CHAPTER 10

Front End Development

Half knowledge of anything is risky and can create confusion.

We have curated this chapter entirely on front-end developers to provide you with deep insights.

The objective of this chapter is to make you understand everything front-end developers like who they are, what their responsibilities are, what languages they use for web development, and, most importantly, how you can hire them to accomplish your project

Let’s quickly cover the concept!

Front-end development is the practice of designing and implementing the design ideas into the graphical representation. It uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to structure the web layout so that users can view and interact with the final layout.

Overview of Front-End Development

Generally, front-end development is known as client-side development, where developers focus on making the web layout beautiful and highly functional. Client-side development is mostly carried out by appropriately using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as strong pillars of website architecture.

Here, the entire focus is on making the website interface impressive and user-friendly. Remember, the front-end has nothing to do with server-side functionality implementation.

What is front-end development?

To understand the front-end clearly, you need to have an idea of the basic concept. The concept says front-end is the client-side mechanism of producing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for a web application or website to let users directly interact with the web interface.

Constant observation of this realm states that tools and technologies frequently generate the need for developers to be aware of the new trends and technologies to build more functional and interactive web interfaces.

Objective of front-end development

When users access a website, they mainly interact with the home page where all the services and products are appropriately described to explore. So, if a user can quickly get what they want, your site has a robust UI design. But if the situation is opposed and users find a page cluttered and unable to reach the destination, you need to work on your website UI design.

What programming languages does a front-end developer use?

A front-end developer develops and architects web applications using the most familiar programming languages, i.e., HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. All these languages run on the Open Web Platform, or you can say act as compilation input for non-web platforms environments.

HTML

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the backbone of a website development process. A website can’t exist without HTML as it describes the uploaded content with links and termed hyperlinks that are embedded correctly.

CSS

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) controls an interface's presentation aspect and allows developers to give a unique look to a website. It does all this by maintaining the stylesheets as per design requirements.

JavaScript

JavaScript is considered an event-based imperative programming language widely used to transform a static webpage into a dynamic one. JavaScript mostly uses DOM (Document Object Model) to manipulate a web page in response to given inputs.

Have a look at the described process to deeply understand the role of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in front-end development.

Working of JavaScript, HTML and CSS in front-end development

What software and tools does a Front-end developer use?

The market is flooded with lots of options, but developers use different tools and software at their convenience to build the front end of a website. We have curated a list of tools that you choose and use to create interactive front-end development for your reference.

Here’s the selective list of front-end tools and software:

• Novi Builder
  
• ONE Subscription
  
• Creative Tim
  
• TypeScript
  
• CodeKit
  
• HTML5 Boilerplate
  
• WebStorm
  
• BackBone.JS
  
• Grunt
  
• Sublime Text

You’ll find many more tools and software that make front-end development far easier and more fun for the developers when you explore.

Front-end Framework

If we consider the development cycle of a website or web application, it’s mandatory to keep the selection of front-end framework on top of the priority list. It’s crucial as a website’s architecture and design can’t occur without a front-end on board.

What are front end frameworks?

Technically, front-end frameworks are the pioneer blocks of a software development process. These provide ready-to-use codes that developers can integrate particular functionality into a website. The frameworks are like building blocks that provide the proposed website with a structure to make it interactive.

But the challenge is there are lots of frameworks available in the market that claim to offer the best features when it comes to front-end development.

• React.js
  
• Angular.js
  
• Vue.js
  
• Ember.js
  
• jQuery
  
• Backbone.js,etc.
  
  

Like the ones above, there are plenty of other web front-end frameworks helping develop successful interface design. But amongst all, React and Angular won the trust and became one of the best front-end frameworks of the modern era.

React

React is a JavaScript-based library that uses JSX syntax to accomplish front-end development. Launched by Facebook, this web development framework is packed with DOM (Document Object Model) that controls one-way data binding.

The best part is that this web front-end framework is one of the most accessible platforms to learn compared to other available ones.

Applications of React.js

Even after knowing the popularity of React.js, most of the developers still do not know where React.js is used in the web development world.

So, here is the answer:

• React.js primarily focuses on building UI of single web page applications (SAP)
  
• It also helps create dynamic and interactive mobile apps
  
• Developers use this to develop more complex applications
  
• React is useful for building both iOS and Android applications
  
• This front-end framework is highly in demand to create applications that often require upgrades and dynamic functionality integration

Big Brands That Use React

Everyone in the tech world has an idea about the popularity of React.js that made it the best front-end development framework for big brands. Do you know what brands rely on React?

The list entails:

• New York Times
  
• Netflix
  
• Yahoo! Mail
  
• PayPal
  
• Pinterest
  
• Timber
  
• Uber, and many more
  

Pros of using React.js

• Maintained by Facebook
  
• Packed with virtual DOM
  
• Huge community that’s ever-evolving
  
• Often updated with new features
  
• Suitable for applications with high-traffic
  

Angular

Angular.js is another best front-end framework in the list that uses TypeScript as its major source language. Developed by Google, AngularJS has undoubtedly set standards for excellent web development.

Unlike React.js, Angular comes with 2-way data binding, taking website development to the next level. Compared to React, Angular is tough to learn, especially for beginners.

