How to Become a Front End Developer in 3 Months

For people who have decided to make that leap into a new career, the choices include upskilling to continue what they’re currently doing at a new place or picking up a new set of skills and forging a path in a completely different occupation. The problem arises with whether that person has the basic skill set needed for working in the desired new field or needs to find the training necessary to qualify for that work. Importantly, can those new skills be learned over a short time period?

For individuals considering a new career in front end web development, a person can train to work as a Front End Developer in as few as three months. This does not mean that anyone can learn to qualify for working in developing web pages and apps over a short time period but that once someone has a grasp of the basic skills required for the profession, that person may be able to begin working at a related entry-level position that could lead to becoming a Front End Developer.

What is a Front End Developer?

Becoming a Front End Developer involves building websites and applications using common front end web development languages. The front end of a website is what users see on their web browsers and is built using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other coding languages. 

Web development includes creating websites and apps from scratch. This means applying front end, back end, and full stack web development procedures. Front end development focuses on how a user interacts with a website, while back end development concerns the functionality of that website within browsers like Chrome and Safari, for example. Full stack development combines both those functions.

Skills needed for becoming a Front End Developer can also qualify you for working as a Web Developer or Web Designer.

Read more about what a Front End Developer does.

Can You Really Become a Front End Developer in Three Months?

Anyone seeking fundamental skills in web development for moving on to a new career can find courses and bootcamps at various online education providers, including Noble Desktop, Udemy, Coursera, and General Assembly. These schools offer training in areas related to working in front end web development and building responsive websites, which includes learning about coding with HTML and CSS and programming languages like JavaScript, along with skills in web design.

Becoming a Web Developer involves creating websites and apps. A Front End Developer is responsible for working on the front end of websites that are built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding, which is what people see on their browser. Front end development focuses on how a user interacts with web pages while back end development concerns the powering and functioning of that website within web browsers.

Enrolling in web development courses or bootcamps could get participants ready for their new careers as Front End Developers, which involves training in shorter formatted courses available to fit any individual’s schedule. Bootcamps offer a compact and affordable way of preparing for a web development-related career, especially when compared to getting a college degree or attending a trade school.

Improving Skills in Web Development

For those who are already working in web development but are looking to move up in their profession, there are courses available to upskill abilities in coding and web design in order to take advantage of opportunities for advancement through learning from bootcamps. Bootcamps provide immersive training in specific areas within a tight timeframe that funnels participants right into their subject for learning at a rapid pace. Enrolling in a full-time bootcamp can last from three to four months, with part-time courses taking longer due to the weekly hours spent in attendance being fewer, thus having to spread out the curriculum.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Front End Developer?

You don't need a college degree to become a Front End Developer. While a degree is not strictly required, many Front End Developers do have four-year degrees in computer science. However, you can make yourself appealing to potential employers by learning the necessary skills required for working in front end web development without needing to attend college.

Noble Desktop offers various coding bootcamps and courses for individuals with no employment experience or college degree who want to start working as Front End Developers. These courses provide training on how to create websites and web apps using coding and programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Many people prefer in-person training and feel more comfortable learning inside a classroom environment with an instructor standing right there in front of them. However, others might choose virtual learning, which provides the advantage of training at home with the same quality of instruction that they would get from an in-person class.

Whichever method of learning a person chooses, either in-person or live online training, should provide an appropriate way for learning front end web development. People also have the option of taking on-demand or self-paced classes that allow them to learn at their own pace on their own time.

Read more about if you need a degree to become a Front End Developer.

Career Pathways in Front End Development

Pros, Cons, and How to Get Started in Freelancing

Freelancing as a Front End Developer offers the flexibility to work on different types of projects, set your own schedule, and choose clients you’d like to work with. However, it also comes with challenges, such as maintaining consistent work, managing business operations, and dealing with client expectations like quick turnaround times. Once you’re ready to start freelancing, be sure to have a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and any previous work available for potential clients. Networking through online platforms like LinkedIn can also help you connect with potential collaborators. Setting competitive rates and clear contracts will also guarantee that you’re compensated fairly for your work and protect you legally should any situations arise.

