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What is Front End Web Development?

Front end web development is the process of coding the parts of a webpage or web application that a user directly interacts with. This includes the visual elements, links, interactive assets, and the text displayed on the webpage. Although the skeleton of front end development is almost universally done in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), which have been the foundation of modern web design since the 1980s, developers use many different programming languages (most commonly JavaScript, but there is a range of options) to program the interactive and live updating elements that audiences have come to expect from modern web applications. As companies are placing a premium on their web presence, professionals with front end development skills are becoming highly sought after, making this a good skill set to learn if you are interested in pursuing a career in a high-paying, in-demand field.

The Foundation of All Websites

All web pages need to have front end code written to inform a web browser how to display the page and how user interactions should be handled. While there are ways to shortcut this process or to build webpages using templates, no webpage can exist without a dedicated front end development process. Learning how to code the front end of web applications will necessitate learning a few common coding languages and processes.

HyperText Markup Language (HTML)

HTML is a collection of tags that are added to elements of a web application’s front end code that inform web browsers how to distinguish between various elements of the visual display. It is the basic framework or the bones of a webpage. HTML is necessary for producing readable web applications and it makes it possible to include things like images, links, or interactive assets on a webpage. HTML tags, for example, are what informs your web browser to separate this paragraph from the subject headings above and below it, and it is what informs your web browser to redirect you to a different page when you click on this link to Noble Desktop’s Learn HTML/CSS Hub.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

CSS is the language used to inform a web browser how it should display HTML elements visually. While HTML is used to distinguish between elements of a web application, CSS gives those elements uniform display instructions regardless of what web browser or platform you are using to view the webpage. For example, CSS is the language that will inform your web browser to display this text in Arial size 11 font and to bold these words. It also serves the vital function of ensuring that the visual aspects of a webpage are scaled and normalized for every display setting and web browser, ensuring that a web application is visually appealing and functional regardless of how your audience is viewing it. CSS is the muscle and the fat of a webpage.

JavaScript

While HTML/CSS are essential languages for modern web design and development, they are still programming languages developed in the mid-90s, and webpages designed with only HTML/CSS will almost certainly look like webpages from that era. If you want to design a webpage that looks like it was updated this century, you’ll want to learn how to program using languages like JavaScript. It provides the outer layer or skin of a webpage.

JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages worldwide because of its flexibility and ease of use. JavaScript allows you to add complex, interactive elements to your webpages, including dynamic scrolling, live updating information (like news feeds), and ecommerce functionalities. Furthermore, students who learn advanced JavaScript skills can begin building database functionalities into webpages without learning other languages. They can start designing and developing programs for the Internet of Things, which is a network of connected devices that communicate with one another through the transfer of data without human involvement.

The Process of Creating a Website: From Design to Development

Website development is a term used to encapsulate all of the work that goes into building a website. It includes elements like markup, coding, scripting, network configuration, and CMS development. A lot of work goes into creating a website and web developers often choose an area to specialize in, although there are Full Stack Developers who do it all. Whatever area of web development you choose to concentrate on, the process of creating a website is pretty much the same. The process will vary slightly depending on the genre of the site. For instance, the steps to building an ecommerce store will have different needs than that of a site for a magazine.

Many Front End Web Developers, particularly freelancers and those working for small companies or firms, are involved in the design process of webpages and websites. Design refers to the creative process of deciding how a finished webpage looks and feels once it is built. The development process refers to coding the webpage into a working final product. Design also encompasses user interface design issues, which is how the application looks and the user experience design. This encompasses how the application feels when it is in the hands of real-world users. While not all designers are developers and not all developers are designers, students learning HTML/CSS and JavaScript may want to consider enrolling in classes that teach web design principles as well, particularly those who are looking to build webpages for personal projects or business ventures.

