Have you visited any great websites lately? The kind where you immediately get a feel for the brand and have no trouble finding what you’re looking for? Websites like that are built by talented front-end web developers who understand how to create intuitive layouts and great user experiences.
Front-end development, also sometimes called client-side development, is web design carried out on the front end of a website—the parts that web users see and interact with. It’s created using coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. A front-end developer is responsible for all the visual elements that visitors access through a web browser like Chrome or Safari.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have back-end development, also known as server-side development. A back-end developer is responsible for all the behind-the-scenes aspects of websites that users don’t see. Developers who can do both are called full-stack developers.
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Front-End Developer Courses
We’ve put together a list below of some of the most popular front-end developer courses that will have you coding like a champ in no time.
Software Engineering (Thinkful)
This course is for those who want to learn how to design professional websites, and covers both front-end and back-end development. You’ll learn how to build an interview-ready portfolio using JavaScript, CSS3 and HTML5. This is a good option if you’re a beginner, since this course will familiarize you with some of the latest technologies for developing sites that work on mobile phones, tablets, and all the major browsers. You’ll gain skills like agile development and responsive web design. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design websites with appealing layouts and range of fonts and color schemes.
The course is offered completely online, in both a full-time and part-time format.
Mobile Web Specialist (Google)
If you’re interested in learning the basics of programming languages like HTML, CSS, JS, Node, and MongoDB, then this course could be a great option for you. You’ll learn how to make a range of web applications designed specifically for mobile. The course ensures balance between theoretical and practical learning, and is a good starting point for aspiring front-end web developers without any prior experience. Even if do you have prior knowledge of HTML and CSS, this course will tighten your programming skills. You’ll be provided with detailed guidance and assessed through assignments throughout the course.
Front-End Web Development (Harvard Extension)
This course will introduce you to different aspects of React components, such as Flux and Redux. You’ll learn how to use the React library and JavaScript ES6 to build various applications. By the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to work on React animation support and testing. This is an intermediate level program, so you’ll need to have basic knowledge of JavaScript and web-related technologies, but the skills you learn will help you become a professional front-end developer.
Developers Training (Google)
This course will familiarize you with a host of programs and specializations used in front-end development. The lessons are well-designed, with plenty of examples inspired by real-world situations. And each concept is demonstrated with the help of exemplary code.
UX/UI Design Bootcamp (Thinkful)
Closely related to front-end development is UX design. In a UX design course, you’ll learn to envision the user-flow and look of a new website or app. You’ll partner closely with the software engineering team to turn your plans into a live, user-friendly site. In Thinkful’s course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to become a professional UX designer, and also benefit from one-on-one mentorship and career coaching.
How to Succeed in Front-End Web Development
If you’re serious about succeeding as a front-end developer, here’s a tip—it’s not all about your technical skills. The best web developers are those who can communicate and collaborate effectively. You need to be able to relate to your clients, and be a great team player who can work with others to produce the best outcomes. That’s why going it alone with YouTube tutorials may not equip you with all the skills you need to succeed. There are some things that only a great mentor and support network can provide you with.
Thinkful’s web development bootcamp offers you the skills, tools, and all the support you need to become a successful full-stack developer. Through the Software Engineering Bootcamp, you’ll learn interactive web apps, server-side programming with NodeJS, and advanced front-end development with React. Be sure to check out our web development blog for more expert tips and inspiration for your future career in coding.
FAQs
How much do online courses for front-end development cost?
The cost of a front-end development course varies based on the type and duration of the course. The cost can go from a few hundred dollars on the lower end and thousands of dollars on the higher end. When considering your options for learning front-end development, make sure to pick a learning pathway that gets you the most return on investment and helps you achieve your career goals.
What's the difference between a front-end development online course and bootcamp?
In an online course, real-time interactions with the instructor are not possible and study material can’t be modified. These courses can be taken at any time and from anywhere. Bootcamps on front-end development provide real-time interaction with the instructor for clarifying any doubts one may have.
Will taking a course get me a job in front-end development?
Taking a course can help your career opportunities in front-end development. There are many front-end developer courses on CSS, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery and JavaScript frameworks. These courses provide an opportunity to learn with the experts and enhance the knowledge and skills necessary for employment.
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Take the proven path to a high-income career with professional mentorship and support, flexible ways to pay, and real-world, project-based learning.
- Front End Developer Resources
- Full Stack Developer Resources