Is Web Development Dying?
The internet has become a vital component in our daily lives and so has web development played a major role in the development of websites and applications that we utilize in our daily lives. However, with the evolution of technology and the introduction of new tools, the question is on the minds of many people: Is web development dying? This is one of the questions that have raised controversy between the industry experts and the new ones. In this article, we are going to discuss whether web development is actually dying or it is simply shifting to new directions.
The Evolution of Web Development
The development of the web has existed since the early days of the internet. During the 1990s, websites were very basic and had no interaction; they were plain, static pages created with simple HTML and CSS. Web development became more sophisticated over time and JavaScript, databases and server-side programming were introduced. The websites are today interactive, dynamic and in most cases contain advanced features like e-commerce, social media and complex user interfaces.
The Rise of Content Management Systems (CMS)
The emergence of Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace is one of the major reasons behind the discussion of the future of web development. Such sites enable users who have little or no experience in coding to develop websites that look professional. CMS systems offer templates and drag-and-drop features, and this opens up web development to non-developers. Consequently, it can be said that the average user might not need to develop web anymore.
The Growth of Website Builders
The second factor that makes people believe that web development can be on its way out is the presence of website builders like Wix, Shopify, and Webflow. These sites enable users and small companies to design web pages without having to write a single code. Website builders have simplified and accelerated the process of building a web site with built-in templates, customization features and hosting services.
Although these tools are great to use in simple websites, it still has a lot of limitations in terms of functionality, flexibility, and scalability. For more complex websites, web development remains essential.
The Changing Role of Web Developers
Despite the fact that the web developers are no longer needed in the creation of websites as people continue to create websites using the website builders and the CMS platforms, the role of the web developers has not been phased out. In fact, it has evolved. Web developers nowadays are concerned with the development of custom solutions that are not limited to the creation of websites.
Front-End Development
Front-end development entails the development of the visual part of a web site that the user interacts with. Due to the emergence of sophisticated front-end frameworks like React, Angular and Vue.js, developers are able to develop more dynamic and responsive user interfaces. Although certain web site builders can provide simple customization capabilities to the front-end, developers are still required to design complex user interfaces and to make sure the websites are optimized in terms of their performance.
Back-End Development
The back-end development is the aspect of the web applications that relate to the server-side, including databases, APIs, and server management. Although web site builders can offer some limited back-end capability, companies with more complex software needs or the need to connect to third-party systems continue to rely on web developers to perform that work. Back-end developers build the code and framework that runs a web site, such as making sure that data is stored safely and the site is efficient.
Full-Stack Development
Full-stack development is a combination of front-end and back-end skills, which allows developers to develop full-fledged web applications. Full-stack developers are very much needed as technology keeps changing. Such developers are able to develop end-to-end applications as they can work on the whole technology stack. The need of full-stack developers is not expected to slow down because businesses become more demanding of custom solutions.
Is Web Development Still in Demand?
Although it might appear that web developers are becoming unemployed due to the popularity of website builders and CMS, the fact is that web development is not on its deathbed. Actually, there is increasing demand of competent web developers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of web developers will increase by 13 percent between 2020 and 2030, compared to an overall growth rate of all occupations.
The Need for Customization and Functionality
The necessity of customization and sophisticated functionality is one of the reasons why web development is still in demand. Although website builders are excellent in the case of simple websites, they lack in custom features, including unique designs, advanced databases, and integrations with other programs. Companies usually need tailor-made solutions that suit their needs. Web developers are needed in these instances to come up with customizable and scalable solutions.
The Role of Web Developers in E-Commerce
E-commerce is a fast-developing sector and it is largely dependent on web development. E-commerce sites require tailor-made applications including shopping carts, payment gateways, inventory control systems and user authentication. Although the solutions offered by Shopify and WooCommerce are easy to use, bigger e-commerce websites usually have more complex business requirements that can only be met with a custom-built system. Web developers play a crucial role in developing such bespoke e-commerce solutions and making them safe, scalable, and easy to use.
The Increasing Importance of Web Security
With the internet increasingly becoming part of daily life, web security is also becoming a major issue. Websites should be secured against cyber attacks, data leakage, etc. Web developers are important in making sure that the sites are secured through encryption, secure coding and frequent security updates. The need to have competent web developers who are capable of installing effective security systems will also increase as cyber threats increase in sophistication.
The Future of Web Development
Rather than dying, web development is evolving. The future of web development is defined by new technologies and trends. To illustrate, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are emerging, which enables developers to make more intelligent and intuitive websites and applications. Mobile-first design is also becoming more important, and this is transforming the way websites are constructed as more people are using the internet via mobile devices.
The web development is also getting more integrated with other industries. An example is that web developers are today collaborating with UX/UI designers, digital marketers, and product managers to develop websites and applications that can satisfy the needs of both the users and businesses.
Bill Yeager, Co-Owner of High Point SEO & Marketing in CT