Careers for Front End Developers

The Internet has become an integral part of everyday life. Everyday, users come to the Internet several times a day to do a variety of tasks from shopping and researching to problem-solving and seeking entertainment. There are billions of Internet users worldwide, and more and more people gain access each year. Many of the new websites being built are for businesses, personal brands, and blogs, and they need web developers to give them a better chance at standing out on a saturated Internet. The existing sites are looking for developers to maintain and update well-established websites. These factors are contributing to the field of web development expanding rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2032 web developer employment will have grown by 16%. This is considerably faster than other tech jobs. Web development is a career that has real longevity and relative security.

Front End Developers mainly work with the client side of websites. That means that as a Front End Web Developer, you’ll be handling the parts of a website that Internet users interact with. This includes designing and developing the visual aspects like the layout and navigation. Your job is to ensure that the website can function properly without being in continuous communication with the Internet. Proper coding on the front end allows users to interact with a website, play videos, highlight text, and manipulate images. Front End Developers have a big role to play in the user experience area of projects.

Front end web development skills are, unsurprisingly, used by Front End Web Developers. These professionals will work on building, maintaining, and updating the front end of a web application or website. They are often employed by firms specializing in developing webpages, though plenty of other companies of varying sizes will often employ in-house developers as well. Additionally, there is no shortage of freelance web development work. There are a lot of hiring options for anyone who has chosen a career in web development. Front End Developers often work alongside designers to code finished web applications and webpages. So it’s important to be proficient in various programming languages, with JavaScript likely being the most important to know.

In the US, Front End Web Developers earn an average salary of about $112,000. This of course will vary according to your geographical location, your experience, and your education. If you’re an entry-level Front End Web Developer with basic skills, you will likely earn less than another entry-level peer who has skills or certifications in multiple programming languages and specialized software like Tableau. There are different Tableau tools and each is better suited to specific tasks. If you’re trained in Tableau Server, you’ll be a better candidate for a data warehouse position or systems administration.

If you decide to be a freelance Front End Web Developer, you’ll have more autonomy and schedule flexibility. But you won’t have the perceived stability of a traditional nine to five with a pension, 401K, and health benefits built in. You’ll need to generate your own business and woo clients, and you’ll get to work with different clients, taking on different challenges that will truly expand your portfolio. You’re also more likely to have more satisfaction in your career and experience great successes and a wider and more diverse professional network. As you gain experience, your career will begin to develop and you may decide to become a consultant. Not only will you be earning more, but you’ll also have the power to interview potential clients to learn whether or not they’re a good fit for the way you work and what you have to offer.

Should you decide you want to be a Front End Developer at a company where you have more guarantees, the career path can look very different than that of a freelance developer. Early on in your career, you’ll likely spend a lot of time coding, conducting customer research, working in teams, troubleshooting code, and attending meetings with clients to learn what they’re looking for. But as you gain more experience, you’ll be given more complex tasks and gain more autonomy. Senior Developers spend less time coding than they did in their early years, and they often are team leaders. They’re seasoned vets who can mentor and direct entry-level developers and manage more complex tasks. Technical Directors manage entire departments, making decisions on staff, budgets, and tools, and there won’t be a large demand for you to do actual coding. Beyond this are Chief Technical Officers, who don’t have to do the coding anymore. Instead, they’re concerned with creating policies, procedures, and goals for development teams, while making decisions regarding new products, features, and major investments for the company.

Web Developers who also train in the process of constructing the back-end of a web application can find work as Full Stack Web Developers. These professionals will code the client-facing side of a web application and the server and database infrastructure that allows for complex functionalities like search functions. In addition to knowing how to code in HTML/CSS and JavaScript, Full Stack Developers must know programming languages for back-end development tasks. Common back-end programming languages include SQL, Python, Ruby, and the MERN stack of JavaScript libraries. Full Stack Developers require more training than Front End Developers, but they tend to earn more money due to their ability to handle both ends of a website. In the US, a Full Stack Web Developer earns an average salary of about $128,000 annually.

Whether you choose to work for a company or yourself, there are different types of Front End Developers. Mobile App Developers specialize in creating cross-platform mobile apps and the user-facing aspects of mobile apps. UI Designers are all about the business of the visual design of a web application or website, including the layout and typography. UX Designers specialize in the user experience, from usability and accessibility to user satisfaction by conducting user research, creating user personas, and designing user flows. Game Developers specialize in the front end of games, designing things like graphics and interactive elements.

