Web developers build websites and web applications using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, plus back-end languages and databases for full-stack work. Many have a computer science degree, but bootcamps and self-teaching are common routes. There is no license. Employers hire on proof: a portfolio of real, working projects, clean code you can explain, and the ability to learn new tools as they change.
Front end, back end and full stack
Web development splits into a few kinds of work. Knowing them helps you decide what to learn first.
- Front-end developers: build what users see and click, focusing on layout, accessibility, speed and how pages behave on phones.
- Back-end developers: build servers, databases and the logic behind logins, payments and data.
- Full-stack developers: handle both, common at small companies and startups.
- Site builders: work with content management systems to build and maintain sites for businesses and nonprofits.
A typical week includes writing code, reviewing other people’s code, fixing bugs, meeting with designers and product managers and learning new tools. AI coding assistants now speed up routine work, so understanding what the code does and catching errors matters more, as AI skills for your career explains.
Routes into the field
- Computer science degree: the deepest foundation and still preferred by many employers. See what you can do with a computer science degree.
- Information technology or related degrees: practical and broad; see what you can do with an information technology degree.
- Bootcamps: intensive programs over a few months. Results vary a lot, so read is a coding bootcamp worth it before paying.
- Self-taught: free courses and documentation can take you far if you build projects and get code reviewed.
- Community college: affordable programming courses and certificates, often with flexible schedules.
Proof beats paper
No state licenses web developers, and optional credentials matter far less than your work. A strong portfolio has three or four projects that solve real problems, are live online, work well on phones and have readable code in a public repository. Hiring often includes a technical interview or take-home project, so practice explaining your choices out loud.
From first line of code to first job
- In high school, take computer science if offered and build a simple personal site from scratch.
- Learn HTML and CSS well, then JavaScript. Resist jumping between frameworks too early.
- Build small projects you would use yourself: a budget tracker, a recipe site, a club calendar.
- Learn version control and put your code in a public repository.
- Build a site for a real client, such as a nonprofit or family business, and handle their feedback.
- Apply for junior developer, front-end and web support roles, and keep building while you search.
Find out if you like it
- Spend two weeks on a free beginner web course and build one page on your own without a tutorial.
- Do informational interviews with a front-end developer and a back-end developer.
- Try fixing a small bug in an open-source project to see what real codebases feel like.
- Notice how you feel stuck on a problem for an hour. That feeling is a daily part of the job.
Who thrives, and why some switch
Developers who thrive enjoy puzzles, keep learning without being told to and can explain technical choices in plain language. People leave because the tools change constantly, the entry-level market can be tight, and long screen hours wear on them. Many move into UX design, product management, data roles or technical writing. See UX designer vs graphic designer and your first year as a software engineer.
Switching careers into web development
Web development is one of the most common career changes, and industry knowledge helps: a former teacher can target education technology, a retail manager e-commerce. Expect the learning to take months of steady practice, not weeks. See changing careers and building a career without a degree. For current pay and outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where a mentor helps
Learning to code alone is where most people stall. A mentor helps you explore whether web development fits, plan what to learn and in what order, stay accountable to weekly project goals, prepare for interviews and settle into the first developer job. Mentors are not coding instructors, credentialed career counselors or admissions counselors. Learn about career and education mentoring and mentoring for young adults.
Related
- All career path guides
- How to become a software developer
- How to become a UX designer
- How to become a game developer
- How to Become a Civil Engineer: Degree, FE and PE License
- How to Become an Electrical Engineer: School, Skills and Licensing
Common questions
Do you need a degree to become a web developer?
Not always. Many employers prefer a computer science or related degree, but a strong portfolio and solid technical interviews can get you hired without one.
What is the difference between a web developer and a software developer?
Web developers focus on websites and web applications. Software developer is a broader title that also covers desktop, mobile, embedded and systems software.
How long does it take to learn web development?
With steady practice, many people build entry-level skills in several months to a year. Landing the first role often depends on projects and networking.
Should I learn front end or back end first?
Most beginners start with front-end basics because results are visible right away. Pick back end later if you enjoy data and logic more than layout.
Get started
Want a plan and weekly accountability while you learn to build for the web? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.