This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by BeautyJames
Hello everyone, I’m Beauty James, A Frontend Engineer. I thought it would be important to share my knowledge about frontend web development with everyone on this platform especially the upcoming web developers. From my experience, I would say these are the most Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) about frontend
• What is frontend development?
• What is backend development?
• Differences between frontend and backend development
• Tasks of frontend developers
• Why you should learn frontend development?
• What pays more frontend or backend?
• Frontend languages
• Career path of frontend developers
What is Frontend development?
Frontend development also known as (client side) development is the practice of producing CSS, html and JavaScript for a website or web application so the user can see and interact with them directly. As a frontend developer, your job is to code and bring to life the visual elements of a website.
They build elements like;
Buttons
Layouts
Navigations
Images
Graphics
Content organization
The Tools used to create the front end of a website changes Constantly. This is a major challenge to developers so they need to constantly be aware of how the field is developed. The objective of which is to ensure that when viewers open sites, they see information in a format that is relevant and easy to read, irrespective of different screen sizes and resolutions.
What is back end development?
Backend development also known as server side of a network helps in storing and arranging data while also ensuring the front end is functioning well. A backend developer helps manage the database of a network and site content stored on it. They help to ensure that frontend elements on social media websites can continue to function properly as users browse.
Backend developers build elements like;
Building codes
Troubleshooting and debugging web applications
Database management
Framework utilization
Differences between frontend and backend
Frontend development focuses on the visual elements of a website or app that users will interact with (the client side), while backend development focuses on the side of website users can’t see (the server side).However, they work together to enable users make purchases, use contact forms and any other interactive activity you might participate in while browsing a site in a dynamic website.
Tasks of frontend developers
Although there are certain degrees of variation across companies, you can generally expect a frontend developer role to include all or some of the following;
• They optimize user experience by analyzing the client side performance of a web page so as to improve consumer understanding
• Detect problems and design engaging solutions.
• Developing and maintaining user interface
• Creating tools that improve site interaction regardless of the browser the user is on
• Managing software workflow
• Bring concept to life by imagining, creating and deploying interactive and mobile friendly applications for the web using the latest web technologies including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+) and React
Why should you learn Frontend development?
Listed below are the reasons you need to study or partake in a career of frontend development;
Frontend developers are in demand
Creativity
Flexibility
Ever evolving field
Many career options
Lucrative career
Easy to learn, use and scale technologies
Involves real time programming
Speedy development and user drive outcomes.
What pays more frontend or backend?
Since there is an obvious difference between the two, you may be wondering, which to take on in your new career path and the pay may have a great influence in your choice. Mid career, Front end developers take in an average annual salary of $76,929 in the U.S., according to Glassdoor. While U.S based mid career Back end developers may bring in an average of $101,619 annually. According to this research, backend developers earn more than frontend developers. But before choosing a career path, money should not be the only factor that determines which to partake in. Careful study and analysis should be made on both frontend and backend development to determine which career path you enroll in.
Frontend Languages:
JavaScript: JavaScript is a text based programming language used both on the client side and server side that allows you to make web pages interactive. It gives web pages interactive elements that engages a user. It converts web pages from static to interactive ones, thereby improving user experience. JavaScript is the world’s most popular programming language.
HTML: HTML (hypertext markup language) is a language that defines the structure of your content. It consists of a series of elements which allows you to enclose or wrap various parts of the content to make it appear in a certain way or act in a certain manner. There are several web editors used to write html codes, but for Windows, visual studio code is mostly advised and atom for both apple and Linux users.
CSS: CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) is a style sheet language used to describe the presentation of
a document written in HTML.
Other frontend languages include;
React
jQuery
Career path of a frontend developer
Not only is the career path of a frontend web developer high potential, but it is also fun and challenging. Frontend developers are often excited about what they do because they’re able to leverage their creativity. According to Stack Overflow’s 2020 Developer Study, a full 37.1% of surveyed programmers world wide identified as frontend developers. If you’re thinking about taking up frontend developing as a career path but hesitant due to job opportunities and pay rolls, well don’t be, because according to research, jobs for web developers are expected to increase by 13% between 2018-2028. A frontend developer with up to 3 years of experience can earn up to $80,000-$119,500 and need I mention, there are 6000+ job openings for frontend developers with a steady and consistent search interest in the last 5 years.
Bear in mind that it is possible to have a career in frontend development without formal education but you will need to:
Educate yourself about the fundamentals which means you will have to enroll your self in boot camps, colleges or you could be self taught.
Build up your portfolio; After you’ve achieved your education, you need to convince managers that you have the necessary skills in performing whatever role you’re applying for. That’s where your portfolio comes in. These are tools that professionals use to demonstrate their competencies. The portfolio you compile should demonstrate technical prowess, design capabilities, communication skills and good coding practices. You could make a great portfolio by making your content accessible, improving load times and opening a personal blog.
Land an entry level position; After you have successfully built up your portfolio, landing an entry level position should be your next step. You should begin your job hunt by tailoring your resume to the position you hope to achieve. Make sure to highlight personal projects and any relevant experience and be sure to list off all of the specific tools and programming languages you know
Progress to a senior role; After you get a few years of experience under your belt, you will be able to progress to a more senior role on your web development team in which you will be responsible for overseeing a team of junior web developers, cooperating closely with developers at the backend team and providing high level input on coding projects. Here, your job as a professional is to make sure sites are fully responsive and compatible across browsers, operating systems and devices.
Branch out; If you’re not satisfied with your job as a frontend web developer working in the senior role, branching out into other fields such as full stack development, User Experience design or digital marketing could be an option.
Frontend developers will always be in demand. As long as you know the way the web works and how the users want it to work, you could be a great fit, nailing a stable and a high paying job.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by BeautyJames
BeautyJames | Sciencx (2021-10-14T12:39:40+00:00) Frontend Development. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2021/10/14/frontend-development/
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