I remember when I first wanted to learn how to code and become a web developer. Then I saw all these options which lead me to asking; what is a front end web developer?
All I knew is I wanted to learn how to make websites from scratch using code, which would give me more control over my work.
Then I was bombarded with all sorts of questions like "what kind of web developer do you want to be?"
I just figured out that I needed to learn how to code in order to make websites and now I have to figure out what type of coder I had to be...
Life was hard enough as it is and I didn't want to make another life altering decision.
With all the types of developers I could learn to be, how was I suppose to pick?
Luckily I found out through some research that the type of developer that suited my style was front end web development.
Which is basically like a web designer, but we'll go into this in just a moment.
If you're reading this you're probably already know that you want to be a front end web developer or...
You're trying to find what type of web developer you want to be.
If you fall into the second category here is a post from the codedad and his experience in choosing.
You can also check out the different types of web developers and see which type best suits you.
But honestly you won't really know if you like it until you start getting your hands dirty and learning the code.
So if you don't know I decided placing my focus on developing this skill, which you can read about here, because one day I would like to become a full on Front End Web Developer.
I decided to record my journey, share my perspective, and what I learn from my experiences.
While doing so I hope to help others either get a better understanding of this topic or just simply make it easier to understand.
I know for me I don't always get how things are explained quickly, so this is my attempt for someone like me.
Growing up I have always found an interest in how things worked.
That is why I think going down this route has a similar path in Front End Web Development.
So here is the question we really want to know...
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Well to put it simply, if you have ever visited a website and interacted with it, you have just used experienced the work of a web developer.
Whether it's a blog created with Wordpress, a Wix site or Apple.com; a front end web developer has worked on this site in some form.
Front end web development is the code behind the website on how it's made.
Front end implies to the front side, or what the viewer will see when they enter the website.
If you have ever heard of the terms HTML, CSS, or Javascript, then you've heard of the 3 primary coding languages that make up a website.
These codes work with each other to make up the entire website.
To describe how these languages work let's imagine that a website is like a house.
So if the website is the house let's look at HTML as the foundation (what you want to say on the site), CSS is the design or the look of the house, and javascript as the electricity.
Can the house still function without electricity?
Yes, but when it has power it can operate much better.
Same goes for javascript.
Javascript gives interactivity to the website.
I haven't learned all the aspects of what javascript has to offer yet, but from what I know and understand it gives more functionality, interaction, and animation to a website.
Overall giving it more potential to a website.
So with the basics down the next question to ask is...
Honestly, it's kind of hard to break these two terms into different categories because they are primarily the same.
However, if we were to place them into a hierarchy then front end web developer falls under web developer.
As seen in the example below
Because there are so many different types of developers out there on the market, front end development falls under the category of web development.
So in my opinion, you can consider yourself a web developer, but to be more specific, you can say a front end web developer.
I like to say to people who don't fully understand this...
"I make websites", or even better, "I create user experiences for the web", but that is a career in itself which you can check out here.
The next question to ask then is...
So now that you know what a front end web developer is, or at least the basics, we will now go over the skills you need to become one.
Well go over a few important things that you may have had questions about such as:
It is my goal by the end of this post you will have everything you need to get started in a career in front end web development.
Skills come in many forms but there are a few primary things you're going to need when it comes to developing yourself as a front end developer.
And of course the primary things you're going to need to know how to do is...
learn how to code.
When it comes to front end, like we mentioned earlier, you're going to need how to code the 3 primary languages which are...
Of course there are so many other things that come into play.
For example, learning about code editors (software to write the code) and problem solving skills, but all that comes into play while learning.
In fact, some of these skills are a result to the benefits of learning how to code.
However, I think skill crush wraps it up in a nice way that explains the 13 skills you will need and develop along your journey to web development.
Don't get overwhelmed by the list but just know that the main thing you need to focus on first is the 3 primary languages.
I know you're dying to know how to get started.
I won't keep you waiting because if your reading this and you made it this far I think your really serious about starting a career in web development.
Well, I know when I got started I wasn't sure where to begin, especially with so many choices out there.
So for this section I want to give a few resources that you can use as references.
Some of them I have created myself and some are how I got my start in web development.
As a word of encouragement I would like to say...
Coding is a skill that takes time and persistence, but if you are willing to put in the time you can learn this skill and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Not only with the websites you develop, but the job opportunities it can create for you.
Ok so how you can get started.
First you can check out my post on 100 ways to learn how to code for free.
If you would like to go the free route first and get your feet wet then I definitely would check that out first.
I studied like this until I felt like I needed to upgrade to something more.
I then found an online course that could structure the information for me and walk me through every step of the way.
I used teamtreehouse which I believe is a great platform that really breaks down every aspect of learning how to code and in sections that is easy to consume with plenty of examples and tutorials.
Did I mention you're able to practice your code directly on their platform.
I honestly love teamtreehouse and it is how I truly developed my web developer skills.
The greatest thing about it was it was only $25/month.
To me that was a reasonably investment into my future – compared to bootcamps and other courses, this was a great find.
So I made the sacrifice of paying the $25.
It was like paying for a Netflix and Spotify account but I knew I would definitely get a ROI as apposed to just entertainment.
Then another thing you can do if you're a reader is invest into some books.
I think books are a great investment into yourself and as a person I think you should consistently be developing yourself and books are a great way to do this.
