorough knowledge of software programs and web programming languages including HTML, CSS, and Javascript as well as that of the relevant database systems. They should also be familiar with search engine optimization principles. They should be able to use server-side frameworks such as python, asp, and asp.net as well as database systems such as SQL and Oracle. Time management, project management, and organizational skills are important for a web developer to efficiently juggle multiple tasks in accordance with the deadlines.

They should be skilled at verbal and written communication to liaise with the client/ senior management and work in collaboration with other professionals on the team. Their observation and problem-solving skills should be highly developed in order to identify problems and creatively resolve them. Adequate knowledge of network diagnostics and network analytics tools is also required for web developers to carry out their tasks. They should be highly analytical and detailed oriented individuals who can perform well under pressure.

Minimum Monthly Salary: Entry-level web developers in India may earn a minimum monthly salary of around INR 20,000 to INR 30,000. These are typically individuals who have just started their careers or have limited experience in the field.

Maximum Monthly Salary: Experienced and highly skilled web developers with several years of experience, specialized expertise, and a strong portfolio may earn anywhere from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 or more monthly. The salary can significantly vary depending on the company's size and reputation, the project's complexity, and the demand for their specific skills.

Annual Salary: For entry-level or junior web developers, the annual salary may be around INR 2,40,000 to INR 3,60,000. As web developers gain experience and expertise, their annual income can increase from approximately INR 6,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 or more.

Highest Paying Jobs and Scope: In the web development industry in India, some of the highest paying job roles include Full-Stack Developers, Backend Developers, and Frontend Developers with expertise in modern frameworks and technologies. Additionally, specialized roles such as DevOps Engineers, Data Scientists, and Machine Learning Engineers, which involve a combination of web development skills and advanced technical knowledge, offer excellent earning potential.

Individual institutions may carry out their own entrance exams for the admission of candidates into the Bachelors course in web designing. Candidates who are applying for this program are required to be permanent inhabitants of India. They must have a minimum age of 17 years when they apply. Students who seek to become web developers should have finished class 12 from any background.  Following this, they can get admittance into the Bachelor’s course in web development. It is also possible for students to go for higher studies in the related subject.

• Self-employment
• Advertising agency
• Banking Sector
• Publishing sector
• Non-profit organization
• E-Commerce firms
• IT firms
• Online media firms
• MNCs (IT wing)
• Digital Marketing firms