Monthly Getting Started / Web Dev Career Thread

In recent years, web development has become one of the most popular and in-demand professions. More and more newcomers are striving to start their careers in this field, and the number of questions on this topic is growing daily. In response, the Reddit community r/webdev decided to create a monthly thread dedicated to questions about starting a career in web development. This article aims to summarize key points to help you prepare for a successful career in this area.

Why a Monthly Thread is Needed?

A constant stream of questions regarding starting a career in web development can lead to duplicated discussions and confusion. Creating a dedicated thread provides an opportunity for begi

ers to receive up-to-date information and necessary advice without wasting time searching through lengthy discussions. It's important to note that many questions already have answers in FAQ sections or previous threads, so familiarize yourself with these resources before asking new questions.

Recommended Topics to Study

To be prepared for the industry, it's important to study a number of key topics. Here are some of them:

HTML/CSS/JS

These three technologies are the foundation of web development. HTML is responsible for the structure of web pages, CSS for styling, and JavaScript adds interactivity. Knowledge of all three technologies is a minimum requirement for a successful start.

Example simple HTML and CSS code:

    
    
    My First Page
    

    # Welcome to my page!

    Here I share my projects and achievements.

body {
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    background-color: #f0f0f0;
}

h1 {
    color: #333;
}

p {
    color: #666;
}

Version Control Systems

Understanding version control systems, such as Git, is crucial for any developer. This will allow you to track changes in code and collaborate with other developers.

Example Git commands:

# Cloning a repository
git clone https://github.com/your_username/your_repository.git

# Adding changes
git add .

# Committing changes
git commit -m "Your commit message"

# Pushing changes to the remote repository
git push origin main

Automation

Familiarizing yourself with automation tools, such as Gulp or Webpack, will help you simplify the development process and speed up project development.

Frontend Frameworks

Modern frameworks, such as React and Vue.js, make it easier to develop complex web applications. Learning one or more of them will increase your competitiveness in the job market.

APIs and CRUD

Understanding how to work with APIs and CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) methods is an important aspect for developers working on the server-side of applications.

Testing

Developers should be able to test their code. Knowledge of unit testing and integration testing will significantly improve the quality of your product.

Common Design Patterns

Familiarity with design patterns will greatly simplify your work and make the code more readable and structured.

Building a Portfolio

In addition to technical skills, you need to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. To do this, it's important to create a portfolio consisting of 4-5 personal projects. These projects can include:

• A small website in HTML/CSS.
• A web application using JavaScript and an API.
• A project using one of the popular frameworks.

Let your projects reflect your personality and interests. This will help you stand out from other applicants.

Example Project

Creating a simple Todo application:

    
    Todo App
    

    # To-Do List

    
    Add
    

const addBtn = document.getElementById('addBtn');
const taskInput = document.getElementById('task');
const taskList = document.getElementById('taskList');

addBtn.addEventListener('click', function() {
    const taskText = taskInput.value;
    if (taskText) {
        const li = document.createElement('li');
        li.textContent = taskText;
        taskList.appendChild(li);
        taskInput.value = '';
    }
});

How to Prepare for a Job Search

Plan your path into web development for 6-12 months. During this time, focus on self-education and building a portfolio. Once you have enough experience and projects, start actively submitting resumes.

Don't forget about your resume/CV, which should be adapted for each job posting. Include your achievements, key skills, and projects you have worked on.

Conclusion

Starting a career in web development can seem challenging, but with the right approach and patience, you can achieve your desired results. Take advantage of the opportunities provided by communities like Reddit, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Remember that every professional started from scratch. It's important not to rest on your laurels and constantly develop.