The Role of a Web Developer

Year on year the expansion of digital interactive media grows and the media content demand grows. Consequently the demand for Web Developer Jobs continues to rise.

Web developers create applications specifically for the Internet. The applications generally utilise a server and a client (web browser). Web developers work in all sectors of industry, from commerce to local government to education.

Programming applications
Web developers often have knowledge of more than one programming language. The most common languages that Web Developers currently use are below:

  • On the server side; Java, C++, C# and .Net, are often utilised. Scripting languages, such as Perl, Javascript, Python, and traditional Shell Scripting are all still popular
  • PHP is now one of the most popular of programming languages
  • On the client side; the popular technologies Web Developers use are Javascript, HTML and CSS
  • To collect information from web users, the popular relational database technologies utilised by Web Developers include MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Sever. XML is also often used for document data transfer.
  • Jobs will ask for many skills so if you use PHP you may be also required to know HTML/CSS and MYSQL. LAMP is a well known acronym for Linux, Apache, MySQL, Perl/PHP.

As a Web Developer, you would also be expected to be familiar with one or more of the common web development packages, which include:

  • Dreamweaver
  • Photoshop
  • Coldfusion
  • Fireworks
  • Flash
  • Eclipse
  • Visual Studio

Qualifications and experience
You do not necessarily need formal qualifications to become a Web Developer, but you will need a good knowledge of 'front end' concepts (how the site looks and functions for the user), and 'back end' systems (how it works).

Many new entrants into this industry now have a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND award or degree, which will usually be in an IT-related subject. Relevant subjects include:

  • Web development or web design
  • Multimedia design
  • Digital media development
  • Web content management
  • Business information systems
  • Computer programming/ Computer Science

Employers also appreciate a strong commercial understanding so that you don’t just produce from a detailed brief – you can add value to the development process and produce ideas/better ways of delivering end products to the user.

Web Developer Jobs
The most straightforward path to becoming a Web developer is through formal training. Those that do not have Web development experience may start by developing small components or pieces of web applications with guidance from more senior developers.

Internships and contract positions are also a great way to get started in a Web Development career. The more hands on training, the better!
There are also many books available and lots of people develop their skills at home. It is important on your CV to provide links to work that you have produced your portfolio will effectively sell you.

Salary Checker

  • New entrants can expect to earn between £14,000 and £20,000 p.a.
  • With experience, developers can earn up to £30,000 p.a.
  • Senior developers/programmers can earn £40,000+ p.a.

Career Paths Web Developers have a couple of possible career path options.

  • One path would continue within a Development role, which would remain very hands on in coding and developing a broad range of skills and applications
  • The second option is to move into a Software Engineer role, which is less development and more complex, high-level design

If you are looking for a Web Design Career click on the link to get Web Design jobs and content