Who is a Web Developer?
The World Wide Web is here to stay and the number of Internet users is constantly growing. Therefore, the demand for web development remains high. Web development is the term used to define the creation and maintenance of websites. The term is used to cover web designing, programming, publishing and management of databases.
Web developers are responsible for building websites, ensuring that they are easy to use. Further, web developers are also responsible for keeping sites performing optimally. There are three types of web developers: front-end, back-end and full-stack. A front-end web developer focuses on the front-end, ie, the part that users interact with. They design the layouts and use graphics and programming to enhance the front-end of the site. A back-end web developer develops the structure of the website and writes code. The back-end developer handles technical aspects like speed of the site and its functioning. A full-stack developer carries out both tasks.
How to Hire Web Developer
Look for web developer who is able to develop a website for your business. You may hire web developer, depending on the needs of your business. They include building a website for a business from scratch or redesigning a website/sections of a website. Hire web developer if you wish to add elements, for instance, a shopping cart. You may also require a web developer who not only builds but also maintains the website.
Depending on these needs, you may need to hire a front-end, back-end or full-stack developer. Although there are some skill sets that vary for each of these roles, there are overlapping skill sets for all roles.
Factors to Keep MInd Before You Hire Web Developer
Type of project: Consider whether your project is a one-off or a continual one. For a one-off project, you may need a part-time hire. If the project is a continuing one, you may need the services of a full-time web developer.
Industry awareness: The industry your business is located in matters. If you are a news website, you may need a web developer who is hands-on and can make quick changes. On the other hand, if you are building a corporate website, you may not need constant changes.
Target audience: Knowing the target audience helps the developer build sites that are easy to use.
Pulse on web development trends: The web developer you hire should be well-versed with the trends of your industry. Businesses would also need to stay aware of web development trends so as to make the perfect hire for the role.
Some web development trends include:
Adoption of Motion UI (user interface) to build responsive and intuitive websites that hold the visitor’s attention. It helps a front-end web developer to integrate animated elements into the website.
Use of single-page applications (SPAs): More businesses have begun to use SPAs as only the content needed on the page is updated rather than reloading the entire page. The use of SPAs ensures that there is no wait time for pages to load. JavaScript frameworks help implement single-page sites.
Adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML): Websites have begun to integrate chatbots powered by AI. Machine learning is used in web development to empower software for data analysis and deliver customised content.
Skills To Keep in Mind While You Hire Top Web Developer
Whether you are looking for a front-end, back-end or full-stack developer, you may consider these skills when you hire.
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HTML and CSS: While HTML (including HTML5, the latest) is the markup for building web pages, CSS is used for layouts and the visual elements of a page.
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JavaScript: It is an essential part of front-end web development as it helps add interactive features to a page.
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Git: This program helps a web developer review or track code alterations. This is useful for a full-stack developer who has to make changes on the go for a website.
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Python: This is one language that helps both in back-end and front-end web development. It is used for task automation, building of websites and also for analysis of data.
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SQL: Knowledge of SQL helps a web developer to create databases or access them.
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PHP: Hire web developer with expertise in PHP, which is a language on the server front. It helps create web pages that are dynamic. PHP can also help in creating web page-database interaction.
Apart from these technical skills, look for a top web developer who has experience with web development, problem-solving ability and good communication skills.
Steps to Hire Web Developer
- After drafting a clear and concise job description, screen candidate resumes.
- Look for relevant technical skills that are aligned with the project requirement.
- Evaluate work experience of the prospective web developer.
- Ensure the candidate has understood the needs of the business and the target audience.
- Pose relevant questions that help you understand the vision the candidate has for the project and their career.
How to Identify Reliable and Experienced Web Developer
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The best way to identify an experienced web developer is by looking at work samples.
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Seek details from the candidate about the projects undertaken, the challenges and how they were resolved.
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Find out from the web developer what they think of the existing website (if you are looking to get a redesign). Seek suggestions and feedback on the future course of action.
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Look for the ability to innovate and think creatively.
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Ask for testimonials from former team members and employers to understand the candidate’s attitude at work. These could be time management abilities, leadership qualities and interpersonal relationships.
After you are thoroughly convinced about all these factors, you may begin the hiring process.