10 Key Skills and Knowledge of a Front-End Developer

Today, we will talk about the necessary skills that developers must have to dedicate themselves professionally to this.

Let’s go there!

What Are The Web Developer Skills?

Web developer skills are some of the specific skills required to get hired and excel as a web developer. Possessing these skills can help you outperform other candidates, both during the hiring process and in your day-to-day work. Some examples of web development skills include HTML, interpersonal skills, basic design skills, and analytical skills.

10 Key Skills and Knowledge of a Front-End Developer

1. Mastery of HTML5 and CSS3 languages

2. Know JavaScript

3. Have CMS experience

4. Know the versioning

5. Current experience in responsive design and compatibility with mobile devices

6. Carry out permanent technological surveillance

7. Knowing how to work as a team

8. Optimize the website for users and search engines

9. Have a sense of design

10. Troubleshoot technical issues

1. Mastery of HTML5 and CSS3 languages

The HTML and CSS languages ​​will be essential since developing the entire visible part. The HTML is used to build the site’s structure, while the CSS will intervene when dressing the web page. Therefore, it’s important to know the latest versions.

2. Know JavaScript

Nowadays, Javascript is essential in most projects. This programming language allows the visitor to interact with the page: it is the basis of a dynamic site and a rich users experience. Among the JS frameworks, jQuery is the most popular. It is essential to highlight your knowledge of other libraries such as React, Ember, Angular or Vue to add value. The more and more languages ​​you master, the more you can negotiate corresponding compensation.

3. Have CMS experience

Nowadays, many companies use CMS to edit their website or application. These user-friendly interfaces make it easy and affordable to create dynamic and responsive projects. Therefore, you will need to know the leading CMS since you will work on them during your career. Good knowledge of WordPress, Drupal, Magento, Joomla or Prestashop will be highly valued on your resume.

4. Know the versioning

Version control is an essential concept in development. Thanks to software support, this makes it possible to manage the different versions. However, with these specific tools, you will be able to work directly on the project’s source code without losing previous versions.

5. Current experience in responsive design and compatibility with mobile devices

As a developer, your role is to make the sites accessible and seamless across all mediums. Therefore, today it is essential to adapt your site for use on a smartphone or tablet. Consequently, you will need to know the basics of UX development to provide functional areas that adapt to browsers, devices and screen sizes.

6. Carry out permanent technological surveillance

What you learned when you started studying a few years ago is outdated. To be successful in the ever-evolving web marketplace, you’ll need to be constantly vigilant. Moreover, it is essential to be aware of all the new technologies and know the latest updates of Front-End languages ​​and frameworks.

 7. Knowing how to work as a team

Depending on the size of the IT department you will integrate, you will have to work together with the web designer, the back-end developer,  and sometimes even the SEO expert. Being a team player will therefore be a fundamental quality. In some frameworks, you can even do pair programming: code in agile methodologies.

8. Optimize the website for users and search engines

A website is built for its users. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the loading time of the pages for fast and fluid navigation. It is a capital skill throughout development. Moreover, it requires detailed work upstream, code, weighting images, or even server requests. In addition to thinking about future users, you will also have to worry about search engines. The website’s construction must be designed for natural referencing (SEO).

 9. Have a sense of design

Working as Front-End, you will participate in an area evident to the Internet user. Therefore, it is important to have a natural design sensibility to be competent. Your creativity will be a significant asset, in addition to your technical expertise. If you’re familiar with DTP software (Illustrator, Dreamweaver, etc.), it’s a real asset to your resume, too.

10. Troubleshoot technical issues

As a developer, you will be in charge of managing all errors that may occur on the front end. So you should be able to test with software. As with all professions, glitches aren’t necessarily the most fun part of the job, but you should stick with them.

Conclusion:

The main mission of the Front-End developer is to develop a clear, fluid and ergonomic web interface. Among all the new web professions, the Front-End developer position is particularly popular because it allows you to combine design with programming and explore many languages.

Moreover, Front-End development is also a sector that is not experiencing a crisis since this position is necessary for the web/mobile projects of all companies.