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David here 👋 , a frontend developer with 6+ years of professional experience and 9+ years (est. 2015) of overall software development experience.
I love to inspire, empower and connect with the Dev community by sharing knowledge through writing, YouTube, speaking engagements (DM to request) and social media.
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Let’s be honest—when was the last time you opened a laptop just to Google “best food near me”? You don’t remember right? Exactly, these days, even your grandma is ordering waakye (Waakye is a ghanaian dish made from rice and beans**) through her phon...
Picture this: your business is a hidden gem, tucked away in the digital world like a rare artifact. You have an amazing product or service, but if no one can find it, does it even exist? That’s the challenge you face with a weak online presence. This...
Ever poured your heart and soul into your website, only to find it buried on page 17 of Google search results? It’s like throwing a fantastic party, but nobody shows up. Bummer, right? If your site isn’t showing up in search results, it’s time to tac...
My guy (slang for my friend), let’s be honest, If you’ve never heard frontend and backend before, they can sound pretty confusing. Some people even joke that frontend developers are better looking than backend developers Like seriously? Who even cond...
Have you ever used a website that looked stunning, but when you tried to log in, nothing worked? Or maybe you added items to your cart, but when you clicked "checkout," the page just sat there like an unbothered king? Yeah… that's what happens when b...
Ever wondered who’s behind the sleek, user-friendly interfaces of your favourite websites? Well, gather around, and let me introduce you to the glorious world of frontend development.
When you're excited to learn about frontend development.
A front-end developer can be referred to as the "interior designer" of the web.
They make sure everything you see and interact with on a website looks good and works smoothly. Frontend developers take those stunning designs and mockups that look like they came straight out of a museum and transform them into living, breathing websites and applications. They wield the power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to bring form and function to the front end – that’s everything you see and interact with on a website. The buttons you click, menus you navigate, and that slick animation on hover – that’s all us.
Now that you know who a frontend developer is, you might be curious about what they actually do. Here are some common responsibilities of a frontend developer:
Building the User Interface (UI): Frontend developers are the artists of the web. But first, what’s a User Interface (UI)? It’s the part of a website or app you interact with - buttons, menus, forms, sliders, and more. Think of it as the front of a store: the display windows and layout that draw you in and make your visit enjoyable. They take those gorgeous designs from their unicorn-like designer friends and turn them into pixel-perfect reality using HTML, CSS, and enough JavaScript to make your head spin😜.
Implementing Responsive Design: Remember that website that looked amazing on your desktop but turned into a confusing mess on your phone? Yeah, that's what they fix - wielding the magic of responsive design to make sure your website looks stunning and functions flawlessly on any device, from a desktop monitor to your grandma's flip phone (yes, those still exist!). It's like building a website that's a yoga master - it can bend and flex to fit any situation.
Optimizing for Performance: Slow websites are the bane of our existence (and probably yours too). Frontend developers fight the good fight against laggy loads and ensure your website is faster.
Ensuring Accessibility: The web should be a welcoming place for everyone, no matter their abilities. They make sure everyone can navigate and use the website, even if they need a little extra help. Think of them as the website's sign language interpreters, opening the door to a wider audience by following accessibility guidelines, like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure proper text alternatives, colour contrast and implement technologies that work with assistive technologies like screen readers(check out the A11Y Project) to reach a much larger user base and show that your company is inclusive and considerate.
First Impressions Matter:
First impressions on a website are like a first date, everything must be perfect.
Your website is often the first point of contact with customers. A frontend developer ensures it’s love at first sight. Every click, scroll, and interaction you have on a website is their handiwork. They determine how easy it is to find what you're looking for, how quickly things load, and if the overall experience is pleasant or frustrating. Holding in part, the power to make or break a website's success.
Brand Image: Consistency in design and functionality reflects your brand’s professionalism and reliability. Your website is an extension of your brand, and a front-end developer ensures it looks and feels top-notch.
Accessibility: Frontend developers ensure that websites are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This not only broadens your audience but also shows that your business is inclusive and considerate.
It's the Future: As the world gets more and more digital, the demand for skilled frontend developers is only going to skyrocket. It's a field that offers great career opportunities, a chance to be creative and solve problems, and the satisfaction of seeing your work come to life online.
Masters of Constant Evolution: The web ain't static, and neither are frontend skills. New technologies, frameworks, and trends pop up all the time. A good frontend developer is a lifelong learner, always keeping their skills sharp and adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding field. You get to see your creations come to life and be used by millions of people around the world.
The world of frontend development is exciting and ever-evolving. If you're interested in a creative and rewarding career, then this might be the perfect path for you!
Frontend Developer Roadmap:
Getting started as a frontend developer requires dedication and continuous learning. Here's a simplified roadmap to guide you:
Master the Fundamentals: Begin by mastering the core technologies of frontend development: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the building blocks for creating web pages and interactive elements.
Explore Frameworks: Once comfortable with the basics, delve into popular frontend frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js. These frameworks offer pre-built components and tools to streamline the development process.
Practice Makes Perfect: Build projects to solidify your understanding and showcase your skills. There are numerous online resources and tutorials to help you get started.
This is just a brief overview. Check out my article on What It Takes To Become A Frontend Developer for a more comprehensive guide.
When you understand what frontend development is now and can't wait to get started
Getting a frontend developer job can be tricky. There are areas to consider including but not limited to building projects to showcase your skills, a stellar resume, referrals, a personal brand, and the list goes on. This article explains it in a wholesome manner.
Looking to hire a frontend developer? You have a couple of options. You can hire a developer individually on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and LinkedIn, and manage the client-developer relationship, or opt for a dedicated front-end development team that handles the management for you. Here are personal recommendations:
fjorge: They offer comprehensive web & application development, website maintenance & UX design services with a strong focus on frontend development.
Frontend Mentor Hiring: A tech hiring platform behind a passionate community of thousands of talented and ready-to-hire developers where you can search for the best candidates, evaluate their actual work, and hire based on real-life skills, not credentials.
Indeed: A popular job site to find experienced frontend developers.
Upsilon: Long-term tech partner who will fully take care of your product development, allowing you to focus on strategy, fundraising, and sales.
King David Gyimah: Offers specialized frontend development services with a personal touch.
Other recommendations: Top 10 Sites to Hire Front-end Developers in 2024
In essence, a frontend developer can turn a casual visitor into a loyal customer. So, the next time you browse the web, take a moment to appreciate the work of the frontend developer behind the scenes. We may not be the rockstars, but we're the ones making sure your online experience is smooth sailing. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to hire one! Or, you know, send me a message 😉.
