Web development involves writing code to create websites, apps, and other internet-based products. It’s a creative and technical field that offers excellent earning potential, flexibility, and security.
However, working as a web developer can be stressful and challenging. That’s because the industry is constantly changing, so you need to keep up with the latest best practices.
Earning potential
As the Internet becomes a primary method of research, connection, education, and entertainment, web developers are in high demand. Their jobs are expected to grow 13% between 2018 and 2028, faster than the average for other technology careers.
With a wide range of programming languages and tools available, it’s possible to start out with little or no formal training. However, it takes a certain set of skills to become a programmer — proficiency with computers, the ability to concentrate for long periods of time, and a talent for learning new languages.
Web developers can specialize in front-end development (the user-facing side of the website) or back-end development (the infrastructure that enables websites and applications to function). Some also choose to become full-stack developers, which involves understanding the entire web on both the client- and server-side. Regardless of your chosen route, a foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will be required for the job.
Flexibility
If you’re looking for a career with good pay and flexibility, web development is an ideal option. With opportunities for freelance work and in-house positions available, you can choose which projects you’d like to tackle and how much time you want to devote to them.
The flexibility of web development jobs is one of the reasons this occupation is so appealing to many computer science students and professionals. Unlike other professions that require lengthy training and apprenticeship, web developers can quickly build upon their skills by exploring a variety of job options.
While the ability to control your own work hours is a major bonus, there are also some drawbacks to working as a freelancer. For example, you may experience pay fluctuations, which can make budgeting difficult.
Another problem with web design is that it’s very difficult to control type size in browsers, which means elements may shift unpredictably. This is why it’s important to use flexible layouts, which are designed using relative measurements and respond to the width of the viewport.
Work-life balance
Work-life balance is an important aspect of career success. It allows you to maintain a healthy lifestyle, pursue personal interests, and avoid burnout.
Fortunately, there are many jobs that offer great work-life balance opportunities. However, it is still crucial to choose a career that meets your needs.
One way to ensure that you have a good work-life balance is to set boundaries between your job and other aspects of your life. For example, you may only check your work email during certain times of the day or you can limit the number of hours you spend working each week.
In addition to establishing these boundaries, it’s also essential to find ways to unwind after a long day at work. This can include spending time with friends or family, exercising or simply switching off from your computer.
Reliability
If you have an interest in technology and the internet, then you might want to consider pursuing web development as a career. This career path can offer many benefits, including a high starting salary and the opportunity to work remotely on your terms.
As a web developer, you will be responsible for developing the software and infrastructure that supports websites and other digital products that work over the internet. This includes building and maintaining databases, servers, and applications.
Often, web developers will specialize in either front-end or back-end development. A front-end developer will work on what the user sees in their browser while a back-end developer will build the infrastructure that sends data from the server to the client.
Web developers can advance from entry-level positions to technical leads, directors and senior engineers. These positions usually require effective communication skills in addition to technical knowledge and a commitment to lifelong learning in an ever-changing environment.