Over 112,720 computer science majors graduate in the US each year. They also see a staggering demand of approx. 11 jobs per graduate and enjoy a higher-than-average annual salary of $129k.
And this makes sense.
Because almost every type of business went fully or partially online after COVID-19, the website design and development market size is a staggering $80.6 billion in 2025, and it is expected to increase to $125 billion by 2030!
So, just how do you become a web developer? How do you gain web development skills? And where do you get them? What do web developers do? What is a web developer?
Today, we are shedding light on these and other essential related questions.
Let’s start.
What Does a Web Developer Do?
Have you ever opened a website and wondered who makes the buttons click, pages load, and features actually work? That’s exactly what web developers do.
Web developers are the professionals who take ideas and turn them into working digital products you can interact with every day. In the simplest terms, web development means writing the instructions, i.e., the code. It tells a website or web app how to look, behave, and respond when users interact with it.
Once you understand that, the bigger picture becomes clearer. And web developers are constantly building such digital pictures (yes, web solutions), maintaining and improving them so they stay reliable.
But aren’t web developers the same as web designers? Well, not exactly, but they are close.
What’s the Difference Between Web Developers and Web Designers?
While web designers focus on color, layout, and the overall visual feel, web developers translate those visuals into real, functioning experiences.
And while both roles work closely together, they focus on very different parts of the process. The designers provide the outline, and the developers fill it in.
We have put the information in an easy-to-understand graphic for you to learn this distinction.
| Aspect | Web Designer | Web Developer |
| Main Goal | Design how the site looks and feels | Build how the site works and functions |
| Focus | Visual layout, colors, fonts, buttons, and user experience | Interactive features, performance, functionality, logic |
| Core Work | Create mockups, wireframes, and user–friendly designs | Write code that makes the site actually work in browsers |
| Typical Tools | Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Photoshop | VS Code, Sublime Text, Git, browser dev tools |
| Tech/Code Use | Some HTML & CSS, mainly for layout tweaks | HTML, CSS, JavaScript + backend languages like Python, PHP, SQL |
| Primary Skillset | Creativity, typography, color theory, and UX/UI sense | Programming logic, problem-solving, debugging, and web architecture |
| Outcomes They Deliver | A visual plan and prototype that looks great | A functioning website that runs smoothly |
And as you begin exploring this field, you’ll often hear three popular labels:
- Frontend developers (who work on what you see, the interface),
- Backend developers (who build the behind-the-scenes systems), and
- Full-stack developers (who manage both).
But before breaking down the technical paths, it helps to understand the core responsibilities all web developers handle every day.
Yes, the parts that every web surfer loves: speed, stability, and user experience.
9 Everyday Responsibilities & Tasks of A Web Developer
Regardless of their specializations, all web developers share some core responsibilities that help them make websites fast, modern, and enjoyable to use.
These are tasks that quietly happen in the background every time you browse the web. Let’s look at the top nine of them.
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Build Digital Products
Developers turn ideas into functional websites or web apps. Whether it’s a school portal, a blog, or a social media platform, they write the code that makes each button, page, and feature work in the browser.
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Develop Web-Specific Software
Beyond basic pages, web developers build interactive features such as login systems, chats, dashboards, shopping carts, and other small web-based tools that live and operate entirely online.
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Assist Web Designers
Designers create how a site should look; developers make it work in real life. They match spacing, fonts, animations, and layouts so the final result feels exactly like the design students first see in prototypes.
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Make Sure Websites Load Fast
Yes, speed matters. So web developers compress images, reduce heavy scripts, and remove slow parts of code so websites open quickly. A fast website feels better to use and keeps visitors from clicking away.
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Proofread the Code So It Works
Before real users open a site, developers test features, try different scenarios, and sometimes use small automated tests to catch mistakes early. This helps prevent bugs from slipping into the live version. It’s called Quality Assurance & Testing.
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Debug and Fix Errors
Things break — that’s normal. So web developers track down the cause, fix the issue, and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Debugging is basically detective work for code.
