Websites are built from multiple different technologies which are usually referred to as a stack. A stack is essentially the layers of technology that make up a website or web application. Developers can choose to specialize in one part of the stack or the whole thing. There are special roles for developers who work on the front end of a website, the part that users interact with, or the back end, the behind the scenes technology that powers the website.
Developers with a broad focus on the full stack can find jobs as Full Stack Developer, Software Engineer, Web Developer, or the more niche .NET Developer. This versatile path into web development also sets developers up for future roles as Software Project Manager or Product Manager. Product Managers and Project Managers within software must be familiar with every aspect of the tech stack and the best practices for each phase of development.
Those specializing in the front end can look for roles like Front End Developer, JavaScript Developer, or Web Designer. These roles focus on designing the front end of the website, building the user interface and the look and feel of the website, or making it dynamic and interactive.
Developers who work on the back end of a website will find roles like Back End Developer or positions that specialize in a specific programming language such as Python Developer or Ruby Developer.
Web Development Career Options
Here are a few career paths for which you’ll likely need Web Development skills in order to succeed. We also include additional info about their average salaries, their day-to-day responsibilities, and a link to learn more about each career.
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Web Developer
Web developers build webpages using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They program functionality and identify/troubleshoot errors in code. Web developers can work on front-end development (the part of the website you see in a web browser), or on back-end development (the logic and database functionality that runs on the web server). Others work as full-stack developers, providing end-to-end (front to back) expertise.
Learn about becoming a Web Developer -
Software Engineer
Software engineers use their extensive knowledge of user experience design, operating systems, and programming languages to develop software. They can create different types of software, from games to operating systems. After analyzing a client's needs, they design, develop, and test software to meet that need. Software engineers can be divided into two distinct career categories: application engineers and systems engineers.
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Product Manager
Product managers guide product development from ideation to market. Starting with consumer and market research, they use their understanding of customer wants and needs to inform product development and go-to-market strategy. They will work closely with engineering, marketing, sales, and other teams to launch products. After launch, they solicit and analyze feedback on the product to inform future iterations.
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.NET Developer
.NET developers use the Microsoft framework to design, develop, and maintain software applications. Working with computer scientists and web developers, .NET developers create original code to meet client needs. After development, .NET developers analyze the user experience and iterate as needed.
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Software Project Manager
Software project managers lead software development projects from concept to completion. Using their deep expertise in scheduling, budgeting, sequencing, and resource allocation, software project managers are critical in a software project's success. Software project managers must be able to understand and interpret customer and client needs and deliver a completed, functioning product. After development, they will continue to solicit and incorporate user feedback into future iterations.
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Back End Developer
A Back End Developer builds the server-side of a web application and integrates front end development components.
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Python Developer
Python Developers typically choose to focus on back end web development, data science or analysis, scripting, or product development. They build the server side of websites, processes for data analysis, and create automation scripts.
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Full Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers build web applications for both the visible front end that users see and the back end that powers the applications.
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JavaScript Developer
JavaScript Developers write JavaScript code that defines the behavior of the visual elements of a web application or web page and connect it with back end services. Sometimes, they are responsible for a whole website, including design. Other times, they work on only one component.
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Ruby Developer
Ruby Developers write server-side web application logic, usually around the framework, Rails. They also connect the applications they work on with other web services and integrate the Front End Developers’ work.
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Front End Developer
A Front End Developer builds the front end, also called client-side, of a website or web application. Some Front End Developers will update current websites to meet modern standards, create prototypes from wireframes, and use design comps to satisfy the needs of their employer or client.
Learn about becoming a Front End Developer