Building websites and web apps requires a number of interconnected skills. The web development field is a broad one, combining popular coding languages like JavaScript and Python, markup and styling with HTML and CSS, and collaboration tools like Github and Bitbucket.

Some of the most common careers among those who learn web development include:

  • Web Developer
  • Front End Developer
  • Full Stack Developer
  • Python Developer
  • JavaScript Developer
  • Game Developer

These are not the only career paths open to professionals who study this discipline. In fact, not everyone who studies web development even finds a role with “Developer” in the name. Other titles for web pros include:

In order to better understand whether web development is for you, you’ll need to research the basics of the process. Once you know more about the different roles, you can decide which aspects of development interest you most.

Breaking Down the Types of Development

The web development process is made up of three types: front end, back end, and full stack. Let’s examine each.

Front End Development

At the beginning, or front end, of web development, a number of tasks are required before a development professional begins work on the project. These can include anything from target marketing to copywriting.

Once the Front End Developer has all the components needed, the process begins. Development at this level includes programming the site’s appearance and making it navigable. Front End Developers typically code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and use tools like SASS and GitHub.

Back End Development

Back End Developers are tasked with integrating front end components to complete the website or app. If the front end is the client side or user side, the back end is the server side or behind-the-scenes part of the project. A Back End Developer may have expertise in languages like Python and Java, and work with databases or servers.

Full Stack

The combination of front end and back end development is called full stack development. A true Full Stack Developer runs the entire development process, which can include not only databases and servers, but even some design and systems engineering. Many companies hire a single developer for this demanding position, with the understanding that the employee is essentially filling two roles.

Web Development Bootcamps and Certificate Programs

As a class of employment, technology has a career outlook that’s brighter than ever. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the Web Developers and Digital Designers category to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030, thanks to the continuous expansion of e-commerce.

Recent surveys show tech jobs as the most desirable in the country. Glassdoor’s 50 Best Jobs in America for 2022 shows four of the top five are in tech:

  • Enterprise Architect
  • Full Stack Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Devops Engineer

With so many tech jobs opening, you might wonder what’s the best approach to learning? You could take a class or two to get started, or you could major in Computer Science or Web & Mobile Application Development. The problems most students have with either of these options are usually two-fold: time and money.

While a short class will offer you some training, you can’t build a career from it; and at $50,000 or more, four-year degree programs are far too expensive and time-consuming for many.

Stepping into the middle ground, web development bootcamps and certificate programs offer intensive training in a much more condensed time frame. Consider the following courses from Noble Desktop:

  1. Full Stack Web Development Certificate - This comprehensive training program takes students from beginner to Full Stack Developer in 12 weeks full-time or nine months part-time. Topics include:
    1. JavaScript
    2. HTML
    3. CSS
    4. React
    5. MongoDB
  • Front End Web Development Certificate - Want to study front end development? A less intensive option than the Full Stack Web Development program, the course includes WordPress website building in addition to advanced HTML/CSS bootcamps. You can always learn more about back end web development at a later date, but this certificate is a great way to begin a career as a Front End Developer. 
  • Software Engineering Certificate - Many full stack development positions are essentially full stack engineering positions with a different title. Depending on your goals, Noble Desktop’s Software Engineering Certificate might be your best bet. This program also emphasizes JavaScript and HTML/CSS, but includes training in Python development with Django, in addition to other topics.
  • JavaScript Development Certificate - If you plan to be a JavaScript Developer, the JavaScript Development certificate will save you time and money. You should have some familiarity with HTML and CSS before applying to this portfolio-centered program. Featured subjects include:
    • React Native
    • React.js
    • Node.js
    • Express.js
    • MongoDB

The Benefits of Mentoring

Among the many benefits of the certificate learning model, 1-on-1 mentoring stands out as one of the greatest.

There’s little to no opportunity for mentoring in a one or two-day class. Yet the longest programs, those of colleges and universities, typically offer mentoring only in the form of academic advisors. This can be valuable, but it most likely won’t include dialing in language on a resume or help preparing for job interviews.

Noble Desktop’s bootcamps and certificate programs bridge the gap by keeping class sizes small, providing mentoring, and teaching students to build project-based portfolios.

Mentors can help with the following:

  • Clarifying and expanding on concepts
  • Mastering course materials
  • Portfolio review
  • Resume and LinkedIn profile review
  • Career advice and guidance

What Graduates Say

When asked if web development bootcamps are worth it, most students unequivocally answer: “Yes!”

A graduate from the Full Stack Web Developer Certificate program says, “Since receiving my certificate, I’ve received numerous job offers across a variety of industries.” 

Another web development student landed a job with Keurig Dr Pepper after graduating. He says, “Noble Desktop’s instructors answered my questions and introduced the web development concepts and resources I would need to produce excellent work.”

One of Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate’s graduates adds, “All code is explained in terms of both function and applicable shortcuts to make utilizing it easier.”

Whether you want to launch a career as a Full Stack Developer or qualify to become a Product Manager at your company, a targeted bootcamp or certificate program can put you on track in a field that’s both personally and financially rewarding.

Learn more about Noble Desktop web development programs.