What is Web Development?

Web development covers everything that goes into building a website, including the aspects that make the website function and the ones that make it appealing to the eye. There are three major types of web development: front end development, back end development, and full stack development. Each has a different role in constructing websites and uses different skills to accomplish their goals.

In this overview, you’ll learn more about web development, what it can do, who uses it, and how to add this skill to your professional toolbox.

Web Development Types

People pursue three kinds of web development as careers: front end development, back end development, and full stack development. Each has distinct roles that rely on each other to ensure that the website has user-friendly qualities.

Front end development works with the outward features of the website that users can see. These features are often called the front end or “client-side” because people think of them when asked about websites. Everything that allows users to interact with the website is possible because of the work of Front End Developers.

Back end development, in contrast, focuses on the features underneath the surface, known as the back end or “server-side” of the website. They support the front end by creating the website’s servers and programs that allow people to interact with the front end components. If the front end is considered a building, the back end is the foundation that allows it to stand.

Full stack development is the best of both worlds. Full Stack Developers work with front end and back end components depending on the current need. Teams often have Front End, Back End, and Full Stack Developers working together to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Web Developers usually have different skills depending on the roles of their position. Front End Developers have skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while Back End Developers have skills in Java, Python, and a few others. Naturally, Full Stack Developers learn an excellent blend of these languages to help them program and maintain the client- and server-sides of the website.

Now you know a little more about web development and the different types. But if you’re not planning to become a developer, how can learning web development help you?

What Can You Do with Web Development?

Web development can bolster your career, highlight your hobby, and possibly evolve into a small business of its own. Every industry, from medicine to finance to education, has adapted to the world’s changes and is relying on the internet to complete its work. This list only scratches the surface—nearly every business has shifted online because they value the easy access the internet brings them and their clients.

You’ll increase your professional value by having web development skills and helping build your company’s website. You can also shift career tracks by using web development as a bridge. Are you in medicine but want to switch to art? First, you can start web development for hospitals and then pivot to creating websites for artists. The internet’s importance to all industries means you can easily change companies as you progress.

While you can showcase your passions on social media, having a website increases your credibility, helps you connect with others without vying for their attention, and creates a centralized location for your work. Most importantly, it allows you to operate on your own terms without worrying about sudden changes to a social media platform’s algorithms or policies. And, if you want to build a network on social media, why not have both?

How Much Does Web Development Cost?

Web development uses open-source programming languages and libraries, which means they’re entirely free. You can modify them as you please without needing to ask their creators. When a programming language or library is open-source, a community of developers actively contributes to it. That means you’ll be able to find plenty of support online to help build your website to fit your needs.

You can host a website for free using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, but free versions are usually limited. Paid versions allow you to edit the URL, increase the amount of image storage, and include plug-ins and more diverse customization options. You can also purchase based on your website’s traffic; higher-priced plans generally handle more traffic than lower-priced plans.

Buying a domain name generally costs between $10 to $20 per year for all personal or business purposes. Hosting a website can cost between $20 to $600 a month depending on the plan you purchase, although personal plans rarely exceed $60-$80 a month. If you have a larger team and your website already generates traffic, it’s a good idea to choose a plan that will keep your website stable as you get more daily visitors. If you’re building a website for personal reasons or a new small business, you can afford to start with a lower-priced plan.

What Are the Benefits of Learning Web Development?

Web development is unlike most coding disciplines because it has many uses beyond computer science. The world has become increasingly digital over the last decade, and since 2020, more and more businesses are looking for people to build their websites.

As the world becomes more reliant on the internet, the demand for web development skills will continue to increase. Plenty of programming languages used in web development also apply to other fields, allowing you additional opportunities to branch out in your career. For example, Back End Web Developers frequently use Python in their daily tasks, which is also used in other in-demand fields like data science and machine learning. That leaves plenty of room for income raises in positions that already earn six-figure salaries.

Read more about why you should learn web development.

