Abstract:
In the ever-evolving landscape of web development, aspiring developers face a multitude of challenges and uncertainties. This article delves into my personal journey of mastering web development, illuminating the obstacles encountered, lessons learned, and the revelation of a systematic approach as the key to success. A narrative forged in the crucible of countries with limited tech employment opportunities, this account underscores how perseverance and strategic learning can transcend geographical boundaries, making web development accessible and rewarding for all. Join me on this enlightening odyssey into the world of coding, where I share the wisdom I've gained from my own experiences and chart a course for aspiring developers in 2024.
Introduction:
In the ever-changing realm of web development, learning the ropes can be a daunting endeavor. With the rise of e-learning, the path to becoming a proficient web developer is more accessible than ever. This article recounts my personal journey, offering insights into the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the realization of a systematic approach to mastering web development. It's a story born in a country with limited tech employment opportunities, where perseverance and strategic learning shine as beacons of hope. Join me as I narrate my experiences and share essential tips for those aspiring to venture into the world of web development in 2024.
Main Body:
Passion and Prerequisites: Getting started in web development begins with a deep-rooted passion for problem-solving through technology. This passion is inseparable from a comfort with computers, as your digital workspace becomes your canvas.
My Learning Experience: My journey commenced in November 2022 when I embarked on a quest to learn web development. Amidst the ocean of information available, I found solace in platforms like FreeCodeCamp. It was here that I plunged headfirst into Responsive Web Design. Day and night, I delved into HTML and CSS, earning my responsive web design certificate within weeks.
But the desire to create beautiful and responsive websites pushed me further. I explored resources like the YouTube channel of Kevin C Powell, known as the CSS evangelist. His "Conquering Responsive Layouts" course became my beacon, elucidating the art of web design on all screen sizes.
Building Confidence: Equipped with skills in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, I started building personal projects, initially focusing on the frontend. Client-centric design was paramount to me, as I believed that aesthetics play a pivotal role in attracting users. However, I yearned for a deeper understanding.
My quest led me to Scrimba, a renowned online learning platform. While the frontend career path seemed financially daunting, I discovered the allure of scholarships and seized the opportunity. Scrimba's self-paced curriculum, spanning six months, introduced me to advanced concepts, especially utilizing the React framework. Personal projects became my testing grounds, and one, in particular, stands out—the "Fun Quiz App." Navigating state management, API interactions, and scoring systems, it was a daunting challenge that led me to seek guidance on GitHub.
Scrimba, however, was more than just a learning platform; it was a gateway to a deeper understanding of JavaScript and UI design. The confidence to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React merged seamlessly, paving the way for me to explore personal projects and accumulate a formidable portfolio.
UI/UX and Backend Development: Yet, two critical obstacles loomed on my path to securing a web development job: UI/UX design and backend development. I realized the importance of wireframes and prototypes and enrolled in a course offered by Coursera and Meta for Frontend Developers. Here, I delved into the intricacies of frontend web development, gaining proficiency in tools like Figma for designing wireframes and prototypes.
By the end of the course, I had mastered frontend development. But my focus shifted from job hunting to a more ambitious goal: creating websites from scratch, offering businesses comprehensive online solutions. To equip myself for this mission, I embarked on Coursera's Meta Backend Developer Course, acquiring a fundamental understanding of Python and backend web development in two intense months.
Bringing Change to Uganda: In Uganda, the digital transformation wave was growing, yet a significant percentage of businesses remained offline. In my own observations and research, I found that approximately 80% of businesses in Uganda lacked an online presence. Armed with my new skills, I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap.
Real-World Projects: My journey took a significant turn when I secured a client in the United Kingdom, requiring a website for her company. Using the Next.js framework, built upon React, I crafted a visually appealing and functional website. With my knowledge of digital marketing and SEO, I ensured the website performed well in search engines.
I also embarked on a project for a relative in Japan, who had started an enterprise in exporting used cars. This long-distance venture is allowing me to put my skills to the test since am building it purely with Django, working voluntarily but with the prospect of showcasing the project once it's completed.
Currently, I'm planning to build my portfolio, with the aim of presenting at least five real-world projects. Personal projects have their place, but it's time to demonstrate the magnitude of what I can achieve for clients.
Tips for Aspiring Developers in 2024:
Let me offer a systematic approach of which I wish I knew I would have saved weeks which I took looking for the best literature. Lets start with the
Frontend:
freeCodeCamp, Checkout their Responsive Web Design Certificate.
Conquering responsive layouts by @kevinpowell, This will give you a broader understanding of HTML and CSS in general firming the concepts from the first certificate in your mind.
