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Front-end web development is the process of coding the parts of a webpage or web application with which a user directly interacts. 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 built using 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, though others exist) 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 an excellent 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 require front-end code 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 requires learning a few common coding languages and processes.

HyperText Markup Language (HTML)

HTML is a collection of tags 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 allows the inclusion of elements like images, links, or interactive assets on a webpage. HTML tags, for example, inform your web browser to separate this paragraph from the subject headings above and below it, and they tell your web browser to redirect you to a different page when you click on this link to Noble Desktop’s Learn HTML and 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 provides those elements with consistent display instructions regardless of what web browser or platform is used to view the page. For example, CSS is the language that will instruct 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 optimized for every display setting and web browser, making the application visually appealing and functional regardless of how your audience is viewing it. CSS adds style and structure to a webpage.

JavaScript

While HTML and CSS are essential languages for modern web design and development, they are markup and styling languages developed in the mid-90s, and webpages created using only HTML and CSS will likely resemble websites from that era. If you want to design a webpage that looks like it belongs in the 21st century, you’ll want to learn programming languages like JavaScript. JavaScript adds interactivity and dynamic functionality to 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 also start designing and developing programs for the Internet of Things (IoT), 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 that encompasses all the work involved in building a website. It includes elements like markup, coding, scripting, network configuration, and CMS development. Considerable work goes into creating a website, and web developers often choose an area to specialize in, although there are Full Stack Developers who handle all aspects. Whatever area of web development you choose to focus on, the process of creating a website is generally consistent. The steps will vary slightly depending on the type of site—for instance, the requirements for building an ecommerce store differ from those of a magazine website.

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 will look and feel once it is built. The development process involves coding the webpage into a functional product. Design also includes user interface (UI) design issues, which concern how the application looks, and user experience (UX) design, which refers to how the application feels when used in real-world settings. While not all designers are developers and not all developers are designers, students learning HTML and CSS and JavaScript may want to consider enrolling in classes that teach web design principles, particularly those interested in building webpages for personal projects or business ventures.

Careers for Front-end Developers

The internet has become an integral part of everyday life. Every day, users access the internet multiple times to complete a variety of tasks—from shopping and researching to problem-solving and entertainment. There are billions of internet users worldwide, and more people gain access every 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 of standing out on a saturated internet. Existing websites seek developers to maintain and update well-established pages. These factors are contributing to the field of web development growing rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2032 Web Developer employment will have grown by 16%, significantly faster than many other tech occupations. Web development is a career that offers long-term stability and relative security.

Front-end developers primarily work on the client-side of websites. That means that as a front-end Web Developer, you’ll handle the parts of a website with which internet users interact. This includes designing and developing visual elements such as layout and navigation. Your job is to ensure that the website functions properly without requiring constant communication with the internet. Proper front-end coding allows users to interact with a website, play videos, highlight text, and manipulate images. Front-end developers play a significant role in enhancing the user experience of a project.

Front-end web development skills are, unsurprisingly, used by front-end web developers. These professionals work on building, maintaining, and updating the front-end of a web application or website. They are often employed by firms specializing in webpage development, though many other companies of varying sizes also employ in-house developers. Additionally, there is no shortage of freelance web development work. There are numerous hiring opportunities for anyone pursuing a career in web development. Front-end developers frequently collaborate with designers to code completed web applications and webpages. Therefore, it’s important to be proficient in various programming languages, with JavaScript likely being the most essential.

In the US, front-end web developers earn an average salary of about $112,000. This, of course, will vary based on geographical location, experience, and education. If you’re an entry-level front-end developer with basic skills, you will likely earn less than a peer who has additional skills or certifications in multiple programming languages and specialized software like Tableau. There are different Tableau tools, each suited to specific tasks. For instance, if you’re trained in Tableau Server, you’ll be a stronger candidate for a data warehouse role or a systems administration position.