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Keep Sites Secure
Web developers also protect websites from unauthorized access and make sure user information stays safe. They update systems, close risky gaps, and follow security best practices, so people can trust the products they use.
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Ensure Sites Work on Many Devices
Whether someone is browsing on a phone, tablet, or laptop, a website should look and work the same. Web developers test layouts, adjust elements, and make everything responsive across screen sizes.
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Document and Communicate
Good web developers also leave clear notes, organize their code, and communicate with teammates. This makes future updates easier and reduces confusion, especially in long-term projects or team environments.
The 3 Types of Web Developers You’ll Meet
Some web developers focus on buttons, layouts, and visuals you can easily understand. Others dive straight into servers, infrastructure, and technical details. And then there are those who can confidently talk about both.
Why so?
If you remember correctly, earlier we mentioned the three usual types of web developers:
- Frontend developers,
- Backend developers, and
- Full-stack developers.
Their job titles are actually their job descriptions. Since we had their generic layman’s descriptions before, it’s time you get familiar with the technical details they handle.
Here’s an infographic to help you remember their core responsibilities.
| Aspect | Frontend Developer | Backend Developer | Full-Stack Developer |
| Main Focus | What users see and interact with on a website | What happens behind the scenes to make the site work | Both the visible interface and the behind-the-scenes logic |
| Handles User Interaction | Yes — buttons, menus, animations, layouts, and screen responsiveness | No — receives and processes requests made by the front end | Yes — builds interactions and connects them to backend logic |
| Works With Data | Displays data in a clean, readable way | Stores, retrieves, updates, and secures data | Manages data flow from the database to the screen |
| Core Responsibility | Making the website look good and feel smooth to use | Making sure everything runs correctly, securely, and efficiently | Making sure the entire system works together end-to-end |
| Tech Stack Used | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue | Python, Node.js, PHP, Java, Ruby, SQL, APIs | Frontend + backend tools combined |
| Where Their Work Runs | In the user’s browser (client-side) | On servers and databases (server-side) | Both the browser and server |
| Best For? | Projects focused on user experience and visuals | Data-heavy apps, logins, payments, and large systems | Small teams, startups, or complete product builds |
What Do Web Developers Do: The Frontend, the Backend, and the Full-Stack?
Okay, so now comes the most asked question: what does each one of them do? How are they different? And who handles what detail of a web project?
We’ll answer it next.
What Do Frontend Developers Do?
If a website were a storefront, frontend developers would be the designers and window decorators, but with code.
They make sure everything you see in your browser looks good and works smoothly.
- Buttons respond when you click them.
- Menus slide open.
- And colors and layouts adjust for different screen sizes.
They use languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and often work with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue to make things interactive.
By ‘interactive,’ we mean, say, a promo popping up on screen just when you are about to leave a store without making a purchase. Or maybe the product items get bigger when you hover your cursor on them.
Anyhow, you’ll often hear frontend development described as client-side development, because it happens in the user’s browser, where performance and experience matter most.
Just remember that frontend developers are essential for any project where real people will interact visually with the interface.
What Do Backend Developers Do?
While frontend developers create what you see, backend developers create what you can’t see but absolutely rely on.
These pros:
- Build the server logic,
- Manage data in databases,
- Handle authentication (logging into your account), and
- Ensure everything runs securely and efficiently.
Backend work usually uses languages, e.g., Python, Node.js, Java, PHP, or Ruby, and involves tools for handling databases (SQL or NoSQL), APIs, and server configuration. Their job is to power the app, so data loads when you request it, actions are processed correctly, and information stays safe.
You’ll see backend developers shine in larger applications. For example, online stores with user accounts or platforms that handle lots of data and traffic.
What Do Full-Stack Developers Do?
Full-stack developers are the combo players. They can work on both the front end and the back end of a project.
Think of them as developers who understand both the storefront and the warehouse behind it. They can build complete applications from the user interface to the database and everything in between.
Because full-stack developers need such a wide range of skills. From HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to backend languages and database tools, they’re especially useful in smaller teams or early-stage projects where one person may handle many parts of the system.
