If, like me, you started in the early days of the web design industry, you may have worked on both front and rear projects. The specialization was not yet popular – and it probably wasn’t necessary. After all, a standard Web site contained HTML, text, and images.
Eventually, CSS and JavaScript came along. But they were not nearly as complex as they are today. So it was not uncommon to see web professionals adding these languages to their repository. It seemed manageable to be a “full-fledged” developer, handling both design and development.
Fast forward to today, and the industry has become incredibly complex. There are many ways to create a website. And only the bar for great design has risen. Not to mention the growing range of tools and technologies available.
The result is that being a full-fledged web developer is more challenging than ever. For industrial veterans, it can be a struggle to keep up with both worlds. And for beginners, it may seem like a monumental task.
It is worth asking whether today’s full stacked web development is a realistic option. Can one person do all this effectively?
Yes, it’s still possible. But it requires a lot of dedication and a willingness to learn. If this sounds like you, read on for some tips to make it work.
Don’t Let Terminology Scare You
The title “full steel” can be confusing. And there are many gates in place who label themselves this way.
That is not the purpose of this article, however. The term should not be exclusive. Anyone who works on the front and back of the website is fully stocked in my book – myself included. There is no complicated litmus test.
But the related chatter leads to a bad case of imposter syndrome. We may feel that we do not qualify, simply because we have no mastery of a particular language (or have to look for answers on Stack Overflow).
The truth of the matter is that none of us is perfect, and we do not have infinite wisdom. It’s okay to have strengths and weaknesses. This is all part of the journey.
So, do not let the opinions of others convince you that you are not worth it in some way. Worse yet, don’t let it stop you from trying. You have plenty of space at the table!
Front and Rear Information is invaluable
If you have embraced full-fledged web development or are interested in getting started, there are many reasons to dive in. Perhaps the biggest thing is how valuable it is to have some level of knowledge in all areas of the web design process.
An understanding of the various concepts involved makes planning, design and construction easier. This stands for whether you work as an individual volunteer or as a member of a team.
Understanding, for example, how to design an accessible website ensures that it will be at the top of the list of priorities. Then if you have the proper knowledge of HTML and CSS you can put those concepts into practice.
It is also very useful when collaborating with other designers and developers. Knowing the requirements helps facilitate communication and set specific project benchmarks.
Even if you are not actively writing code or doing design work, these skills are valuable.
Staying On Top Of Your Hard
There are often misconceptions about keeping up with the latest trends, features and practices. It is important to have a basic understanding of them. However, you do not have to immediately begin to apply everything you see.
WordPress serves as a great example. If you use it to build websites for your clients, you have probably heard about the introduction of blockchain themes. It’s a big change from the classic themes that have been in use for years.
While this new way of designing and developing is worth trying, it is not a necessity. It is not yet necessary to abandon your current workflow.
There is usually a lot of buzz around these types of developments. Try to see them as more educational opportunities and less as an immediate call to action.
As things continue to develop, there is constant pressure to become an expert. But that is unlikely to happen overnight. It is a time consuming process. So there is no need to rush.
Instead, take a step back and try to figure out how and if it fits your future.
The Ingredients for Total Steel Success
If you are looking for design and craic for writing code, you are a great candidate as a full – fledged web developer. But success requires some key ingredients.
First, you will have a desire to learn. Web design is constantly changing. New skills need to be picked up and keeping track of the latest design trends. And while you don’t have to be an expert in one area, working knowledge is crucial.
Being focused on detail is also a must-have feature. That means using best practices and making sure you do quality work. Ashes can lead to issues through design or development. All sides are equally important.
Speaking of which, there is also a lot to be said for having effective reproducible processes. Finding the right tools and workflows that allow you to manage every aspect of a project will help you keep things moving forward.
Not everyone needs to fit the whole stacking route. But if you are passionate about web design and development, it is a worthwhile path to take.