If you choose to become a freelance front-end Web Developer, you’ll gain more autonomy and schedule flexibility. However, you won’t have the perceived stability of a traditional nine-to-five job with built-in benefits like a pension, 401(k), and health insurance. You’ll need to generate your own business and attract clients, gaining the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that will enhance your portfolio. You’re also more likely to experience greater career satisfaction and develop a broader, more diverse professional network. As you gain experience, your career may evolve, and you could become a consultant. Not only will you earn more, but you’ll also have the ability to interview potential clients to determine whether they’re a good fit for your working style and the services you 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 from that of a freelance developer. Early in your career, you will likely spend significant time coding, conducting customer research, working in teams, troubleshooting code, and attending meetings with clients to understand their needs. As you gain more experience, you’ll be assigned more complex tasks and granted greater autonomy. Senior developers spend less time coding than they did in their early years and often serve as team leaders. They are experienced professionals who can mentor and guide entry-level developers while managing more advanced responsibilities. Technical directors manage entire departments, overseeing staff, budgets, and tools, with little need to perform hands-on coding. Beyond this role are Chief Technical Officers, who no longer write code themselves. Instead, they focus on creating policies, procedures, and goals for development teams while making decisions regarding new products, features, and major company investments.

Web developers who are also trained in building the back-end of web applications can work as full-stack web developers. These professionals code both the client-facing side of a web application and the server/database infrastructure that enables complex functionalities such as search tools. In addition to coding in HTML and CSS and JavaScript, full-stack developers must be proficient in back-end programming languages. Common back-end programming languages include SQL, Python, Ruby, and the MERN stack of JavaScript libraries. Full-stack developers require more extensive training than front-end developers, but they tend to command higher salaries due to their ability to manage 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 for yourself, there are various types of front-end developers. Mobile app developers specialize in creating cross-platform mobile applications and handling their user-facing features. UI designers are focused on the visual design of a web application or website, including layout and typography. UX designers focus on the user experience, addressing usability, accessibility, and satisfaction by conducting user research, creating user personas, and designing user flows. Game developers focus on the front-end aspects of games, including graphics and interactive elements.

Front-end web development requires more than just programming skills. While it’s essential for front-end developers to have strong coding skills in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, they also need strong analytical skills and attention to detail. A simple typo can result in a 404 error, so it’s important that developers remain patient, focused, and objective when reviewing their code and searching for inefficiencies and errors. They must also be logical thinkers who can solve problems methodically. Logical thinking makes it easier to learn programming languages and deconstruct code into its essential components to better predict logical and desired outcomes. Creativity is equally important, as clients seek both form and function—solutions that are elegant, visually appealing, and effective. Part of the job involves creating such solutions with site performance in mind. Communication skills are also critical, as open lines of communication with clients and team members support a smoother workflow, less tension, and easier resolution of 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 gradually build their technical coding skills in introductory courses or jump directly into a career-focused bootcamp that prepares them for entry-level roles 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 instruction in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. They’ll also cover website design principles, various developer tools, and the jQuery library. There are many classes to choose from—some take a slower approach, while others include advanced techniques to better prepare students for job readiness.

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 and 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 widely used content management system. They will use WordPress templates to apply their HTML and CSS and JavaScript skills in real-world projects. This career-focused course is aimed at preparing students to work as professional developers, with all exercises centered on building practical web applications. By the end of the program, students will have developed a robust portfolio and will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one career mentorship from industry experts.

Students who have time to invest in a more advanced training program can enroll in the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate program. Students in this course will learn how to program all aspects of a web application and gain hands-on experience working with a wide range of programming languages and libraries. No prior experience is required—students will start from the ground up, training in HTML and CSS and JavaScript for front-end development. Then, they will learn how to write code for the back-end using SQL, Ruby, and the MERN stack of JavaScript libraries. This course provides students with all the skills they need to build complex web applications with database functionality and interactive user elements. By the end of the program, students will be ready for a career in full-stack development, supported by portfolio-building workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions.

General Assembly offers an immersive Front-End Web Development course for students interested in learning how to write code for the user-facing side of web applications. This course teaches HTML and CSS and JavaScript, with a focus on creating interactive user interfaces for modern webpages. Students learn to build dynamic, responsive web applications and ensure that the webpage delivers what users expect based on the application’s purpose. This career-focused program also connects students to a network of alumni and includes portfolio-building support.

Students looking for a shorter, introductory course may want to consider Ledet Training’s Open Source HTML & CSS 101 course. This class introduces students to coding in HTML and CSS and gives them hands-on experience tagging web elements and creating interactive webpages. It serves as an ideal introduction to computer science and a great opportunity for students to determine whether continuing their web development training is the right path. This course helps students build confidence as programmers, and they can either follow up with more advanced HTML and CSS classes or pursue dedicated front-end development courses, or apply their new skills to 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 help you move closer to your goals. WordPress is a very popular website builder that handles all the back-end work for you. By learning the ins and outs of this powerful platform, you’ll be able to launch a successful freelance web development career or apply those skills in a traditional job setting. More than 40% of all internet websites use WordPress, according to a 2022 study by W3Techs.

