Melissa Nowadays, knowing how to code is a bit like learning a new language, but with symbols, tags, and sometimes a few knots in your brain! If you’ve always wanted to create websites, tinker with web pages, or even build an online empire, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will go over everything you need to get started with a web development training for beginners. No super technical jargon here, we’re going cool, one step at a time.
What is web development?
You’ve probably already asked yourself: what exactly is web development? Well, to keep it simple, it’s everything that revolves around the creation of websites and web applications. Everything you see online, from your favorite website to streaming platforms, has been built by web developers.
In web development, there are mainly two aspects: the front-end (what you see on the screen) and the back-end (what happens behind the scenes). Imagine a theater: the front-end is the stage, with the scenery, the actors, the lights… And the back-end is the technicians, the scripts, the director, in short, everything that makes the show exist. Some developers prefer to specialize in one area (front-end or back-end), but others, called full stack, like to do a bit of everything.
Essential skills for beginners
If you’re ready to dive into the world of code, you’ll need a few secret weapons. No worries, you don’t need to be a math whiz. Logic, curiosity, and a bit of patience will take you far!
Basic programming languages
To get started, here are three essentials:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language): This is the backbone of any web page, a bit like the skeleton. With HTML, you structure your content into sections, titles, paragraphs, etc.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Once you have the structure, you need to style it, right? CSS allows you to define colors, fonts, layout. In short, it makes your site pretty and enjoyable.
- JavaScript: Here, we enter the dynamic side. JavaScript brings your pages to life by adding interactions (like buttons that change color, animations, forms, etc.).
These three languages form the solid foundation of front-end development. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Angular, which are super popular among pros.
Development tools and environments
Working in web development isn’t just about writing lines of code. There are also some super useful tools to help you on your journey:
- Code editors: Your best friend for coding. Popular options include Visual Studio Code (free and ultra-complete) and Sublime Text.
- Browsers: Yes, you’ll use your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) to test your code, and with tools like the Inspector, you’ll be able to see what’s happening live.
- Terminal/Command Line: It’s a bit scary at first, but it’s very useful for navigating your files and installing packages.
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Visual Studio Code | Versatile code editor |
| Google Chrome | Live testing and debugging |
| Git | Version control for your code |
Recommended resources and training
Now that you know what you need to learn, let’s see where to find all that. The internet is full of resources to learn coding, and you can start for free!
Free online courses
- Google Digital Garage: Perfect for total beginners, with videos and practical exercises.
- OpenClassrooms: This platform offers courses in French on various topics, including HTML and CSS.
- FreeCodeCamp: It’s one of the most popular resources for learning for free. With real projects, you can build a portfolio while learning.
Books and tutorials
If you’re the kind of person who likes to learn the old-fashioned way, books can be a great option. For example, “HTML & CSS: Design and Build Websites” by Jon Duckett is a classic that makes coding accessible and visually appealing.
Join a community
Being a lonely coder is not a fatality! Joining communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit (in dedicated subreddits), or Facebook groups can save your life. Developers are often nice people ready to help you if you get stuck on a bug or need advice.
The steps to succeed in your web development training
Once you have the basics, it’s essential to structure your learning to progress effectively.
Practice, practice, practice!
There’s nothing like getting your hands dirty. Try to code a little every day, even if it’s just 15 minutes. It’s by coding that you’ll become a real pro.
Create personal projects
Starting with simple projects (like a profile page or a personal blog), you can apply your new skills and have something concrete to show. And believe me, it’s very satisfying to see your own site come to life.
Here are a few project ideas to get started:
- Personal profile page: A kind of online CV, perfect to introduce yourself.
- Portfolio: Show what you’ve learned and built in one place.
- Mini-blog: Learn how to structure articles, manage styles, and even integrate contact forms.
Stay updated with trends
The web is constantly evolving, and it’s important to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. For that, subscribe to newsletters from sites like CSS-Tricks or Smashing Magazine, or subscribe to specialized YouTube channels.
Tips to boost your learning
Now that you’re on the right track, here are some tips to learn more effectively:
- Find a mentor: If you know someone who is already a developer, ask them for advice or a bit of help.
- Code in public: Share your work on GitHub; it will also allow you to receive feedback.
- Use visual aids: Tools like Figma allow you to create mockups, to plan what you want to build before coding.
Why you should really get started
Web development is more than just a technical skill. It’s also a way to solve problems, create amazing things, and even influence the world. And the good news is, you don’t need a degree or five years of experience to begin. With determination, a good guide (like this article, for example!), and a few hours of practice, you’ll become a fulfilled and confident web developer.
Summary table: Languages, tools, and recommended resources
| Category | Suggested resources |
|---|---|
| Basic languages | HTML, CSS, JavaScript |
| Tools | Visual Studio Code, Git, Chrome DevTools |
| Online courses | FreeCodeCamp, OpenClassrooms, Google Digital Garage |
So, ready to take the big leap into the world of web development? Let your curiosity and creativity guide you, and start today.
Did you like this article? Share it with your friends or check out our other guides to deepen your learning! And if you want personalized recommendations for online training, take a look at our selections at the bottom of the page.
