What does it have to do with design, and what does it have to do with programming? Let's figure it out together!
A frontend developer is…
a programmer who works on the appearance of a website. They use layouts from a designer and give the page the desired look:
a beautiful and user-friendly interface, interactive effects, animation, filters, and much more. A frontend developer also knows programming languages and can write code for new elements themselves if necessary. This is how they differ from a layout designer.
What does a frontend developer do?
The specialist receives layouts from the designer and begins creating the client-side part of the interface. His tasks include:
- design layout: using the CSS language for describing the appearance of a document and the HTML hypertext markup language, the developer creates page templates;
- functionality setup: buttons, sliders, galleries. For this, the frontend creates scripts or uses ready-made ones;
- checking and testing the page;
- consulting on the implementation of certain functionality;
- optimizing scripts to speed up page loading.
Skills
For beginners, there are basic recommendations: a list of skills that will be useful at the start of a career.
- Confident command of the most popular specialist tool: JavaScript.
- Ability to work with frameworks and libraries: Angular, Node.js and React.
- Programming languages: PHP, SQL, Java and C#.
- Understanding of how a content management system works: you can start with WordPress.
- Advanced English: B2, upper-intermediate. Emphasis is on technical vocabulary. This will allow you to read recommendations from Google and other international companies in the original. It will also allow you to communicate with clients and colleagues.
The number of specialist skill requirements increases as the developer advances through the career ladder. These are the requirements for specialists at three levels.
Trainee:
- JavaScript;
- Type Script;
- HTML;
- CSS;
- React.js.
Junior:
- JavaScript;
- React.js;
- HTML;
- CSS;
- Git;
- BEM development methodology;
- Adaptive layout;
- database management system.
Middle:
- JavaScript;
- React.js;
- Vue.js;
- Redux;
- CSS;
- cross-browser Layout.
Personal qualities:
- Communication skills.
- Ability to ask leading questions.
- Logical thinking.
- Curiosity and desire for development.
- General erudition.
- Artistic skills.
Advantages and disadvantages of the profession
Pros. A frontend developer is a sought-after specialist with a high salary, and this is an obvious advantage of the profession. In addition, a frontend developer is not tied to a country or office, so he or she can work with international companies right from home.
Cons. But in order to achieve career and salary heights, a developer needs to constantly "keep in shape": study trends and master new technologies. At the same time, it's difficult for newcomers to land their first job: companies prefer to partner with experienced specialists.
Employment
In Belarus, 322 companies are looking for frontend developers. Jobs are available in Minsk, Vitebsk, and Gomel. Some positions offer remote work.
Median salary:
Books
- "JavaScript: A Comprehensive Guide" by David Flanagan.
- "Learning TypeScript 3" by Nathan Rosenthals.
- "Accessibility for everyone" by Laura Calbag.
Where to Study
There are a number of universities in Belarus where students can study programming:
- Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics;
- Belarusian State University;
- Belarusian National Technical University;
- Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno;
- Brest State Technical University;
- Francisk Skaryna Gomel State University.
There you can master programming languages and choose a direction.
If you are focused specifically on frontend development, there is a faster option. Skillbox has developed a course "Frontend Developer Profession from Scratch to PRO". Students will learn to program in JavaScript and work with TypeScript, get acquainted with frameworks, complete an internship and choose a development direction. You can learn more about the program here.