As a web developer, you’re responsible for building the websites that power our daily lives. It’s a job that’s not only in demand, but also highly flexible.

A common question for aspiring web developers is whether or not they can make a career out of it without any formal education. While a degree isn’t necessary, it can help you gain credibility with employers and improve your chances of landing a web developer job.

What is a web developer?

Web developers program computer code to create websites and other internet-based software. Their work requires strong computer skills, a logical mind, and a desire to learn new programming languages.

They build and maintain websites that are user friendly, including features such as forms to capture email addresses or payment details and messages to thank customers for their business. They also ensure that the sites they create are compatible with browsers, devices, and operating systems.

A web developer may specialize in front-end or back-end development. Those who do both are considered full-stack developers. They understand how all of the different layers of a website interact, and can guide a team through the entire process.

What skills do I need to become a web developer?

Web developers need a range of skills, including computer programming knowledge, design skill, and analytical ability. They also need a detailed approach to their work, which means paying close attention to every detail of the project and making sure everything runs smoothly.

Ultimately, the core of any web developer’s job is writing code. As a result, it’s essential to have advanced programming skills and be fluent in a variety of programming languages and libraries.

The best way to learn these skills is by enrolling in a web development program or coding bootcamp. These programs can help you build a foundation in HTML and CSS, which are the building blocks of web design.

Web developers also need to have an understanding of coding practices, such as unit and functional testing and debugging. This allows them to identify and fix problems in the code before it is implemented on a live website.

Can I become a web developer without a degree?

Web development is a rapidly growing field, and it can be a very rewarding career. You can choose your own niche, such as front-end or full stack web development. You can also work in virtually any industry.

A degree in computer science or programming was once a requirement for working in the tech industry, but this is no longer the case. Many job listings are now opting for experience and a strong portfolio.

You can become a web developer without a college degree, but you will need to have some basic knowledge of computers and coding languages. These include HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

You can learn to code on your own or take online courses. There are also coding bootcamps that offer accelerated web development courses. These courses are a great way to get started if you aren’t sure how to start learning web development. You can even join a community of other developers to ask questions and chat with others.

How do I become a web developer?

Getting started in web development can be a fast and easy process. It’s possible to complete a coding bootcamp in as little as three months and land your first job afterward.

Web developer jobs are expected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all professions. These positions pay a median wage of $77,200 per year.

A key to success in this career is having a coding portfolio that showcases your skills. This is especially important if you’re going in without a degree, since a good coding portfolio can be the difference between landing a job and being passed over for hire.

Whether you’re pursuing an associate degree, a certificate, or a bootcamp, your path to becoming a web developer will vary greatly depending on your background and availability for learning. It’s best to have a plan and follow it closely.