So I started in the field as a web designer and front-end developer. But all that has meant to me is that I design web based projects and then I code them into HTML, CSS and some simple JS. That's pretty much it. I know a bit about programming and I can make my way around most codebases for templating, theming or whatever. But it seems like the field of front-end development has changed.
So here's my question, has the job of a front-end developer expanded? Does it mean much more now than just being able to write HTML, CSS and JS? If so, would I still be considered a front-end dev or do I need to learn React to still be able to call myself a front-end dev?
Thanks!
Top comments (8)
This question has been circulating for some time now, and I feel it has a lot to do with Job Ads. It seems companies these days want Front End developers to be proficient in Javascript Frameworks like React, Angular, Vue etc., but a lot of front end developers like you and I, know of these frameworks and may have played around with them, but its not our day to day work.
I'd highly reccomend this podcast episode of ShopTalkShow where they discuss this question in detail. I like the point made in it where someone mentions that perhaps the "Framework" gun be titled the Javascript developer.
My personal opinion is that if you can build/program a website and are focused on providing the best UI and UX possible, then you are a Front End developer, regardless of tool X, Y or Z.
I agree with your point that the definition of front-end developer is usually based on the employer's requirements, I've seen front-end developers that were essentially full-stack developers on a team that lacked design knowledge and I've seen some front-end developers that knew little to no Javascript at all.
Though, it's no question which one I would prefer working with.
Yeah, sounds like we're in the same boat. I agree a lot with your perspective on it. Oh and that was a really great podcast, thank you for sharing that!
I don't think you need to learn React but you should probably learn about React or Angular. Just so you know where people are coming from. I don't think the learning curve is really all that steep as long as you're not tasked with fully owning a complicated app from end to end. Then it's complicated.
Yeah, that makes sense. I've just kind of stopped telling people I'm a front-end dev cause the question that follows is almost always "do you use React or Vue, etc". There is this sort of inadequacy that sets in if you say, "oh, just HTML and CSS" or whatever. Eh.
Personally, I don't use React or frameworks at all really. However, the "simple" JS you write to get a site up and running all depends on whether you're making a one off page experiment or tool vs a more complete SPA.
Hello!
HTML/CSS: Fundamental for structuring and styling web content.
JavaScript: Proficiency in JavaScript for interactivity and working with frameworks like React or Angular.
Responsive Design: Creating websites that adapt to various screen sizes.
Version Control/Git: Collaboration and code management.
Web Performance: Optimizing for speed and user experience.
Web Accessibility: Ensuring websites are usable by all, including those with disabilities.
API Integration: Fetching data from servers and integrating it into web applications.
Build Tools: Familiarity with tools like Webpack or Babel for code bundling and transpilation.
Browser Developer Tools: Debugging and optimizing code in different browsers.
Testing/Debugging: Writing tests and debugging code efficiently.
CSS Preprocessors: Knowledge of tools like Sass or Less for efficient CSS development.
Front-End Frameworks: Proficiency in popular libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.HTML/CSS: Fundamental for structuring and styling web content.
JavaScript: Proficiency in JavaScript for interactivity and working with frameworks like React or Angular.
Responsive Design: Creating websites that adapt to various screen sizes.
Version Control/Git: Collaboration and code management.
Web Performance: Optimizing for speed and user experience.
Web Accessibility: Ensuring websites are usable by all, including those with disabilities.
API Integration: Fetching data from servers and integrating it into web applications.
Build Tools: Familiarity with tools like Webpack or Babel for code bundling and transpilation.
Browser Developer Tools: Debugging and optimizing code in different browsers.
Testing/Debugging: Writing tests and debugging code efficiently.
CSS Preprocessors: Knowledge of tools like Sass or Less for efficient CSS development.
Front-End Frameworks: Proficiency in popular libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.
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There is a high demand for react in all companies, so you need to learn react and prepare to apply for the jobs that are available