Web development is a broad term that encompasses many different types of development. When you think about developing a website for your business, you might picture someone sitting in front of a computer; head bowed over a keyboard and fingers flying as they type code into a never-ending stream of windows. While coding is undoubtedly a part of web development, it’s only one small piece of the puzzle.
Have you ever wondered how websites are created and maintained? The process is called web development, and a lot goes into it. This blog post will give you a basic introduction to web development. You will be introduced to the different types of web development, the skills you need to be a web developer, and the different stages of website development. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of what web development is and how it works.
What Is Web Development?
Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites. It includes everything from building the initial structure of a website to adding new features and functionality as needed. Through web development, a website can be as simple as a single page or as complex as an e-commerce site with hundreds of pages and thousands of products. The developers responsible for creating and managing those websites come in all shapes and sizes, with varying skill sets and levels of experience. Web developers use a variety of programming languages and technologies to create websites that are easy to use and look great. In short, web development is a broad sector.
Types of Web Development
There are three main types of web development: front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development. Front-end developers focus on the design and user experience of a website. In contrast, back-end developers focus on behind-the-scenes functionality. Full-stack developers have skills in both front-end and back-end development.
Depending on the size and complexity of the website in question, different developers will take on different roles. A single developer might handle everything from start to finish on small projects. But on larger projects, teams of developers will often work together, each responsible for their area of expertise. Typical roles within web development teams include:
Front-end Development
Front-end development refers to the part of web development that deals with the user interface and user experience. A front-end developer is responsible for everything users see and interact with when they visit a website. They write code that determines the layout and design of web pages and what users see when they hover their mouse over an element or click a button. In other words, front-end developers are responsible for ensuring that a website looks good and is easy to use. Typically, front-end developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build websites and apps. In short, if it’s something that users can see, a front-end developer probably had a hand in creating it.
Back-end Development
A back-end developer deals with the server side of web development and is responsible for making sure that a website or app works correctly. Back-end developers are responsible for everything users don’t see. This includes the server infrastructure that makes websites possible, and the algorithms that power search features or recommend products to users.
They write code that runs “behind the scenes” to ensure everything works smoothly and efficiently—even if users never know it’s there. Typically, back-end developers use languages like PHP, Ruby on Rails, or Node.js to build websites and apps.
Full Stack Development
A full stack developer is someone who has expertise in both front-end and back-end development technologies. Full stack developers are rare because they have such a broad skill set. Most developers specialize in either front-end or back-end development. While not all developers identify as full stack developers, most have at least some working knowledge of both areas.
Website Development
Website development is a type of front-end development. Website developers build websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They make sure that websites look good and are easy to use.
Desktop Development
Desktop development is a type of back-end development. Desktop applications are programs that you download and install on your computer, such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop. Desktop developers build desktop applications using languages like C++ or Java.
Mobile Development
Mobile development is a type of front-end development. Mobile apps are programs you download and install on your smartphone or tablet, like Angry Birds or Instagram. Mobile developers build mobile apps using languages like Swift or Objective-C.
Skills You Need to Be a Web Developer
To be a successful web developer, you need to have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work independently. You must also be proficient in at least one programming language and have a good working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, it’s helpful to have experience with user experience (UX) design principles and best practices for search engine optimization (SEO).
The Different Stages of Website Development
Typically, website development follows these steps:
- Planning: During this stage, you will determine the purpose of your website and who your target audience is. You will also research your competition and decide on your website’s goals and objectives.
- Design: Once you have a clear vision for your website, it’s time to start designing it. This stage includes creating wireframes (text-based layouts that show the hierarchy of your content) and prototypes (clickable models of your website).
- Development: During this stage, you will build your website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. You will also test your website to ensure it works properly across different browsers and devices.
- Launch: Once your website is complete and free of errors, you can launch it for the world to see!
- Maintenance: Even after your website is up and running, you will need to regularly update its content, security features, and design elements to keep it looking fresh and modern.
Web development is a broad term for creating websites that are easy to use, look great, and function correctly. Developing a website typically includes planning, designing, developing, launching, and maintaining. However, web development itself includes many different types of development. There are three main types of web development: front-end development, back-end development, and full stack development, and each type requires different skill sets.
Suppose you’re considering pursuing a career in web development or working with a web developer to create a new website for your business. No matter what type of business you run—or what kind of website you need—there’s a web developer with the skill set necessary to bring your vision to life. So if you’re ready to take your business online, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional and start making your dream website a reality! In that case, this guide provides you with an excellent introduction to the basics of web development.
Let Cirrus TMS Help You With Web Development
Cirrus TMS has a team of skilled website and brand developers that are available to you. Contact us to schedule a consultation today. We can help guide you through everything there is to know about web development.