Working for Startups vs. Large Companies

Working for a startup versus a large company as a Front End Developer can offer significantly different experiences. Startups often provide a fast-paced environment where developers have the opportunity to wear multiple hats and see the direct impact of their work. This can be an exciting and rewarding experience but also comes with the challenges of limited resources and job stability. On the other hand, large companies typically offer more structured environments with clear roles and responsibilities and opportunities for career advancement. However, they may also come with more rigid processes and less flexibility. Understanding the differences between these work environments can help developers choose the path that aligns best with their career goals.

Transitioning to More Design-Focused Roles

Specializing in UX and UI design is viable for Front End Developers who have a strong interest in design. Transitioning into these roles requires a thorough understanding of user behavior, design principles, and tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD. One of the best ways to showcase these skills is by building a portfolio that showcases your design skills and making sure it features any relevant projects. Gaining experience through certifications or a bootcamp training course can also help you make the transition and position yourself as a specialist in this field. Specializing in UX or UI design can lead to roles such as UX Designer, UI Designer, or Product Designer. 

Expanding Your Skill Set Beyond the Front End

Transitioning to full stack development allows Front End Developers to expand their skills by learning back end technologies and server-side programming. Full Stack Developers handle both the client-side (front end) and server-side (back end) of web applications, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the entire development process. This transition can involve learning back end languages such as Node.js, Python, or Ruby, as well as databases like MongoDB or SQL. Understanding server architecture, API development, and deployment processes is also helpful when looking to broaden skills. Full stack development offers greater versatility as a whole and can open up more job opportunities.

Steps to Become a Front End Developer in Three Months

Front end web development focuses on how users interact with websites. The front end of a website is what users see on their web browsers and is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Front End Developers write HTML to provide content for websites using coding while CSS arranges the style and layout of those web pages. JavaScript adds interactivity and animation to websites.

Training through bootcamps allows an individual to gain basic skills in front end web development over a short time period.

Set Your Path

Front End Developers are responsible for building the front end–or client-side–of websites and applications. Front End Developers can find work with major corporations, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, government agencies, or tech startups. Working in front end web development requires time management skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a working environment. The skills needed to become a Front End Developer also allow for opportunities for freelance or independent contract work that offers salaries comparable to what someone might earn working at a major corporation.

Front End Developers are also responsible for keeping websites and applications updated, creating prototypes from wireframes, and making sure those websites and apps are always accessible to users. Those interested can find work as Front End Developers or Web Developers without needing a college degree. Having a background in coding, as well as a portfolio that demonstrates a person’s skills and knowledge, can be assets for getting started in the profession.

Start Learning Front End Development

Learning skills for becoming a Front End Developer requires front end web development training, which involves creating websites through writing code. The purpose of a web browser is to translate the coding that generates websites into what users see on their device screens. Front End Developers write code that affects what users see on those browsers.

Front End Developers create websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. A Front End Developer uses HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) to construct web pages by coding and marking content, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) defines the style and looks for that content by establishing a website’s layout. JavaScript coding adds interactivity, animation, and logic to that web page.

Start Learning Web Development

Web development involves several areas for building websites and applications by applying front end, back end, and full stack web development procedures. The front end of a website is what people see on their web browsers and is built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Front end web development focuses on how a user interfaces with a website, while back end development emphasizes the powering and functions of that website within browsers. Full stack development combines both responsibilities.

Start Learning React

React is a JavaScript library used to build user interfaces. Although created and maintained by Meta, React is a free and open-source front end JavaScript library used to build UIs (user interfaces).

Front End Developers are in demand, so learning a computer programming language like React could put someone on the right path to a new career.

Building an App

App development is one of the most in-demand web design skills needed for working as a Front End Developer. Mobile apps are a widely popular software used in various purposes for everyday functions like purchasing items in stores, checking the weather, getting a ride home, communicating with a group of people through a teleconferencing platform, or downloading music–all through simply using a smartphone.

Developing apps has become a key investment for the billion-dollar communications industry. Front End Developers must possess the skills to convert app designs into the coding necessary for that app to be displayed properly on mobile browsers that allows users to interact smoothly with a specific application.

Free Seminars

While some people with coding and programming language skills may consider becoming Front End Developers, many of them hesitate about moving forward after contemplating the upfront costs or difficulties with scheduling additional education. However, there are free resources and video tutorials available to help those people gain the necessary skills for beginning work as Front End Developers by allowing them to learn at their own pace and on their own time.

