What is Front End Developer?

Before we get into the skills necessary for a career as a front-end developer, let us first understand what a front-end developer is. For this article, we will be using front-end developer and UI developer interchangeably as they are essentially the same. In front end, developers code websites using a variety of skills such as HTML , JavaScript , CSS etc. These are essentially the foundational skills that are prerequisites to building a website. A front-end developer uses designs and makes them live and working websites.

Needless to say, front-end developers are much in demand due to the massive surge in website development. For a career in the tech space, front-end development is a popular choice because it provides a host of opportunities to grow and helps to build a versatile portfolio. However, before you dive into the front-end development world, you will need to master the required skills which will help you stand out as a prospective candidate and be desirable to employers. Let us check out the top 10 skills that are most important to building a great career as a front-end developer.

1. HTML/CSS

HTML and CSS are the foundational skills required for most jobs in the tech sector. These are pretty basic and each job description of a front-end developer will have these as a requirement. HTML and CSS are like the ABCs of front-end development, necessary to learn the language of website development.

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the standard markup language that is used to create web pages. For website development, HTML is a critical skill. Therefore, it is a basic requirement for a front-end developer.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the language used to make a digital document alive and communicable. A web page is created with HTML first and then CSS is used to put elements such as layout, format, color, fonts, etc on the page. It makes the web page interactive and presentable. you create with HTML.

2. JAVASCRIPT

Another must-have skill for any front-end developer is JavaScript (JS). Where HTML is a markup language and CSS enhances the web page, JavaScript is a programming language that makes the website functional.

HTML and CSS are used to make websites that look fairly simple but most websites today are expected to have enhanced interactive features such as audio, video, animations, etc. In such cases, JavaScript comes in handy.

3. CSS PREPROCESSORS

CSS Preprocessors compile the code which is written using a special compiler. They then use that to create a CSS file, which can then be referenced by the main HTML document.

When a project grows or becomes more complex, using just CSS may become redundant and repetitive as codes will have to be written every time, which is time-consuming. CSS Preprocessing takes care of this limitation and any smart front-end developer would want this skill in his/her toolkit.

4. JAVASCRIPT FRAMEWORKS AND LIBRARIES

JavaScript has two terminologies attached to it- JavaScript Libraries and JavaScript Frameworks. The reason we need to know about them is that they play a crucial role in web development. Various libraries and frameworks are available to the programmers to reduce their workload while creating a webpage.

What are JavaScript Libraries?

JavaScript libraries are files that contain various functions to perform a specific task on the webpage. Since these libraries are incredibly powerful and ease the programmer’s workload while creating a website or a web application.

What are JavaScript Frameworks?

Frameworks provide developers with the basic foundation necessary for building JavaScript applications. This saves developers the effort of starting from scratch by utilizing a functional base to get things rolling. Each JavaScript framework serves a different purpose.

What’s the Difference Between a JavaScript Framework and a JavaScript Library?

With JavaScript libraries, developers call specific functions from the parent code. But developers can not call JavaScript frameworks. Instead, frameworks call and use a piece of code in a predetermined way. Frameworks define the application design. A framework doesn’t just offer a singular solution but a complete template for development.

5. VERSION CONTROL/GIT

This is an important time-saving skill and also helps a front-end developer deliver a customized product. Throughout the project development, many changes or errors might come along. Version control helps in fixing the errors or making the necessary changes without having to start over from scratch. Though it doesn’t need to be made explicitly clear this is a critically helpful skill to have for any front-end developer.

6. RESPONSIVE DESIGN

Today, websites are not simply viewed on desktops but across other devices, such as tablets, phones, etc. A good website offers a suitable viewing experience across all devices. This is essentially a responsive website. Another must-have skill for any front-end developer is to be able to create websites that are responsive using design elements as well as coding.

7. TESTING/DEBUGGING

A very important aspect of website development is to make sure that the result is error-free, free of bugs, and a seamless experience for the user. Therefore, the ability to test and debug a website is another essential skill set any front-end developer needs to have. Various methodologies can enable the front-end developer to make sure that the website or product not only looks good but also functions smoothly.

8. BROWSER DEVELOPER TOOLS

The link between your website and its users is the browser which means that the website you build needs to function well on the browser. Most new-age web browsers come equipped with developer tools. By interpreting the codes of your website, the browser automatically makes it functional. As a front-end developer, you will need to have the technical know-how of browser development tools.