Front-end web development is known as client-side development. It is the practice of producing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for a website or Web Application so that a user can see and interact with them directly. The challenge associated with front end development is that the tools and techniques used to create the front end of a website change constantly and so the developer needs to constantly be aware of how the field is developing.
The objective of designing a site is to ensure that when the users open up the site they see the information in a format that is easy to read and relevant. This is further complicated by the fact that users now use a large variety of devices with varying screen sizes and resolutions thus forcing the designer to take into consideration these aspects when designing the site. They need to ensure that their site comes up correctly in different browsers, different operating systems, and different devices, which requires careful planning on the side of the developer. There are several tools and platforms available that can be used to develop the front end of a website, and understanding which tools are best fit for specific tasks marks the difference between developing a hacked site and a well-designed, scalable site.
WHAT SKILLS DO FRONT END DEVELOPER USE?
HTML, CSS, Javascript:
A front-end developer architects and develops websites and applications using web technologies, which run on the Open Web Platform or act as compilation input for non-web platform environments (i.e., React Native).
Typically, a person enters into the field of front-end development by learning to develop HTML, CSS, and JavaScript which commonly runs in a web browser but can also run in a headless browser, WebView, or as compilation input for a native runtime environment. These four run times scenarios are explained below.
A front end web developer is also in charge of making sure that there are no errors or bugs on the front end, as well as making sure that the design appears as it’s supposed to across various platforms and browsers.
FRONT END FRAMEWORKS
CSS and front end frameworks (the most popular front end framework is Bootstrap) do for CSS what JS Frameworks do for JavaScript: they give you a jumping-off point for faster coding. Since so much CSS starts with the same elements from project to project, a framework that defines all of these for you upfront is super valuable. Most front end developer job listings expect you to be familiar with how these frameworks work and how to use them.
Five essential skills that a front end developer should have:
- HTML/CSS
- Javascript and its frameworks
- Responsive and mobile design
- Git and Version control system
- Testing and Debugging
GOALS OF FRONT END DEVELOPER
The goal of a front-end developer is to build an easy-to-use interface between the user and the product. This interface may be a simple web page, Flash/Silverlight application, Java applet, or HTML5 application. The interface may be considered successful if it works with minimal bugs in all of the specified client environments. The developer of the front end keeps these points in mind, utilizing available tools and techniques to reach this end.
BUILDING A CAREER
To be successful today, you will require more than just the basic skills that might have been sufficient 5 years ago. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, PHP is simply nowhere near enough anymore.
To be successful you must differentiate yourself. Strive to constantly increase your knowledge, and showcase abilities in developing solutions that are intuitive and progressive. Remember that the popularity of languages also comes and goes, so it’s important to focus your efforts on areas that are more likely to be around and favored for a while.
Overall, the market is competitive these days, and It’s certainly isn’t going to become any easier. It’s still very possible to shape a successful, enjoyable career in the web development industry. It just takes slightly more time and more effort and more input than did before. Go forth!
CONCLUSION
If you’ve made it this far, though, you’re more than well on your way to front end development magic. You should be significantly more comfortable breaking down a webpage into its component pieces and then coding them with HTML, CSS, and JS. You have the tools necessary to identify an effective visual layout and then bring it to fruition. There are still plenty of ways you can make your workflow better or improve your knowledge of best practices (so don’t stop learning!), but you’ve got everything you need to build beautiful websites.