So, what is a front-end developer, and what does a front-end developer do day-to-day? Well, the simplest explanation is that front-end developers manage code for the front end of the site, so things that a user will see when they access a page.

Front-end developers are in charge of ensuring that everything the user sees does what it’s supposed to. This could be setting up paths for buttons, writing code that ensures consistent colours appear across a site, or setting up code that automatically plays video content on a homepage. 

Although content management systems such as WordPress can be used to achieve some of these goals, front-end developers are expected to create bespoke code that doesn’t require pre-made templates to work. 

Front-end developers are essential employees for companies who run a large site and rely on an e-commerce function or other complicated user interfaces that are not run through a templated system or for companies who want to use in-house staff and team members to run their sites effectively.

Although both of these roles are classed as developers, there are some key differences and some similarities. 

Back-end developers will spend their time setting up and editing code that concerns elements of the site that the user won’t see. They set up and manage the application programme interface (API), which is a software interface that programs use to interact with each other. 

In simple terms, back-end developers map out the journey, logic and process a piece of code will follow in order to achieve a particular goal onsite. This is a process that’s invisible to the user and, therefore, in the back end of the site. 

In terms of programming languages, back-end developers will mostly use Go, Python, JavaScript, Java, Rust, PHP, Ruby and SQL. Meanwhile, the most common programming languages used by front-end developers are HTML and CSS. Generally, learning back-end development is considered to be more difficult than learning front-end development. 

However, learning front-end first can be a great way to build a foundational understanding that can be helpful when learning how to become a back-end developer. If you become qualified as both a front and back-end developer, you will become what’s known as a full-stack developer.

There are a variety of soft skills and technical skills needed to succeed in a career as a front-end developer. Some of the soft skills needed are things like good organisational skills, skills in problem-solving, and an understanding of how to communicate issues to others.

For technical skills, an understanding of hypertext markup language (HMTL), web design, developer tools and coding skills and how to apply them to web applications will be important in your role. 

Your skills should allow you to deliver flawless functionality and user experience of a web page, implementing consistent visuals, such as fonts and animations, across a site. Knowledge and skills in using frameworks (JavaScript libraries with CSS and Bootstrap components) is also useful.

If you’re wondering how to become a front-end developer and want to know what qualifications you’ll need, keep reading. 

In order to become a front-end developer, you’ll need to complete relevant training and courses. Exploring front-end developer courses, whether online or in person, and finding ones that cover the fundamentals of front-end development will allow you to move into a career in this area. 

Front-end web development is an ideal option for those who are keen to enter into their first job in development. Even without a background in computer science, taking on full-time or part-time online courses in front-end development and coding languages can give you the skills you need to start on this exciting career path.

Courses and tutorials should give you an understanding of how to use programming languages such as HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript, as well as give an overview of UI Development and JQuery. Courses should also help you to understand how to apply this knowledge in a practical environment, give you skills in areas such as debugging and show you how to explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.

Once you’re qualified in this area, you can start to explore junior front-end development jobs. When looking for front end developer entry level roles, the world’s your oyster. As companies from across industries and sectors frequently use websites, there are many opportunities out there for front-end devs. 

Once you’ve learned your new skills, you’ll find plenty of roles on LinkedIn or through the grapevine. Your training, whether that’s through courses or a short-term boot camp, will prepare you to accurately answer any interview questions employers might throw at you. Being qualified in this area also means that you can explore options further out than the UK and potentially work in countries with a higher average salary for front-end developers.

After starting out in junior front-end developer roles, you can advance to the senior level and become a front-end architect or a UX designer. There are many roles that value the skills that front-end developers have, and of course, with the right training, a career as a back-end developer can also be an option in the long term, as can a role as a software engineer.