In addition to WordPress, it can be helpful to take a class in web design. Whether your creative energy needs guidance or a jump-start, learning web design best practices will help you build websites that are engaging and memorable. Even if you don’t pursue user experience (UX) design or user interface (UI) design as a specialty, you’ll still need to understand what makes a website visually appealing and how to achieve a client’s aesthetic goals.

Other helpful skills include understanding responsive design to ensure the website displays properly on any device, cross-browser development to ensure the site functions consistently across different internet browsers, and APIs so you can add interactive elements like weather widgets and chat features. Learning various frameworks and libraries can streamline your development process by offering prebuilt templates and tools—so you don’t have to build every site from scratch.

Do You Need to Become a Full-Stack Developer?

The short answer is no, and here’s why. A Full-Stack Developer is skilled in both front-end and back-end development. While this can be a great option for those who want to master both areas, many developers find they prefer one side over the other. Some people who call themselves full-stack developers are primarily back-end developers because they may lack proficiency in CSS—an essential front-end skill. This creates a continued demand for highly skilled front-end developers. None of the three paths is inherently better; it all depends on your strengths and interests. If you’re truly flexible and competent in both areas, full-stack development could be a good fit. However, if you excel in a particular discipline, focus on that—because many employers are seeking your expertise and niche specialization.

What Does a Back-End Developer Do?

There are also back-end developers, whose job is to create what powers a website. This includes database management and server-side languages such as Ruby. Back-end development covers data storage, retrieval, and processing. There are many coding languages back-end developers can use to keep a website’s back-end running efficiently, reliably, and securely. As a Back-End Developer, you’ll manage the database, develop APIs that enable communication between the server and the client-side, and oversee server configuration. This job also requires you to address cybersecurity concerns—ensuring the website is protected from attacks like SQL injections and can handle high volumes of traffic without crashing. Strong problem-solving, programming, and server administration skills are essential, as the front-end cannot exist without the back-end.

There are several specializations within back-end development. Web application developers specialize in server-side 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 cyber threats. API developers create and maintain APIs that allow different software systems to communicate. Middleware developers are responsible for 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 substantial practice outside of class. Some web developers hold degrees in computer science, others are self-taught, and many complete training courses. When it comes to front-end development, success depends more on your skills and portfolio than the path you followed. Bootcamps typically run for eight to twelve weeks, while some self-paced courses can take up to a year. The time required to complete a course depends on the type of course, your level of commitment, your learning style, and your ability to retain and apply the skills you’re learning.

The very first step when learning front-end development is to begin by learning to code in HTML and CSS—two core languages of the field. This can be done in a matter of weeks or even days, depending on the learning path you choose. At this stage, you may be ready to take on some freelance front-end development gigs, though most companies will require more experience and skill. Once you have a solid grasp of these two, you can add JavaScript to your toolkit. This entire process can occur over a few months if you commit yourself to learning. 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, you’ll benefit from having an instructor explaining both the how and why behind each concept—and you’ll be able to ask questions along the way. If you choose a course that covers more than these two core coding languages, you will likely be more prepared for an entry-level job. It’s also important to note that these three languages aren’t the only ones you’ll need. To remain professionally relevant and offer high-quality, competitive websites, you’ll need to continue expanding your skill set.

Is It Difficult to Learn Front-End Web Development?

Most worthwhile things in life don’t come easily, and learning to become a Web Developer is no different. For some, it will come naturally due to their learning style, information retention, and problem-solving ability. As previously mentioned, students who are logical thinkers and have strong analytical skills are especially well-suited to this career. The ability to think creatively about web development while applying logic and tools comes naturally to some, while others must work harder to master it. If you’re worried it will be difficult, remember that hard work and dedication will make you a better front-end Web Developer. It’s easy to take for granted the skills that come with little effort, so if you need to put in extra effort to grasp challenging concepts, know that you’re building lasting competence and resilience.

