A professional web developer is a person who can create websites and apps in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL. Professionally speaking, the term can be used to distinguish someone who is trained or has a degree in web development from someone who is self-taught. Web developers work almost everywhere, typically for web design agencies. They have many responsibilities, including building websites using a variety of frameworks such as Bootstrap or Shopify.
Other responsibilities might include writing code that interfaces with the server for databases or APIs to interact with customers, writing code for marketing campaigns to make them more interactive and dynamic using A/B testing methods, and using analytics tools like Google Analytics. Web developers typically work in teams with other developers, graphic designers, and content specialists. They also work closely with clients to understand business requirements and solve problems together.
The job of a web developer is much more than just coding. It requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to grasp business needs and translate them into useful solutions. There are several different types of web development jobs out there, including:
Web Developer: Typically entry-level, using languages like PHP, ASP, or Java to build web applications.
The Responsibilities of a Professional Web Developer
The responsibilities are:
- Maintain websites
- Design and build websites
- Develop software solutions to suit the needs of a business.
- Update content, images, and videos on a regular basis.
- Provide training to other staff within their company.
- Act as an interface between a company’s departments.
- Troubleshoot technical problems with equipment or software.
A professional web developer is tasked with many responsibilities, from updating content to acting as an interface between departments. Maintaining websites is also one of the main responsibilities. There is no specific level you need to be at in order for it to be called a “professional web developer.”
How to Become a Professional Web Developer in Nigeria
Here are the steps to becoming a professional web developer:
- Have a strong interest in coding and design, as well as the ability to write your own code;
This can be achieved by learning coding languages like Python, C++, and Java.
Before you settle down as a web developer, you need to establish that your skills are worth the pay. This can be done by participating in competitive programming contests like Google Code Jam or NASA Hackathons. Winning such competitions will broaden your network of friends and colleagues who can share their contacts about opportunities for job prospects as well as new projects where you could put what you learned into practice.
- Get a FreeCodeCamp course that has been completed.
FreeCodeCamp offers a variety of interactive courses that teach you coding skills in addition to more general computer knowledge and world knowledge. Freecodecamp also has a chat section where you can talk with other coders and ask questions, so it’s not as lonely as studying at home.
- Helpful resources, libraries, and tools
Thinkful: If there’s anything you want to learn about coding for career purposes, this is the best place for it. They offer lessons on things like Python, CSS3, SQL, and Rails development, which will help elevate your skill set in your desired field or industry.
- Participate in a competent university-level program in a relevant field of study.
Participate in a competent university-level program in a relevant field of study: This is the number one step to achieving your dream career. You do not want to graduate from an unprofessional university and get yourself into a field that does not interest you.
- Develop a portfolio.
Making an impressive portfolio is another important step in the process, the goal of which is to show your skills and abilities in a professional manner rather than just being able to say
- The necessary technical skills to identify problems, research methods, take original approaches, and/or implement solutions.
The Sectors a Professional Web Developer can Work in Nigeria
The following sectors are places a professional web developer can work:
- Development: They will be a part of the team that develops an application or system.
- Design: A designer is a person who visualizes and demonstrates the user interface.
- Project Management: The project manager manages a given project and ensures that it is completed on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.
- QA/Testing: Quality assurance testers are professionals who confirm whether an app’s business logic works correctly. They look for bugs and other issues in products to improve their quality before they’re released to the market.
- Programming and Development: They will either build software applications and systems or at least help out with programming.
- Database Administrator: The person in charge of managing the databases for the company
- Support: A support technician will be responsible for fixing problems that arise in the apps, whether they’re related to hardware or software.
- Business Analysis: They are in charge of analyzing a company to determine its strengths and weaknesses and then working to improve it.
- Product Owner: The person who ultimately owns the application and ensures that the development team delivers it on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards This is usually a senior member of staff in charge of overseeing projects, such as a CTO (Chief Technology Officer).
Benefits of being a Professional Web Developer
As a professional web developer, here are some benefits:
- Working with the latest technologies
- How to take your career to the next level
- Get exposure in Nigeria and beyond.
- Networking opportunities
- Earning more money than you ever thought possible
If you are a professional web developer who is looking for more career benefits, then this article might be of help.
Conclusion
Few companies, such as Google and NASA, are hiring web developers under their G-Suite program. They offer you a chance to work on open-source projects, which can help you save money as well as demonstrate your skills to prospective employers.
Developing software that is custom-tailored to the needs of specific companies could assure you that their jobs will be secure for a long period of time. Therefore, your first task should be with those companies that deploy software so that you can get a feel for how it functions and how it can help end clients.
If you show an interest in such activities, your coworkers may encourage you to start freelancing or take on permanent positions in various companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Become a Web Developer?
Learning web development from scratch may take around 5-6 months for aspiring web developers who can dedicate a few hours every day. However, each person’s accurate learning duration will vary depending on the method and intensity.
What is the fastest way to become a web developer?
5 Ways To Learn Web Development Fast
- Learn theory with visuals before you start coding. …
- Mix theory with practice. …
- Build real-world projects. …
- Make sure the course you choose offers individual support. …
- Study with professional web development instructors.
What skill is best for a web developer?
Key skills to be successful in web development include:
- Computer literacy.
- Strong numeracy skills.
- Strong creative ability.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- A logical approach to work.
- The ability to explain technical matters clearly.
What software do most web developers use?
- WordPress.
- Drupal.
- Joomla.
- Wix.
- Adobe Dreamweaver.
- Weebly.
- Sublime Text.
- Chrome Developer Tools.
Which language is best for web development?
Top 4 Backend Web Development Languages
- Python. Python is one of the most powerful and best multi-purpose languages used for Web Development, as well as data analysis. …
- PHP. PHP is one of the best languages for Web Development. …
- Java. …
- C#
References
- Careerfoundry.com – How To Become A Web Developer in 2023
- Freecodecamp.org – The Practical Guide to becoming a Web Developer
- Skillcrush.com – How To become a Web Deveoper -3 Guide
- Coursera.com – What Does a Web Developer Do?