A web developer is responsible for programming the code that “tells” a website how to function. A developer builds a website from the bottom up, which means designing it in such a way that end users have no difficulty navigating the site. The website should not be so simple that it does not appeal to advanced users, nor should it be so complicated that the beginner is easily lost in the process.
Web development can be divided into three parts: code that executes in a web browser and determines what customers or clients will see when they land on a website (client-side scripting); code that executes on a web server and powers the behind-the-scenes mechanics of how a website works (server-side scripting); and database technology, which helps to keep a website running smoothly and efficiently. Large-scale web projects often divide these tasks among multiple web developers.
A web developer builds and maintains websites with the client and consumer in mind. That is, the end design must include products and services offered and show how users may access these. For example, a customer may want a form to capture an end user’s e-mail to request additional information, provide a newsletter, or thank a customer for their business.
One type of developer may focus on setting up the back end of a site (back-end developer) while another may focus on the client side to add style and functionality to the website itself (front-end developer).
The work is typically very project-focused and involves collaborating with a team of people who help coordinate the client’s needs with the end product. Work may include meeting with clients to discuss their needs and requirements for a website or discuss how to keep their website functioning and up-to-date. Web developers typically construct the layout of a website, creating a visually interesting home page and user-friendly design, and may sometimes write content for the website. After a website is up and running, developers make sure that the site is functional on all web browsers, testing and updating as needed.
Web developers are familiar with technology and understand how computers and web servers operate. They are also very familiar with many software programs, web applications and web programming languages, such as hypertext markup language (HTML), JavaScript (JS), Ruby on Rails, and C++. They must be able to communicate effectively, set goals and meet deadlines.
Types of Web Developers:
Front-End Developers – A front-end developer is a web developer that codes the front end of a website. While web design is the way a website looks, front end development is how that design actually gets implemented on the web.
Back-End Developers – A back-end developer is someone who builds and maintains the technology needed to power the components which enable the user-facing side of a website to exist. Their back end code adds utility to everything the front-end designer creates.
Full Stack Developers – Full stack developers understand how every part of the web development process takes place and can guide on strategy and best practices. These developers will have an increasingly important role in the web development of the future, and are able to look at the ‘big picture’. They are knowledgeable with the server side as well as the client side’s user experience.
JavaScript Developers – JavaScript (JS) is a type of web programming language that is supported across all web browsers and tools, and is the language that gives JavaScript developers control and power to create, enhance and modify websites. Even though a JavaScript developer typically works on the front-end, the programming language itself is not limited to front-end use only.
A web developer may work full or part-time in a technology department or may choose to conduct business at home. Travel may be involved if a developer chooses to freelance. Some web developers freelance their skills to various organizations, while others choose to outsource their skills to organizations by using their expertise to act as consultants or independent contractors.
A person working as a Web Developer in Kenya typically earns around KSH126,000 per month. Salaries range from KSH58,000 (lowest) to KSH200,000 (highest). Note that there is no salary cap which means that some companies may pay more than our estimate.
The job market in this sector will remain favorable. Aging infrastructure ensures that civil engineers will be needed and in demand to manage projects to reinforce and rebuild bridges, repair roads, design and build airports and tunnels, and upgrade levees and dams.
Growing populations will necessitate increased maintenance and repair of existing water systems and waste treatment plants, as well as the construction of new and more efficient ones.
Although state and local budget constraints may periodically impact demand in the field, delayed projects will ultimately have to be completed to preserve or replace critical infrastructure. In other words, the mandatory nature of a significant part of the work carried out by civil engineers translates into typically long-term job stability for these professionals.
In addition, civil engineering projects are less conducive to outsourcing, which is more common in other engineering disciplines. Overall, civil engineering – among the oldest of all engineering professions – is projected to continue its healthy rate of job creation. Senior engineers should encounter considerable advancement opportunities as project managers or functional managers of design, construction, operation, or maintenance.
The call for bigger and higher structures that are more resistant to natural disasters and the desire to better utilize living and working spaces will continue to present civil engineers with new challenges and new employment prospects.
In high school, you have to take Physics class and score good grades in Mathematic and the sciences in your final exams.
Civil engineers need to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, which should be approved by ABET (The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). A program accredited by ABET is required in order to gain licensure, which is required to work as a professional engineer (PE).
Programs in civil engineering typically take four years to complete and include coursework in mathematics, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems, and fluid dynamics, among other courses, depending on the specialty. Courses include a mix of traditional classroom learning, laboratory work, and field work.
Further education is helpful in getting a managerial position. About one out of every five civil engineers has a master’s degree.
