Learn web development with online courses and programs

How do you get started in web development?

1. Lay the foundations

The journey to becoming a web developer typically begins with learning three core languages: CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a style sheet language used to define the layout and presentation of websites and web applications. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) tells web browsers how to structure and display site content. JavaScript is a programming language used to control dynamic and interactive elements of websites.

Regardless of the complexity of a task, almost all aspects of web development involve these three languages. They are the fundamental technical building blocks upon which all websites are built.

2. Add front-end skills

Emerging web developers usually start with front-end skills, since the associated tech stack is smaller and generally easier for beginners to grasp. Beyond CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, key front-end proficiencies include:

• Web application frameworks and libraries, such as Angular, jQuery, React, and Vue.js
• Responsive design techniques, such as adaptive layouts, scaling, and proportional resizing
• Version control tools (Beanstalk, GitHub, and others) and code editors (Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, and others)

You can also develop helpful supplementary skills in areas like user interfacing (UI), user experience (UX), troubleshooting, and debugging.

3. Improve through practice

By applying your developing skills through practice, you can gain confidence and start building a portfolio. Online web development courses offer project-based opportunities to put your skills into action, but you can also practice independently by:

• Creating your own website, which can increase in complexity as you master fundamental skills.
• Analyzing projects carried out by experienced front-end developers and comparing their work to yours.
• Engaging with tutorial and practice platforms that allow you to try to recreate the functions and features of live websites.

The more you practice, the more proficient you become.

4. Develop back-end skills

Once you feel comfortable with front-end development, you can start exploring back-end skills. Some concepts and tools, such as debugging and version control, apply to both front-end and back-end processes. Others are more specifically associated with back-end development tasks.

Examples include:

• Server-side programming languages (Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, Ruby, and others)
• Data and database management, including Structured Query Language (SQL) and No-SQL tools
• User authentication and authorization tools
• Server and hosting management

As with front-end skills, you should practice back-end development as frequently as possible. Challenge yourself to get better, and remember the helpful role structured education and mentorship can play in your journey to becoming a full-stack web developer.

5. Stay adaptable and up to date

Like many other tech fields, web development constantly changes — and the pace of change can be very fast. You need to stay current as new tools and technologies emerge, and as UI/UX needs evolve. The ever-shifting cybersecurity landscape is another key factor, as web development and cybersecurity overlap.

Knowledgeable and experienced web developers can stay current by:

• Following tech news and watching key industry developments.
• Taking online courses and using tutorial resources.
• Getting active in online developer communities.
• Contributing to open-source knowledge repositories.

How long does it take to learn web development?

It typically takes several years to evolve from a complete beginner to an experienced professional capable of mentoring newcomers. Multiple factors can impact your timeline, including the educational pathway you choose and the frequency and intensity of your study schedule.

Explore the typical time requirements associated with online web development courses and programs available through edX partner providers:

• Courses: Standalone courses typically run for about 4-12 weeks.
• Certificates: Professional certificate programs usually cover about 2-10 months.
• Degree programs: Bachelor's degrees typically take 4-6 years, depending on your study schedule. Master's programs generally require 1-3 years.
• Executive education: Allow 6-8 weeks to complete an executive education program.

What jobs can you get as a web developer?

Beyond specializing in front-end, back-end, or full-stack web development, you can use your skillset to pursue many careers. Find potential jobs below, with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.