The rapid development of technology has made many changes. So that it opens wide opportunities for various job positions related to technology, one of which is front end developer.
Front end developer is a profession for those whose job is to develop or design a website.
This job is quite popular because of advances in technology such as the internet. For those of you who want to get involved and learn how to become a front end developer, it’s a good idea to first understand the following reviews.
Career Prospects
If we examine the world of frontend development in the last 5 years, maybe we will often hear terminology that we have never heard of in articles and videos, such as ES6, jQuery, React, Redux, Webpack, Babel, TDD, JEST, Git, async, OOP, functional-style, npm, Node.js, Yarn, SQL, NoSQL, Graph databases, MongoDB, Angular.
If, around 2010, we only needed HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or maybe jQuery to create a website, 2020 would be very, very different. Some people even think that jQuery has entered the “outdated” zone, aka the old zone that must be abandoned.
Front-end development has swift growth, so the standardization of a Front end developer is also increasingly complicated, and the terminology above appears.
Required Skills
Before directly discussing tips, of course you have to be reliable in the field concerned. Then, what are the skills that a front end developer must have?
1. JavaScript/jQuery
If you want to build a simple website, then HTML and CSS will suffice. But if you need interactive features like audio, video, games, or animation, then you need JavaScript to implement them.
Within JavaScript, there is a library for various plug-ins and extensions called jQuery. jQuery makes using JavaScript faster and easier. Everyday tasks that must be written in lines of code in JavaScript can be written in just one line of code using jQuery.
2. CSS and JavaScript frameworks
CSS and JavaScript frameworks are collections of CSS or JavaScript files that help you perform specific tasks through sharing standard functionality.
Choosing the proper framework according to the type of website you will create is essential. Some JavaScript frameworks are great for creating complex interfaces. In contrast, others are better when you want to create a more minimalistic website.
3. HTML/CSS
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is used to create web pages. A markup language is a way to make notes in digital documents.
Meanwhile, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is a programming language used to represent HTML files that you have created. HTML serves to build the foundation of your website.
CSS is used to set website layouts, colors, fonts, and all other styles. These two programming languages are critical basic skills for a front-end developer.
4. CSS Preprocessors
Like CSS and JavaScript frameworks, CSS Preprocessor is a tool that will make your life as a developer more accessible and more flexible. Some examples of CSS Preprocessors are Sass, LESS, or Stylus.
5. Responsive Design
Have you ever noticed that the website you open adjusts its size without you needing to adjust it again? This is done through responsive design.
Understanding responsive design principles and how to implement them while coding is the key to frontend development.
Remember that responsive design is part of a CSS framework, for example, bootstrap. These abilities are interconnected, and you can learn them simultaneously.
6. Version Control/Git
Version control tracks and controls changes to your code, so you don’t have to redo everything from scratch. One of the software to do version control is Git.
Git is a tool for keeping track of your changes, so you can go back to a previous version of your work and find out what went wrong without breaking it.
This skill will be handy for you and your future employer.
Workflow
In addition to the skills you must have, you also need to understand the workflow of a frontend developer, namely:
1. Assignment of tasks from the project/product manager, all projects and tasks to be carried out start from here, usually using Jira, a product management tool
2. Tasks will be divided among team members
3. Writing programs for component manufacture
4. Regularly check (for example, once every two weeks), and resolve problems, if any when the assignment is complete, it continues to the next feature
How To Become Frontend Developer
To become a front end developer, there are several stages of learning that you will go through and strategies to develop your career. Among others:
- Web fundamentals
- HTML (The HyperText Markup Language)
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
- Bootstrap
- JavaScript
- React/Angular/Vue
- UNIX CLI
- Create a project
- GITHUB
- Stay up-to-date and always practice after studying
Interested in front-end developer work? Apart from requiring knowledge and a challenging job desk, the front end developer’s career path is also quite promising. Here are 4 ways to become a frontend developer:
1. College Majors
In applying for certain professions, appropriate qualifications may be required. For the frontend developer profession, here are some majors that can be taken while in college.
College majors that is related to Frontend Developer career:
- Technical Information
- Software Engineering
- Visual Communication Science
- Visual communication design
- Information Systems
2. Get A Certificat of Programming Language Ability
If you are not a graduate of the five majors above but are interested in becoming a front-end developer, you can still do it! Nowadays, everyone can learn and access any information they want.
Several online courses can be accessed for free to learn the basics of programming and official certificates from certainly paid institutions.
Here are some certificates to consider if you want to become a front-engineer:
- Certified Web Professional – Web Developer from IWA
- HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals from MS
- Certified Web Professional – Application Developer (CWP) from IWA
Apart from that, you can access popular online courses like Coursera or Udemy and learn HTML or CSS as a first step.
3. Look for Experiences
Front-End Internship
By having experience as an internal front-end, you will undoubtedly know how front-end developers work in companies. What’s more, if you get the right opportunity, you can create a portfolio and learn from the company.
You may meet mentors, seniors, or co-workers during the internship who can guide you.
Build a Portfolio
Apart from internships, you can also build a portfolio by creating your own website. It can be started from an organization’s website, a friend’s business, or other opportunities.
In addition to the portfolio, if you are getting proficient, you can become a freelancer and earn extra money. Having a portfolio when looking for work will undoubtedly be very helpful in the recruitment process.