How to Learn Web Development: 5 Effective Learning Methods You Need to Know

With businesses relying on digital presence now more than ever before, web development is a critical skill for any successful organization. Whether you want to start a new career as a Web Developer or you want to sharpen your existing skills, mastering web development can open many doors for you professionally.

You may wonder where to begin when it comes to learning web development skills. With so many resources available, you might wonder which methods deliver the best results. In this article, we will examine some of the five most effective methods for learning web development. 

Enroll in In-Person Web Development Classes

In-person classes are those taught by an instructor in a classroom or computer lab. There are many benefits to enrolling in in-person web development classes. This type of class is especially beneficial for learning practical, hands-on subjects such as web development. You may wonder what exactly makes taking an in-person class worthwhile and how it compares to other options. In this section, we will explore the top reasons to enroll in in-person web development classes, the limitations of this class type, and how to make the most of an in-person course. 

The first benefit that in-person classes offer is the chance to network with local professionals who share your interest in web development. Unlike online classes, an in-person class consists of classmates that live and work in your local area. Your instructor, too, can serve as a local connection and a mentor you can meet with face-to-face. Learning in-person also enables you to collaborate with others, work in a computer lab fully equipped with all the software and tools you require, and receive real-time assistance from your instructor. You get immediate, interactive feedback and can ask questions as they arise. Your teacher can clarify any confusion and guide you through your lessons. You can also easily point out any issues on your screen or questions that you have without worrying about a bad internet connection, lagging screen share, or other technical difficulties. 

In-person web development classes also provide structured learning. Most classes follow a syllabus that will clearly outline the objectives and deadlines for the course. In-person classes meet regularly which ensures you learn and practice consistently. Deadlines and schedules can serve as motivation and help you pace yourself as you learn new skills. 

Learning in-person also provides a community with which you can collaborate and learn. Working in the same physical space as your peers gives you the opportunity to work together, learn from your classmates, and exchange ideas. It also can make learning more enjoyable by adding a social aspect to it. Classmates also can encourage each other to continue learning when faced with difficulties. Learning in a collaborative, supportive environment can enrich your learning experience. Working alongside a diverse group of individuals also prepares you for the teamwork required in a professional setting.

To maximize your success when taking an in-person class, you will want to remain actively engaged. Participating in discussions, asking questions, and seeking clarification when needed are just a few ways to engage with your class. Collaborating with your peers and learning from them is another way to get the most out of your class. You can also utilize direct access to your instructor by requesting feedback on your work and seeking advice on how you can improve. The structured nature of the class also means you will need to stay on top of your assignments by meeting deadlines and studying regularly. Practicing outside the classroom is another way to ensure you retain and develop the skills you learn. You can practice coding at home between classes, experiment with different projects, and explore aspects of web development that most interest you.

While there are many advantages to in-person classes, there are a few limitations to consider. In-person classes require you to commute to a physical location, which means you will need to set aside time to account for the distance and traffic. You will also need to factor the cost of gas into your budget. Because the class meets at a specific time, it can be challenging to set aside that time if you have a busy schedule. You are also limited to local class offerings which, depending on where you live, may not align with your budget, schedule, or goals. If you find yourself unable to find an in-person class that meets your needs, consider a live online class as this format also connects you to classmates and an instructor in real time while granting you the ability to enroll in classes from schools around the world. 

Attend Live Online Web Development Classes

Live online web development classes are remote classes led by an instructor in real time. These classes typically take place on a video conferencing platform such as Zoom or Teams. Because these classes are remote, you can explore classes from schools around the world. This provides you with many options and increases the likelihood of finding a class that aligns with your learning objectives and which works for your schedule. The rest of this section examines some of the many advantages of taking live online web development classes. 

The biggest advantage of live online web development classes is real-time feedback and interaction. Your expert instructor can guide you through hands-on exercises, answer questions, and provide personal feedback for improvement. You can collaborate with classmates and learn from them as well. Real-time interaction also enables the class to discuss concepts and participate in conversations. In addition to feedback from your instructor, your classmates may also offer feedback, which can lead to new insights and prepare you for real-world presentations to clients and stakeholders in the future. You can also use real-time interaction to network with your peers, learn from their unique perspectives, and foster a productive learning environment. 

