What Is Web Development? – Types, Tools, Processes, & More

Web development is a highly popular field in computer science that helps create interactive web pages. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for web developers and digital designers will increase by 23% between 2021 and 2031. 

With e-commerce expected to rise, there will be more demand for digital designers and web developers. This article will help you understand what is web development, its fundamentals, and its benefits for both beginners and experienced developers. 

Introduction to Web Development

Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites. Web developers work behind the scenes to improve the user experience and enhance the visual design of the website. They use different coding languages, such as Java, Python, etc., based on the tasks they are performing and the platforms they are using. Web development is a lucrative career choice because there is a huge demand for these skills globally. Since you can qualify without a formal university degree, it is an easily accessible, high-paying field.

Types of Web Development

There are three main types of web development.

• Front-end
• Back-end
• Full-stack

1. Front-end Development

This deals with how the website looks and the user interface. Front-end developers are skilled in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS and frequently collaborate with UX teams to capture the desired appearance of the website.  Popular front-end technologies are HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Bootstrap.

2. Back-end Development

It is also called server-side development. It involves the development of a website’s structure, logic, system, and data that visitors do not see. Back-end developers have mastered skills like PHP, Java, Python, and Node.js to build a high-performance website for the users.

3. Full-stack Development

It is a more all-encompassing method in which the programmers in charge of the website or application take care of every stage of the development process. It includes both front-end and back-end development processes. 

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Web Development Tools

Web development tools are programs and applications that enable web designers to debug and test the source code and user interface of the application or website they are developing. The most effective web development tools will accelerate the website design process. These tools aid in speeding up the website design process and increasing the productivity of the developer. 

Some of the Web Development tools are: 

• Sublime Text: Sublime Text is a front-end web development tool. It is a code editor for macOS with a quick, effective, and simple user interface.
• Sass: Sass is a CSS preprocessor that expands the capabilities of standard CSS and makes it more functionally similar to a programming language.
• CodePen: One of the most popular front-end web development tools is CodePen, which offers a variety of functions for designing and sharing web page front ends.
• GitHub: The GitHub platform enables developers to create multiple review procedures for their code. It lets them manage numerous projects. Additionally, it works well with the entire workflow.
• BootStrap: It is one of the most widely used open-source libraries for CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. Understanding the BootStrap tool is crucial since it facilitates the construction of responsive mobile web applications.

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The Web Development Process

The web development process requires the following steps: 

Step 1: Develop a website plan.

Step 2: Select an appropriate layout for the website.

Step 3: Produce relevant content.

Step 4: Create a webpage.

Step 5: Test and debug the webpage.

Step 6: Publish the website.

Step 7: Continuously maintain and update the webpage.

Now, that you understand the basics of what is web development, let’s understand how web design and web development differ. So, what is the difference between web design and web development?

Difference Between Web Design and Web Development

There is a clear difference between web design and web development. Web design involves the curation and design of a website or web application, while web development deals with the technical aspects. 

For example, a web designer designs a button, while a web developer ensures the button works properly. Let us understand these differences between web design and web development with the help of the table below.

Parameters	Web Design	Web Development
Definition	Web design is the process of creating aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly websites.	Web development is the process of creating websites that are functional and technically sound.
Focus	Web designers are concerned with how a website will look. It deals with the aesthetics and user experience of a website.	Web developers are more focused on how a website works. It focuses on the functionality and technical aspects of a website.
Tasks Involved	It involves creating visual elements like layout, graphics, typography, and color schemes.	It involves coding, scripting, and other programming elements.
Knowledge Required	It requires knowledge of visual design principles.	It requires a deep understanding of coding languages.
Technical Expertise	Web design uses tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.	Web developers use programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build websites.

Future of Web Development

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in web development will increase by 13% between 2018 and 2028. The global web development market is estimated to reach $154.2 billion by 2024. 

With the increasing demand for data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning technologies, etc., there will be plenty of opportunities for web developers to create innovative solutions and applications. These fields can greatly benefit from their application in web development, which will open up additional chances for web developers. 

The need for web developers in India has also increased significantly. With the rise in internet users, estimated at over 900 million in India, there is a high demand for web development services. Small and medium enterprises aim for a digital presence to generate more revenue and attract customers. They are looking to hire experienced web developers to help them build a strong online presence. The future of web development is a bright and rewarding career path in India. 

Web development skills and talents will continue to be in demand, no matter how requirements evolve in the future. There are many work options available, making web development one of the most stable and rewarding career paths to choose.  

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How to Learn Web Development

Formal education is not necessarily required to work as an entry-level web developer. Some developers do have a degree; however, if one wants, they can learn how to code independently by taking a full-stack development course with guaranteed placement. An extraordinary portfolio can also go a long way in convincing companies of your skill set.

Here are some measures you might take if you want to know how to learn web development:

1. Develop Your Web Development Skills

Web developers typically need to possess a set of talents that show prospective clients and employers that they can meet the demands of websites. Knowing programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, PHP, and CSS for front-end design are just a few of the technical talents you need. 

If you desire to work in back-end programming, you might want to study Python, Ruby, and Java. Also, it is important to understand search engine optimization, as the ranking of a website can be impacted by various design elements. For any developer, knowing the workings of search engines is important. 

Also, it is vital to have problem-solving skills; when a developer creates websites, they might face some issues. With problem-solving skills, one can see design or coding issues and apply a methodical approach to fixing them.

2. Get a Web Design or Computer Science Degree

Think about obtaining a web design or computer science degree. Remember that having a degree is not a necessity, but if you have one, it can be beneficial. Some degrees may meet your job aspirations better than others if you are currently enrolled in school or considering getting a degree. 

If one wants to be in back-end development, a degree in computer science is suitable. However, you can decide to pursue a degree in user experience or web design if you want to be a front-end developer. 

3. Enroll in a Web Development Course

Working as a web developer does not always require formal education. So, the answer to the question of how to learn web development is simple- you should learn the necessary skills. For instance, you could enroll in a programming course to study JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, then use what you have learned to create your own website. 

You can also strengthen your abilities while working on projects by taking an online web development course. This course will set you on the right path in web programming and design.

4. Create a Web Development Portfolio

One of the most crucial components of your profile is your portfolio. You can create some web development projects for your portfolio. This selection of projects demonstrates your creativity to potential employers. Include the kinds of projects that best reflect the kind of work you want to accomplish. Make sure to annotate any code you include so that readers can see your thought process. 

Conclusion

Needless to say, technology is a crucial component in our daily lives. As you now know, web developers create the websites and applications that we use every day to simplify our lives. Web development includes everything from straightforward websites to intricate web apps, social media platforms, and various online marketplaces, and web developers play a crucial role in maintaining and developing web pages. 

Also, check out web developer salaries in India to get a better idea of career opportunities in this field.