Front end web development requires more than just programming skills. While it’s imperative for Front End Web Developers to have programming and coding skills in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, they also need strong analytical skills and attention to detail. The simplest typo can result in a 404 error, so it’s important that developers be patient, focused, and objective when rereading their code searching for inefficiencies and errors. They also need to be logical thinkers, who can solve problems using logic. Logical thinking makes it easier to learn programming languages and break down code into its core parts to better predict logical and desired outcomes. Creativity is also a must, because clients want both form and function in their websites, with solutions that are elegant, beautiful, and profitable. Part of the job is creating these solutions with site performance in mind. Communication skills are important because open lines of communication with clients and team members make for a smoother workflow, less tension, and more easily solved technical issues.

Best Front End Developer Classes

If you are looking to learn front end web development skills, there are quite a few options available. Students can slowly build up their technical coding skills in introductory courses or jump right into a career-focused bootcamp that will help them prepare to start a new job in web development. They can also choose to learn more advanced programming skills that will prepare them for work as Full Stack Web Developers, such as Python and C++. Most front end development classes will include JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. They’ll also cover website design principles, various developer tools, and the JQuery library. There are a lot of classes to choose from, and some will take a slower approach, while others include advanced techniques that will better prepare students for entry-level job positions.

Students looking for a comprehensive front end web development training course can enroll in Noble Desktop’s Front End Web Development Certificate program. In this course, students will learn how to write code using HTML/CSS and JavaScript and how to build web applications from scratch. In addition, students will learn how to work with WordPress, the internet's most popular content management system. They will use WordPress templates to apply their HTML/CSS and JavaScript skills to build web applications. This career-focused course is aimed at helping students prepare to find work as professional developers, so all the exercises are hands-on examples of building practical web applications. By the end of the program, students will have built a robust portfolio of working web applications and will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one career mentorship from experts in the field.

Students with the time to invest in an even more advanced training program can enroll in the Full Stack Web Development Certificate program. Students enrolled in this course will learn how to program all aspects of a web application and get hands-on experience working with a wide range of programming languages and libraries. No prior experience is required, and students will learn from the ground up, training in HTML/CSS and JavaScript for front end development. Then, students will learn how to write code for the back-end of a web application using SQL, Ruby, and the MERN stack of JavaScript libraries. This course will provide students with all of the skills they need to start writing complex web applications with database functionalities and interactive user elements. By the end of the program, students will be ready for a job in full-stack development, and the course will assist them through portfolio-building workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions.

General Assembly offers an immersive Front End Web Development course for students looking to learn how to write code for the user side of a web application. This course will teach students how to program using HTML/CSS and JavaScript, focusing on creating interactive user interfaces for webpages. Students will learn how to build dynamic, responsive web applications and focus on ensuring that a webpage delivers what users will expect from a modern design (which varies depending on the application's primary function). This career-focused training program will connect students to a network of alumni and help them prepare their application materials with portfolio-building workshops.

Students looking for a shorter, introductory course may want to consider something like Ledet Training’s Open Source HTML & CSS 101 course. This class will introduce students to the process of writing code in HTML and CSS, and it will give them hands-on experience tagging web elements and creating working interactive webpages. This course serves as an ideal introduction to computer science broadly and can be a good place for students to experiment and discover if continuing their web development training is a good path for them to follow. This course offers students the opportunity to build their confidence as programmers, and they can either follow up with more advanced HTML/CSS classes (or dedicated front end development courses) or they can take the practical skills they learned and begin working on their basic web development projects.

Skills to Learn Alongside Front End Web Development

If you’re serious about making a successful career in front end web development, other technical skills can get you closer to your goals. WordPress is a very popular website builder that does all of the back-end work for you. If you learn the ins and outs of this powerful website builder, you’ll be able to launch a successful freelance web development career or apply those skills to your traditional job. More than 40% of all Internet websites use WordPress according to a study done by W3Techs in 2022.

