What does a Web Developer do?

Understanding the role of a web developer

Simply put, a web developer is a professional who builds and maintains websites. They can blend design creativity with technical expertise to build online experiences that are both visually appealing and capable of performing complex functions.

Web development – day to day life

Daily activites vary between different companies and roles – as a freelance developer, the day is likely to be comprised of juggling many different tasks such as replying to emails, making proposals, and other means of communications with clients, leaving a suprisingly small amount of time for actual coding.

If you work for an agency it’s a different story, as different teams take on the various other elements leaving you more time to get development work done.

The custom web development process

Custom web development involves building a bespoke website around meeting the specific needs of a client. It’s a process that requires regular communication between both parties over the course of usually a few months. Here’s a breakdown of what that typically involves:

Initial Discussion

The developer meets with the client (in person or virtually) to discuss the goals for the website, target audience, and brand identity.

The project scope is outlined, including but not limited to the website’s features, functionalities, and content requirements. This makes sure that both parties are on the same page, and the client knows exactly what their budget is going towards.

Planning and Design

Wireframing

A basic layout of the website is created, focusing on user behaviour and the goals of the website.

The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are designed to ensure a seamless and intuitive user journey.

The visual elements, such as colour schemes, typography, and images, are selected. I’m important to choose these in line with the brand’s aesthetic.

Development

There are two main parts to development – back end and front end. Front end is the visible part of the website, including the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code that determines how the site looks and functions.

The back end is the server-side logic and database which processes information and storage as users navigate. The content management system (CMS) which is used by admins is sometimes reffered to as the back end as well.

If necessary, APIs are integrated to connect the website to external services, such as payment gateways or social media platforms.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Functionality Testing

The website is tested across different browsers and devices to guarantee consistent performance and to ensure all features work as intended.

Performance Optimization The developer optimizes the website’s loading speed and overall performance by removing redundant code and lowering the amount of data that needs to move between the server and end users.

Deployment

Hosting

The website is deployed to a web server, making it accessible to the public.

Domain Name Setup

A domain name is registered and configured to point to the website’s server.

Maintenance and Support

Regular Updates

The website is regularly updated to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance.

Ongoing Support

The developer provides ongoing support to resolve any issues or implement new features.

Why Choose Custom Web Development?

Tailored to Your Needs

A custom website is designed specifically for your business, ensuring it meets your unique requirements.

Enhanced User Experience

A well-designed custom website can significantly improve user engagement and conversions.

Stronger Brand Identity

With custom development there is no templating or restrictions on how elements look and function, resulting in branding that matches nicely and flows throughout.

Scalability

A custom website uses server resources more efficiently and has less restrictions, making it perfect for scaling up.

Security

Custom websites usually use less third party code (making them more secure), and have robust security measures built in.