11 Skills Website Developers Can Teach Themselves

It’s no secret that the world of website development is constantly changing. In order to keep up, developers need to constantly learn new skills and technologies. 

However, not everyone has the time or money to attend formal training courses. What many developers don’t realize is that they can teach themselves many of the skills they need through online resources such as articles, tutorials, and videos. 

In this piece, we will outline some of the most important skills a developer can teach themselves online.

1. HTML/CSS 

HTML and CSS are the building blocks of web design and development, making them essential skills for any website developer to master. 

Fortunately, there are many online tutorials and resources available that can help developers learn the basics of these two languages. 

From comprehensive courses to individual projects, developers can find a variety of ways to teach themselves HTML and CSS.

Check out Code Academy for help learning HTML and CSS. 

2. JavaScript

JavaScript is a powerful scripting language that allows developers to create dynamic, interactive websites and applications. 

Like HTML and CSS, there are many online resources available for learning JavaScript, such as tutorials, videos, and open-source libraries. 

With practice and dedication, any developer can master this essential skill.

3. Version Control

Version control systems are essential for managing source code, and for collaborating with other developers on a project. 

There are many version control systems available, such as Git and Subversion. 

There are plenty of online tutorials that can help developers learn the basics of these tools and become proficient in using them.

4. Responsive Design

Responsive design is a technique that allows websites to be viewed on different devices, regardless of their screen size. 

Developers can learn the basics of responsive design from online tutorials and by experimenting with frameworks such as Bootstrap or Foundation.

5. Database Management

Website developers must understand the basics of database management in order to store and retrieve data for their applications. 

SQL (Structured Query Language) is one of the most popular languages used for this purpose, and many resources are available for learning it. 

Additionally, there are also plenty of open-source databases available for developers to get familiar with.

6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is an important skill for any website developer, as it helps to increase the visibility of their websites in search engine results. 

Developers can learn the basics of SEO from online tutorials and classes, and gain further knowledge by studying best practices and keeping up with industry news. 

Furthermore, they can also use online tools such as Google Analytics to assess the performance of their website and to identify areas of improvement.

7. Web Security

Website security is essential in protecting user data and preventing malicious attacks. 

Developers need to understand the basics of web security, such as encryption protocols, authentication methods, and common security vulnerabilities. 

By studying online tutorials, reading blogs and articles on web security, and experimenting with different tools, developers can easily learn how to secure their websites against potential threats.

8. Content Management Systems (CMS)

CMSs are software applications used to create websites or manage content within a website. 

Popular examples include WordPress and Drupal. Developers can learn about these systems by exploring their official documentation, watching tutorial videos, or installing a local copy of the application for experimentation purposes. 

9. Server Administration

In order for a website to be accessible on the internet, it needs to be hosted on a server somewhere in the world. 

Learning how to manage web servers is an essential skill that website developers must master. 

Fortunately, there are many tutorials and resources available which can teach developers how to configure web servers, set up hosting environments, and manage security settings. 

10. Performance Optimization

Performance optimization is a vital skill for website developers, as it helps to ensure that their websites or applications load quickly and run smoothly. 

Developers can learn the basics of performance optimization by studying online tutorials and experimenting with different techniques, such as caching, minifying files, and using content delivery networks. 

Additionally, they can also use tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights or bug tracking tools to assess the performance of their website and identify areas for improvement. Check out this one for your site. 

11. Accessibility

Accessibility is an important skill for website developers, as it ensures that their websites are usable and accessible to all users, regardless of any physical or mental limitations. 

This includes making sure that design elements comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and that the code used to create the website is compliant with the latest standards. 

There are many online tutorials and resources available to help developers learn more about web accessibility. 

Conclusion

By mastering these skills and honing their craft, website developers can become even better at their job and create more innovative web applications. 

By taking the time to learn these skills, developers will be able to stay ahead of the competition and create beautiful, functional websites that people love.