While most developers focus on creating native mobile applications, the market is in great demand for web applications. Training in web application development is relatively easy, especially if you already have programming skills. Here are some tips to help you become a web application developer.

How to be trained in web application development?

There are several ways to do this. There are application development training centres, but if you already have advanced programming knowledge, self-learning with the documentation available online may be sufficient. If you are taking your first steps in mobile development, you will still need to learn these skills:
  • Develop, implement and maintain web applications,
  • Ensure access to data in accordance with established security and accessibility standards,
  • Configure and operate computer systems,
  • Configure servers for web application deployment,
  • Manage databases,
  • Develop web applications with access to databases,
  • Integrate content into web applications,
  • Develop web application interfaces,
  • Develop multimedia components and integrate them into the application interface,
  • Develop and integrate software components,
  • Develop services and know how to integrate them into existing web applications.
Then, you only have to put your knowledge into practice and create web applications. Without experience, it will probably be difficult for you to find first customers, but you can do some personal projects to promote your skills to potential customers.

What career opportunities in web application development?

Web application development can be a springboard for the development of other types of applications, native or not. So, by starting your career as a web application developer, you can easily become a cross-platform application developer. With Android development skills in addition, you could also apply for the position of full-stack developer. Finally, if you master the app design, you will be able to work as a mobile application designer.

Become an independent or salaried web application developer?

This will depend on all your mobile development skills. If you only specialize in web application development, being part of a multidisciplinary team will probably be the best option. However, if you also have other skills, for example in Android and iOS development, you will certainly be able to realize application projects as a freelance developer.

Is being a web application developer enough to earn a living?

The truth is that multidisciplinarity is highly appreciated in the mobile application market, especially now that most applications are developed in Android or iOS. If web application development is your only specialization, we strongly recommend that you broaden the scope of your skills. But don't isolate yourself from the world of work by devoting yourself full-time to studying new operating systems. Look for web application development projects to consolidate your knowledge and enrich your portfolio.

A professional portfolio that allows you to stand out from the crowd

A portfolio presenting the applications you have created will enhance your profile in the eyes of the future employer much more than a cover letter or a CV. So look for interesting projects or do some of them on a personal basis. If you have already developed several applications, it may be impossible to include them all in your portfolio. Be concrete and respond directly to the requirements of the project for which you are applying, and remember that your technical skills will always count most in an application development application. So specify them clearly and give examples of apps you have developed. In addition to talking about the operating systems you master - Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone - you can highlight your app design or user experience skills. It is important to prove that you have mobile development skills, but it is not necessary to give too much detail about your training and schools. A short description of your specialization is sufficient. During the interview, when you will have to prove that you are the right person for the job, always focus on what you can contribute to the project and not on what you have done "in general".