In addition to WordPress, it can be useful to take a class in web design. Whether your creative energy needs a little guidance or a jump start, learning web design best practices will help you to create websites that are engaging and memorable. Even if you don’t go into User Experience Design or User Interface Design, you will still need to know what makes a website visually appealing and how to achieve a client’s aesthetic goals for their site.

Other helpful skills to have include an understanding of responsive design to ensure that the website is properly viewed on any device, cross-browser development to ensure that the site remains the same no matter what Internet browser it’s being viewed on, and APIs so that you can add interactive elements like weather applications and instant messengers to a website. Learning about different frameworks and libraries can streamline your website building. They hold templates and tools that can give you a headstart, so every site you create doesn’t have to be from scratch.

Do You Need to Become a Full Stack Developer?

The short answer is no, and here’s why. A Full Stack Developer knows front and back-end development, and while that can be a good choice for developers who want to know it all, people often end up liking one side or another better. Some people who call themselves Full Stack Developers are primarily Back End Developers because they are not very good with CSS (like a Front End Developer must be). This creates the need for good Front End Developers as well. Neither of the three options is better, per se. It all depends on your strengths and interests. For those who are truly flexible and can do both front end and back-end tasks well, full-stack is a good choice. But if you find yourself excelling in a particular area, develop it, because there are lots of employers who are looking for your expertise and niche focus.

What Does a Back End Developer Do?

There are also Back End Developers. Their job is to create what powers a website. Things like database management and server-side languages like Ruby are some of the skills needed. Back end development covers data storage, retrieval, and processing. There are many coding languages that Back End Developers can use to keep a website’s behind-the-scenes running efficiently, reliably, and securely. As a Back End Developer, you’ll be taking care of the database, developing APIs that make communication between the server and the client-side of the application possible, and managing server configuration. This job also requires you to dabble in cybersecurity, making sure the website is free from attacks like SQL injections and that it can handle a large volume of traffic without crashing. It’s important to have strong problem-solving, programming, and server administration skills as a Back End Developer because the front end does not exist without the back-end.

There are also different types of Back End Developers. Web Application Developers specialize in server code for web applications. Database Developers design and maintain databases. DevOps Engineers manage the infrastructure and deployment of web applications. Security Developers protect against data breaches and other cyber threats. API Developers create and maintain APIs that allow different software systems to communicate with one another. Middleware Developers develop and maintain the software that connects different parts of an application.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Front End Web Development?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Front end development courses can span days, weeks, months, or even years. Keep in mind that you’ll need lots of additional practice beyond class. There are web developers who have degrees in computer science, there are self-taught developers, and there are developers who go through training courses. When it comes to front end development, it’s more about your skills and portfolio than the route you took to a career in web development. Bootcamps usually run for eight to 12-weeks. Some self-paced courses can take up to one year to complete. How long it takes you to complete a course will depend on the type of course you choose, your level of commitment to the course material, your learning style, and your ability to retain and apply the skills you’re learning.

The very first thing you’ll want to do when learning front end web development is start learning how to code HTML and CSS. These two coding languages are at the core of front end development. You can do this in a matter of weeks or days, depending on the learning route you take. At this point, you are ready to take on some freelance front end developing gigs, but most companies will want you to have more experience and skill before hiring you. Once you’ve got a good grasp on these two, you can add JavaScript to your repertoire. This entire process can happen in a matter of months if you dedicate yourself to the learning process. At that point, you’ll be ready to begin a career as a Front End Web Developer.

If you decide to enroll in a training course to learn these programming languages, you’ll have the added benefit of someone explaining the how and the why to you and being able to ask questions. And, if you choose a course that covers more than these two core coding languages, you will likely be more entry-level job-ready. It’s important to note that these three codes aren’t the only ones you’ll need to know. To stay professionally relevant and offer quality, competitive websites, you’ll need to continue adding skills to your portfolio.

Is It Difficult to Learn Front End Web Development?

