Whether you’re looking to start your own business, or simply earn a better living, becoming a web developer is a fantastic career choice. It has a high rate of job growth and lucrative pay.

There are many pathways into web development, from traditional colleges to online bootcamps. However, it’s important to choose a program that will provide you with the skills employers are looking for.

Getting Started

Whether you’re self-taught or taking classes at school, there are lots of ways to get started with web development. You can learn the basics online, build a portfolio of work, and find a job at a company.

If you’re not sure how to get started, there are plenty of great free coding courses available online. These can be a great way to practice and determine which learning style is best for you.

There are also many helpful tutorials and resources available to help you master the skills you need. These include StackOverflow, which is the go-to place for developers to ask questions and get answers.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can specialize your skills and develop new ones. For example, you can become a full-stack developer and work on both front-end design and back-end development. You can also choose to focus on the technology behind a website, such as content management systems. Regardless of what you decide to specialize in, web development is an exciting career that requires lots of hard work and dedication.

Learning the Basics

In order to start a career in web development, you must first learn the basics. That means understanding how websites work, the difference between front and back-end development, and using a code editor like Atom to write your own web pages.

Once you know the basics, it’s time to put your skills to the test by coding real websites. You can do this by joining an online coding community and learning through videos and practice quizzes from experts.

You can also get help with your coding questions by searching for them in the Stack Overflow forums. This is a great place to get advice from other developers and stay informed about the latest web developments.

If you want to learn more about coding, Team Treehouse is a popular online learning program. With plans starting at $25 a month, you can access expert-led video courses and practice sessions. Plus, you’ll build a job-ready portfolio as you learn.

Developing a Portfolio

Whether you’re looking for a job as a web developer or just to show off your skills, developing a portfolio is a great way to show off your abilities. It’s also an opportunity to make yourself stand out among the competition and get noticed by prospective employers.

It’s important to create a comprehensive, professional portfolio that includes all your information and proof of your skills. Then you can customize it for different employers and tailor it to their specific needs.

The content of your portfolio should be organized in a logical, easy-to-navigate way. Arrange your information in order of importance and include a table of contents to make it easier for readers to navigate your document.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as a developer, your portfolio website should showcase your projects and code. It should be a simple layout that highlights visuals and makes it easy for employers to find the information they’re looking for.

Getting a Job

Whether you’re self-taught or pursuing a degree with coding bootcamps, you can find a job as a web developer. The field is growing and more and more employers are relying on digital tools to make operations more efficient.

If you’re just starting out, freelance work is a great way to build a portfolio quickly and start getting experience in your new field. Places like Upwork or Elance are good places to look for projects and build up your skills.

A well-rounded resume can also help you stand out from the competition, regardless of your education level or lack of a degree. List any developer training you’ve taken, specialized skills you’ve acquired and any relevant certifications you’ve earned.

As a self-taught web developer, you may need to do a lot of work to get your first job. However, with a little hard work and patience, you can land your dream tech career without a degree. Here are some tips to help you get there.