Web Developers create web pages and web-based applications.
Web
developers build the web pages and web-based applications that comprise
the Internet. A basic web development work-flow includes collecting or
creating web content (copy, images, videos, etc.), planning web site
layout and navigation, coding the actual web pages, then testing and
optimizing the website for superior user experience and optimum
performance.Successful web developers are fluent in the programming languages that fuel the World Wide Web. All web developers need a command of HTML, Javascript & CSS. It's also helpful to know a server-side programming language, such as PHP, Microsoft .Net Visual Basic, or Java to develop more complex applications. Web developers can further distinguish themselves and increase their earning potential by training and certifying in one or more of the leading database systems, such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM and Oracle to write web apps that seemlessly interact with business data.
Web Developer Skills & Responsibilities
Typical day-to-day activities and marketable skill sets for web developers include the following. Web Developers:
- Are fluent in the core web development scripting languages: HTML, CSS and Javascript.
- Should know one or more server-side programming languages, such as Java, PHP and .Net.
- Use search engine optimization (SEO) to develop websites that rank high in Google, Bing, etc.
- Test web pages and web apps in multiple browsers, e.g., Chrome, FireFox & Internet Explorer.
- Implement Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to efficiently control the style of multiple pages in site.
- Develop websites that interact with popular database systems like MySQL, SQL Server & Oracle.
- Use wireframes to plan the layout, navigation and functionality of new web development projects.
- Communicate with clients and colleagues to troubleshoot websites and optimize performance.
- Some web developers are responsible for designing a website's graphics and multimedia elements.
Web Developer Salary
- Website Developer average annual salary (USA): $90,000
Web Developer Salary $90,000
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Average salaries for web developers and related career paths:
- Web Designer: $76,000
- .Net Web Developer: $77,000
- PHP Web Developer: $81,000
- Coldfusion Developer: $84,000
- SQL Server Developer: $84,000
- Java Web Developer: $88,000
- Software Designer: $88,000
- User Interface (UI) Developer: $89,000
- Web Developer: $90,000
- Oracle Developer: $93,000
- SharePoint Developer: $95,000
- Perl Developer: $95,000
- J2EE Developer: $98,000
- Lead .Net Web Developer: $103,000
- Websphere Developer: 107,000
- Lead Java Developer: $108,000
- Senior J2EE Developer: $112,000
Web Developer Education Requirements
Hands-on experience and mastery of the programming languages your prospective employer is using are the key requirements for securing work as a web developer. Hiring managers for web development positions will typically ask to see a digital portfolio with live samples of web pages and applications you've created. Professionals new to web development can learn the requisite programming skills and start building their portfolio through an accredited degree program in Web Design, Web Development, Software Engineering, or a related field of study.Fundamental programming skills to look for in a web developer training program include HTML, CSS and JavaScript (the basic building blocks of most websites). Hot programming skills for back-end web development positions include PHP, XML and SQL. Multimedia design and scripting skills in popular platforms like Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight are also marketable. Beyond the basics, prospective web developers should choose a training program with the concentration that interests them most - such as graphic design, interactive media, Flash animation, or mobile media development - as those who are passionate about their work tend to have the most rewarding careers. Campus-based and online learning programs work equally well with the web development subject matter.
