Web Development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What skills do I need to be a web developer?

  Foundational skills for web developers include proficiency in HTML and CSS, as these languages define the styling and structure of web content. JavaScript is also a must-have programming language in a web developer’s toolkit.

  Web developers should be well-versed in responsive design skills, have command line mastery, and in-depth knowledge in web performance optimization. Specifically, back-end developers should be proficient in Python and Node.js, combined with skills in database management (MySQL or MongoDB).

  Finally, testing and debugging expertise, combined with knowledge of web accessibility standards are also integral to a web developer’s success.

• Do you have to go to school to become a web developer?

  While it is possible to work in web development without a degree, many web developers hold either an associate or bachelor’s degree in digital design, web design, or graphic design.

  For those keen on taking a conventional approach to learning how to code, a bachelor’s degree in computer science offers versatile opportunities across many career paths. Besides working in web development, graduates from computer science programs can also find work as a software engineer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, systems analyst, and more.

  Many universities, colleges, and coding bootcamps offer certificate programs and intensive courses, which provides the foundational and practical training aspiring web developers need to get their career off the ground.

• What are the possible career paths for web developers?

  Career paths in web development vary depending on your skills, experience and interests. Some typical career paths include:

  Front-end developers work on user experience and interfaces, while using languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Back-end developers, on the other hand, manage databases, ensure apps operate smoothly, and work with languages such as Python, PHP, Ruby, and Node.js. As a combination of both front-end and back-end development expertise, full-stack developers have greater versatility and the ability to manage entire projects.

  Web developers that are passionate about user experience and design can consider transitioning into the UI/UX field, which focuses primarily on crafting optimal digital experiences for users.

  Startups or smaller teams might also hire web developers to tackle DevOps engineering duties, which specialize in streamlining the deployment and development process. Web developers interested in improving and automating the software building, testing, and deployment processes could consider the DevOps engineering pathway.

  Web developers interested in building apps for mobile devices can look into the mobile app developer pathway, which leverages technologies such as Flutter, React Native, as well as adding native development skills for iOS and Android to their arsenal.

  There’s also the option to move up into leadership roles within web development team lead or manager career pathways. In this case, developers would oversee a team of developers, handle project management and decision making – while ensuring seamless team collaboration.

• Should I specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development?

  Front-end development focuses on the user experience and user interface of an application or website. Skills needed for front-end development include: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, and Vue.js. Those interested in design aesthetics and leveraging their creativity may be interested in front-end development, as their work will have instant visual impact on users.

  As for back-end development, the focus is on the server-side, dealing with business logic and database management. Skills needed for this career path include: Node.js, Ruby, Python, and Java, as well as databases MySQL and MongoDB. Those excited about the functionality and core logic of applications might choose to specialize in back-end development.

  Finally, full-stack developers offer their employers end-to-end expertise by covering both front-end and back-end development. Those excited by the prospect of understanding the complete development process, and being able to work on projects in their entirety, should consider becoming a full-stack developer.

  In many cases, web developers will start their career specializing in one area and eventually grow their skill set to full-stack development.

• How much money can I make as a web developer?

  Demand for professionals in the web industry is generally high and salaries can be quite competitive. According to the most recent data from Talent.com, the average annual web developer salary in Canada is about $74,239. A typical starting salary for a web developer is around $55,000, with the most experienced developers likely earning more than $100,000 annually.