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- Develop the code that produces the parts of websites and apps that users see
- You'll need excellent coding skills, problem solving ability, and attention to detail
- This is a field with lots of opportunities and the potential to work for a company or as a freelancer
As a front-end engineer or developer, you'll code the parts of websites and apps that users actually see. You'll learn and use coding languages like HTML, CSS, Javascript and JQuery.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Work closely with other developers and designers like web designers, UX and UI designers, who create visuals of what the site or app should look like that you use to guide your coding
- Receive wireframes from a web designer that show the basic structure of the site, and/or then detailed designs and styling information from applications like Figma
- Create the code that makes the site display and function in the required way using the information you have as a guide
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll spend most of your time coding on a computer in an office or from home - there are lots of freelance opportunities for coders so this can be a flexible working option.
You'll need
There are no set qualifications for these roles, but you'll need to develop your knowledge of coding languages like HTML, CSS, Javascript and JQuery.
You'll also need to be able to work with content management systems and e-commerce platforms like WordPress, Magento, Drupal and Joomla.
You can teach yourself these languages using online courses and resources, or you can do a more formal qualification in programming or computer science at a college or university.
To gain work you'll need a portfolio of sites you have worked on, these could be personal projects that you have developed, work experience or volunteer projects you've done, or paid work.
You could also do an internship at a digital agency to gain further experience before applying for your first role.
CAREER PROSPECTS
In general, highly skilled coders are in high demand, so there are lots of opportunities in this field, and you may want to choose to specialise in a particular function or language like Javascript to become an expert and help you keep up with the latest skills.