Noble Desktop offers free seminars for design and coding, including Intro to Front End Web Development, which provides lessons focused on various coding languages and web technologies that benefit Front End Developers for coding the websites that people see on their web browsers. Other front end web development-related seminars include How to Get Started in Web Design, Intro to JavaScript, Intro to React, and Designing for Mobile.

Next Steps

Training for the skills needed to become a Front End Developer can be gained through any number of learning options. Although there are several methods available for learning about front end web development, many people simply prefer learning inside a classroom with an instructor standing in front of them. However, live online training can provide many of the same advantages as in-person classes, including real-time interaction and hands-on instruction, without having to leave the comforts of home. Finding a school to pick up new web development skills could prove difficult from a time standpoint. However, bootcamps offer an accelerated and immersive option that can help those interested gain the web development training needed to become a Front End Developer.

Additional Skills for Front End Development

Version Control 

Version control is an important skill for Front End Developers, with Git being the most popular system used today. Git allows developers to track changes to their code and manage different versions of their projects at once. Git also helps maintain a history of code changes, which is important when debugging and rolling back to previous versions if something goes wrong. By using platforms like GitHub, developers can work on code simultaneously with other team members, merge changes, and resolve conflicts with ease. Overall, learning the basics of Git, such as creating repositories, committing changes, branching, and merging, is fundamental for anyone looking to excel in front end development. This skill not only improves individual coding practices but also fosters better collaboration in team environments.

Responsive Design Principles

Responsive design is one of the building blocks of modern web development, as it ensures that websites look and function well on different types of devices, which can be anything from desktops to smartphones. Gaining an understanding of responsive design principles involves learning how to use flexible grids, layouts, images, and CSS media queries to adapt a website’s design to different screen sizes or orientations. A well-designed responsive site enhances user experience, which can end up leading to higher engagement over time. Additionally, this approach helps meet user demands and prepares developers for future advancements in device technology.

Accessibility

Creating websites that are accessible to people with disabilities is not just a best practice but a legal requirement in many areas. Accessibility in web development means developers must make sure that all users, including those with visual, auditory, or motor impairments, can navigate the web content. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as using semantic HTML, providing text alternatives for non-text content, and keyboard navigability. Accessibility also improves the usability of websites for all users, not just those with disabilities, and demonstrates a commitment to diversity.

Performance Optimization

Performance optimization affects the speed and overall efficiency of websites. Issues like slow-loading websites can lead to high bounce rates and poor user experience. Front End Developers must learn various techniques to help optimize performance, such as minimizing HTTP requests, using asynchronous loading for CSS and JavaScript files, and leveraging browser caching. There are tools available to help developers identify performance bottlenecks and provide actionable insights for improvement. Efficient coding practices, such as reducing unnecessary code, optimizing file sizes, and implementing lazy loading for images and videos, are also important to note. 

Soft Skills for Front End Developers

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is an inherent part of front end development, as it is common for developers to encounter bugs and issues that need resolution. Developers must be skilled in debugging tools and techniques, such as using browser tools to inspect or troubleshoot code. Breaking down complex issues into smaller, manageable parts and systematically testing potential solutions are crucial steps in the process. Strong problem-solving skills not only help in addressing immediate issues but also contribute to developing more maintainable code over time. 

Time Management Skills

Front End Developers often juggle multiple projects and need to meet tight deadlines, which is why time management is so crucial in this role. Having strong time management skills involves prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and staying organized. There are free tools to help developers keep track of their tasks and deadlines and make sure no projects fall through the cracks. Breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and allocating time for each can help maintain steady progress and reduce the risk of last-minute rushes. Good time management is an excellent way to boost productivity while also reducing stress and gaining a more balanced workflow.

Collaboration Tools for Team Projects

Another common scenario for those working in front end development is working with other developers and team members, making collaboration an important skill to master. Using collaboration tools like Slack and Trello can help with communication and project management, helping the team’s workflow. Slack is a platform used for real-time communication, where team members can share updates and resolve issues. Trello, on the other hand, helps in organizing tasks, tracking progress, and managing project timelines.

