In this guide, I am going to walk you through the various steps to take and
how you can take these steps to learn frontend development. But before that,
let me introduce you to the world of front-end devs.
What is frontend development?
The word frontend means the outward appearance of something. While
development means, the process of building, and creating the appearance
with the help of a developer. Bringing this combo together, we can say, that
front-end development is the act of developing the user interface(outward
appearance) of a website.
Front-end developers make websites and apps look and work great for users.
They do this by designing and building the user interface (UI), which is the
part of the website or app that users interact with. Front-end developers want
to make sure that UIs are easy to use, look good, and work on all devices.
The user interface refers to where users can see and interact with when they
are making use of a website. For example, clicking a button, navigating using
the menu bars, and so on. For more clearer understanding, take a look at the
picture below.
On the other hand, a developer is the person who does the work of building the
frontend
The major key aspect of frontend development relies on:
- Defining the structure and content of the page.
- Catering for the visual presentation of the page, controlling layout, colors, fonts, and other design elements.
- Adding interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages.
Should you become a front-end developer?
Becoming a front-end developer widely depends on individual interests, skill
sets, and career goals. `If you are uncertain about whether to learn frontend,
I recommend you check this article out - Frontend vs Backend: Which should you choose? to figure out where to begin. But if you have already decided to
become a front-end developer, that's cool.
Let's begin to analyze each of these steps one by one.
Coding languages you need to learn
As a beginner looking to become proficient in front-end development, you
should start by learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These three languages are
fundamental for building the structure, style, and interactivity of websites.
How to learn frontend development
Follow the order below to learn and understand front-end development better.
step one: Learn HTML.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is like the blueprint for a website—it's
the
first coding language
beginners should learn. It serves as the structure or skeleton of a webpage,
acting as the foundation for what you see on the internet. It's the
essential language that forms the basis of all websites. Comparatively, it's
akin to planning the structure of a new building.
step two: Learn CSS:
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Responsible for the visual presentation
of the page, controlling layout, colors, fonts, and other design elements. CSS
should be followed up immediately after you have done learning HTML. It should
be the second language you should learn. Though it is not required it is
recommended for a better grasping of how the frontend works.
step three: Learn JavaScript
Learn JavaScript after HTML and CSS to add interactivity, create dynamic web
content, and enhance the user experience. It seamlessly integrates with HTML
and CSS, allowing you to build engaging features and make your website more
interactive and responsive
step four: learn the front-end framework.
Frameworks provide a structure and ready-made components that make it easier
to build interfaces that look good, are easy to manage, and work smoothly.
Frontend frameworks make it easier to write code quickly, keep it clean and
consistent, make it run fast, and build UIs faster.
You should learn any of the frameworks for each of the coding languages below.
HTML: Bootstrap, Foundation, Semantic UI, and Bulma.
CSS: Tailwind, Sass, Less, Materialize CSS.
JavaScript: React, Angular, Vue.js, Svelte, Backbone.js.
I recommend doing some research to learn more about the different frameworks
available and to choose the one that is right for your needs.
To rapidly progress in your journey of frontend development, you need
to learn and practice as often as possible.
Tools you need to learn frontend development
For a start, you need the following tools (note: number one is most important):
1. Code editor:
A code editor is like a writer's notepad for programmers.
It's a software application that allows programmers to write and edit code,
which is the language computers understand. There are different code editors
you can use to kickstart your coding journey. Both for smartphones, laptops,
and desktops which have been developed for writing code. Some of these code
editors are:
Laptop and Desktop code editors: Visual Studio Code (VSCode),
Sublime Text, Atom, and many more. Preferably I will recommend VSCode
because that is what I used. You can choose any of your choices.
Smartphone code editors: If you don't have a personal computer like a
laptop or desktop, you can choose from any of these code editors to kickstart
your coding journey on smartphones. Examples are
Sololearn, Acode, Coda, Codeliber, etc
2. Version Control:
Version control is your creative safety tool, allowing you to experiment, collaborate, and undo changes with ease, making your front-end development journey smoother and more flexible. Examples of some version control tools you can explore are git, git
3. Browser Developer Tools:
Browser Developer Tools are like a toolbox for web developers. They provide a variety of features and tools that allow developers to inspect, debug, and modify the code that makes up a website or web application. Examples are: Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools
Resources to use
As you start your journey into web development, you'll need a little guidance. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available, both paid and free. The good part? Many of these resources won't cost you a dime, thanks to generous developers sharing their knowledge online. Here are some places to jumpstart your learning:
1. YouTube:
- Explore channels like Traversy Media and freeCodeCamp.org for video tutorials and explanations of backend development concepts.
2. Online Courses and Tutorials:
- Companies like FreeCodeCamp, W3schools, and Sololearn offer both free and paid courses. If you're on a budget, check out this article listing websites where you can learn coding for free.
3. Online Community:
- Connect with other learners and experienced developers in online communities and forums. Places like StackOverflow, GitHub, and Twitter handles of developers are great for seeking guidance, sharing experiences, and getting help to speed up your learning.
Concluding remark
By understanding the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, exploring frameworks, and utilizing essential tools, you're well-equipped to shape the visual and interactive landscapes of websites. Remember, rapid progress comes with consistent practice and engagement with the vibrant developer community.
Whether you're watching tutorials on YouTube, diving into online courses, or seeking guidance in online communities, the resources are abundant. So, dive in, experiment, and enjoy the rewarding journey of bringing digital experiences to life through front-end development.
Have any questions/suggestions, make use of the comment section below. Happy coding!