Web Development Careers

Because the internet is becoming increasingly relevant, Web Developers have a place in nearly every industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web development professions are expected to increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than most other fields. That’s a significant number of openings, and it’s reassuring for those who are seeking job security in a high-paying field.

Saying that every industry can use web development might sound extreme, but think about it—there are websites for sodas like Coca-Cola, ketchup like Heinz, and clothing stores like Macy’s. Your local hospital, school, library, and pizzeria likely have websites to help them connect to the public. As more effective ways to connect through the internet develop, these industries will need more Web Developers to ensure that people can use them consistently.

How to Learn Web Development

Learning web development can seem complicated, but many resources are available to simplify the process. Many people benefit from in-person and live online web development courses because of their interactions with classmates and instructions. Each course is taught in real-time, so you’ll learn from the same experts whether you’re in a classroom or halfway across the world.

You may want to try a class, but obligations keep getting in your way. Life happens, and it’s perfectly understandable if you want to reshape your schedule but need to wait a while first. During that time, you can try an on-demand web development class to build some foundational knowledge while you’re getting everything situated. Plenty of on-demand courses are accessible through Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare.

If your budget is tight, you might want to avoid spending money immediately. Luckily, Noble Desktop has created a playlist of free web development video tutorials on YouTube and a collection of web development reference guides that will help you through each step of the process. These resources will be invaluable as you start your journey from beginner to professional Web Developer.

Read the full guide on how to learn web development.

A Brief History of Web Development

Web development’s history coincides with the history of the internet. The internet had existed since the early 1960s with the wide area network (WAN), but it didn’t start to resemble its current form until the Mosaic browser became the leading way to access the World Wide Web in the 1990s. Websites used to be represented through text and tables, but the Mosaic browser added visuals to make text and other content more easily readable.

HTML, the programming language used to make websites, was created in 1990 and served as the basis of the World Wide Web. Its success positively contributed to the symbiotic relationship between the Mosaic browser and the World Wide Web. As a result, HTML remains one of the core building blocks of web development.

Despite the tech bubble crash in 2001, web development as a field quickly evolved with assistance from the government. Websites would remain the primary communication source until mobile devices emerged during the late 2000s. Nowadays, websites and mobile apps are two sides of the same coin regarding connection to the internet—and with each other.

Comparable Fields

Web development and web design are often confused with each other, but they’re two different disciplines. Web development focuses on writing the code for websites, while web design focuses on the visual elements that users see and use. You’ll want to have web design knowledge while working in web development and vice versa. They both play an essential part in

Search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing also significantly direct traffic toward your website. You’ll want to ensure people see your website after all the time you’ve spent building it! The principles from these two disciplines are essential to your website’s success if you plan to use them for your business or long-term projects.

JavaScript Development is another solid choice for those who plan to stay focused on coding. JavaScript is used for Back End Web Development and contains many databases, libraries, frameworks, and servers. JavaScript is an excellent next step if you plan to use web development as a gateway into more programming languages.

Learn Web Development with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers high-quality web development classes and bootcamps that are flexible to your learning needs. These courses, taught by experts in web development, are available in-person at their training center in Manhattan and live online internationally. Noble ensures that you will work in small groups with your instructors to help you receive individualized attention, support, and career mentorship. All Noble courses are also available for a free retake up to one year after completion.

Beginners might be interested in the Front End Web Development certificate program because it gives them the practical knowledge needed to become Web Developers. This program has two tracks depending on how quickly you want to learn: the full-time option takes four weeks to complete, while part-time students will complete the course in four months.

For those that are interested in learning more about web development as a whole, the Full Stack Web Development Certificate will show you all of the significant concepts associated with client-side and server-side web development. This course is another excellent option for beginners since you can take it with no prior experience. Noble’s courses come with certificates that you can proudly display on LinkedIn or send to employers alongside your resume.

Key Insights

• Web development has three main tracks: Front end, back end, and full stack.
• It’s one of the most accessible programming fields to enter without prior experience, and serves as the perfect gateway into other programming careers.
• Noble Desktop has your back regarding in-person or live online web development training.