How to Become a Web Developer in 7 Simple Steps

Carson

Published: October 10, 2023

Web development is the process of developing and managing websites, online applications, and other web-based software systems. When learning how to become a web developer, you will learn is designing, construct, and deploy websites on the internet.

A web developer is an expert who designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications. They create websites, web pages, online applications, and other digital products that can be accessed via the internet using a variety of programming languages, tools, and technologies.

A career in web development could be an extremely lucrative opportunity for you, considering the average annual salary for a web developer in the US is $84,545, according to thinkful.com.  

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job opportunities for web developers and digital designers are projected to grow at a rate of 13% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. 

If you want to learn how to become a web developer from scratch, we’ve got you! 

What is Web Development?

Web development involves coding and programming to make a website function and is focused on non-design elements. Becoming a web developer can range from constructing simple text pages to complex web-based apps, social network applications, and e-commerce platforms. 

When becoming a web developer from scratch, the first thing to know is that developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create websites. HTML provides the basic structure of a website, while CSS is used to style its content. Although creating a basic website using only HTML is possible, adding CSS and JavaScript is necessary to enhance its functionality. 

Back-end developers handle the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep a website running smoothly, such as managing hosting services, databases, and applications. On the other hand, full-stack developers can work on both front-end and back-end tasks simultaneously.

Now that you know what web development is, let us get you started on how to become a web developer!

6  Actionable Steps to Become a Successful Web Developer

1. Understand the Web Development Fundamentals

The first step in understanding how to become a web developer involves having a solid understanding of the basics of web development, including front-end vs back-end, web hosting, databases, and web architecture. 

2. Choose a Development Course or Bootcamps

To learn web development from scratch, you can take web development courses or bootcamps covering the various programming languages, frameworks, and other tools and technologies essential to this field. 

3. Learn Related Programming Languages 

In addition to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, being familiar with other programming languages such as PHP, Python, and Ruby and databases like MySQL and MongoDB will help you become a web developer. 

4. Build a Portfolio

Developing a portfolio of web development projects can demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers and clients. Successful web developers always accumulate their work and recommendations from past projects, which is key to becoming a web developer.

5. Get an Internship

The next step in figuring out how to become a web developer would be getting your first hands-on professional experience in this field through an internship. They can also be a way to network and make connections in the industry, giving you a headstart in becoming a self-made web developer.

6. Stay Up To Date

The field of web development is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date with new technologies and trends. This can involve reading industry blogs, attending conferences, and taking courses to stay current with your skills and knowledge.

What Languages Should You Learn as a Beginner Web Developer?

• Python: This is a high-level, interpreted programming language used in web development, data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. You can learn Python from various online resources like Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy.   
• JavaScript: This is a scripting language used for web development, including client-side and server-side scripting. You can learn JavaScript from online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and W3Schools.  
• Java is a general-purpose programming language used to develop mobile apps, web applications, and enterprise software. You can learn Java from online resources such as Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy. 
• C++: This is a high-performance, general-purpose programming language used in developing operating systems, game engines, and scientific simulations. You can learn C++ from online resources such as Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight. 
• Kotlin: This is a modern, statically-typed programming language used in developing Android applications, server-side applications, and web applications. You can learn Kotlin from online resources such as Coursera, Udemy, Kotlin Docs. 

Learning all these languages will definitely give you an edge in your Web Development journey as you figure out how to become a web developer in 2023. 

Skills Required to Be a Good Web Developer

1. Proficiency in programming languages: A web developer should have a good grasp of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 
2. Knowledge of web development libraries: Familiarity with popular web development frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Vue can help developers streamline their workflow and build more complex applications.
3. Understanding of server-side languages/databases: A web developer should have experience with server-side languages like PHP, Python, and Ruby, and databases like MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL to build and maintain the back-end of websites.
4. Problem-solving skills: As a web developer, you will encounter various technical challenges that require analytical and creative problem-solving skills. 
5. Continuous learning: Web development is a constantly evolving field, so a willingness to learn and keep up with new technologies is essential. 

How to become a web developer without a degree

Are you intimidated by the prospect of becoming a web developer without a degree? 

We’ve got exciting news! You don’t need a degree to work in this field! 

Yes, you don’t need to go through the rigorous process of earning a four-year degree to begin creating incredible websites. Instead, you only need a little willpower, an openness to learning, and the appropriate tools.

To get started with web development, familiarize yourself with the basics of web development. The various programming languages, web development frameworks and libraries, server-side languages, and databases are all covered in this.

Secondly, pick a bootcamp or development course that teaches you how to become a web developer. You can also look for internships or freelancing gigs to gain practical experience.

Finally, always stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in web development. Subscribe to newsletters, attend webinars, and join online communities to network with other web developers and learn from their experiences.

With some effort and dedication, you can become a successful web developer from scratch without a degree. So, go ahead and take the first step toward your exciting new career today!

Conclusion

In conclusion, web development is a highly rewarding career that requires proficiency in programming languages, knowledge of web development libraries, understanding of server-side languages/databases, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn continuously. 

If you are wondering how to become a successful web developer, you need to understand the fundamentals of web development, choose a development course or bootcamp, learn related programming languages, develop your web developer skills, build a portfolio, get an internship,, and stay up to date with industry trends. 

By learning languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, and Kotlin, beginners can gain a solid web development foundation and succeed in this dynamic field. With job opportunities projected to grow faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, now is the perfect time for beginners to start their web development journey.