What is the Skillset Needed to Be a Successful Web Developer in 2018?
Apart
from basic programming skills such as CSS and HTML, the roadmap for becoming a
successful web developer also comprises the acquisition of a comprehensive
skill set. The qualities that set you apart and make you the top talent for
companies seeking quality developers are distinctive. Learning tech skills and
seeing the code come to life is a miracle. Web developers can embark on
exciting careers if they acquire the right skills.
- Programming Skills: Basic Building Blocks of Success
To
become a front-end web developer, one needs to be open to acquiring knowledge
of new coding skills and perfecting the ones you possess. HTML and CSS, for
example, are known as basic building blocks of web development. HTML sets the
web page structure while CSS is essential for aesthetics and styling. To become an expert
web developer, one needs
to think beyond the basics. Basic knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop can be
used to interpret website and product mock-ups from designers. Web developers
also need to know programming languages like JavaScript. More sites have
sophisticated functionalities so users need to carry out tasks efficiently and
quickly.
Learning
CSS and HTML makes sense. Apart from this, there are programmes like Adobe
Dreamweaver that help designers to bypass core skills. Many languages add
functionality to sites, such as PHP and databases like MySQL, that works with
dynamic sites to store and call up content from a database onto page templates.
- Build Responsive Sites
As
web developers, one needs to keep an eye on technologies rising in popularity.
Multimedia content is being used on all kinds of sites, so understanding the
technology is critical. With mobile web and tablet computing exploding,
specialist apps are in favour. Knowledge of how to host websites, install and
upgrade software like CMS web servers and domain name systems, mail servers,
security and firewall are essential.
- Develop Soft Skills
Along
with the technical know-how, there’s also a need to know soft skills that make
a difference and offer really valuable services. Being able to explain
technical issues to an audience that is non-technical is essential. Listening
skills are crucial to understanding client needs and working with designers,
account managers and developers alike.
As a
web developer, you need to be part of a company team or specialist consultancy.
This means seeing the entire web development pictures and have abilities in
terms of technical skills. Specialists in their field, web developers need to
focus on SEO and marketing skills too. But along with this, they need soft
skills like communication skills, project management skills, decision making skills
and much more.
Conclusion
A
web developer is a position that requires considerable technical knowledge and
know-how. Apart from that, the web developers also need to have a thorough
understanding of programming languages and coding skills. Soft skills like
communication, and decision-making capabilities are essential to create
innovative websites that score on aesthetics and functionality alike. Web
development skills range across an entire gamut and for a professional who
wants to stay ahead of the trends, the web development industry is continuously
evolving so skills need to be acquired to stay ahead of peers and up-to-date
with the latest developments.