Web development in the UK has come a long way from the early days of HTML and JavaScript. Nowadays, there are several different programming languages that are used to develop web-based content, as well as several different frameworks to use in conjunction with them. For example, when developing with PHP, you can choose between using Bootstrap or Zend Framework to do so. This means that it’s important to know what these technologies are and which ones are most likely to get you hired based on your experience level and the field you’re trying to get into in web development in the UK.
Java
The average salary for a Java Developer is £56,000 in London and £42,000 across all other regions.
There are more than 9 million
The Stack Overflow Developer Survey in 2016 found that 7.96% of developers named it their most loved language, and 8.67% named it their most dreaded language.
Python
Learning Python programming is a great way for new developers to start learning web development. First, Python can run on different platforms and devices, meaning it works across all major devices including macOS, Windows, Linux, Unix, etc. Also similar to Javascript or Node.js development languages and frameworks such as Ruby on Rails or Django are based off of Python development. Thanks to its popularity and simplicity; it’s easy to find tutorials and other resources online which will help jumpstart your Web Development career with Python.
PHP
One of two languages that powers WordPress (the world’s most popular CMS), PHP isn’t going anywhere for at least a few more years. The majority of internet users visit at least one site built with PHP every day. Sites like Facebook, Yahoo, YouTube, and Wikipedia are all built on top of its codebase. PHP can be embedded directly into HTML to generate dynamic content and is really good with relational databases. It doesn’t have a large following outside web development circles—but that could change if its projects catch on among non-technical people who simply want something simple to create dynamic sites and apps. Google App Engine (GAE) uses Python, but because it runs atop so many older frameworks it ends up working just fine with PHP, too.
JavaScript
A programming language that is most commonly used to develop client-side applications. JavaScript runs on a browser, sending and receiving messages from the Web server and controlling how elements display on the screen. It was created by Netscape and has been implemented into many browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Google Chrome. JavaScript is based on ECMA standard 262 and its first formal version was released in 1997. Some examples of websites using JavaScript include Facebook and Wikipedia.
C#
This language, developed by Microsoft, is designed with object-oriented programming in mind. It’s most often used for mobile app development, along with .NET web applications. C# is considered a powerful but also complex language because it uses types and objects extensively. However, as a developer becomes familiar with its best practices, it allows them to create apps quickly and easily.
Ruby on Rails
One of today’s most popular programming languages, Ruby on Rails is a framework built around Ruby, which enables developers to create dynamic websites. This open source language was originally designed for programmer productivity and fun, using lots of magic like autocorrect. It is an interpreted object-oriented language that’s high level and contains features like dynamic typing. Rails makes it simple to build database-driven websites without digging into code or relying heavily on external tools (like PHP) because it has a stack that allows you to write your own code when needed. If you’re looking for a job as a web development company in London or New York City, knowing how to use Rails can definitely help your cause.
HTML5, CSS3, and web design trends
HTML5 is an exciting new set of standards for building Web pages. The most significant change brought by HTML5 is that it allows developers to build rich user experiences on any browser, whether desktop or mobile device. This makes it easier than ever to create a website that can display across multiple platforms and devices. Also, keep an eye out for CSS3 because these frameworks will probably be used more frequently as we move forward into 2015. Finally, while you might have heard about responsive design (which gives web designers more control over how their site looks on different-sized browsers), other exciting design trends include flat design, which minimizes visual clutter and allows for websites to load faster; plus adaptive design, which creates a website that adapts to whatever screen size it’s viewed on.