Most things in life don’t come easy, and learning how to become a web developer isn’t any different from most other things. For some it will come easy due to their learning style, their ability to retain and apply information, and the way their minds work. As mentioned previously, students who are logical thinkers and have great problem-solving skills are well-suited for this line of work. The ability to think creatively about web development while applying logical thinking and tools comes naturally for some, while others have to work hard to make it all make sense. But if you’re worried that it will be difficult, remind yourself that hard work and dedication will only make you a better front end web developer. It’s easy to take for granted the things that require little to no effort, so if you run into some not-so-easy concepts and you have to put in a little extra effort to grasp them, know that you are all the better for it.

Learning front end development is a worthwhile venture because it is an investment in your future. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or you just want to expand your professional tool kit, front end development training is not a waste of time. With the Internet growing at a steady clip, and more and more people gaining access to the World Wide Web every day, there are billions of Internet users and counting. Not only are there more Internet users, but there are also businesses being created that need an online presence. And as more and more brick-and-mortar locations turn to virtual real estate, they need Front End Web Developers to help them make their mark. The effort and energy that you put into learning this skill will be rewarded for many years to come. There will always be a need for people to code websites to maintain them and create them.

Best Ways to Learn Front End Web Development

Students looking to enroll in a front end web development class must choose what kind of course they want to enroll in. Outside of choosing whether to learn in-person or online, they will also need to choose whether they want to enroll in a live training course or an asynchronous training course. The class that students choose needs to not only fit their schedule and other unique circumstances but also their learning style. The format of the class can greatly impact a student’s learning outcomes as well as their overall experience with the class.

Online or In-Person?

First, students must decide whether they want to learn in-person at a dedicated training facility or online in a virtual classroom. With recent developments in online learning and the proliferation of online learning platforms, opting for an online course can be a legitimate option for students who could otherwise attend an in-person training course. This means that students will need to seriously consider the advantages and disadvantages of each learning option before enrolling in a class.

Many students prefer in-person learning options since the classroom design and proximity to the instructor help them remain focused on the course material. Students enrolled in-person classes can work directly with their instructors and collaborate with their classmates in a more personal and face-to-face way. Being able to pick up on the more subtle social cues and body language is a big part of the classroom experience, and some individuals need that to help reinforce the lessons. These classes also make it very easy for students to ask their instructors questions and receive feedback on their work in real-time, which can be important for reviewing things like complex code.

One drawback to traditional in-person classes is that students are limited to the courses they can physically attend, which can greatly reduce their options in the long term. This is especially true of students who live outside of major metropolitan areas. Students cannot choose their instructor and can only choose from training centers that are proximal to their location. And, when there is a commute involved in attending these classes, there will be hidden costs associated with the course, both in terms of time and money. And if you require special considerations, you’ll need a way to generate captions, work with an interpreter, or obtain another type of educational aid.

Online courses allow students to learn from anywhere, including their home offices, and they can enroll in classes provided by training centers across the country. This will greatly increase a student's options regarding course content and scheduling flexibility, which is important for many students’ long-term success. Students can also learn to code on their personal devices, which can be very important for students looking to work as freelancers or remotely. Online classes also allow students to expand their personal and professional networks further than their immediate geographical area because online classes can be taken from anywhere in the world. Classes can be recorded and viewed again, which can help students gain a better understanding of course content and reinforce lessons.

One disadvantage to online classes is that, even if they are live, there is still a distance between yourself and the instructor, which can require some adjustment, particularly for students who are unfamiliar with online learning. Maintaining contact with instructors and classmates outside of class times is sometimes difficult, making getting feedback less timely. Other disadvantages to online learning include increased distractions, less student engagement, a lack of peer modeling, technical difficulties, and less motivation.

Live Online or On-Demand?

If you commit to an online training program, you’ll also need to decide whether to enroll in a live training program or an on-demand course. Live online training programs mirror the structure of an in-person course, with an instructor providing lessons and guidance in real-time, while on-demand classes are a self-paced option consisting mostly of recorded lectures and materials.

