How to be a Web Developer: A Complete Beginner's Guide on What to Know and Where to Start

This complete beginner's guide is for anyone interested in becoming a web developer. Aimed at those without any previous experience, this book provides an overview of the key principles of modern web development. You'll gain insight into the key facets of JavaScript, HTML and CSS, as well as the difference between front-end, back-end, and full stack development. You'll also be introduced to popular tools and frameworks such as React, Angular, GraphQL, and Node.js, and gain an understanding of the role of a web developer: what it entails, how to secure your first role, and how to survive your first week in the job. Moreover, How to be a Web Developer will take you through the steps of building your first web application, allowing you to apply the principles you've learned in a practical way. Filled with additional information and resources, this book will give you the knowledge and tools needed to start your journey to becoming a professional web developer. What You Will Learn Master the principles of JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and UX Design Utilize tools and frameworks like React, Angular and GraphQL Understand what it means to be a web developer and what it entails Develop key soft skills such as teamwork and project management Gain practical knowledge that will help you get started as a web developer Who This Book Is For Complete beginners without any previous knowledge or experience who are interested in web development. Table of Contents About the Author About the Technical Reviewer Part I: Getting Started Chapter 1: Introduction The Purpose of the Book Why Would You Want to Code? Common Misconceptions The Downsides Why Listen to Me? What Will You Need? What Is Web Development? What You Will Do at Work What Is the Proper Attitude? Impostor Syndrome How to Find the Things That You Need How Does a Web Application Work? Frontend, Backend, and the Cloud Classic Websites vs Single Page Applications The Talk About Programming Languages Summary Part II: The Tech Stack Chapter 2: SQL Basics Installing MySQL Database Structure and Creation SQL Selects Homework SQL Functions SQL Joins Indexes Homework (5-15 Mins) Summary Chapter 3: HTML and CSS HTML CSS Bootstrap Homework Summary Chapter 4: GraphQL and JavaScript GraphQL JavaScript Functional Programming Constants and Variables Functions Shorthand if Statements Arrays Destructuring and Spread Promises Summary Chapter 5: The Backend The Setup (Optional) Homework Your First Query Setting Up the ORM Homework Your First Mutation Homework Summary Chapter 6: The Frontend The Figma UX/UI The Setup The Static Page Creating the Popup Homework (30-40 Min) Creating React Components Homework (10 Min) Linking the Backend and the Frontend Using Apollo Using Mutations to Create a Customer Homework Summary Chapter 7: Going Fullstack The Design Ticket The New Feature Ticket Homework Summary Chapter 8: Automated Testing Testing Concepts Unit Testing Test Driven Development Integration Tests End-to-End Testing Homework Summary Chapter 9: Other Frameworks and Technologies Creating a Login System Login Systems Cookies MD5 Other Technologies You Should Know About Open Source GIT Azure/Amazon Cloud Providers Docker NoSQL JIRA WordPress Summary Part III: Landing Your First Role Chapter 10: Your First Job Creating a Portfolio Networking and Volunteering Freelancing Writing a Good Resume Finding and Applying for a Job Interviews Summary Chapter 11: Working on a Team Team Structure The Lifecycle of a Feature How You Develop Summary Chapter 12: Project Management Methods The Agile Methodology Summary Part IV: In Summary Chapter 13: Conclusions References Index