Understanding Web Development Basics

Developing websites can be daunting and overwhelming to someone completely new to the programming world. You might not even know where to start or have the slightest idea of how to break down the process. Luckily, web development is a field that relies heavily on modern resources and technology, making it very approachable, even for beginner self-taught developers. The following guide will give you an idea of what web development basics are and how to self teach this skill.

Programming Languages and Tech Stacks

When it comes to web development, there are various programming languages you can use. Some of the most popular languages are python, PHP, JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Additionally, each language has its own set of frameworks and libraries to build websites. Reactjs, Django and Ruby on Rails are some of the popular web frameworks. A web development ‘tech stack’ is a combination of two or more technologies used for full stack development. For example, MEAN is a popular stack that combines the programming language MongoDB, Express Web Application Framework, AngularJS and Node.js.

Tools, APIs & Servers

When starting out, using useful resources like APIs, will help to speed up your development process. APIs can help to retrieve data, gather analytics, and access other services or websites. Plus, APIs are extremely powerful and a great skill to have. Additionally, you’ll need to sign up for a web hosting service like AWS, Google Cloud or DigitalOcean. A web hosting service gives you access to a remote server to host your website, and can include features such as automated backups and security updates.

Best Resources To Get You Started

You may be wondering how to get started with web development. There are a number of great resources available to you. YouTube is one of the best sources for self-taught web development. From top channels such as ‘The Net Ninja’ and ‘Fun Fun Function’, you can find a plethora of great videos covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other programming languages. Websites like FreeCodeCamp are also worth considering. FreeCodeCamp gives you access to thousands of hours of coding lessons, plus interactive practice coding problems and projects. Additionally, the site helps you find jobs or create a portfolio to showcase your skills. Software development can be a great freelancing opportunity. Platforms like Toptal, Upwork, and GitHub are great for connecting you with job opportunities in web development. Building a portfolio is key here, as you'll need to showcase your coding skills in order to find projects.

Conclusion

Web development is a broad field, but with the right resources, it is a very approachable skill. The resources mentioned above will help to get you started on the right foot. Additionally, should you decide to take your passion further, freelancing platforms like Upwork and Toptal will give you the opportunity to make money through web development. The good news is, web development resources are getting better, richer and more accessible every day. With a little time and effort, combined with some well-structured resources, you can quickly become an experienced web developer.