How to Become a Front-End Developer

Front-end development is the process of creating HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for a website or web application so that a user can see and interact with online content directly. This is sometimes known as client-side development. 

The goal of website design is to present the content clearly to users who visit the site, regardless of the browser or operating system used.

For instance, if someone wants to establish a website, they may engage a front-end developer to design the layout of the site. 

The front-end developer decides how to present the site, where to put images, and how the navigation should look. Methods and technologies used to build a website’s front end change often, so developers must stay up-to-date with current trends.

What is a Front End Developer?

Front-end developers make the user interface (UI), which dictates what each component of a site or application performs and how it will appear.

Despite some variations between businesses, front-end developers typically improve the user experience by implementing HTML, JavaScript, and CSS code. 

Front end developers create and maintain the user interface, ensuring that the site functions smoothly regardless of the browser used.

Developers manage software workflow, follow best practices in search engine optimization, fix bugs, and run tests.

How to Become a Front-End Developer?

Educational requirements for front-end developers vary, ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. For some jobs, there may be no educational requirement for employment as a front-end developer. 

Instead, students must be proficient in multiple programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is also helpful for front-end developers to understand modern frameworks and best practices in implementing code.

HTML is usually the first language that front-end developers learn. Hypertext Markup Language, or HTML, serves as the fundamental building element for all websites and apps.

Most pages are organized using HTML elements like paragraphs, sections, headings, and navigation bars. The content that appears on a website, such as photographs, text, or videos, is typically structured using HTML.

However, an HTML-only page is quite plain and unattractive. Front-end developers use CSS styling to make web pages look aesthetically pleasing.

Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS, are used to improve the appearance of a web page. When front-end developers use CSS, users will find the resulting website to be more visually attractive.

While HTML is a markup language and CSS is a style sheet, JavaScript is a programming language. With JavaScript, front-end developers can add interactivity to their websites.

Animations, dynamic styling, button-clicking effects and behaviors, game motion, and other elements can retain users and drive traffic toward valuable calls to action.

Front end developers must keep up with the latest practices as new technologies, tools, syntax, and techniques are introduced to the community.

By joining and connecting with active developer groups, developers can stay up-to-date while improving their coding skills.

What Else Does a Front End-Developer Do?

To maintain brand consistency throughout their work, a front-end developer may speak with the back-end team, the marketing division, and clients. This position requires a high level of collaboration along with knowledge of markup languages, server-side CSS, and adaptive design.

Front-end developers often work via the command line because it enables text-based access to operating system features.

Command line interfaces are frequently used in day-to-day work because developers strive to be quick and effective when installing libraries and frameworks.

Front end developers are also expected to use version control software in their work. Git is one example of a version control system. Developers frequently look back on their coding history and notes when programming.

Version control simplifies this, ensuring effective team communication and tracking of all source code modifications. Additionally, it provides details like who made the adjustments and what changes were made.

Front-end developers should also be familiar with Application Program Interfaces (APIs). Developers may need to use the Fetch API of the browser or the Axios library when interacting with APIs in JavaScript.

What’s in a Front-End Development Degree?

In the past, front-end developers needed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some positions still do. This type of work also requires a strong knowledge of web development tools and programming languages. 

These days, although front-end developers may not necessarily need a four-year degree, many developers choose to take online courses and complete boot camps as proof of their skills and knowledge.

Regardless of the educational path chosen, developers often learn web development fundamentals with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery JavaScript library, bootstrap framework, and multiple class projects. 

Developers often work on small projects ranging from a straightforward HTML website to a comprehensive Google Chrome extension powered by JavaScript.

To develop a simple text website, front-end development students must apply their knowledge of HTML structure and basic elements. 

To create a Google Chrome extension based on JavaScript, students will implement their understanding of the logical components of web development. Math is rarely used in front-end development since it relies so heavily on visual communication.

In addition to creating websites and extensions, students may also study data transfers, website creation tools, web systems, operating systems, and cloud computing as parts of the greater internet system.

Flexible scheduling is prioritized in online learning. Working professionals may prefer an online version to finish coursework around their work schedule or to minimize time spent commuting.

Students who pursue an online web development degree will learn how to create websites for both businesses and individuals. 

• Arizona State University has an online Bachelor’s in Internet and Web Development, emphasizing front-end development and design. 
• Fort Hays State University offers an online Bachelor’s in Web and Mobile Application Development, preparing students for the CWDSA and Oracle Certified Associate certifications. 
• Finally, Champlain College provides programming students with a Bachelor’s in Web Design and Development, with part-time and full-time online options available. 
• Other online options include Bellevue University and Baker College with asynchronous course delivery available.

What’s the Front-End Developer Career Path?

No matter what industry front-end developers want to work in, entry-level developers are expected to be proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, Version Control (Git), Browser Developer Tools, and jQuery. 

Students new to programming can learn industry-standard coding skills in three to six months through coding bootcamp programs.

Bootcamps typically offer a quicker turnaround time than a traditional four-year degree program and are also typically less expensive and more flexible.

Students are exposed to a rigorous training regimen that covers the fundamentals of front-end programming.

Additionally, bootcamp teachers frequently offer guidance and support as students develop portfolios for their job searches. It’s important to note that employers now value bootcamps more than ever.

A self-designed course of study can also be used to prepare for a profession in front-end web development. There are many free instructional resources like e-books, online courses, coding certifications, and YouTube videos. 

Although this approach is cost-effective, students risk investing a lot of time in mediocre content only to discover later that they haven’t learned very much.

With this self-study option, employers may also demand additional evidence that students have acquired the necessary skill set, such as references, prior employment history, or a robust portfolio.

Graduates should start their job search by adjusting their resumes to fit the roles they are aiming for. Candidates can include a list of all the specific tools and programming languages they are familiar with, highlighting any personal projects, relevant experience, and qualifications.

After landing an entry-level position, a front-end developer typically concentrates on building interactive user interfaces and ensuring server-side functionality.

Additionally, front-end developers support the web development team by testing code and verifying responsive design.

Front-end developers will be prepared to advance to a more senior position on their web development team once they’ve gained some experience. 

Senior front-end developers often manage or mentor junior developers, work closely with back-end developers, and contribute greatly to coding tasks. These experts guarantee that websites are responsive and appropriate for use with all major browsers, operating systems, and mobile devices. 

They might answer directly to the engineering department’s director, customers, or shareholders. Most senior developers have a bachelor’s or master’s in computer science. Five years of professional experience is preferred.

Career Outlook and Salary for Front-End Developer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of front-end developers will increase by 16% between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the average for all occupations.

According to Glassdoor, the expected yearly compensation for a front-end developer in the United States is $104,809, with an average wage of $88,339.

The expected annual increase in wages is $5,468. Cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing are all possible forms of additional compensation.

Over the next ten years, we expect to see over 34,700 front-end development opportunities annually. Many of these openings will replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions