Web Development: Definition, Types, Work Process, How to Learn

Web development is one very interesting field of work to consider. If you look at job vacancy sites, positions related to web development are always available with quite promising salaries. This means that the profession of web developer is much sought after and needed by companies.

Are you interested in web development and interested in becoming a web developer? Let’s find out the ins and outs of web development in this article! Read it to the end.

Definition of Web Development

Web Development Definition, Types, Work Process, How to Learn

Reporting from Hubspot, web development is a general term for the work carried out to build a website. This covers everything from markup, coding to scripting, network configuration and CMS development.

According to Techopedia, web development in a broader sense includes all the actions, updates and operations needed to build, maintain and manage a website. This aims to ensure the website has optimal performance, user experience and speed.

Why is Web Development Important?

The number of internet users is increasing very rapidly. It can be said that the internet has become the main portal and media for conducting research, education, or simply seeking entertainment. Reporting from We Are Social, global internet users as of April 2022 reached more than 5 billion people or around 63 percent of the world’s population.

Currently the website is a place for someone to find various information. In addition, the website is also very useful for a business as a means of branding and promotion.

For this reason, web development is a promising and highly developed industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in web development in the period 2020-2030 will grow by 13% faster than most careers in other technology fields.

Types of Web Development

Want to become a web developer? Eits, wait a minute. You must first know and understand that there are various types of careers in the field of web development with different assignments. Then, what are they?

1. Frontend Web Development

Frontend development is a type of web development related to the appearance of the website. For example, such as website menu navigation, layout, graphics and others. This task is carried out by a frontend web developer.

Frontend web developers are tasked with building a website interface that can help users use the website and find information easily.

To become a frontend web developer, you must master at least 3 programming languages: HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Apart from that, frontend web developers must also make sure the website has a responsive appearance. So, whatever device is used, the appearance of the website will look neat and can adjust to the size of the device screen.

Therefore, frontend web developers must also be able to use frameworks such as Angular and React. By using this framework, frontend web developers can more easily develop website interfaces that are more attractive and professional.

2. Backend Web Development

If the frontend web development is concerned with what the user can see, then the backend WD is the opposite. Backend web development and frontend web development must always work together so that the website development process can run well.

Backend web development is the process of building a website from “behind the scenes” alias that cannot be seen by the user. Starting from databases, server operating systems, security systems, to the Application Programming Interface (API).

To carry out the web development process from the backend side, you must master programming languages ​​for the server side, such as PHP, Python and SQL. On the backend there are also various frameworks that developers need to master such as Django, CodeIgniter, and Rails. 

Like the frontend, the framework in the backend development also functions to facilitate  workflow  in working on websites, considering that the framework already has a framework and structure that is useful for making websites. 

3. Fullstack Web Development

The next type of web development is full stack WD. Here, the developer does frontend and backend work at the same time. This means that a full stack web developer must be able to make the appearance and features of the website while ensuring the security and speed of the website from the server side can run optimally.

Developers in charge of fullstack web development must master more programming languages ​​and frameworks.

Not only that, fullstack web developers must also be able to do debugging, develop applications, troubleshoot, and even create new features.

Web Development Work Process

In developing a website, there are many processes that must be carried out, and of course it is not easy. Remember, every website development has a process that varies depending on the type of website, the resources owned, and the programming language used.

Even so, in general the web development work process is divided into seven stages. Here’s an explanation.

1. Planning (Planning)

In order for the web development process to run smoothly, you need to determine a website creation plan. Starting from the purpose of making a website, target audience, navigation structure, to the budget you have.

2. Designing

After the web development planning has been carefully planned, the next step is website design. At this stage, the appearance of the website is designed using a sitemap and wireframe.

A sitemap is a sketch that contains correlations between various pages on a website. Through a sitemap, developers can estimate the ease of use for users in finding information or services on a website.

While the wireframe is the visual interface of the website that will be made by the developer. This feature is missing design elements like logos and colors. Wireframe is related to the elements that will be added to the website page.

3. Implementation (Coding)

The next stage is the implementation stage in web development, namely compiling the program code. At this stage, developers will use various programming languages ​​and frameworks.

This stage is handled by the frontend developer who works closely with the backend developer or directly by the full stack developer.

  • Creating Frontend Websites

In the process of working on frontend web development, you need a combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The combination of the three coding is to make menu navigation, website fonts, and responsive website designs. In short, this stage will convert the wireframe into a real website project with various elements such as color graphics, typography, buttons, animations, menus, and so on.

  •  Creating Backend Websites

For the frontend to work, it needs back-end development. It takes two components in backend development, namely database and server.

The database serves to organize, store, and process the data requested by the server. While the server is hardware or software that has the function of sending, receiving, and processing data requests from browsers or clients.

After having these two components, the backend developer will work on the coding process, database management, and managing the website (infrastructure).

4. Testing and Deployment

To detect whether there are bugs in the system, there must be a thorough, rigorous and repetitive testing or testing phase. Right before you do website settings to connect to the server.

In this stage, the website is tested in terms of functionality, compatibility, usability, performance, and so on. Not only that, all program code scripts must also be tested to ensure that the website can be loaded and performs properly on all platforms and devices.

5. Post-deployment and Maintenance

Once the website is launched, the web development process does not just stop. There is still work to be done after the website has been launched and disseminated. Starting from general updates, website maintenance, and also adding new features if needed.

Post-deployment and maintenance of this website serves to continuously improve the functions and features of the website in line with new needs.

How to Learn Web Development

After knowing the meaning of web development, its types, and the work process, maybe you are wondering, how do you learn WD?

1. Choose the right specialty

As previously explained, there are three types of web development with different tasks and skills.

Well, for that you need to choose the right specialization. Which specialization do you want to choose: frontend, backend, or fullstack web developer. Another thing to consider is the programming language and tools that you will have to master later.

After knowing about the programming languages ​​and tools used by each type of developer, you can determine which one you want to learn with focus.

2. Learn a programming language

After determining the specialization you want to take, then you need to learn a programming language that suits the type of development you choose.

Self-study in learning web development also does not hurt. Quite a lot of people have succeeded in becoming web developers by self-taught. However, independent study will certainly be more difficult and more challenging.

The solution is, you can learn programming languages ​​through online classes at Gamelab. At Gamelab, there are many choices of coding classes  that are complete with effective and fun learning methods. You can learn from anywhere through LMS Gamelab and you can also access forums and class discussions. 

In addition, online classes at Gamelab also use the  active learning method,  so you can more actively participate in the learning process. That way, the material you learn will be easier to understand. After passing the class, you will get an e-certificate which will add value to your career.

3. Follow the Bootcamp

If you want to learn web development more effectively, you can take part in the bootcamp program. Within a certain period of time, you and other bootcamp participants will be guided and guided directly by experienced and professional trainers.

One of the bootcamps that you can join is Career Bootcamp Offline Full Stack Web Development Batch 2 at Gamelab. In this bootcamp, you can learn fullstack WD offline and intensively at the Gamelab office. In addition, after graduating from this program, bootcamp participants will immediately be assisted in distributing work to Gamelab Indonesia’s hiring partners.

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