Getting started with web development

Front-end

Web development applications are classified as distributed applications, usually with a client-server structure, so some of our code runs on the client and the other part of the code runs on the server. Those applications on the client are the front-end, which usually refers to our browser. The most commonly used technology for front-end development is HTML+CSS+JavaScript. Advanced front-end developers usually use a combination of these technologies to develop the front-end of applications. Another common front-end technology is to use Photoshop design and cooperate with other technologies to complete the production of Web pages. .

Backend

Backend developers write the code that runs on the server. Generally speaking, this part of the work requires dealing with the database, such as reading and writing data, reading and writing files, implementing business logic, etc. Sometimes, business logic is stored on the client, and the backend is used to provide data in the database in the form of Web services. Back-end developers generally need to master a web programming language and a database management system.

You can master both front-end and back-end technologies, but most web developers still have certain preferences and even only study in depth in one aspect. Although the front and back ends are distinguished, their respective specific tasks are not specified. Sometimes the front end only completes the display of data, while other major work is completed on the back end. But sometimes, the backend just provides data, and all calculations and specific functions are done on the frontend. The allocation of front-end and back-end work is usually determined by the design and architecture of the project.

Programming Languages

For web development, there are many programming languages ​​to choose from. When front-end development is required, the standard development language is JavaScript, and when back-end development is required, we have more choices:

  PHP

  JavaScript

  Ruby on Rails (with Ruby language)

  asp.net ( NET language)

Java EE

Python

There is actually no clear list. The above are just the languages ​​that developers usually think of and use. So how should you choose? Your choice should be based on the following aspects: job market (job opportunities), hosting services, available learning resources, available learning time, surrounding development environment, etc.

If you really want to work in the development industry and find a web development job, then the most important selection factor is the job market (job opportunities). You have to analyze the industry situation and choose a programming language to learn. Another important factor is hosting services. For example, PHP hosting is much cheaper than Java hosting. And if you want to develop enterprise applications, Java EE may be a good choice. But if you want to put your application online, Java EE is much more expensive than other languages.

With the popularity of Node.js, JavaScript has also become popular in back-end development, but after all, it is still a new and immature technology, and is not recommended for beginners to learn and use web development.

In my opinion, PHP has the easiest learning curve, cheap hosting services, sufficient learning resources (PHP100 is a good choice) and a relatively simple development environment, so I recommend junior web developers to learn to use it PHP. Of course, ASP.NET is also a good choice. Microsoft provides a lot of ASP.NET-related learning resources and free development tools. If you like Microsoft's environment, it is worth considering ASP.NET.

Framework

If you are still a beginner, you still need to lay the foundation before you start learning the framework. Frameworks can help you simplify your development work. There are many ready-made code libraries that provide you with the structure of web applications, making your programming work easier and faster. If you want to become a professional web developer, you must be proficient in at least one framework to speed up your web development.

There are many types of frameworks, including general solutions and solutions for specific problems. You need to evaluate your needs first. If you choose PHP development, I recommend using Laravel as a framework. It is a very popular MVC framework in recent years. If you choose ASP.NET, I recommend learning to use ASP.NET MVC and EntityFramework.

Web development can be too big and you only want to focus on one application, such as a content management system (CMS). If you still choose PHP, then I recommend WordPress, which can help you create websites and blogs, or you can use existing plug-ins or themes as extensions.

What to do next

Even if you choose to only engage in front-end or back-end development, you should also understand the development on the other end. Doing so will make your team more efficient. If you have learned a programming language and its corresponding framework, you should start learning another language. Each programming language has its own advantages and paradigms. Knowing more languages ​​can give you a better understanding of the problems that need to be solved. Gain a deeper understanding of the problem, have a better solution, and become a better developer. Finally, as I said before, there are many factors to consider when you choose a programming language. My choices are still JavaScript, PHP, ASP.NET and Java EE. You can refer to them.