We are kicking off our IT Career Skills Series with Front-end Developers. Front-end Development is one of the most in demand roles of 2019 with 3.2 million job openings. Why are front-end developers in such high demand? The web is everywhere. Users of applications and websites expect nothing less than a top-tier experience. A great front-end developer can manage the challenge of hiding the complexity of software and presenting the end-user with a beautiful, easy-to-use interface that aligns with your brand and business goals.
What do frontend developers do?
To sum it up, front-end developers code websites using the building blocks of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They’re the ones who take a design and develop it into a website that works.
Responsibilities of a front-end developer can include:
- Develop new user-facing features
- Build reusable code and libraries for future use
- Ensure the technical feasibility of UI/UX designs
- Optimize application for maximum speed and scalability
- Assure that all user input is validated before submitting to back-end
- Collaborate with other team members and stakeholders
Top 5 Skills Your Front-End Developers Need Now
1. HTML/CSS
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are the foundation for web development. The most basic technology with which any front-end developer must be intimately familiar.
2. JavaScript and Libraries
JavaScript (JS) is a programming language that makes webpages interactive. JavaScript is used to add dropdown menus, video, polls and animations. JavaScript Libraries contain ready-made, reusable plug-ins and extensions you can use to provide additional functionality to webpages. JS Libraries allow for shorter and cleaner code than JavaScript alone. Some popular JS libraries are jQuery (old but still kicking), React and D3.js.
3. CSS and JavaScript Frameworks
CSS Frameworks aid website design and adhere to best practices using the CSS language. Some popular CSS Frameworks are Bootstrap, Materialize CSS and Foundation.
JavaScript frameworks not only provide JS libraries but also a best-practice methodology to use when building a website. Some popular frameworks are Angular, React and Vue.js.
4. CSS Preprocessor
CSS preprocessors make it easy to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, create reusable code, and ensure backward compatibility. Each CSS preprocessor has its own syntax that they compile into vanilla CSS. Some popular CSS preprocessors include Sass, LESS and Stylus.
5. Creativity
Don’t forget about soft skills! The front-end developer must blend technical know-how with creativity to give the user the best possible website experience. Understanding what works for users, and what does not, when building any website can make or break a user’s experience.
