Web development basics: Types and skills required
Tags: devops
Published: 2022-08-22 19:49:46

Web development is one of the most popular areas of computer science, and for good reason. It's a versatile field that can be used to create a wide variety of websites. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn how to design and build a basic website, or an experienced developer looking to create something more complex, this article will teach you the basics of web development. 

You'll learn about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as the different frameworks and tools that are available to you. So if you're interested in learning how to build websites, read on!



## What is website development?

Website development is the process of designing, building, and maintaining a website. Websites are essential for businesses of all sizes to connect with customers and build a brand. There are many different types of website development, including web design, web development, and online marketing.



Web design is the process of creating a website from start to finish. This includes coming up with the idea for the website, designing the website's layout and graphics, developing the website's content, and ensuring that the website is accessible and user-friendly.



Web development is a broader term that refers to both web design and online marketing. It encompasses everything from creating a basic website to building an online shopping platform or e-commerce store. Web developers may also help you with SEO (search engine optimization), social media management, and email marketing campaigns.



## Web Development Basics

To get started in web development, you need to understand some basic concepts. Start by learning about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.



## What is  HTML?

HTML is the foundation of all websites. It's a simple markup language that allows you to style your website's content and structure. You can use HTML to create pages with text, photos, videos, and embedded objects (like ads).



## What is CSS?

CSS is a powerful tool for styling your website's text , images , and video . You can use CSS to change the color, size, and layout of your website's elements.

JavaScript is a programming language that you can use to create interactivity in your websites. You can use JavaScript to add buttons, menus, pop-ups, and other features to your website.



## What is a web server?

Next, you need to learn about web servers. A web server is the computer system on which your website lives. It provides the necessary hardware (like an Internet connection) and software (like HTML5) for you to create and access your website.



## What is coding?

Coding is the process of turning a computer program into a tangible form that can be executed by a machine. This can be done one of two ways: through programming languages or development platforms.



## Programming Languages:

Programming languages allow you to create executable code using specific commands and symbols. There are thousands of different programming languages available, but some of the most popular include Java, C++, Python, and Ruby on Rails.



## Development Platforms:

Development platforms are essential for creating software applications. They provide an environment in which you can write code, test it against errors and bugs before release, manage your project team remotely from anywhere in the world with ease (or on-site if needed), and deploy your finished application onto web servers or mobile devices.



## What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique identifier that is assigned to each device on the internet. It is used to identify and track devices through the network, and it is also used for routing traffic. IP addresses are divided into two categories - private and public. A private IP address is used only by the device that owns it, whereas a public IP address can be accessed by any device on the internet.



## What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting your computer and data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. There are a number of different ways to achieve cybersecurity, including using antivirus software, keeping up with updates for your operating system and applications, installing firewalls and password managers, and encrypting your data.



## Types of Web Development

There are three main types of web development: front-end development, back-end development, and full stack development.



## Front-end development

Front-end development is the process of designing, building, and testing the visual part of a web or mobile application. Front-end developers create interfaces that are used by users to interact with a system. They work with both visual and functional design, as well as user experience and accessibility.



Front-end development can involve a variety of programming languages, design tools, and testing frameworks. Some common front-end development tasks include the following:



1. Designing and developing graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

2. Developing and testing web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

3. Developing responsive designs for varying screen sizes.

4. Building custom animations and 3D effects for websites or applications.

5. Conducting usability tests to evaluate the effectiveness of a website or application's user interface.



## Back-end development

Back-end development is the process of designing, coding, and testing the functionality of a web application's back-end - the part of the system that handles requests from users and interacts with databases. This includes everything from developing the system's architecture to writing code to support user authentication and data storage.



Back-end developers work in close collaboration with front-end developers, who design and create the user interface for a website or app. Together, they form the entire front-end/back-end development pipeline.



Back-end development is a critical component of web application development, as it ensures that the system works as expected and meets all requirements. It is also responsible for ensuring that all data is stored securely and accessible by users.



If you want to become a back-end developer, you will need to have strong programming skills and knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. You will also need to be comfortable working in a collaborative environment and be able to work independently as well as adhere to deadlines.



## Full-stack development

Full-stack development is the process of developing a web application from start to finish, including the design, development, testing and deployment of all the necessary components. This includes everything from the back-end to the front-end, and can be done using a variety of languages and frameworks. Full-stack development is becoming more and more common in today's world, as it offers developers the ability to build applications in a more holistic way that allows for greater flexibility and efficiency.



## The Website Development Process

Website development can be broken down into four main steps: Research, Design, Development, and Testing.



1. Research - Once you've determined what you want your website to look like and what features you need, it's time to do some research. This includes reading online articles, visiting different websites, and talking to friends and family about what they think would be a good website for your business.



2. Design - After you've gathered your research material, it's time to start designing your website. This phase involves creating a layout, developing graphics and logos, and creating content. It's important to remember that the design of your website should be consistent with the look and feel of your brand.



3. Development - Once the design is finalized, it's time to start coding! This phase involves creating the actual website codebase and working on features such as pages, menus, widgets, etc. Make sure to test your website frequently in order to ensure that everything is working as intended.



4. Testing - Once development is complete, it's time to test the site by loading it with users and checking for any possible errors. Make sure to correct any problems before you release the site to the public



## What are the skills required to become a web developer?

As a web developer, you will need to be able to understand the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, you will need to be familiar with a variety of front-end development frameworks such as Bootstrap or Foundation. Finally, you will need to be skilled in managing and deploying web applications.



There is no one right way to become a web developer - the important thing is to develop the skills required for the specific job you want. If you are interested in developing web applications, for example, you should learn about different programming languages and frameworks. Alternatively, if you are interested in designing and developing websites, you should focus on learning HTML and CSS. There is no “wrong” way to become a web developer - it all depends on your interests and career goals.



## Some courses and tools that'll help you!

If you want to learn more about web development, there are a number of courses and tools available that can help. For example, Code Academy offers a full course on web development that covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress. Additionally, Codecademy provides interactive lessons that teach you how to code using various programming languages. 

Finally, Udacity offers online courses in front-end development (HTML5 &CSS3), back-end development (PHP & Ruby on Rails), and DevOps ( Linux & CI/CD). While there is no one right way to become a web developer, these resources can help you develop the skills and knowledge required for the job. Make sure to check them out and correct any errors before you release your site to the public!



## Conclusion
If you have been wondering what web development is all about, then this blog post is for you. In it, we have shared everything you need to know about web development and how to get started.