What Is a Web App Developer? (Simple Explanation)

Are you interested in web development and wondering what a web app developer is? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of web app developers and explain how their job differs from other web-related roles like web designers and web engineers.

We’ll also discuss the skills needed to become a successful web app developer, as well as some of the benefits associated with the role. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of what it takes to be a web app developer and why they are such an important part of any tech team. So let’s dive in!

What Is Web Application Development?

Web application development, as the name suggests, is the field occupied with development of web applications.

A web application is a piece of software that runs in a web browser. It is crafted with browser-supported programming languages, like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS and rendered with the conventional web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Web applications differ from websites in that web applications are interactive and dynamic, while websites are more static in nature.

Web application development involves building browser-based programs that users can interact with and that serve a purpose, such as utility or gaming.

Examples of Web Applications

Some web applications that you may be familiar with are webmail, online banking portals, social media sites, web-based calendars, and video streaming services.

Some examples of these include the following popular web apps:

• Gmail
• Google Docs
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Netflix
• Spotify

Note, that these are different from conventional websites, which can exist to just provide information and usually do not require much user interaction. Instead, these web-based applications serve as interactive utilities that provide certain value or service (such as social interaction, writing, streaming, etc.).

What Is a Web App Developer?

A web app developer is an individual who designs, develops, and tests web applications. It is someone who writes well-structured and efficient code by using the best software development practices.

Web application developers work with web development languages to write applications that work in browsers and can be run through both PC and mobile device.

As web development trends become more complex, web app developers may individually specialize in either front-end web app development (client-side app development) or back-end web development (server-side web development).

Front-end web app developers are responsible for the look, feel, and user interface of web applications to create web interfaces that are easy to use, visually appealing, and secure.

Back-end web app developers focus on web application development and web server technologies, such as server scripting languages (e.g., PHP and .NET) and web frameworks (e.g., Laravel and Rails) to create powerful server-side algorithms and databases.

Responsibilities of a Web App Developer

Web app developers must have an understanding of web-related technologies such as web servers, web frameworks, web services, web databases, web content management systems (CMSs), and web development tools. They must also be able to troubleshoot web applications and web server problems.

In addition to web development, web app developers also need to have a good understanding of web security and user experience (UX) development principles.

Some of the most common responsibilities of web app developers include:

• Designing web applications
• Writing well-structured and efficient code
• Creating web interfaces that are easy to use, visually appealing, and secure
• Troubleshooting web applications and web server problems
• Maintaining web application databases and web servers
• Optimizing web applications for maximum speed and scalability
• Deploy web applications to production environments
• Writing web services, such as web APIs or webhooks
• Ensuring web application security through web services, web frameworks and web databases
• Testing web applications for bugs and usability issues

At the end of the day, web app developers are responsible for creating web applications that are secure, interactive, and user-friendly.

Skills of a Web App Developer

To become an effective web app developer, certain skills are required. These include:

• Knowledge of web development languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and web frameworks such as Angular.js, React.js
• Experience with web server technologies such as Apache, IIS and web databases such as MySQL
• Familiarity with web services, web APIs, webhooks and web content management systems (CMS)
• Proficiency in web development tools such as web editors, web browsers and web debugging tools
• Understanding of web security principles
• Ability to troubleshoot web application and web server problems
• Understanding of web standards, web protocols and web accessibility principles
• Good communication skills to be able to work with web designers, web administrators and web developers

Web App Development Languages

Certain web development languages are popular among web app developers. We will divide them into front-end, back-end, and database-related languages.

Front-end web development languages include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are used to create web interfaces that are user-friendly and visually appealing. Front-end technologies also include JavaScript frameworks, including React.js, Angular.js and Vue.js, which are used to create web applications with dynamic content and user interfaces.

Back-end web development languages include PHP, Ruby, Python, and .NET. These are used to create web applications that are secure, efficient, and scalable. Back-end web development technologies also include web frameworks such as Rails and Laravel, which are used to create web applications with powerful server-side algorithms and databases.