Live online classes are an excellent option for students who want an immersive, personalized training program without having to commute (or those who don’t live near their training center of choice). These courses allow students to work with live instructors who can provide them with feedback and support in real-time as well as examine their code for issues during class exercises. Live online classes still require students to attend regularly scheduled classes at scheduled times, but classes are usually recorded and available for review for a specified amount of time that is determined by the training center.

On-demand classes give students additional flexibility in their learning, which can be important from both a time and curriculum standpoint. Students can pick up and put down their lessons as needed, and they can learn outside the space of a traditional classroom schedule. Students with significant work or family obligations may find that they don’t have a choice in the matter, and they need the flexibility of these classes to complete their lessons.

The biggest drawback is that because students won’t have access to a live instructor in these courses, feedback doesn’t happen in real-time. Questions are usually handled through email or a support center. Some support centers are accessible 24/7, while others have set hours. Some training centers offer live Q&A sessions, community forums, and message boards to students to help manage questions and facilitate a more personal learning experience. Students should be aware that with self-paced courses it is much easier to fall behind, become lost, or otherwise lose focus on their lessons when there is little to no accountability and oversight. Even the most reputable on-demand training programs can become outdated, particularly if hosted on an aggregation platform. These classes are a good way to learn basic skills or pick up specific skills (by finding a course that teaches something very specific, like how to create a clickable link in an image using JavaScript), but students looking for more detailed training should consider other options if they can attend an in-person or live online class.

Janelle Davis

Janelle Davis has spent over a decade crafting content that breaks down technical subjects for various audiences. With a Master's in Literacy Education from SUNY Oswego, she combines educational expertise with clear writing. Through her work at Noble Desktop, she has explained course materials covering programming concepts and design principles. Her experience includes developing content on Python programming, Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, software engineering, CAD systems, and data analysis. Janelle quickly grasps technical topics through thorough research, then transforms specialized information into content that connects with both technical and non-technical readers.

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Learn More About Front-End Web Development Courses

What is Front End Web Development?

The Foundation of All Websites

HyperText Markup Language (HTML)

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

JavaScript

The Process of Creating a Website: From Design to Development

Careers for Front End Developers

Best Front End Developer Classes

Skills to Learn Alongside Front End Web Development

Do You Need to Become a Full Stack Developer?

What Does a Back End Developer Do?

How Long Will It Take to Learn Front End Web Development?

Is It Difficult to Learn Front End Web Development?

Best Ways to Learn Front End Web Development

Online or In-Person?

Live Online or On-Demand?

Front-End Web Development Courses by School

Web Development Certificate

Front-End Engineering

Front-End Web Development Short Course (Online)

React Development Short Course (Online)

Open Source HTML & CSS 101

Open Source jQuery 101

Open Source JavaScript 101

Adobe Dreamweaver 101

Full-Stack Developer Summer Program

HTML Part 1

HTML Part 2

CSS Part 1

CSS Part 2

HTML & CSS

Front-End Web Development: CODEWAVE™

Front End Javascript Web Developer Immersive

Front End Javascript Web Developer Evening

Front-End Web Development Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Front-End Web Development Training Map & Top Locations

80 Courses Available Live Online

22 Courses Available in Chicago

21 Courses Available in Los Angeles

17 Courses Available in Washington, D.C.

17 Courses Available in NYC

14 Courses Available in Boston

14 Courses Available in Denver

13 Courses Available in Houston

13 Courses Available in Phoenix

11 Courses Available in Atlanta

10 Courses Available in San Francisco

10 Courses Available in Baltimore

8 Courses Available in St. Louis

8 Courses Available in Detroit

7 Courses Available in Charlotte

7 Courses Available in Austin

6 Courses Available in Orlando

6 Courses Available in Tampa

5 Courses Available in NJ

4 Courses Available in Virginia

3 Courses Available in CT

Careers & Salaries Related to Front-End Web Development

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Front-End Web Development Topics

HTML & CSS

JavaScript & jQuery

React

Front-End Web Development
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