The Basics of Web Application Development

Nowadays, web application development has become one of the most sought-after skills, thanks to the increasing popularity of digital products and platforms. Knowledge of web application development is a great asset to have whether you pursue a career in web development, freelance full-time, or establish your own startup.

Frontend and Backend Development

Web applications consist of two main components – the frontend and the backend. The frontend is responsible for user interface design, meaning how your web application looks, feels, and functions. Every click the user makes is sent back to the backend, which stores the data, retrieves commands, and runs server-side processes. The frontend and backend communicate with each other via Application Protocol Interfaces (APIs).

Linux, Ubuntu, and Digital Ocean

As a web developer, you will likely encounter Linux greatly – it is the most popular operating system for servers. Ubuntu is a branch of Linux-based operating systems and is the preferred choice of many web developers. DigitalOcean is a cloud infrastructure that provides VPS (Virtual Private Servers) running Ubuntu, which can be used to deploy web applications.

Programming Languages and Web Development

Web Developers have to use programming languages to write code, which makes up a web application. There are a wide variety of languages out there, but the most popular ones for web development are Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Python is a great programming language to start with, even if you have no prior experience. JavaScript's primary strength lies in its ability to create interactive web applications. HTML and CSS are used to structure the overall look, design, and layout of a website.

Frameworks and Tech Stacks

Frameworks provide developers with pre-built components and libraries to help them code faster and more efficiently. Popular frameworks for web application development include Django and React.js. A “tech stack” is a combination of technologies unified to build a full stack web application, such as React for the frontend and Node.js for the backend.

Best Resources for Web Application Development

There are many great resources and tools available to help you get started with web application development.

• Flexbox Froggy is a great game for learning how to use Flexbox for styling HTML elements.
• The official documentation for many popular web development tools, such as React and Django, can be found online.
• Stack Overflow is a great resource for finding information about programming languages, frameworks, and best practices.
• FreeCodeCamp is a free, online platform that offers free courses on web development.
• There are many great YouTube channels dedicated to web development tutorials, such as Web Dev Simplified.
• Codecademy is an online interactive platform for learning to code. Its web development courses are suitable for beginners.

How to Freelance as a Web Developer

Freelancing as a web developer is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows developers to work from anywhere in the world and get paid for their talents. Here are some tips to help you freelance as a web developer:

• Create an online portfolio to showcase your work, as most clients will want to see your previous projects.
• Start a blog or website and make sure to keep it updated with your latest work and experiences.
• Network with other developers and look for opportunities to collaborate or join projects.
• Build a presence on social media and join web development groups and conversations.
• Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry to stay on top of your game.

Conclusion

Web application development is an ever-growing field with numerous opportunities. With the right resources and dedication, anyone can learn the necessary skills to develop web applications. Freelancing as a web developer has become a great alternative to having a nine-to-five job, giving you the freedom and flexibility to work on your own terms.