If you’re interested in becoming a front-end developer, the first step is to decide how you want to do it. There are numerous online front end development course, local meetups, and one-on-one mentorships available to help you learn what you need to know about HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, etc., but it’s important to choose one that will provide all of the skills that you need, as well as be something that you can stick with over time. To help you find the right course for your needs, here are 15 essential skills that most experts agree every front-end developer should master before 2022.
1) HTML5
HTML5, short for HyperText Markup Language 5th edition, is an HTML standard. It was finalized on 28 October 2014 by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and published as a recommendation. The previous version of HTML was HTML 4.01 from 1997.
2) JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that can be used for front-end development (along with HTML and CSS) or back-end development. Front-end developers make up 33% of all software developers, according to Stack Overflow. That’s up from 20% just five years ago, and we expect it to stay around 30% over time. If you want front-end development skills, there are JavaScript courses that teach you everything you need to know about JavaScript.
3) Bootstrap
Bootstrap is an HTML, CSS, and JavaScript framework that makes it easy to create websites and web applications. Bootstrap uses a mobile-first approach, providing styles for common interface elements that adapt as screen sizes change, which is one of many reasons it’s a favorite among front-end developers. To get started with Bootstrap 4, you’ll need at least intermediate knowledge of HTML and CSS as well as experience with JavaScript.
4) ReactJS
ReactJS is an open-source Javascript library that uses virtual DOM as well as NodeJS server. It lets you create highly interactive web pages with minimal resources. As one of most popular front end development courses, ReactJS has taken web development community by storm. Facebook uses it to render over 1 billion pieces of content each day, which makes it by far one of highest performing JavaScript frameworks ever.
5) Vue.js
Vue.js is an open-source JavaScript framework for building user interfaces. Vue is simple, flexible, and adaptable for a range of applications. It’s also easy to learn: If you know HTML and JavaScript, you can learn Vue in just a few hours!
6) AngularJS
If you’re familiar with AngularJS, you can be ready for Angular 4, which is set to debut late 2017. Angular 4 will have an easier learning curve, so if you’re looking to start your first front end development course or get more out of an existing AngularJS course, take a look at what they have to offer.
7) jQuery (Optional)
jQuery is one of those things you should know at least a little bit about, but many front-end developers consider it an optional skill, meaning that if you’re an entry-level developer your ability to crack into the field will be questioned.
8) Git and GitHub (Optional)
GitHub is GitHub’s online Git repository hosting service. It provides access control and source code management for open source and private projects. It also offers social networking and project collaboration features similar to those found on software development sites like Stack Overflow or Reddit. If you are new to Git or don’t have a place yet where you can upload your code, then I would highly recommend creating an account with GitHub before starting any new projects.
9) SEO (Optional)
SEO stands for search engine optimization. It’s one of those things that’s really not too hard, but you can learn much more about it on YouTube. Just search how to optimize a website for SEO, and you should find some good stuff.
10) Payment Gateway Integration (Optional)
In addition, most websites need some form of payment system. We’re not going to go into much detail here about how that works, but we will give you one piece of advice: Don’t try and reinvent that wheel. Look for an existing payment gateway integration with another ecommerce platform (or software) and use it. It will save you time (and therefore money) down the road.
11) MySQL
An essential skill for front end development and a widely used database, MySQL makes it easy to store, organize, access and secure data.
12) Java
Created by Sun Microsystems and released in 1995, Java is one of most popular programming languages out there. First used for interactive television programs, it has since been adopted by popular websites like Google and Amazon.
13) AJAX
It’s important for front end developers to have a thorough understanding of how AJAX can be used.
14) CSS
If you want to work as a front-end developer, you will need some knowledge of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). CSS is similar to HTML, but it’s focused on style rather than content.
15) Node.js
In an industry where technologies change so frequently, it’s important to have a skill set that is always relevant. For front end developers, Node.js has become one of those must-have skills.
Conclusion
When you think of front-end development, you probably think of JavaScript and HTML/CSS coding. And if you’re looking to break into the industry as an entry-level developer, you’re likely only focused on those two aspects of your job—leaving out several other important skills that can make or break your career.
