What Is a Web Developer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Web Developers generate traffic for their clients' products and services by creating eye-catching and effective websites. They identify potential users and design a website that appeals to these customers. They may meet with existing and potential clients to consider their wants and needs for a website or consider how best to maintain their current website’s functionality. Web Developers typically work on a team; they may collaborate to create the layout of a new website and design new elements such as logos. As a Web Developer, you are always primarily concerned with creating an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly page.

There are a few different paths you can take to become a Web Developer. Some aspiring Web Developers complete an associate or bachelor's degree in web development, computer science, information technology, or a related field. Others choose to earn a certificate at a vocational school or take online courses to learn how to code and create websites on their own. Practice using a variety of coding languages, such as C#, JavaScript, and Python, to become proficient in them. Intern or obtain an entry-level position at a technology firm or in the IT department of a company to gain hands-on experience in the industry.

Web Developers perform a wide variety of tasks. What they do on a daily basis depends on their company and the scope of the project. Web Developers often meet with clients to discuss what the client wants and needs from their application. Once the expectations are established, Web Developers design the website layout and begin writing code to program different functions of the site. Some Web Developers also generate content and upload it. You may serve as a QA tester after a website is up and running to make sure that it runs smoothly. You may also create interactive capabilities on a client’s site using Visual Basic or Java programming languages.

Web Developers work in a client-based, project-oriented field, so they need to be highly adaptable and have excellent communication skills. They should be able to work collaboratively and independently, know how to set goals and meet deadlines, and have a strong working understanding of art and design principles. Great Web Developers are detail-oriented, collaborative problem-solvers with strong technical knowledge of how computers and web servers operate. Proficiency in many software programs, web applications, and programming languages such as HTML, C++, JavaScript, Flash, and SQL is essential. Web development is a highly competitive market, so Web Developers need to keep up with current trends and innovations in the industry.

The internet provides a wealth of knowledge and advice on becoming a Web Developer. While you can just teach yourself various languages online, most employers are looking for developers with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field. There are also many certification courses that take less time and will give your skills some credibility. Some freelancers relying on their work history and portfolio to validate their abilities and get hired or even run their own businesses.

Job Summary

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Web Developer to join our creative team. You will be responsible for programming the code in computing languages to inform a website on how it is supposed to function, designing and creating it in a way that makes the website easy to navigate for users, while at the same time meeting the technical expectations of our clients. Our ideal candidate has at least two years of development experience and a substantial portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Building and maintaining user-friendly websites
• Setting up the back end of a site
• Working with the style and functionality or the front end
• Meeting with clients to discuss their needs and requirements for the site
• Testing and updating the site as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in web development, computer science, or a related field preferred
• Certification from a coding school or academy a plus
• Proficient with a variety of coding languages, such as HTML, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and C++
• 2+ years of experience working as a web developer
• Portfolio of successful projects