Database web development languages include MySQL, PostgreSQL and MongoDB. These are used to create web applications with efficient web databases.

Required Education for Web App Developers

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a web application developer? Before taking the leap of faith, it’s important to understand what type of educational background is necessary.

As per Zippia’s research, 70.8% of web app developers have bachelor degrees, and 16.0%, master’s degrees – though don’t let that discourage you from setting your sights on this profession! It is still possible to become a successful web application developer with only high school or GED education level under your belt.

It is also possible to get the required web app developer skills through attending a coding bootcamp. These are intensive short-term programs for those who would like to become developers in 2-6 months. They are moderately costly, with a bootcamp program usually costing $10,000-15,000.

If you would are not sure whether to attend a traditional university degree program or a coding bootcamp, consider reading this article.

Web App Developer Salary

The web app developer salary varies depending on your expertise and experience. According to Glassdoor, the average web developer salary in the US is $85,814. If adding bonuses and other pay, the total yearly compensation equals $97,733 in the United States.

This number can vary from $65,000 to $149,000 depending on the web app developer’s experience, location and other factors. Additionally, web app developers with web design and web security skills may be able to attract higher salaries.

Regarding other countries, web app developer salary in the UK is around £47,000 per year, while web app developer salary in Canada is $68,239.

If you are interested in web application development, it is important to take into consideration the remuneration attached to this profession. Take the time to understand web technologies, web development principles, and web languages – this will help you become a successful web application developer.

Demand for Web App Developers

Web app development is in high demand due to the increasing number of web applications used by businesses and organizations. Web developers are sought after as they are essential in creating web applications that are user-friendly, secure, and efficient.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the field of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow an incredible 23% from 2021-2031, making it one of the most rapidly expanding industries in comparison with other sectors.

Additionally, web app development is becoming increasingly popular as businesses are using web applications for remote working and web-based services. This has resulted in web developers being needed to create web applications that can facilitate these activities.

As web applications become more complex, web developers will be in even higher demand. Therefore, web app development is a rapidly growing field with great potential for web developers to make a career.

If you want to become a web app developer, now is a great time!

Is Web App Development Difficult?

Web app development is not necessarily difficult, but it does require a certain level of technical ability and web development knowledge. Before getting into web app development, you will need to understand web technologies and web languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.

It also requires problem-solving skills in order to implement web applications that work properly, as well as understanding web application architecture. Additionally, web developers need to stay up-to-date with web development trends and technologies in order to create the most efficient web applications.

If you’re determined to become a web app developer, learning web app development is possible — it just requires dedication and hard work. With the right web development skills and knowledge, you can become a web app developer in no time!

Is Web App Development a Good Career?

Web app development is an excellent profession with great potential, especially if you are passionate about web technologies and web development. There’s an increasing demand for web developers due to the complexity of web applications — which means there will be plenty of opportunities available for web developers in the next few years.

In addition to being a stable career, web app development also offers competitive salaries and potential for growth. With web developers being in high demand, there will be plenty of job opportunities available for web app developers.

So, if you’re interested in web technologies and web development, web app development can be a great career option.

Web App Development vs. Web Development

Web app development is a specific type of web development. It generally refers to web development that is focused on creating web applications, which are web-based programs that have features and functionalities similar to desktop applications.

Web applications can range from simple web-based games to complex web-based systems for businesses.

Traditionally, web developers are more involved with building websites, while web app developers are more preoccupied with building applications for the web, making it the biggest difference between the two fields. Unlike traditional websites, web applications are heavily focused on user interaction, making them more akin to a mobile app than anything else.

Conclusion

Web app development is a rapidly growing field with plenty of opportunities for web developers. It requires technical web development skills and knowledge, as well as problem-solving skills to make web applications work properly.

If you’re looking to become a web app developer, now is an excellent time to start learning web technologies and web application architecture. With web developers being in high demand and offering competitive salaries, web app development can be a great career option.

Hope this article has helped you to understand web app development better. Good luck!