When you admire a well-designed website, the credit goes to the front-end web developer whose creativity and tech skills contributed a lot to the website’s overall visual appeal. Front-end developers are software engineers who create web designs using coding languages such as HTML, CSS or JavaScript.
A 2020 Stack Overflow survey revealed that front-end developers in the United States earned an average of $110,000 annually. Currently, job portals list over 14,000 front-end developer jobs in the United States, compared with 11,600 for back-end developers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the US's employment of web developers will grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029. This is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
If you are a software engineer, you could carve a great career by mastering front-end development, allowing you to crystallize creative ideas through graphics and visuals.
What is Front-end Web Development?
Web development is made up of two parts and each one requires different skillsets as well as knowledge. The front-end developer handles the interaction with the user, while the back-end developer is responsible for the technical aspects of the web development process. Web design refers to the appearance of a website. Front-end development, however, is the actual implementation of the design on the website and it is the front-end developer who is responsible for the implementation.
Front-end developers create web designs using programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. They are responsible for the website's design as well as layout while the back-end developers program the software behind the scenes, such as databases.
The difference between front-end and back-end development is that the back-end refers to what's not visible to the user. It includes the technical aspects of coding and building apps. The back-end is basically how subscribers or users interact with your platform or web page, and the individual elements that affect the design and visuals. The front-end covers everything that you see on a webpage or web application, as well as the actions you take when you click on buttons or input information.
Responsibilities for a Front-End Developer
Front-end engineers create interfaces and work closely alongside back-end developers in order to build the user-facing side of web pages and applications. Here are some examples of the responsibilities of a front-end engineer.
Ensure the website speed, optimize the page speed and other features
Improve page ranking by creating on-page SEO elements
Develop the user interface for interactive web apps
Fix design problems, test the core elements of a website
Develop web pages and apps with the back-end team
Ensure that the website works seamlessly on all devices and browsers, mobile, desktop, tablet and laptop.
Develop tools for mobile and web applications
Implement on-site SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Skills Needed for a Front-end Developer
Let us discuss the essential seven skills that you must have to become a front-end developer at FAANG+ companies.
1. HTML and CSS
HTML and CSS are the two most important scripting languages used for front-end development. HTML is the web page's structure. CSS creates the visuals, text and layouts. It is essential to be proficient in both HTML and CSS to have a successful career as a front-end developer.
2. JavaScript
Interviews for front-end engineers at FAANG and other top tech companies require that you have a solid knowledge of JavaScript. JavaScript, a client-side programming language, is widely used to create responsive websites and interactive sites around the globe. It can add a lot of features to web pages and applications. This makes it an important skill for front-end developers.
3. Frameworks and Libraries
To be a front-end developer, you need to have a solid understanding of JavaScript libraries and frameworks. Frameworks are prewritten modules that contain code for different elements of websites, such as login boxes and search interfaces. Libraries include extensions and plugins that provide additional design options for pages and applications. FAANG+ companies require technical interviews. You must have a solid knowledge of libraries and frameworks. These skills are assessed during interviews on the spot.
4. Version Control
Front-end developers must also have a system for controlling changes to code. Front-end developers can use version control software to compare various elements of code and determine the best code for a specific website function.
5. Web Performance Optimization (WPO)
It is crucial to ensure that users are engaged and that the website works seamlessly across all browsers, devices, systems, and operating systems. Websites that are slow or not responsive can negatively impact the user experience and cause serious problems with the website. Front-end developers need to constantly optimize web pages and apps to ensure maximum performance. This activity can be automated using tools that make it easy and efficient.
6. On-Page SEO Elements
To improve domain authority and page rank, front-end developers must optimize web pages using the best SEO elements. User interaction and website rankings may be negatively affected if there are not enough on-page elements.
7. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
To enjoy a rewarding career as a front-end developer, it is essential to be a problem solver. FAANG+ companies are keen to evaluate front-end engineers' problem-solving skills during technical screens and on-site rounds. These interviews require excellent problem-solving skills.
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