Are you wondering “What does a web developer do”?
The Heart of Web Development
My journey into web development didn't start in a computer lab; it began with the discipline and problem-solving skills I learned in the Marine Corps. After my service, I saw that same need for structure and precision in the digital world. Small business owners had incredible passion but often struggled to translate it into a functional, professional online presence. That’s what drives my passion today: helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed online.
Many people think “web development” is just about writing complex lines of code. While coding is a huge part of it, the reality is much broader. It's a blend of problem-solving, creativity, and a deep understanding of functionality. It’s about building a digital tool that not only looks great but also works flawlessly to meet a business's goals. At Priceless Consulting, we bring a Marine’s precision and reliability to every project, ensuring every detail is accounted for and every outcome is achieved.
What Does a Web Developer Do?
At its core, a web developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining functional websites and web applications. We are the architects and builders of the internet. Our job is to take an idea—a vision for an online store, a portfolio, or a community hub—and turn it into a tangible, interactive experience for users across the globe.
This role requires a unique combination of technical skill and creative vision. We have to understand the logic of code while also appreciating the principles of good design and user experience. Over the years, we've had the privilege of handling a wide range of projects, from custom WordPress builds for service providers to robust WooCommerce stores for e-commerce brands and optimized sites for local businesses aiming to attract neighborhood customers.
Understanding Web Developers and Their Roles
The term web developer spans several specialized roles, each critical to creating and maintaining a successful website. Whether you’re exploring a web development career or simply want to understand how web developers create the sites you use every day, it helps to see how each specialization contributes to the bigger picture.
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At Priceless Consulting, we combine these disciplines to build high performing, visually appealing, and search optimized websites that empower businesses to grow online.
Front End Developers
A front end web developer focuses on the parts of a website users actually see and interact with. Using computer languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they handle front end development, ensuring the website’s layout, navigation menus, and interactive elements all work smoothly.
Front end developers focus on user engagement, blending web design and web development tools to create a seamless experience. They must write code precisely, translating creative ideas into functional design while keeping accessibility, responsiveness, and site functionality in mind.
These developers need strong communication skills, a solid technical background, and foundational skills in computer programming. Many begin their web development career with a bachelor’s degree or associate degree in computer science or information technology, though hands on experience is equally valuable.
Back End Developers
If front end developers build the stage, back end developers make sure the lights turn on and the sound works. They handle back end development, which includes managing the server, application programming interfaces (APIs), and databases that power a site’s core functions.
These developers work with server side languages such as PHP, Python, or Java, ensuring that everything users do on the front end connects correctly to the site’s database. Their responsibilities often involve software engineering, code review, and maintaining site performance.
Back end developers also rely on strong problem solving skills and an understanding of object oriented programming. Their ability to build websites that are stable, fast, and secure makes them essential for every successful digital project.
Full Stack Developers
A full stack developer is skilled in both front end and back end web development. They’re the ultimate generalists, capable of handling everything from server configuration to web apps, social media platform integrations, and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.
They use additional programming languages and frameworks to create websites that perform on every level. Their day to day responsibilities can range from developing the database structure to optimizing user interface elements for better engagement.
Many full stack developers start as aspiring web developers who explore every layer of the process from design to deployment, often earning credentials like Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or similar certifications to advance their web development job opportunities.
The Priceless Consulting Approach
Our team at Priceless Consulting blends all three skill sets to build websites that are beautiful, functional, and scalable. Every developer contributes to a site’s success from crafting a visually appealing interface to optimizing site functionality and ensuring long term stability.
We believe great web development goes beyond code. It’s about combining technical expertise, creative problem solving, and a deep understanding of how people interact with technology. Whether you’re looking to create your own website or hire a professional team, the collaboration between front end, back end, and full stack developers ensures that your digital presence works as hard as you do.
Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash
Essential Programming Languages and Tools
A web developer’s toolkit is vast and constantly evolving. However, a few core languages form the foundation of nearly every website and web application.
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The skeleton of every web page. It provides the basic structure and content.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): The language used to style the HTML elements. It controls colors, fonts, layouts, and the overall visual presentation.
- JavaScript: This makes websites interactive. From animations and form validations to complex web applications, JavaScript brings the page to life.
- PHP: A server-side scripting language that is especially popular for WordPress development. It runs on the server to process data, connect to databases, and build dynamic content before it's sent to the user's browser.
- Python: Another versatile back-end language known for its readability and powerful frameworks, often used for complex web applications and data processing.