They’re also great at seeing how all pieces of a web project fit together.
A Day in the Life of a Web Developer
Now that you understand the types of web developers and what each one focuses on, let’s peek into what a real workday looks like.
A web developer’s day isn’t just writing code non-stop; it’s a blend of planning, teamwork, solving problems, and building things that work online. Most of this comes from real-world job descriptions and developer routines.
In the morning, a developer often starts by reviewing requirements. This means checking what clients or team members want, going over project notes, and planning what needs to be done that day.
Then comes the core part of the job: coding sessions, where they write new code to build features or fix parts of a site.
But it doesn’t stop there.
A big chunk of time goes into debugging, finding mistakes in code, and correcting them, so everything behaves as expected. This naturally leads to collaboration. It means talking with designers, project managers (PMs), and quality assurance (QA) testers to make sure everyone’s work fits together.
Midday often includes code reviews, where another developer looks over your code to catch errors and suggest improvements, making the final product stronger. And because technology changes fast, developers also spend time on learning and research:
- Reading docs,
- Exploring new tools, and
- Staying current with best practices.
Here’s what a typical timetable of a web developer looks like:
| Time | Activity | What Happens (In Simple Terms) |
| 9:00 AM | Morning Check-In & Stand-Up |
|
| 10:00 AM | Coding Session |
|
| 12:30 PM | Lunch & Catch-Up |
|
| 2:00 PM | Collaboration & Debugging |
|
| 4:00 PM | Code Reviews & Research |
|
| 6:00 PM | Wrap-Up & Planning |
|
Common Tools Web Developers Use
Now that you’ve seen a day in the life of a web developer, it’s time to look at the tools they use to get things done. And these aren’t some magical gadgets.
They’re software helpers that make creating, testing, and collaborating on web projects smooth and efficient. Below is a non-technical snapshot of key tools every beginner should know.
Common Web Developer Tools
- VS Code
- Git & GitHub
- Browser Developer Tools
- Frameworks & Libraries
- Package Mangers
What It Is & Why It’s Used?
A popular, beginner-friendly code editor where developers write and organize code. Supports many languages and extensions for extra features.
Git tracks changes to code so you can save versions and collaborate; GitHub hosts these projects online and helps teams work together.
Built into browsers (such as Chrome DevTools), these tools let you inspect, test, and debug websites live in the browser.
Tools like React, Angular, and Laravel provide building blocks for structuring and accelerating development of interfaces and backend logic.
Tools like npm and Yarn that install, update, and organize code packages your project depends on.
How Do These Web Developer Tools Work Together?
Here’s how you might see them used in a developer’s workflow.
- VS Code is where developers type and manage their code each day. Think of it as their digital notebook and toolkit in one.
- Git and GitHub help teams track changes, share work, and merge updates safely without overwriting each other’s contributions.
- Browser Developer Tools are used in debugging and testing. Here, developers check how things look and behave in real time.
- Frameworks and Libraries give pre-built components and patterns so web developers don’t have to reinvent basic features every time.
- Package Managers keep track of libraries and dependencies so a project stays organized and easy to update.
See? Each of these tools plays a specific role, but together they form the foundation of modern web development workflows.
Top 4 Skills Every Web Developer Needs Beyond the Dev Tools
Once you’ve seen the tools web developers use, the next natural question is: “What skills do web developers actually need to use those tools well?“
The answer goes beyond coding alone.
Strong web developers combine technical ability with clear thinking and good communication. This is especially important for students stepping into this field.
And we are here to break them down for you.
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Technical Skills
This doesn’t mean mastering everything at once, but understanding the basics of how the web works:
- Writing clean code,
- Knowing how different parts connect, and
- Using tools correctly.
This foundation enables developers to build features that are stable, readable, and easy to enhance later, particularly when working in teams or revisiting old projects.
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Logical Thinking
This essentially involves breaking larger problems into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a big task, developers learn to solve one piece at a time, which makes debugging and building far more effective.
3. Problem-Solving & Focus
Bugs, errors, and unexpected behavior are part of daily work.
