What is web development?
Web development is a multi—step process that requires careful planning and preparation. Coding is just one of the many tasks that a web developer does.
Who is a web developer and what does he do?
The designers provide the frontend developer with layouts created in a graphical editor, as well as a description of the functionality of the web application. These requirements are recorded in the documentation to avoid misunderstandings.
Next, the web developer creates the code for the front-end using the following technologies:
HTML is a markup language that is used to create the hierarchical structure of a web page, including headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables. HTML is used to display text, images, video, and audio, as well as to provide links between websites.
CSS is cascading style sheets that define the styling of web page elements, such as fonts and colors.
JavaScript is a programming language that is responsible for creating interactive page elements, including pop—ups, data entry forms, and dynamic elements such as a shopping cart. javascript is supported by most browsers, and it is suitable for creating mobile and desktop software.
A web programmer is a specialist who creates and maintains websites and applications. There are three types of web developers - backend, frontend, and fullstack.
Who is a frontend web developer?
A frontend developer must first be able to layout pages using html and css, adapt software for different devices and browsers, for each screen, so that the site looks good and works on different devices with different screen resolutions.
As a result of the work of the frontend developer, a working prototype of a web page is created with clickable links, animations and formatting corresponding to the design provided by the designer.
A backend developer works in parallel with a frontend developer, also relying on documentation. He needs to have an understanding of the functionality and logic of the web application.
For example, in the case of an online store, it is necessary to have a database of products, the ability to filter products by various criteria, add products to the basket, place an order and send it for delivery.
A web programmer analyzes the requirements and designs the architecture of a web application: decides which data and in what format will be stored, as well as how the application elements will interact with each other.
Who is a backend web developer?
The backend developer adjusts the operation of the databases and the server. By writing the backend code, the developer connects it to the front-end, creating contact between user actions on the client side and the work of the server side.
A full-stack developer is able to do the entire amount of work on creating an application from scratch, especially in the case of small independent projects. However, on large projects, he collaborates with other specialists such as front-enders, backenders, DevOps engineers, testers, and project managers. Although a full-stack developer does his part, he is also able to temporarily replace other team members.
The difference between a full-stack developer and colleagues from other specializations is that he sees the whole picture of development and is able, if necessary, to deal with any area of work. If the front-enders or back-enders do not manage to complete their tasks on time, the full-stack developer is ready to quickly switch between their tasks.
Project managers often turn to full-stack developers for product help and advice. Full-stack developers have a deeper understanding of the work of the entire development process and can quickly provide feedback and direct the team in the right direction.
What knowledge and skills does a website developer need?
At the beginning of his journey, a web developer decides on the direction: frontend, backend or full stack, after which he chooses his own technology stack, including a programming language and other tools.
It is important for the front-end:
Master HTML and CSS to create web pages and styles.
Master the JavaScript programming language, which is practically necessary for developing the interfaces of modern websites.
Explore one of the popular frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue, which provide the foundation for web applications and make it easier to solve various tasks.
Master working with Git, a version control system that allows developers to store their code online.
Understand the basics of web development, including web pages, HTTP/HTTPS protocols, browsers, domains, and hosting.
Know how to work with the REST API to receive data from server applications.
Be able to work with the Figma editor, which creates application designs.
Have basic skills in testing your code, including unit testing.
For a backend developer, you must:
1. Program in one of the backend languages, usually PHP, Python, Java, Ruby or the Node platform.js.
2. Master one of the popular frameworks for the chosen language, for example, Laravel for PHP or Django for Python.
3. Be able to work with the Git version control system, which is mandatory for commercial development.
4. Have an understanding of data structures and algorithms for effective organization of web applications.
5. Have skills working with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL or MongoDB, and know the differences between relational and non-relational databases, as well as be able to write queries in SQL.
6. Have knowledge about running Linux servers and using Docker/Kubernetes containers.
A full-stack developer chooses his technology stack depending on the tasks he plans to solve. It also focuses on the development stack adopted by each new team or product. The main thing is to determine your programming preferences (frontend or backend) and choose a programming language. The technology stack and future employment opportunities depend on the choice of language.
Let's look at some popular languages:
JavaScript is the most popular programming language for creating website interfaces. It has significantly improved the user experience by allowing interactive elements to be created and enriching the look of web pages.
PHP is the oldest and simplest programming language for web applications. It is widely used to create simple websites and content management systems.
Python is a universal programming language that is used for web development, machine learning, and data analysis.
Java is a more complex language used to develop highly loaded applications such as banking systems and financial instruments.
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment on the server that facilitates the development of full-stack applications. It allows developers to use JavaScript to create both the front-end and backend, which increases their potential employment opportunities and the development of their own projects.
What is a complex web project?
Every significant work is a skilful set of specific operations that strive to develop a comprehensive product. Such projects require at least 2,500 man-hours to complete.
Characteristics of complex works:
Complex structure — multiple integrations involving business units and processes;
The need to create a comprehensive accounting system and automate all key business processes, combining sales channels with production, supplies and logistics;
Multi-level coordination of documents and requests;
High load — simultaneous user interaction with a website or platform;
Increased data security requirements;
System complexity — relationships within the project, a large number of tables in databases;
The need to calculate a large number of parameters — individual prices, exchange rates, delivery times, etc.
Examples of our complex work:
Development of a personal account for corporate clients, taking into account the company's business processes and integration with the information system. This tool provides customers with access to up-to-date information from your accounting system. The cabinet is suitable for wholesale online stores, companies with a large number of corporate clients, manufacturers with an extensive dealer network.
Implementation and launch of an HR portal with corporate design, companies, news, services and other additional options. This portal increases the efficiency of the HR department and allows you to publish information for employees on a common platform. Suitable for companies with strict corporate requirements.
Automation of commercial processes in online pharmacies and medical manufacturing companies through an online store.
Implementation of a CRM system in the company's sales department with non-standard business processes, automation of work and staff training.
Creating an internal marketplace for use within the company to order materials, work tools, and other inventory items. This speeds up the execution of requests from employees.
Integration of the website with several external services — accounting systems, CRM and other sites. This is important for working with highly specialized and non-trivial projects.
The format of working with large-scale projects
We perform large-scale tasks using one of two strategies.:
1. Hiring a team (at least 2 people for 3 months).
2. Carrying out iterations with a fixed price (1-3 months, each iteration is from 500 hours).
Both models include weekly (or daily) discussions with our specialists so that customers are always aware of the work process. We also provide the necessary information about the progress of the project, its stages and the role of client experts. Let's look at the approach that is used in the INTERVAL.
Collaboration with an experienced project team brings many benefits in achieving results. We recommend hiring a team if the following conditions are met:
1. The project requires at least 6 people/months.
2. The team is fully dedicated to the project and knows all its subtleties.
