Programming is one of the top-rated careers in this century and you will definitely not be wrong to choose it as a career. There are multiple development disciplines to pursue. One of the most common ones is web application development. It is not only common but also one of the easiest routes to learn and grab a job with the help of web development frameworks.
In this blog, we will cover the steps to take when you want to learn to become a web developer. These are the exact steps I follow and develop my first web app in just 3months. You can do it too.
As discussed in our previous blogs web development is divided into two main sections, Frontend, and Backend. In this blog we will learn to become a full-stack developer, meaning, to become a developer of both frontend and backend.
Learn Frontend development
This is where you will learn how to build a website using HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript (JS).
Prerequisite:
A web server is a software that allows you to run web pages on the browser. Before you begin, you might want to install a web server on your machine or use an online web server to practice web development.
Here are examples of webservers:
Learning HTML
Let’s assume you have about 8 hrs a day to read and practice, you should be about to cover and practice enough within 1 to 2 weeks.
There are lots of learning materials on HTML, a quick google or youtube search will give you more than enough. Take one and follow the entire tutorial. Then if your feel you need more, that’s the time to move to another tutorial. Practice whatever you learn to allow yourself to have enough exercise.
Here is a list of tutorials I followed when learning HTML:
If you like to read, Use this: W3Schools HTML
If you like video lectures, use this: EJ Media HTML for Beginners
You should have what you need to learn HTML from any of the links above.
This is the simplest part of web development so learn and practice in just about a week or two and you should be fine.
It is important to remember that you do not have to remember the exact syntax of everything. You will always find it with a simple google search.
Learning CSS
Right after HTML, you will need to learn CSS. This is where you will be styling texts and elements of the web browser like setting the font size, color, positioning, etc.
It is very important to be good at this because it is what makes a website looks good. Again assuming you have about 8 hours to read and practice daily, a week or two should be enough learning CSS.
Here is a list of materials I used when learning CSS.
If you like to read, use this: W3schools CSS
If you like video tutorials, use this:
- EJ Media CSS for beginers
- EJ Media CSS Layouts
- EJ Media CSS Grid
- EJ Media CSS Flexbox
- EJ Media More on CSS
Wow-what a list of materials to cover just for CSS but no worries they are quick and easy to follow.
Learning JavaScript
The next is on the list of JavaSript. This is where programming begins because most people don’t consider HTML and CSS as a programming language so, therefore, JavaSript will be considered the first programming language yeaaaa!!!
JavaScript is used used to make web pages interactive. It is used both on the client-side and server-side. Almost every website uses javascript. it is important to focus on just the basics for now.
Here is a list of tutorials to follow:
If you like to read, use this: W3schools JavaScript
If you like video tutorials, use this: EJ Media JavaScript for Beginner
Learning jQuery
jQuery is a javascript library that allows you to do more javascript tricks with very little code. Most of the javaScript you will write as a beginner will be in jQuery.
Use these tutorials to learn jQuery
If you like to read, use this: W3Schools jQuery
If you like video tutorials, use this: EJ Media jQuery for beginners
Great! going through the above tutorials should give you a solid foundation as a frontend developer.
Learning Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a front-end framework used to create beautiful and professional-looking websites and web applications. Learning bootstrap will enhance your web development skills and help you develop faster.
Here is a list of tutorials to learn bootstrap:
If you like to read: W3Schools Bootstrap
If you like video tutorials:
Learning Backend Development
In this section, we will discuss how to learn backend web development or how I learned it myself.
To know more about what backend development is, check out my previous blog here
My first backend programming language is python and I chose it for a reason.
- It is easiest to learn with english-like syntax
- Used in many diffirent programming disiplines (Web applications, Desktop applications, AI and Machine learning etc)
So you choose python, right? Good.
Let’s assume you chose python as your backend language.
Learn concepts of python, data types, etc. This will give you a good understanding of python but usually, you will not see any practical use of whatever you are learning at the beginning which sometimes makes it a bit boring. But be patient everything will make sense in just a few days or weeks of learning.
After learning the concepts of python, you can now take up the challenge to start building useful applications like file manipulation console apps, just to see a good use-case of the language.
Here is a good tutorial to learn python:
If you like reading: W3Schools Python
If you like video lectures:
2. Programming with Mosh Python for Beginners
Learning Django-Web-Framework
Web development frameworks are tools that assist web developers to quickly develop web applications. Examples are Django, Flask, Laravel, etc.
After going through the above tutorials, it is now time to learn web development frameworks. I will use the Django web framework as an example.
Learn the basics of Django. I found it easier to learn Django by building an application for my office. This gives me real-world experience on how to come up with an idea, prototype, and finally a productions application.
On this website, I have series of tutorials to help you build web applications from start to finish. I believe this is one of the best ways to learn web development.
Below is a list of applications that will help you learn fast.
- Stock Management System
- Invoice Management System
- Todo App with countdown timer
- Computer Inventory Management System
Finding solutions to programming challenges
It doesn’t matter at what level you are as a programmer, you will always be faced with challenges. These challenges were what makes you a better programmer.
Therefore, it will be important to know where to find help when you get stuck. Stackoverflow is the number one programmer support site where you can find thousands of programmers and questions relating to programming and their solutions. This is where you can ask questions relating to any programming challenges and you will find fellow developers willing to attend to you.
Teach it to someone. Better yet, open a youtube channel
The best way to retain what you learn is by teaching it to others. This will not only help you retain whatever you learn but also help better the programming community in general.
We are in the world of media. Therefore, you cannot go wrong opening a youtube channel where you too can teach a great number of individuals learning to code.
I hope that helps and welcome you to the field of programming.