Learning front-end development is a worthwhile investment in your future. Whether you’re aiming to start a new career or simply expand your professional toolkit, front-end development training is time well spent. With the internet growing steadily and more people accessing the World Wide Web every day, there are billions of users and counting. Not only are there more internet users, but there are also new businesses emerging that need a strong online presence. As more brick-and-mortar businesses transition to digital platforms, they need front-end web developers to help them stand out. The time and energy you invest in learning these skills will continue to pay off for years to come—there will always be a need for professionals who can build and maintain websites.

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 take. Beyond deciding whether to learn in-person or online, they will also need to choose between a live training course or a self-paced (asynchronous) training course. The class students choose should fit their schedule, learning style, and personal circumstances. Course format can significantly impact a student’s learning outcomes and overall experience.

Online or In-Person?

Students must first decide whether they prefer to learn in-person at a dedicated training facility or online in a virtual classroom. With advancements in remote learning and the proliferation of online platforms, online courses are now a viable option even for students who have access to in-person training. As a result, it’s important for students to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each format before enrolling.

Many students prefer in-person learning environments, where classroom design and instructor proximity help them stay focused. In-person students can work directly with instructors and collaborate with classmates in a more personal, face-to-face environment. Picking up on subtle social cues and body language is a key part of the classroom experience for many learners. These classes also make it easier to ask questions and receive real-time feedback on their work—particularly useful for reviewing complex code.

One drawback to traditional in-person classes is that students are limited to courses they can physically attend, which may significantly limit their options over time. This is especially true for students living outside major metropolitan areas. They cannot choose their instructor and are restricted to training centers near their location. Commuting to these classes may also result in additional time and financial costs. Furthermore, students who require special accommodations may need to coordinate support such as captioning, interpreters, or other educational aids.

Online courses allow students to learn from anywhere, including from home, and enroll in classes offered by training centers across the country. This greatly expands a student’s options for course content and scheduling flexibility—both important for long-term success. Students can also learn to code on their personal devices, which is especially beneficial for those planning to freelance or work remotely. Online classes also expand professional and personal networks beyond one’s immediate region, since they can be taken from anywhere in the world. Many online classes are recorded for later review, helping reinforce lessons and deepen understanding.

One disadvantage to online learning is that, even in live formats, there remains a degree of separation between students and instructors, which can require adjustment—especially for those new to remote learning. Maintaining communication with instructors and peers outside class hours can be challenging, leading to delayed feedback. Other potential drawbacks include increased distractions, reduced student engagement, limited peer modeling, occasional technical issues, and decreased motivation.

Live Online or On-Demand?

If you choose 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 primarily of recorded lectures and supporting materials.

Live online classes are an excellent option for students who want an immersive, personalized training experience without the need to commute—or for those who live far from their preferred training center. These courses allow students to work with live instructors who can provide immediate feedback, answer questions in real-time, and review and troubleshoot their code during class exercises. Live online classes still require students to attend scheduled sessions at specific times, but classes are often recorded and made available for review for a limited time, as determined by the training provider.

On-demand classes give students additional flexibility in their learning, which can be beneficial in terms of both time management and curriculum pacing. Students can start and stop their lessons as needed, learning independently of a traditional classroom schedule. Those with significant work or family obligations may find that they have limited options and rely on this flexible format to complete their training.

The biggest drawback is that students won’t have access to a live instructor, so feedback doesn’t occur in real-time. Questions are typically addressed via email or through a support center. Some support centers are accessible 24/7, while others have designated hours. Certain training providers offer additional support such as live Q&A sessions, community forums, and message boards to enhance the learning experience. However, students should be aware that self-paced courses come with a higher risk of falling behind, losing focus, or getting lost in the material due to minimal accountability. Even highly reputable on-demand training programs can become outdated, especially if hosted on large course aggregation platforms. These courses are a great way to learn foundational or targeted skills (such as creating a clickable image link using JavaScript), but students seeking comprehensive instruction should consider in-person or live online options whenever possible.

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

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 Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Front-End Web Development Training Map & Top Locations

80 Courses Available Live Online

20 Courses Available in Chicago

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15 Courses Available in Washington, D.C.

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10 Courses Available in Baltimore

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6 Courses Available in St. Louis

6 Courses Available in Detroit

5 Courses Available in NJ

5 Courses Available in Charlotte

5 Courses Available in Austin

4 Courses Available in Orlando

4 Courses Available in Tampa

4 Courses Available in Virginia

3 Courses Available in CT

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