Therefore I bought development books to go deeper into my learning.
If your interested you can check out the 3 books I used to get started in web development.
I wasn't sure how to title this section but I wanted to emphasize if your serious about learning a language, or what ever skill it may be, you should immerse yourself in it.
With that being said its good to know who are the influencers in this industry, what podcasts to listen to, and even specific websites and blog posts you can read to stay up to date.
Here are a few sources I used personally to keep myself knowledgable in the emerging technologies and how I kept my mind constantly thinking about coding.
So this is the question I think we all have when it comes to learning how to code.
We hear of the bootcamps and the success stories that you can learn to code in 3 months and how your set for landing that new tech role job.
As true as that may be, heck I classified myself in this category because I set a deadline to get a job in the tech field within 3 months after quitting my warehouse job.
Although I did it there is more to this story then meets the eye.
That is what I want to relay in this section so you can be prepared for the journey ahead of you and not set unrealistic expectations.
As I am a firm believer that you can accomplish anything you want to, I mean I got a new job in tech in 3 months which before I thought was impossible.
However, before I even quit my job I created a plan and I had a background of web design prior and that is what I want to emphasize.
Without a plan and knowing what your end goal in mind is your basically doomed to fail or end up somewhere random.
It is possible to learn how to code within 3-6 months but this all depends on your pace, your consistency, and how well you grasp the material.
If you are consistent with your studies, practicing, and building projects; you will be surprised how much you can learn in just a few weeks.
That is why some love coding bootcamps, it gives a full immersion experience into the learning process.
Some even promise your money back if you don't find a job within a certain time frame after graduating.
However, that route can be expensive.
So before you go rushing in ask yourself a few questions...
I think these are good questions because they can give you a perspective on your motivation and intent in learning code.
Of course I know you doing this to make more money as well, but in order to get a higher income it is going to require more knowledge and experience.
Especially if you decide to do self study.
I would give myself a full year if you don't mind building in the background while you continue at your old job.
This will give you ample time not only to prepare a portfolio but for interviews and how to market yourself as a developer...
Which is key for your career or if you decide to freelance.
All in all I believe it is possible to achieve this goal within 6 months and as you make the transition continue your studies on the job which is what employers love to see...
Self improvement, not only for yourself, but for the company as well.
After this though the question then is what jobs are available and...
Ok so this is really the juicy part we have been waiting for.
How much can you really make as a front end web developer?
Before we give the statistics and the potential job roles available, this question had me thinking about average salaries.
I wanted to know what are the average salaries in America and potentially what industries make what.
I think this will give an overview of exactly where front end web developers fit on the spectrum of job industries.
According to CNBC the average 25-34 year old makes about $40,352 a year.
Honestly when I had my previous job I was barely making $18,000 and I was struggling to pay my rent, even with a roommate.
The sad thing was I was in the same age bracket.
Which then, of course, led me on my search to figure out how I can increase this and find a little more comfort in my life...
First world problems I know, but it's true I wanted to improve my finances.
Which then led me to the search of...
Ok so I know that you have heard many stories of developers making an annual income of up to 100k a year.
Compared to $18,000/yr who wouldn't want to learn how to code.
But I must be honest and you should do your research as well thoroughly.
As this is true and you have the potential of earning that much income as a developer there are some factors that come into play.
Not only how valuable your skills are to the company but you level of skill and position plays an important role, as seen in this article from udacity.
However, according to glassdoor and indeed.com the average salary for an entry level front end developer can range from $60k - $76k a year.
The above figures are an average but starting out you may start off making $30k-$50k a year.
Again this depends on your level, experience, location, and the value you bring to the company.
For example here are some average salaries based on location:
My first job in the tech field, was more as a web designer and my income went to around $29k a yr.
That may not be the average but for me that was a HUGE difference!
Especially as my first job, this allowed me to afford some of the amenities of life, at least the necessities I felt were necessary to live as an adult.
I felt like I made it and with my foot in the door this would allow me more opportunities.
But there are other perks to learning how to code.
Besides job opportunities, it allows you to take on freelance projects or even creating your own products.
But what roles can you really get as a front end web developer
Ok as we near the close I just wanted to give some examples of some of the titles you might come across in your research.
Front end web developer can come in many names.
They may not specify the title of a front end developer, but the roles and the skills required for the position remain the same.
This will help you to determine if you qualify for the position, or what you need to work on.
As apposed to creating and writing the list of each and every potential title, I believe frontend masters has done a great job and has done the research for us.
Alright we have reached the end I know it was a lot of information.
However, I hope after reading this you now have a thorough idea of what front end web development is...
As well as how you can begin the process of becoming one.
I think this is the best way I can think of explaining it simply.
To summarize everything we went over...
Front end web development are web developers that deal with the primary languages:
They design the front end of the website or in other words the design of the website and the users experience.
If you want to get started in this path you can get started with...
learning how to code for free, and build your skills with courses, books, and resources to immerse yourself in.
Then learn how to create a plan of learning for at least 3-6 months.
This will prepare you for the market place to get a job in the field along with those marketing skills.
With that I think you can create a road map for yourself to becoming a web developer and changing your career to doing more and earning more.
I hope this article helps you in your endeavors to reaching your goals, whether its attaining a new job or learning to create your own web apps.
