The front-end developer is responsible for programming the code that “tells” a website how to function. He or she is the first to design and write the code for a web site. A developer builds a web site from the bottom up, which means designing the web site in such a way that both old and new end users have no difficulty navigating the site. Site navigation includes designing a web site that can be accessed from any web browser, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, among others.

A front-end developer builds and maintains web sites with the client and consumer in mind. That is, the end design must include products offered and how clients may access services. Building a user-friendly web site is challenging and rewarding, not to mention an essential skill for front-end developers. Applying code to form function and design is an important part of web design. For example, a customer may want a form to capture an end user’s e-mail to request additional information, provide a newsletter, or thank a customer for their business. A developer aware of the many facets of web design, from the smallest detail to end-user functionality, is the ideal person for this position.

Patience is likely the most valuable skill a front-end developer can develop. Customers can have extravagant, unrealistic expectations for the practical design of a web site. End users, such as customers, clients or company personnel, may accidentally insert code, or a simple design might be too complicated for end users. At times, dealing with clients and end users can be far more difficult than designing the required computer programming.

Knowledge in Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML), JavaScript (JS) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are the essence to web development. HTML is the main language used to display a web site or to appear in a web browser. JS provides user interfaces and enhances interactivity to a website. CSS is used for the look and design of the website in spreadsheets written in HTML. These computer programming skills are essential to building and maintaining a web site.

The ability to design and use a database is also important. Databases are used to determine accuracy and performance in web site maintenance and design. A database avoids repetition of code in a web site or design. Oracle, Structured Query Language (SQL) or MySQL are common database management systems utilized for web development. Oracle is a costly database management program and may not be appropriate for small business educations. Oracle is largely reserved for large corporations, government, or institutional intranets. SQL and MySQL are open-source platforms and are free to the public. The database enables an end user to access the items available through a web site, such as order forms, to access information or to capture credit card data.

A front-end developer needs to know how to provide web content in a user-friendly environment. This task provides a challenging aspect to web site development and maintenance. The web site should not be so simple that it does not appeal to advanced users, nor should it be so complicated that the beginner is easily lost in the process. In a very real sense, a front-end developer is in a position to educate others in the use of the web site or platform.

Experience is highly desirable in a developer, and a front-end developer can be self-taught. However, certification is required by many employers, and if one works as an independent, some customers may ask for a certificate. There are online courses that offer free web development certification courses, or a person may wish to gain an associate’s degree in web development.

The workplace of a developer varies depending on the type of assignment the front-end developer chooses. A designer may work full or part-time in an office Information Technology (IT) department or may choose to conduct business at home. Travel may be involved if a developer freelances or moves from one company site to another. This flexibility in workplace or the ability to work independently enhances the career of a front-end developer. For example, a company may go bankrupt, but a person skilled as a web content developer has the option to move to another company or start an independent business.

The base salary for a developer is $50,000 annually with full benefits. They may also charge $15 to $20 hourly as a contractor or freelancer. Those who choose to be independent from a company are responsible for taxes and their own benefits, such as retirement and health care.