Hypertext markup language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are two tools used to build websites. HTML builds the basic framework of a website while CSS adds styling elements, such as font color and size, layout, and images. Additionally, CSS can help ensure that your website is responsive across devices and screen sizes, whether you’re viewing a site from your mobile, tablet, or desktop device.
If you’re ready to take your web development skills to the next level, there are other tools you may also consider learning. In particular, this includes JavaScript, JavaScript libraries/frameworks, and WordPress. Below is a discussion of each of these tools, as well as resources available to help you learn how to use them.
JavaScript
After gaining basic skills in HTML and CSS, every Front End Developer should take the time to learn a third language: JavaScript. This language is particularly useful when it comes to adding interactivity to web pages. Developers can use JavaScript to build web and mobile applications or display animations on a website.
JavaScript can also be used to create browser-based video games. For example, you’ve likely heard of the games Candy Crush or Angry Birds before, even if you haven’t played them. JavaScript was used to help build both of these games.
In addition to gaining skills in JavaScript, individuals with a foundation in HTML and CSS may also consider learning how to use some of JavaScript’s libraries and frameworks. These tools can be used to speed up the development process, as frameworks can serve as a development template so you don’t have to write code completely from scratch. Some libraries and frameworks you may consider learning are jQuery, Node.js, and React.
How to Learn JavaScript
Individuals can learn how to code with JavaScript in a variety of ways, including through self-study. There are numerous tutorials and educational videos available online, making it straightforward to teach yourself how to use JavaScript if you have the time, dedication, and patience. This is especially true for those who have already taught themselves how to build websites using HTML and CSS.
If you are studying computer science at an undergraduate level, it’s also likely that your school offers a JavaScript course (or two). Enrolling in such a course can help prepare you for roles like Web Developer upon graduation.
Alternatively, you might consider enrolling in an online or virtual bootcamp-style course. Noble Desktop offers several different courses that cover JavaScript and JavaScript libraries. Some of these courses also include 1-on-1 mentorship and portfolio development opportunities, making them a great alternative to formal education.
Its JavaScript Development Certificate teaches students how to build web apps with this language. Additionally, students learn how to use React and Node.js, as well as work with APIs and databases. This course meets over nine weeks full-time or six months part-time. For a more brief introduction to JavaScript, you may also consider Noble’s JavaScript Programming Fundamentals course, which covers the basics of using JavaScript over 48 hours.
Individuals who would prefer to focus solely on learning a JavaScript framework might consider Noble’s React Development Bootcamp. This class teaches the basics of using this library, including how to build web apps and components.
WordPress
WordPress is a web development platform that enables users to build attractive, functional websites without knowing how to code. Since you’re reading this blog post, however, it’s likely you already know how to use HTML and CSS — which is all the better!
Individuals who have a foundation in HTML and CSS can benefit from learning WordPress because it’s one of the most popular web development platforms used today. As such, you’ll likely be asked to use WordPress at some point in your career if you pursue roles like Front End Developer or Web Developer.
How to Learn WordPress
Because WordPress is such a popular web development platform, there are numerous resources available online to teach yourself how to use it. Additionally, you may consider enrolling in an online or virtual course that teaches this tool.
Noble Desktop has several such WordPress courses to choose from. Its WordPress Bootcamp teaches students how to create a website using this platform, including creating pages and editing content. Additionally, in this course, students learn when code can help them have even greater control over a site’s layout or appearance.
Since you already know how to use HTML and CSS, you may also be interested in Noble’s WordPress for Coders course. This course teaches individuals how to use HTML and CSS to customize specific elements within WordPress. As part of this class, students also learn how WordPress works “behind the scenes” to better understand what they can do to manipulate it.
Web Design
Creating a beautiful website takes more than just knowing how to code with HTML and CSS. Individuals who want to take their front end development skills up a notch may consider learning web design.
This includes learning about things like user experience (UX) design and user interface (UI) design. User Experience Designers help ensure that a website is intuitive and easy to navigate for visitors. A User Interface Designer then makes sure the site is visually appealing.
How to Learn Web Design
Individuals might learn web design as part of a graphic design curriculum at a college or university. Alternatively, you can learn about web design principles through self-study, including watching tutorials online.
Some people may also choose to learn about web design by enrolling in an in-person or virtual bootcamp-style course. Noble Desktop offers several such web design courses that can help individuals learn how to create highly attractive sites.
This includes a UX & UI Web Design Certificate that meets over the course of four months (part-time). In this class, students learn how to conduct user research and testing, design attractive websites using UX and UI principles, and even create a UX and UI design portfolio that can be used when seeking future work.
Alternatively, individuals may consider enrolling in Noble’s Web Design Certificate course. This class teaches students how to design webpages layouts using Adobe XD and optimize web graphics, in addition to covering topics like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress.
Wrap-Up
You can take your HTML and CSS skills to the next level by learning about other web development tools, like JavaScript or WordPress. Additionally, taking the time to learn UX and UI design principles will help ensure your website looks the best it possibly can.