So, you have an interest in having a career in the technology industry but unsure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Over the past few months, devCodeCamp has been running a blog series called “Decoding the Code.” This series is a set of blog posts crafted around giving history, knowledge, and insight into some of the most used coding languages in the world. In this blog post, we are compiling the series into this one-stop easy-to-read post giving you all the information you need to get on track to taking the first step in your new career as a developer. We will be breaking down the three main types of developers (frontend, backend, and full stack) as well as giving some insight into the programming languages heavily used for each role accordingly. The goal is to equip you with enough information to walk away confidently to have a better understanding of what path you may want to take starting your career journey in code.
The 3 Main Types of Developers and the Coding Technology They Use
What is a Front-End Developer?
Even though there are dozens of roles a developer can have, there’s three main types you may see more often than others. If a company has a user facing application or website, then it’s likely they used the talents of a front-end developer. This position is called “client-side” or “front-end” because it’s in the front of visibility. These developers are mainly responsible for the appearance and user functionality of applications and websites, such as where photos were placed on the page, the menu design and responsiveness, text blocks, embedded videos, and much more. This very page you are viewing right now, regardless of the device you are using it on, was optimized and designed using code written by a front-end developer.
What Programming Languages and Technologies Do Front-End Developers use?
Most developers have a wide array of programming languages, libraries, and tools they use in their everyday workloads. When it comes to front-end developers, two major coding players play a key role in the work they do: HTML and JavaScript.
HTML
Even though it is not officially classified as a programming language, HTML has been the leading industry standard for web design for decades online. Labeled as a “markup language,” HTML creates clear and precise website structure for users to easily maneuver around effortlessly to create the best viewing experience by transforming basic text to a more visually appealing presentation of the website.
JavaScript
Much like HTML, JavaScript plays a crucial part in how websites function today. Being the key programming language that takes static webpages and turns them into a full interactive experience for users. JavaScript is responsible for things such as menu bar drop downs, button clicks, and video playback.
Other programming languages and technologies used by front-end developers include:
- CSS
- React.js
- jQuery
- Vue.js
- Bootstrap
What is a Backend Developer?
The responsibility of backend developers is a long list of behind-the-scene functionalities that keep website and application databases up-to-date and running, maintaining proper security protection, report generation, front-end integration, and more.
What Programming Languages and Technology Do Backend Developers use?
Just like any other developer role you may come across in your average programming department, backend developers are able to rely on a large list of programming languages and tools that help make the role reach its highest potential day in and day out. Two key programming languages crucial to a backend developer are: SQL and Python.
SQL
If you were to speak to any backend developers, they would likely say that SQL is the number one tool they use. The reliability, functionality, and convenience of SQL makes it a must have when working on the backend databases of websites and applications.
Python
Python is widely considered one of the strongest programming languages developers are able to use in coding today. With its massive community, intuitive capabilities, and wide array of functionality from AI learning, data analyzing, and automation…it’s no secret why this is one of the most used programming languages in technology.
Other programming languages and technologies used by backend developers include:
What is a Full Stack Developer?
Full Stack developers are looked at as a highly valuable position in any company because of the massive set of skills and insight they are able to bring into any project. A full stack developer is someone who has expert knowledge and skillsets of front-end and backend functionalities combined. This role is usually someone who is able to tackle potentially challenging tasks with ease and expertise. Which usually results in high salary potential and exciting opportunities as big tech.
How Do I Pick What Type of Developer I Want to Be?
The answer to this question is never a blanket statement for everyone. Each person has different interests, career goals, and passions. But because the tech industry is thriving and such an important part of our everyday lives, there’s plenty of options to pick from on which route you want to take that best fits who you are and what you want.
Characteristics of a front-end developer may include:
- Attention to detail
- Artist
- Tidiness
- Good teammate
Characteristics of a backend developer may include:
- Analytical mindset
- Time management
- Willingness to always be learning
- Patience
Characteristics of a full stack developer may include:
- Motivated
- Communication
- Problem Solver
- Flexible
These are just to get you started. But one of the most exciting aspects of becoming a developer is anyone is capable of doing it with the right set of skills! Another exciting element is that multiple roles in coding allow for a similar set of characteristics. Which means you have options to pick from when attempting to take that very first step towards becoming a developer. We suggest researching each role and programming language to have a clearer understanding of what you would be best at.
How to Learn How to Code
Learning how to code takes time and a strong groundwork of learning material to get the hirable skills you need to launch a career in code. At devCodeCamp’s online bootcamp, in just a handful of weeks, we take adult students interested in learning how to code and completely transform them into knowledgeable developers with a long list of skills. During our online courses, our main goal is shape people from all walks of life into becoming the best developer they can be long-term starting on day one. While learning how to code, you will also pick up a set of soft skills crucial to any successful professional developer such as teamwork, learning to learn, and an analytical mindset. Our graduates can be found helping change the future of technology in companies such as Amazon, Facebook, HubSpot, Deloitte, Oracle, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and more. If you’re ready to change your life and launch a career in code, reach out today to better understand the devCodeCamp difference.