Beyond languages, our daily workflow involves tools like version control systems (e.g., Git) to track changes and collaborate, database management systems (like MySQL) to store information, and server configuration to ensure the website runs smoothly. Certifications, such as being an Adobe Certified Expert, further reinforce our credibility and commitment to professional standards.
Technical Skills Every Web Developer Needs
Writing code is just one piece of the puzzle. To be truly effective, a web developer needs a diverse set of technical skills.
- Coding Precision: Clean, well-documented code is easier to maintain, debug, and scale.
- Responsive Design: Websites must look and function perfectly on any device, from a desktop monitor to a smartphone.
- Cross-Browser Compatibility: Ensuring the website works consistently across different browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
- Software Testing & Debugging: The ability to systematically find and fix errors (bugs) is a critical part of the development process.
- SEO Integration: A great web developer doesn't just build a site; they build it to be found. This means understanding how to structure code and content for search engines.
Ultimately, strong web developers don’t just write code—they understand how websites function as a whole system for both users and search engines.
The Web Developer Career Path
Becoming a web developer is more accessible than ever, but it requires dedication. The path often involves a mix of formal education, intensive online courses, and, most importantly, hands-on experience. My own journey was unconventional, but it taught me that persistence and a passion for learning are the most valuable assets.
For anyone aspiring to enter this field, my best advice is to start building. Create personal projects, contribute to open-source work, and never stop experimenting. The tech industry offers incredible growth opportunities, from building a successful freelance business to leading development teams at an agency. The demand for skilled developers who can deliver reliable results continues to grow.
What Web Developers Work On Day to Day
A typical day for a web developer is a dynamic mix of focused work and collaboration. It rarely involves coding in isolation for eight straight hours. A day might look something like this:
- Morning: Start with client communication—responding to emails, providing project updates, and clarifying requirements. This is followed by a team meeting to sync up on progress with designers and project managers.
- Mid-day: This is often “head-down” time for coding new features, building out page layouts, or integrating a new tool.
- Afternoon: The focus might shift to debugging an issue reported by a client, testing a new feature across different browsers, or optimizing a page for faster load times.
It's a constant balance of structure and creativity. The discipline I learned in the military directly applies here—managing timelines, paying meticulous attention to detail, and approaching every problem with a clear, methodical process.
Photo by Mohammad Rahmani on Unsplash
Critical Skills Beyond Coding
The best web developers are more than just great coders; they are great communicators and problem-solvers.
- Communication: We need to be able to translate complex technical concepts into plain English for clients and collaborate effectively with team members.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Every project presents unique challenges. The ability to think critically and find innovative solutions is essential.
- Project Management: Juggling multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing client expectations are key to delivering a project successfully.
A strong web developer understands that they are not just building a website—they are building a tool to help a business achieve its goals. At Priceless Consulting, our focus on transparency and collaboration ensures our clients are partners in the process, not just spectators.
Why Businesses Need a Skilled Web Developer
In a world of DIY website builders, it can be tempting to cut corners. However, a professionally developed website is an investment that pays significant dividends. Professional development impacts:
- Visibility: A site built with SEO best practices from the ground up will rank higher in search results.
- Conversions: A fast, intuitive, and secure website encourages visitors to take action, whether that's making a purchase or filling out a contact form.
- Credibility: A polished, professional website builds trust and positions your business as an authority in its field.
While DIY builders are great for simple projects, they often lack the flexibility, scalability, and optimization power of a custom solution. We've seen clients double their organic traffic or triple their online leads after moving from a template site to a custom-built WordPress solution designed for performance.
Photo by Tracy Adams on Unsplash
Partner With a Veteran-Owned Web Development Agency You Can Trust
Choosing a web developer is choosing a partner for your business's digital future. You need someone you can rely on to deliver results with honesty and integrity. Priceless Consulting was founded on the principles of Marine Corps discipline: precision, reliability, and a commitment to the mission. We provide clear, honest communication and focus on measurable outcomes that help your business grow.
If you’re ready to build a website that works as hard as you do, we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your project and see how our veteran-owned team can bring discipline and expertise to your digital presence.
All About Your Site
Explore the following resources to deepen your understanding of web development and digital marketing:
- HubSpot – What is Digital Marketing?
- Smashing Magazine – Web Design and Development Articles
- Search Engine Journal – SEO Fundamentals
- Neil Patel – Comprehensive Digital Marketing Guide
- Coursera – Web Development Courses
- Mozilla Developer Network – Web Development Basics
- W3Schools – Web Development Tutorials
- Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
