What Does a Web Developer Do?
If you’re thinking about a career in web development, you might be wondering what a web developer does. The answer is that a web developer creates, designs, builds, and maintains websites, software, and mobile applications.
Web developers use programming languages like HTML, CSS and Javascript to convert a design created by a designer or a team into a website that works on any device. They also work to ensure that the website is fast and scalable for all users.
Design
Designing a web site involves a number of steps. The process includes gathering information about the client, their business, and their target audience. It also involves research into similar websites.
First, designers must identify a problem that needs to be solved. This step is important because it helps them determine what features they should include in their design.
Second, they must brainstorm ideas to solve the problem. They do this by asking questions and thinking about what other products have done before them.
Third, they should create a prototype. This is a mock-up of the design that they can test in real life.
Finally, they should finalize their design. This step is crucial because it allows them to make any changes that may be needed.
The design process can take longer than expected, so it’s important to be patient with clients and communicate frequently. This is especially true if a website is being designed for a large company, which has many members who have different goals and needs.
Coding
All websites and apps are made up of code. It’s what tells computers what to do, where to do it and how to do it – and this code is what makes them work.
A web developer is responsible for writing code to make a website function and look the way that it should. They use coding languages, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, to build and style web pages.
They also write programmes that make a site responsive or adaptive to different screen sizes. This allows users to access the same content on their phones, tablets and laptops.
The coding process can be tedious and time-consuming, but it’s necessary to create a functional website. Web developers often collaborate with designers, illustrators and copywriters to plan and develop web sites.
Testing
The testing process is an essential part of the web development process. It ensures that the site is free from bugs and that it meets the user expectations.
A variety of factors are inspected in the test process, such as functionality, usability, and performance. This allows developers to identify any issues that could cause a problem later on in the project.
Functionality tests include checking links, forms, and other features. These tests can also check how data is saved to a database, whether a page is displayed correctly, and if the site is compatible with a variety of devices.
In addition to these types of testing, developers will also need to perform compatibility and performance tests to make sure the website works on a wide range of browsers and devices. This testing will help ensure that users can use the website easily, and it will also save time and money for the company in the long run.
Maintenance
The maintenance process of a web site involves checking for broken links, updating content, and keeping the site up-to-date. This is important for companies of all sizes and industries as it keeps their websites healthy, encourages traffic growth, and helps build SEO rankings.
Security scanning is another important part of web site maintenance, as it can help prevent hackers from damaging the website or stealing personal information. It also helps improve the user experience by identifying vulnerabilities before they can cause damage.
In addition, web developers often use automated testing tools to ensure that a website works properly across all browsers and platforms. This is especially important for websites that use plugins or have complicated code customizations.