You’ve been matched to this area of tech based on your answers, please note that the quiz is designed to provide general guidance and recommendations. It is important that you conduct more research and seek professional advice before making career changes. To get you started we’ve provided more information here.
Description: This involves designing, coding, testing and maintaining applications or websites to meet user requirements. Web development is divided into 2 areas, frontend (clientside: websites you visit are considered front end), backend (serverside: maintaining the processes behind the scene, which means it’s only visible to administrators and internal business teams NOT customers). Software development is focused on desktop, mobile and other application platforms.
Job Titles:
- Front-End Developer
- Back-End Developer
- Full-Stack Developer
- Software Engineer
- Mobile App Developer
- Web Application Developer
- Software Developer
- UI/UX Developer
Required Skills (Proficiency in the following):
- Programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Java, C++, Swift etc.
- Frameworks and libraries (React, Angular, Vue.js, JQuery etc.)
- Version control systems (Git)
- Problem-solving
- Debugging
- Collaboration & Attention to detail
Required Education:
To become a web or software developer, a strong foundation in computer science and programming is essential. While there are various paths to enter this field, certain educational qualifications can help you build a solid foundation and increase your chances of success in the field. Here are the most common education options:
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is the most traditional route to becoming a web or software developer. Such programs typically cover subjects like algorithms, data structures, programming languages, databases, web development, and software engineering principles. Some universities also offer specialized degrees in Web Development or Mobile App Development.
An Associate degree in Computer Science or Web Development can also serve as a starting point for aspiring developers. Although such a degree may not provide the same depth of knowledge as a Bachelor’s degree, it can still help you develop foundational programming skills and gain entry-level positions in the industry.
Bootcamps: Coding boot-camps are intensive, short-term programs that teach programming and web development skills. These boot-camps vary in duration, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. They often focus on specific programming languages or frameworks and aim to prepare students for immediate employment as web or software developers.
Online Courses & Certifications: Many platforms, such as Coursera, Udacity, and edX, offer online courses and certifications in web development, software development, and various programming languages. These courses can help you learn specific skills or programming languages and demonstrate your competency to potential employers.
Self-Learning: Some web and software developers are self-taught, learning programming languages and development techniques through online tutorials, books, and other resources. While this path may require more self-discipline and motivation, it can still lead to a successful career in web and software development.
It is important to note that many employers’ values practical experience and a strong portfolio showcasing your projects and coding skills. Regardless of the educational path you choose, gaining hands-on experience through internships, freelance work, or personal projects can significantly increase your chances of landing a in the web and software development industry.
Salary Range
$50,000 $200,000+
Work Setting
- Onsite
- Remote
- Hybrid
Industries
Web and software development skills are in high demand across a wide range of industries as businesses and organizations increasingly rely on technology to improve their operations, reach customers, and stay competitive. Some of the industries where web and software developers can find opportunities include:
Technology: Technology companies and software development firms that specialize in creating software products, web applications, mobile apps, and other digital solutions.
Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions require web and software development services for electronic health records, patient management systems, telemedicine platforms, and health analytics tools.
Finance and Banking: Banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and financial institutions need web and software developers to create secure online banking platforms, trading applications, risk management systems, and customer-facing websites.
Retail and Ecommerce: Web and software developers play a crucial role in building and maintaining ecommerce platforms, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management tools for retail businesses and online stores.
Education: Educational institutions and e-learning companies require web and software developers to create learning management systems, online course platforms, and interactive learning tools.
Manufacturing and Logistics: Manufacturing companies and supply chain organizations rely on web and software developers to build inventory management systems, automation tools, and analytics dashboards that streamline production processes and optimize logistics.
Government and Public Sector: Government agencies and public sector organizations need web and software development services for various purposes, such as creating internal management systems, public-facing websites, and applications for citizen services.
Media and Entertainment: Media companies, content creators, and entertainment businesses require web and software developers to build content distribution platforms, streaming services, and interactive tools for audience engagement.
Telecommunications: Telecommunication companies need web and software developers to create customer portals, network management systems, and mobile applications.