Advanced Tools and Technologies

JavaScript Frameworks

JavaScript frameworks like Vue and Angular offer tools used for building single-page applications (SPAs). Specifically, React is a library focused on building user interfaces, while Vue and Angular are full-fledged frameworks that provide a more comprehensive solution for front end development. Vue is known for its simplicity and flexibility, which makes it easy to integrate into existing projects. It offers a reactive data binding system and a component-based architecture similar to React but with an easier learning curve. Angular is a framework that includes everything needed to build complex SPAs, including built-in support for dependency injection, routing, and form validation. Choosing between these tools depends on the project requirements and the developer's familiarity with the framework.

Using APIs to Fetch Data and Update Pages 

Application programming interfaces (APIs) and Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) are used to create interactive web applications. APIs allow developers to access and integrate data from external sources, such as third-party services or other applications. AJAX drives the asynchronous fetching of data from an API without requiring a full page reload, which makes web applications more responsive. Understanding how to use APIs and implement AJAX requests is helpful for building modern web applications that rely on real-time data. This knowledge can help developers to create features like live search and content updates.

Networking and Professional Development

Importance of Networking and Continued Learning

Attending meetups or local conferences is an excellent way for Front End Developers to network and stay updated with new trends. These events connect professionals, help them to share knowledge, and gain insights from industry experts. Meetups often offer more informal settings where developers can discuss common challenges and even find potential job opportunities. Conferences, on the other hand, usually feature presentations and panel discussions on a wide range of topics, providing in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience. 

Building an Online Presence

Building a strong online presence on platforms like LinkedIn is a great way for Front End Developers to showcase their skills. A well-crafted profile is essentially an online resume that highlights your professional achievements and endorsements. Regularly updating your profile with new projects, skills, and accomplishments can help you stay visible to potential employers and clients. Additionally, maintaining an active presence on other professional platforms like GitHub or Behance, where you can showcase your code and design work, can further boost your credibility.

Finding or Becoming a Mentor

Mentorship plays a significant role in professional development, offering guidance, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. For Front End Developers, finding a mentor can provide valuable insights into the industry, help navigate career challenges, and offer personalized advice for skill development. Some of the best places to find industry mentors are through professional associations or networking events. On the other hand, experienced developers can give back to the community by becoming mentors themselves, helping less experienced professionals grow and succeed.

Future Trends in Front End Development

Importance of Progressive Web Apps

Progressive web apps combine the best features of web and mobile applications, offering a seamless user experience. PWAs are designed to be fast, reliable, and responsive, providing offline access, push notifications, and home screen installation without the need for an app store. However, building PWAs involves using web technologies such as service workers, manifest files, and responsive design principles. Taking the time to understand how to develop PWAs can significantly enhance a developer’s skill set, as these applications provide a cost-effective way to deliver high-quality user experiences across devices.

Understanding the Benefits of Serverless Architecture

Serverless architecture is a cloud computing execution model where the cloud provider manages the infrastructure. Developers can write and deploy code without worrying about server management, scaling, or maintenance. This model offers several benefits, including reduced operational complexity, lower costs, and the ability to scale automatically based on demand. Serverless architecture is particularly useful for building microservices, APIs, and even event-driven applications. Understanding serverless concepts and learning how to implement them using industry-specific platforms can provide Front End Developers with the ability to build more scalable applications.

AI and Machine Learning in Front End Development

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being integrated into front end development to offer new tools for user experiences. AI-driven features like chatbots and voice assistants are becoming more common in web applications and Front End Developers can leverage these libraries and frameworks to incorporate machine learning models directly into the browser. Understanding how to use these tools and technologies can enable developers to create more intelligent and interactive web applications, as well as stay ahead of industry trends, and meet the growing demand for practical user experiences.

Learn the Skills to Become a Front End Developer at Noble Desktop

People have several options for learning to become a Front End Developer, which includes in-person and live online training courses, bootcamps, and certificate programs that provide real-time hands-on instruction. Noble Desktop offers several live online Web Development courses.

For example, with hardly any prior coding experience, an individual could complete the Front End Web Development Certificate and get headed in the right direction for their new career with training in how to build the user side of a responsive website. This course aims to keep class sizes small so that students can receive tailored advice and guidance from their instructors.

If you would like to learn about designing websites or email programs from coding with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, you can train for the Web Design Certificate. In addition, this course will teach you how to build websites using WordPress.

If you would like to learn about more options for building websites or apps from scratch through skills in front end web development, Noble Desktop provides information on their Learn Front End Web Development page, which can guide you through learning about several options for becoming a Front End Developer, including what free resources are available and career advice.