Developers stay calm, trace the issue, test solutions, and fix things methodically. Attention to detail is critical here, as even a small mistake can affect an entire feature.
4. Communication
Web developers regularly explain ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with designers, project managers, and testers. And this isn’t just verbal communication.
Documenting the entire process is also a way of communication, except it’s written this time. Tools like Postman and Swagger are the two most widely used ones for API documentation and technical process drafting & editing.
5. Version Control Basics
This is usually done using Git, which helps developers track changes, work in teams, and avoid losing progress. It also allows developers to:
- Experiment safely,
- Roll back mistakes, and
- Collaborate,
without overwriting each other’s work.
Together, these skills form the foundation that helps beginners grow into confident, capable web developers.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Web Developer?
Once you understand the skills every web developer needs, you will definitely ask yourself: “Do you need a formal degree to learn and apply those skills?” The short answer is no, but the longer answer is far more practical and realistic.
Because web development combines both hard skills (like coding, developer tools, & version control) and soft skills (problem-solving, communication, & logical thinking).
And the good news is that these can be developed over time, through different learning paths. Let’s see which ones.
1. Computer Science Degree
A computer science (CS) degree offers a structured and academic route.
It builds strong foundations in logic, problem-solving, and how software systems work. This path suits people who prefer guided learning, theory, and long-term academic depth.
2. Bootcamps & Certifications
Bootcamps and certifications focus on speed and practicality.
These short, intensive programs teach job-ready skills, modern tools, and real-world workflows. They work well for learners who want faster entry into web development with hands-on exposure.
3. Self-Taught Learning
Many web developers are completely self-taught.
They learn through online courses, tutorials, documentation, and constant practice. This path requires discipline and consistency, but it offers full flexibility and allows learners to move at their own pace.
Platforms like Coursera, eDx, Udemy offer both one-off courses and complete professional developer certifications. These are recognized worldwide and often come in collaboration with Google, Meta, and Microsoft, which sponsor these campaigns.
4. Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning, such as platforms like Coursera Project Network, focuses on building real websites and apps. By learning through doing, students develop technical skills and problem-solving abilities faster than through theory alone.
5. Portfolio Over Paper
No matter which path you choose, one thing matters most: a portfolio.
A strong portfolio shows what you can actually build, how you think, and how you solve problems. In web development, real projects often speak louder than degrees or certificates.
See? There’s no single path to enter this line of work. But congrats!
Because by now you know everything you should know about what web developers do. Go ahead, do your research, and find out if web design and development is something you want as a full-time career.
Or maybe just as a side hustle.
FAQs
1. What does a web developer do day-to-day?
A web developer’s daily work mixes coding, fixing issues, and teamwork. They often begin by checking tasks and project updates, then build or tweak features, fix bugs, and meet with designers or project managers to keep things moving smoothly. It’s a balance of writing code and communicating with others to make websites work well.
2. Do web developers need to know design?
Not necessarily. Web developers don’t have to be designers, but understanding basic design ideas such as layout, spacing, and how users interact with a page makes building better websites easier. This foundation also improves communication with designers and makes collaboration smoother.
3. Is web development hard to learn?
Web development can feel challenging at first, especially when learning languages and solving problems on your own. But with consistent practice, real projects, and step-by-step learning, beginners can grasp the basics and build confidence over time. Discipline and curiosity make the journey smoother.
4. How long does it take to become a web developer?
There’s no strict timeline. With focused effort, some learners grasp the basics in a few months, while greater skills may take longer. Many beginners become job-ready in about 6–12 months of consistent study and project building, but it depends on your pace and goals.
5. Is web development still in demand?
Of course, it is. Web development continues to grow as businesses need websites and apps that work across devices and platforms. Job opportunities are expected to expand faster than average, especially as online services and e-commerce keep evolving.
6. Do web developers code all day?
Not exactly. While writing code is a big part of the job, developers also spend time testing, reviewing other people’s code, planning features, fixing bugs, and collaborating with team members. Coding itself is often one part of a balanced workday.