Applications of Angular.js

• Angular is highly used to develop web and mobile applications
• Provide the opportunity to create multi-page web applications
• With the use of Angular.js, it’s now easy to create native and progressive web applications

Big Brands That Use Angular

Apart from small and big businesses, AngularJS has gained immense prominence among big brands such as:

• Microsoft Office Home
  
• Forbes
  
• Xbox
  
• Blender Video
  
• Santander Bank
  
• BMW
  

Pros of using Angular.js

• Wide and strong community
• Develops single and multiple page web applications
• 2-way data binding
• Shadow DOM
• TypeScript usage
  
  

Front End Developer

Considering a front-end developer, the one who handles web interface-related tasks of a website is correct. He’s the one who is responsible for designing the front-looking layout of a web application.

What is a front-end web developer?

Commonly, a front-end developer is accountable for making a website beautiful, dynamic, and, most importantly, interactive for users. These developers also ensure that all the functions integrated with the front foot of a web page are placed correctly and working as expected.

To get these tasks done, front-end developers make appropriate use of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These pillars stand aside and are used to create/make changes on a website.

Works of Front-End Developer

The task list of front-end developers is not limited to only designing the web interface; instead, they have proficiently handled many activities to achieve the final output.

What do front end web developers do?

Front-end developers are computer programmers who are specialized in website design. In simple terms, a front-end developer determines the structure and design of web pages by striking the optimum balance between aesthetic and functional aspects. They also test and ensure that the website is optimized for smartphones.

Responsibilities of Front-end developer

Let’s not waste time and jump to understand the role of a front-end web developer in the web development world.

• Determines the structure and web final design of web pages
  
• Ensures that the user experience is determined with design choices
  
• Develops features to enhance the web user experience
  
• Builds reusable codes for the future use
  
• Optimizes web pages for maximum speed and scalability
  
• Utilizes different yet suitable markup languages to write precise code for web pages
  
• Maintains brand consistency throughout the website design
  
  

Knowledge of Front-End Developer

Undoubtedly, a front-end developer possesses immense knowledge in his realm. Notably, a front-end developer can manage multiple tasks single-handedly, provided he has a strong knowledge of a few required aspects.

• Proficient knowledge of web markup, including HTML and CSS3
  
• Basic understanding of server-side CSS pre-processing platforms like SASS and LESS
  
• Immense knowledge of client-side scripting languages and JavaScript frameworks such as jQuery
  
• Excellent understanding of JavaScript libraries and frameworks such as KnockoutJS, AngularJS, ReactJS, BackboneJS, etc.
  
• Must possess knowledge of handling asynchronous requests
  
• Should know how to handle partial page updates and AJAX
  
• They should also have a basic understanding of image authoring tools like Photoshop so that image crop, editing, and small adjustments can be handled without hassle
  
• Front-end developers must have an understanding of handling cross-browser compatibility issues
  
• Knowledge of code versioning tools like SVN, Mercurial, and Git is a plus
  
• Good understanding of SEO principles to ensure that the application is ready to index on major search engines
  
  

Hire Front End Developer

To create a high-quality user interface, you need a front-end developer who has immense knowledge of creating great website interfaces. But where will you find them, and how do you recognize who is suitable for your project?

Many business entrepreneurs follow various norms when they hire front-end developers. We also have found a few to help you find the best front-end developers.

Have a peep:

You can find and hire front-end developers based on their experience and skillsets. You may find the developers who are freshers, mid-level developers; some of them will be experienced. Here, it’s your call to find the suitable one to handle your project.


Hiring fresher front-end developers

If you’re looking to hire fresher front-end developers, make sure to look at the following skills in them.

• Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  
• Should know how to implement jQuery in a website code
  
• Must know CSS pre-processors implementation
  
• Understanding of version control tools like Git
  
• Know how to create a responsive design
  
• Immense skills to test and debug the web pages
  
• Knowledge of browser development tools
  
  

Hiring experienced front-end developers

Many of the aspects will be the same as the fresher level when it comes to hiring an experienced front-end developer. But yes, a few might be different such as:

• They should have immense knowledge of version 6 of ECMAScript Programming Language (ES6)
  
• Also, the developer knows how to pitch, plan and kick start a web development project
  
  

Hiring highly-skilled front-end developers

It’s typical to hire a highly-skilled front-end developer who possesses brilliant experience in the most popular front-end languages and frameworks.

Still, you can ask:

• If the developer knows the Test Driven Development (TDD)
  
• They must have to know how to deal with complex web development projects to achieve quality results
  

Apart from the technical skills, you can also ask if the developer has some soft skills like:

• Should love web development
  
• Should have excellent communications skills to collaborate with teams
  
• Should interact with clients and internal team members to bring out the best
  
• They should be a team player who can manage urgent and immediate tasks on the front-foot

You must be looking for tips. So these were the technical tips, and apart from these tips, you can hire the front-end developers by following the below points.

Hiring dedicated developers

Dedicated developers work best and always make the best of everything. Dedicated hiring can be done by outsourcing a reliable web development company that staffs seasoned front-end developers.

Also, make sure to know the cost of developers before hiring. It will help you estimate the overall cost of the development

Hiring freelancers

Freelancers can also be a good option if you want to develop a low-budget website for your business. You can find them on different platforms where you will have to bid for the most suitable one.

Hiring freelancers from:

• TUpwork
  
• GoodFirms
  
• Clutch
  

These are the leading platforms flooded with numerous experienced and novice front-end developers. Here, you’re free to search, explore, and hire the front-end developers you perceive would benefit your project. In addition, you can consider some other platforms at your convenience.