Programming vs Web Development
Tags: webdev, webdevoppement, programming
Published: 2024-04-01 20:30:39

**Have you ever wondered what sets web development apart from traditional programming?**

In this post, I will share with you my personal experience when I started learning web development after graduating from college. 

According to knowledgehut:

> **Programming**: The process of writing, testing, and maintaining computer programs using a programming language.
> **Web Development**: The process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications using various technologies and tools.

I remember that, when I initially began learning web development, I thought it was just a subset of programming. I naively believed that as long as I could write clean, functional code, I would be able to create amazing websites and web applications. **Little did I know how wrong I was!**

It didn't take long for me to realize that web development, particularly when it comes to building user interfaces (UI), requires a lot more than just coding prowess. It demands a keen eye for design, a deep understanding of user experience (UX) principles, and a strong grasp of visual aesthetics.

In my early days, the websites I built looked like they were stuck in the 90s – cluttered, I may say confusing, and  ugly. **That's when I realized the crucial difference between programming and web development, especially in the realm of UI design.**

While programming is primarily focused on writing code to create software applications and systems, **web development requires a delicate balance between coding and visual design.** Creating a visually appealing and intuitive user interface is essential for the success of any web application or website. It's the first thing that users interact with, and a poorly designed UI can quickly turn them away, no matter how great the underlying functionality is.

**How to excel in web development?**

I think to truly excel in web development, especially in UI design, personally I had to step out of my programmer's mindset and start honing my visual skills. This involved learning principles of design, color theory, typography, layout, and more.
I spent countless hours studying well-designed websites and applications, analyzing what made them visually appealing and user-friendly. I practiced creating mockups and wireframes, experimenting with different layouts and design elements.
Gradually, my understanding of visual design grew, and I started incorporating these principles into my web development projects. My websites and applications began to look more polished, intuitive, and visually appealing.

Looking back, I can't emphasize enough how crucial visual skills are for web developers, especially those working on UI design. It's not just about writing code; it's about creating a seamless and engaging user experience that combines functionality with aesthetics.


If you're starting your journey in web development, here is a [roadmap](https://roadmap.sh) to follow. 
Understand that Web development is not merely an extension of programming; it's a distinct field that requires a unique blend of coding and visual design skills. Embrace the importance of visual aesthetics from the get-go, and continuously work on improving your design sense. 
Trust me it will pay off in the long run, and you'll be able to create truly exceptional web experiences that not only function well but also look and feel amazing.

Thank you!

References
https://www.knowledgehut.com/blog/web-development/programming-vs-web-development