What Does A Front End Developer Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Front-End Developers

Front-End Developers are typically required to code the visual user interface for a website or mobile application. They build the “front end” of the project while Back-End Developers handle the coding that goes on behind the scenes.

Salary

$107800

Education

Bachelor's degree

Personality

The Thinker

What they do
What is the job like
Where they work
How to become one
Should you become one

When you view a web page with a clean layout and visually appealing design, you can thank the Front-End Developers. They are the coding experts responsible for building and maintaining the visual aspects of a web page.

While most Front-End Developers are Web Designers, many also work in mobile app development. No matter the industry, the Front-End Developer puts together the visual presentation that end users interact with.

Working in Front-End Development requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages. Many developers also hold Bachelor’s degrees. Here is a closer look at what Front-End Developers do and how to become one.

What they do

Create a Front-End Interface Based on Mockups

Front-End Developers are not typically responsible for the design and layout of a website or mobile app. They often build the front-end interface based on visual mockups created by a team of Designers.

The mockups or prototypes are sent to the client for approval. After the client signs off on the designs, the Front-End Developers begin recreating them using HTML, CSS, and various scripting languages.

During the initial design stage, the Front-End Developers may work with other Developers and Designers to ensure that the design prioritizes user experience. For example, Front-End Developers may review the ideas presented by the Designers to determine whether they are possible and contribute to the quality of the user presentation.

Use Coding Skills to Bring a Visual Design to Life

Whether a Front-End Developer works from mockups or original designs, they typically design the visual layout of the website or app using several common scripting and programming languages.

HTML and CSS are at the heart of front-end development. HTML is used to build the structure of a web page. Cascading stylesheet (CSS) coding is used to style the HTML elements. JavaScript, jQuery, and other scripting languages are used to add functionality to the site, such as clickable elements and menus.

Test Websites and Apps for Compatibility and Ease of Use

Front-End Development often requires extensive testing to ensure that every user receives a comparable experience. Developers also test websites to verify that elements load properly.

Testing typically requires Front-End Developers to test the design on a wide range of devices, including all major brands of smartphones and tablets. To simplify the testing process, Front-End Developers frequently use emulators of popular smartphones, tablets, and other devices.

Some organizations and web design companies may also use user testing to gain feedback on the user experience. The Front-End Developer then incorporates user feedback into the design.

Develop User-Facing Features for Websites and Mobile Apps

Front-End Developers develop specific user-facing features for websites and mobile apps. “User-facing” features are elements that users can see and interact with, instead of features that run in the background. Examples include expandable or interactive content, menus, dashboard settings, and forms.

Optimize the Front-End Design for Increased Speed and Compatibility

To deliver a better user experience, Front-End Developers must optimize the front-end design. The loading speed of a website depends heavily on the front-end elements. Large images and extensive features may cause a website to load slowly, resulting in less traffic.

Front-End Developers look for ways to improve the loading speed, such as resizing images and eliminating unnecessary user-facing features.

What is the job like

Michael Pardon

E2E Studios LTD

I am a web designer & developer who deals with both personal and business clients as well as a few back-end systems for my own systems. I am part of a team of three. Two of us are web developers one specializing in backend development and servers and myself focussing more on clients and frontend … Read More

Elia Lotti

I’m Elia Lotti, working as a Frontend Developer for 3 years, but with more experience with programming in general. I’m working remotely, so I wake up in the morning and in less than 30 minutes I’m in front of my laptop writing code. During the workday, I take requirements from other people and turn them … Read More

Pros

You Get to Transform Visual Designs Into Interactive Interfaces

Many Front-End Developers enjoy the process of converting designs and prototypes into interactive web pages and apps.

You Get to Work on a Wide Range of Projects

Front-End Developers may complete the front-end development of dozens of projects during a single year, which keeps the work from becoming stale and repetitive.

You Can Find Answers to Problems Online

When a Front-End Developer encounters an issue with their programming or coding, they can often find a solution online due to the size of the front-end development community.

You Can Work in Almost Any Industry

Front-End Developers are needed in every industry and region, providing endless job opportunities.

Cons

Dealing with Nontechnical Supervisors

Front-End Developers frequently interact with nontechnical individuals, including supervisors, who may not understand the limitations of front-end design. The lack of other people’s technical knowledge can be frustrating.

Not Including the Features That You Want in a Website

Sometimes Front-End Developers cannot include the features that they want because not all browsers or devices provide the necessary support.

Where they work

Web Design Companies

Finance Companies

Technology Companies

Software Development Agencies

Most Front-End Developers work for web design companies and IT service providers that offer web design services. Front-End Developers may also work for application development companies that develop mobile apps. Many technology companies, such as Google and Apple, hire Front-End Developers for their original projects. Software companies, such as Adobe, use Front-End Developers to develop the user interfaces for their programs.

How to become one

Step 1: Learn How to Build Websites

Aspiring Front-End Developers can develop essential programming skills during high school by learning to build websites. Use online resources to learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Most employers require Front-End Developers to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a relevant field.

Step 3: Look for Entry-Level or Freelance Work

Front-End Developers may not find work in their field immediately after college, which is why they often take on freelance work. Designing websites for clients as a freelancer is a good way to develop programming skills and a portfolio.

Step 4: Develop an Online Portfolio

Front-End Developers typically maintain online portfolios. The practice has become common enough that employers expect to see a portfolio when considering a candidate for a job. Keep an online record of every successful front-end development project.

Step 5: Apply for Front-End Development Jobs

After building a portfolio, aspiring Front-End Developers should start looking for work in their field. Start with local companies, such as web design firms. Organizations that employ Front-End Developers may also offer internships or Junior Front-End Developer positions.

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Thinker

People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Front-End Developers are often creative individuals, as they need to create website layouts with visually appealing designs. Time management and organizational skills are also essential, as Front-End Developers need to manage their time wisely to meet deadlines. Good written and verbal communication skills are also helpful for collaborating with Back-End Developers and clients.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.