Companies of all sizes and across all industries need to have an online presence in order to be successful. Today, websites are no longer just websites. They are an important piece of a company’s marketing and sales efforts. Web developers put their heads and hearts together to make sure they create websites that not only depict a company’s profile, but also that will create an impact on users!
However, just like every profession, web development is surrounded by a fair amount of misconceptions too. If you’re an aspiring web developer, don’t let these misconceptions cloud your judgment.
1. All ‘computer code’ is the same
There are several coding languages out there. And yes, every web developer need not know every language. While a web developer might know multiple languages, it does not mean they can build software such as Photoshop or Microsoft Word.
To put it simply, a car and a jet are both vehicles. But that doesn’t mean that a car mechanic can fix a jet! Web developers pick a few languages that are essential and which they enjoy. They spend years honing their craft and mastering these languages. But it still doesn’t mean that just because they know how to ‘code’, they can code any and everything!
2. Websites are launched with the flick of a switch
A lot of people who aren’t familiar with the coding process and how web development works, tend to believe that launching a website is instantaneous.
They couldn’t be more wrong!
It takes hours to take a website from its development phase to making it live. Think of it like when you get a new phone number. You contact everyone on your phone book to let them know you have a new phone number and then you wait for them to respond. Taking a website live is a similar process. The internet is a big place and there are a lot of websites/companies/people to inform when a new website makes it space online. It takes time for everyone on the internet to update their records and realize a new website is in place.
3. Making a website is as easy as baking a pie
Websites such as Craigslist and Facebook may appear simple, but the development work that happens on the back end is time-consuming and complicated.
Unfortunately, the people who don’t work in this field aren’t aware that the simpler the design, often the more expensive the site is!
Yes, cheap websites can be made, but if you want to convert your site visitors into paying customers, you need to find a group of developers who will understand your business and help you manage your goals and budget.
4. Web development is only required for building a website, not after it has been built
Just like an app developer’s job doesn’t end after an application is live, a web developer’s job isn’t over after a website is ready.
Web development is an ongoing process. If you want the website that you have created to be optimized, you need to update it constantly. You need to do this by making adjustments to the content and layout according to the new data you receive from your client. Truth is, web developers need to work on a website long after it goes live.
5. Web development is a lonely field
Web developers don’t just sit and stare at their computer screen all day.
True, writing code is a major part of a web developer’s job and that needs to be done in isolation. But apart from that, web developers also interact with designers, content writers and illustrators from time-to-time to maintain clarity on the project. Web developers also prioritize strategic improvements and analyze the performance of their websites. This too isn’t done in isolation. They sit with their team members to fulfill these duties. It is, therefore, safe to say that web development, as a field, requires social interaction.
Don’t allow the misconceptions surrounding this profession to deter you from pursuing a career in it.
Have more myths that need to be debunked? Let us know in the comments below!
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