The job of web developer encompasses certain designations and excludes others. To avoid any confusion, our job description on web developer clarifies the picture!
What types of developers are there?
You'll never see an IT job offer simply stating the job of a developer. This is because there are different types of IT developers, but they have important differences in terms of required skills and application areas.
To this end, they will not handle the same IT languages. We can isolate three areas of development.
The web developer
A web developer is a professional who designs and develops websites. They work with programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create web pages that can be viewed on the Internet. Web developers must also have web design skills to ensure that the sites they develop are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly.
There are more specific branches within web developers, such as the front-end developer, back-end developer or the full-stack developer, who masters both.
The mobile application developer
The mobile application developer is a professional who designs and develops applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. He works with programming languages such as Java, Swift and Kotlin to create applications that meet specific user needs. They are also responsible for maintaining and improving existing applications.
The Software Developer
A software developer is a professional who designs and develops computer programs for computers, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. Software developers work with programming languages such as Java, Python, C++ and C# to create software that meets specific needs.
In summary, web developers work primarily on websites, software developers primarily create software for computers and other electronic devices, and mobile app developers focus mainly on developing apps for smartphones and tablets.
However, it is important to note that these three fields often overlap and many professionals may be qualified to work in all three areas.
What can a web developer do?
The web developer, as the name suggests, develops, and assists in the creation and maintenance of a website. The difference between a programmer and a developer is the level of involvement and participation in a computer project.
Here are some of the common tasks that a web developer can perform as part of their job, along with concrete cases.
Website design and development
Web developers are responsible for designing and developing websites. They work with programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, etc. to create web pages that can be viewed on the Internet. For example, a web developer may be responsible for developing an e-commerce site for a business using a CMS such as WordPress, Shopify, or Magento.
Website maintenance and updating
Web developers are also responsible for maintaining and updating existing websites. They ensure that sites are updated regularly to avoid bugs and security flaws. For example, a web developer may be responsible for fixing bugs on an existing website, updating plugins, and updating website content.
Website performance optimization
The web developer is responsible for optimizing the performance of websites to improve their load time and usability. They may be responsible for optimizing a website's code to reduce its load time or using speed testing tools to find areas for improvement.
Website integration with databases and APIs
The web developer may be responsible for integrating websites with databases and APIs to improve the functionality of the website. For example, a web developer may be responsible for integrating a contact form on a website to store contact information in a database or integrating a payment API to allow customers to pay online.
Collaboration with other professionals
A web developer often works in collaboration with other professionals, such as graphic designers, copywriters, digital marketers, etc., to create complete and functional websites. As an instance, a web developer may collaborate with a graphic designer to create a custom design for a website or with a digital marketer to optimize the website's SEO.
What skills does a web developer need?
The qualities required in IT apply well to the profession of web developer. A web developer is generally expected to have the following skills
- Problem solving: at the core of his job, he must solve complex problems, such as code errors, performance problems and security issues.
- Adaptability: a web developer must adapt to different work environments and work with new technologies.
- Collaboration and communication: Because they must be able to work in a team with designers, project managers and other developers, and communicate effectively, developers must work on their collaborative skills.
- Attention to detail: To ensure code quality, browser compatibility and website security, being attentive is key.
- Creativity: It helps to solve problems in an innovative way and create attractive and easy-to-use user interfaces.
- Autonomy: A web developer should know how to work independently and make decisions without supervision.
- Curiosity: in order to stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in web development, it is important for a web developer to continue to learn constantly.
- Results oriented: a web developer must be able to deliver projects on time with a constant focus on results.
How to become a web developer
Becoming a web developer does not necessarily require a well-established educational background, although candidates with a degree in the field are often preferred.
Learn the basics of programming
If you have no prior knowledge of programming, it is recommended that you start by learning the basics of programming. There are many online courses and tutorials to learn programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, etc.
Choose a programming language
The most commonly used programming languages in web development are HTML, CSS and JavaScript. HTML is used to structure the content of a web page, CSS is used for layout and design, and JavaScript is used to make web pages interactive and dynamic. It is also important to know the basics of server-side programming, such as PHP, Ruby or Python.
Learn about frameworks
Frameworks are code libraries that allow you to develop web applications more quickly and efficiently. The most popular frameworks for web development are React, Vue.js and Angular for the front-end, and Node.js, Laravel and Django for the back-end.
Practice and build projects
It is important to practice regularly by developing projects and building websites to gain experience. You can start by building simple websites and then gradually move on to more advanced projects.
Take courses or participate in online communities
Online courses, blogs, forums and online communities can help you stay up to date with the latest web development trends and technologies. Completing IT certifications is a big plus for getting into a development job.
What language to prioritize?
As far as which languages to master, it will depend on the specific field you want to work in. For the front-end, you should master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For the back-end, you should know server-side programming languages such as PHP, Ruby or Python, as well as databases and frameworks. This mention of computer languages is not exhaustive: many other languages may be necessary, like Java for the full stack developer, for example.
It is important to note that web development is a constantly evolving field, so it is essential to stay curious, motivated and keep learning throughout your career. By working hard, practicing regularly, and staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies, you can become a skilled web developer and succeed in this field.
How much do web developers make in Canada
The salary of a web developer in Montreal is generally around 63 000$ per year. This figure remains roughly the same in provinces other than Quebec.
Depending on the type of development, whether it is front, back, or full stack, but also on the company for which the developer works, this figure can vary from $50,000 to $85,000.
Your future web development job at Fed IT
Are you looking for a job in web development in Montreal? At Fed IT, IT recruitment firm in Montreal, we make it a point of honor to quickly find a position for candidates wishing to work in the IT industry.
Do not hesitate to contact us or to submit your spontaneous application. We will come back to you soon to help you launch your career!
