What is a web developer?
A web developer or programmer is someone who builds a website and application for the internet, or for a private network known as intranet. They are responsible for programming the code that “tells” a website how to function. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle.
How to become a web developer?
To become a web developer, you could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in web design and development, computer science, digital media development or software engineering.
You could also do a college course that may help you to get a trainee developer’s job. Courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Web Development
- T level in Digital Production, Design and Development
- Level 4 Diploma in Software Development
- Level 5 Diploma in Computing
You may be able to start as a junior developer and improve your skills and knowledge by completing further training and qualifications while you work.
Web developer duties
Web developer duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Creating website layout/user interfaces by using standard HTML/CSS practices
- Integrating data from various back-end services and databases
- Directing or performing Website updates
- Identifying problems uncovered by customer feedback and testing, and correcting or referring problems to appropriate personnel for correction
- Troubleshoot website problems
- Maintain and update websites
- Monitor website traffic
Web developer skills
To be an effective web developer, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment, learn rapidly and master diverse web technologies and techniques
- Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- Thorough and pay attention to detail
- Ability to write computer programs
- Strong organizational skills
- Basic knowledge of SEO process
- Top-notch programming skills and in-depth knowledge of modern HTML/CSS
How to find a web developer job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the web developer jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for web developer jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
Web developer Job Titles
When you search for web developer jobs online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for web developer jobs include;
- Front-end developer
- Back-end developer
- User experience (UX) designer
- User interface (UI) developer
- Software developer
What does a web developer do?
The job of a web developer varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of web developer job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of a web developer include;
- Meet internal/external clients to define their website requirements
- Work as part of a larger development team
- Prepare a design plan
- Decide which branding, text, colours and backgrounds to use
- Use design software to lay out pages, position buttons, links and pictures
- Add multimedia features like sound, animation and video
- Use different programming and coding languages
- Test and improve the design and site
- Upload the site to a server