Scrimba Frontend Career Path from @scrimba_72, This career path will teach you every thing you need to know and already having foundational knowledge of the technologies will make the learning experience smooth since you're already familiar with most domains. It will also introduce you to UI and UX design by Gary Simon. Who is a great instructor. Not to forget Scrimba has an highly engaging discord community ensuring help when you need. Infact I also learned to conduct code reviews from Scrimba.
After getting comfortable with React consider checking out NextJs which a framework built on top of React and extends its functionality bringing in features like routing by default yet in plain react you use libraries like react-router. Checkout some articles at this point why you would use a React framework over plain react.
The frontend part involves creating what the user interacts with, so since clients we associate with are more interested in the frontend, it is vital to understand how to implement designs into code.
Backend:
If you come from an economy or a developing country more like mine, I believe having backend web development skills will be more rewarding than knowing one domain since in our space there are no jobs and applying for remote jobs can be daunting and in this journey the best thing you can do to yourself is to keep the fire burning.
Meta Backend Developer, This course will introduce you to python since you will be using Django Web Framework. If you can and have the time it would be better if you take the Meta Frontend Developer Certificate first and then follow up that is on top the above frontend.
Dennis Ivy, Is a great youtuber who I have been following, he uses django alot and he is also self taught so he is a great resource.
Further reading: Checkout DJ4E (Django For Everybody) by Dr.Chuck from the University of Michigan. This will help build confidence with how the backend is developed.
Explore the Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) has a great tutorial for backend web development with Django.
However, bear in mind that as any field in InfoTech requires studying almost on a daily since each problem is unique. I myself I take web development to be an art.
Projects:
Mina Care Services Ltd. This was my first real world project roughly in June 2023 is when I deployed it. In this one I was lucky that the client gave me the opportunity to exercise all my skills given that I also have a Certificate in the fundamentals of digital marketing from google which I attained even before embarking on this journey of web development, it equipped me with all the fundamental skills for digital marketing and more so Search Engine Optimization Strategies. So, I ran all the establishment of the online presence of this company a few weeks ago. And on average the company receives at least 100 emails a day.
Fun Quiz Trivia App. One of my personal projects during my frontend career path with Scrimba. It challenged me so much that I loved it that much as well on completion.
Used Car Exporter Web App: This is my second real world project and currently under development can't wait when I wish share it with you guys. Here is a sneak peak.
Other projects mainly personal projects which I built are public on my Github profile which can be accessed via link.
Conclusion:
Passion and Perseverance: Web development begins with a passion for problem-solving through technology, coupled with a comfortable relationship with computers.
Structured Learning: A systematic approach to learning web development, such as leveraging online courses and platforms, can accelerate your progress.
Frontend Mastery: Acquiring skills in HTML, CSS and JavaScript forms the foundation of frontend development, leading to the creation of visually appealing and responsive websites.
Frameworks and React: Exploring frontend frameworks, like React, streamlines the development process and empowers you to build dynamic web apps.
UI and UX Design: Understanding UI and UX design is essential for creating user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing websites. I am not saying go and take a course which has a span of month just for this if your main goal isn't being and a UI or UX designer. All you need is to get to a point where you can have a blank page come up with a design then implement the design in code.
Backend Proficiency: Learning backend development, like Python, equips you with the skills to create comprehensive web solutions.
Bridging the Digital Gap: Recognize the potential to bring businesses online, especially in regions with limited tech opportunities.
Real-World Projects: Building a portfolio of real-world projects is vital to demonstrate your skills and attract potential clients or employers.
As you have seen I have no personal portfolio yet 😞?, no you shouldn't be 😎, It is both a personal and based on the environment decision, I believe a portfolio is better having some real world projects to showcase and in my country which is Uganda you barely get an opportunity if you don't have any under your belt, So am planning to start building it after completion of the car dealership website. So, it might be a different case for you since when you attain the skills you decide on what to do next.
- Digital Marketing: Complement your web development skills with digital marketing knowledge (checkout Certified in Digital Marketing offered by Google)
If there is anything you can do to make you a better nerd in what you do, please do it, all I know given a term Information Technology, there is a point where all these pieces interconnect. For-example I never knew that I will ever apply the digital marketing knowledge in web design but turned the websites we build need to perform well on the web. So the sky is the limit.
Being my first blog post or article: whatever you might call it I pray 🙏, this information helps one out there to climb up a ladder in life by breaking the barriers of getting into web development as I have done for the past year.
References and citations:
Website Reference:
(FreeCodeCamp, 2020)
(Scrimba, 2020)
(Coursera, 2022)
@scrimba_72 @dennisivy11 @kevinpowell
Let's get intouch I will be more than glad, to help out on anything 😎
- Linkedin: https://linkedin/in/kenneth-matovu
- X: https://twitter.com/emkay_sr
- Github: https://github.com/Bugstacker
- Email: kennethmtv.km@gmail.com
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