Energy and Utilities: Energy and utility companies require web and software developers to build tools for monitoring energy consumption, managing customer accounts, and optimizing resource allocation.
These are just a few examples of the many industries where web and software development skills are in demand. As technology continues to advance and permeate every aspect of modern life, web and software developers will likely find opportunities in even more diverse fields and sectors.
Job Stability
Job stability for web and software developers is relatively high, primarily due to the strong demand for their skills across various industries. However, like any profession, job stability can be influenced by several factors: market demand, adaptability, diversification of skills, industry and company.
Employment Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of software developers will grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Ideal Personality Type
Although there is no single “ideal” personality type for web and software developers, certain traits and characteristics can be beneficial for success in this field. Some of the qualities that may be advantageous for web and software developers include:
Analytical thinking: Developers often need to analyze complex problems, break them down into smaller components, and develop logical solutions. An analytical mindset can be valuable for understanding and solving programming challenges.
Attention to detail: Writing code and developing software require a high level of precision. Developers should be attentive to detail to ensure their code is efficient, accurate, and free of errors.
Creativity: Web and software development involve designing and building new products, features, and solutions. A creative mindset can help developers come up with innovative ideas and approaches to tackle unique challenges.
Strong communication skills: Developers often work in teams and collaborate with other professionals, such as designers, product managers, and stakeholders. Effective communication skills are essential for discussing project requirements, sharing ideas, and presenting solutions.
Ability to learn quickly: The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and developers need to stay current with the latest tools, languages, and frameworks. A strong ability to learn quickly can help developers adapt to changing technologies and maintain their skillset.
Patience and perseverance: Developing software can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor, with many iterations and revisions along the way. Patience and perseverance are essential traits for overcoming obstacles and refining solutions.
Adaptability and flexibility: Developers may need to work with different programming languages, tools, and platforms, as well as adapt to changing project requirements. Being adaptable and flexible can help developers navigate these changes and deliver successful outcomes.
Time management and organization: Web and software developers often work on multiple projects with tight deadlines. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial for prioritizing tasks and meeting project milestones.
While these traits can be helpful for web and software developers, it’s important to note that individuals with varied personalities can succeed in this field. Passion for technology, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning are also significant factors that can contribute to a successful career in web and software development.
FREE Resources
There are many free resources available for web and software developers to learn new skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and access tools and frameworks. Here’s a list of some valuable free resources:
Bridges in Tech Resources:
Meet a Full Stack Developer – Youtube
Become a Bridges in Tech Member
Book a career strategy session if you need more one on one guidance
Online learning platforms:
FreeCodeCamp offers a comprehensive curriculum covering web development, algorithms, data structures, and more.
MDN Web Docs is a reliable resource for web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with in-dept documentation and guides.
W3Schools provides tutorials and references on various web development topics, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL.
Code repositories and samples:
GitHub is a popular platform for hosting opensource projects, which can be valuable for learning from others’ code and collaborating on projects.
GitLab is another popular platform for code repositories, with a focus on collaboration and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).
Coding exercises and challenges:
LeetCode offers coding challenges and exercises to help developers improve their algorithm and data structure skills.
HackerRank provides coding challenges in various domains, including algorithms, data structures, and artificial intelligence.
Codewars hosts coding challenges, called “kata,” in multiple programming languages, allowing developers to improve their skills through practice.
Development tools and frameworks:
Visual Studio Code is a free, open-source code editor that supports multiple programming languages and offers a wide range of extensions.
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to build server-side and networking applications.
Bootstrap is a popular, free, and open-source CSS framework for responsive web design and mobile-first projects.
Community and forums:
Stack Overflow is a question and answer platform for developers to share knowledge and solve programming problems.
Reddit has several subreddits dedicated to programming and web development, such as r/learnprogramming, r/webdev, and r/javascript.
Dev.to is a community-driven platform where developers can share articles, engage in discussions, and learn from each other.
APIs and libraries:
Public APIs is a curated list of free APIs available for developers to use in their projects.
Awesome is a curated list of awesome libraries, packages, and resources for various programming languages and technologies.