Things to Know About Web Development
6 Things I wish I knew before I started web development
Do you know that in 2024, over 1.9 billion websites exist online? One or two of these sites are probably your design and functionality. Over the years, there has been a drastic change in the web, way back from when websites were just static HTML pages to now that we deal with complex frontend frameworks, APIs, responsive designs, etc. Because of the continual change, there will be more libraries and tools yet to come and as a web developer, you must keep learning to stay ahead. Join Dome Academy today, a community of like-minded minds in the tech industry to always stay ahead in the tech space. In this article, we will discuss the things web developers should know that will help them in their journey.
#1 Master the Building Blocks
A baby learns to sit properly before attempting to stand, he stands properly before learning how to walk and eventually starts running. Also in web development, having a deep understanding of the fundamentals is very important because it will serve you throughout your entire career as a web developer. HTML, CSS and JavaScript are the core foundations of web development.
#2 Understand the Process
There is a popular saying that ‘the process is often more important than the result’. As simple as this may sound, it is very important that as a web developer, you have an understanding of version control. Familiarize yourself with platforms like GitHub or GitLab. Get comfortable with a typical workflow: coding, testing, debugging, and deploying. Understanding this cycle will streamline your development process. To get started with Git and Github, get access to our course for free - Free_Git_Course.
#3 Accessibility is Non-Negotiable
One satisfaction a web developer gets is when the site built is easily accessible. it’s important to always have it at the back of your mind that you are not just building a website for the sake of building, You are building for the sake of users therefore keep accessibility and usability in mind as you develop your site. Your website is only as good as the experience it leaves with the end users.
#4 Soft Skills Matters
"Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity."—Nat Turner Practice articulating your thoughts and being open to feedback. Explaining your ideas clearly is crucial when working with teams or clients. Web development often involves troubleshooting issues. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and persistence—this will help you overcome challenges.
#5 Security is not an Afterthought
As a web developer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your websites are secure enough for users because a single vulnerability could cause serious damage. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with basic security principles—like data validation, HTTPS implementation, and protection against common vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection). Security should be a priority from the start of any project. Learn OWASP's top 10 security vulnerabilities of web applications.
#6 It is a Continuous Learning Process
The tech space evolves rapidly so you have to embrace continuous learning and practice regularly. Keep building projects that challenge you and say updated always. Follow blogs, podcasts, and online courses to keep your skills current.
Web development offers you the opportunity to create, solve problems, and build things that people use every day. There’s always something new to learn or some problem to solve. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, and enjoy the process. It is a long, rewarding journey so keep coding and have fun.
If you're eager to dive into tech skills like web development or crave guidance, you can join our 8-week training on web development basics called #BuildAlong.
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