Having an expert instructor also means that your teacher can provide insights beyond the standard curriculum by sharing best practices and insights gained from their real-world experience. Web development is constantly evolving, so having an instructor who is an active professional helps to ensure you are learning the latest technologies and techniques.

Live online classes also provide hands-on experience. The only way to truly learn to code is by doing it. Hands-on assignments provide the opportunity to take what you learn and put it into practice. You can also use these coding projects as part of your professional portfolio. 

When looking for a live online class, look for classes that offer additional benefits such as continual learning support, free retakes, and supplementary learning materials. These resources can help you continue learning outside the classroom, reinforcing what you learn and providing additional opportunities to further your skills.

Sign up for On-Demand Online Web Development Classes

You can also learn web development skills by signing up for on-demand online web development classes. On-demand classes provide a flexible, affordable way to gain new skills. On-demand classes are also known as self-paced classes because you determine when and where you learn, progressing as quickly or as slowly as you choose. This is especially beneficial for students juggling other responsibilities or who have a schedule that conflicts with the requirements of an in-person or live online class. 

How does on-demand learning differ from in-person and live online classes? On-demand classes consist mostly of pre-recorded videos and quizzes, but may also include downloadable files you can use to practice. You progress through the material at your own pace with few, if any, deadlines. Most on-demand classes also do not include instructor access, though some programs offer asynchronous instructor support through emails, messaging, and graded assignments.

You can find on-demand classes for beginners and for experienced Web Developers. You can also explore classes that teach a broad range of skills and topics that focus on one particular skill. Most on-demand classes tend toward the latter. Beginners can learn foundational web development skills such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These classes can help you become familiar with the purpose and function of each programming language. The main limitation to learning a programming language through on-demand classes, especially if you have no coding experience, is that learning such skills can feel overwhelming, making it preferable to have an instructor who can answer your questions and provide guidance. More advanced topics covered by self-paced classes include back-end development topics like Node.js, PHP, MySQL, and MongoDB. 

Successfully completing an on-demand course requires motivation and self-discipline. Without the structured nature of a scheduled course, it can be easy to procrastinate or lose focus. Setting clear goals and sticking to a study schedule can help you make the most of a self-paced class. 

Another key part of making the most of an on-demand course is selecting a class that aligns with your goals. With so many on-demand learning platforms and classes to choose from, you may wonder which is best for you. Some platforms offer free courses while others charge either a flat-rate per course or a monthly subscription fee. These monthly fees range from around $30 to $50 per month. Well-known providers include Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. You can research available classes and view student reviews to determine which best fits your needs. 

Some platforms also offer certification upon completion of the course. While this certification might not replace a formal degree, it can still provide a valuable testament to your skills and commitment to learning, especially if the course is from a reputable provider. It can also be a beneficial addition to your resume when applying for jobs or freelance work.

Watch Free Web Development Tutorials 

If you are new to web development, starting with free web development tutorials and other free video content can be a great starting point for learning key concepts and terms. Tutorials are also helpful when you want to learn a very specific skill. 

The biggest advantage of free web development videos is that they are easily accessible and come with no financial risk. You can watch web development tutorials anywhere at any time. Web development is a broad term that includes many different programming languages and skills. 

Free tutorials are a great way to get your feet wet in the world of web development. They provide an introduction to the basics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, that every web developer needs to know. By using these tutorials, you can start building simple websites and get a hands-on experience of what web development involves. This can help you decide if web development is something you genuinely enjoy and want to pursue further.

Watching video content can help you understand different web development programming languages, areas of focus, and the different types of web development careers available. The more you learn, the more you can narrow down your interests. Once you know what careers and skills interest you, you are better able to define your learning objectives and goals.

While free web development videos can be an excellent starting point, they do have their limitations. The most significant limitation is the lack of personalized instruction and feedback. Without access to an instructor, it can slow down your progress when you have questions or encounter obstacles when learning a new skill. You also face challenges assessing your progress as there is no one to provide feedback on your code. 

The quality of web development tutorials can also vary greatly. While you can find many high-quality videos, you may find it difficult to distinguish the best videos from those that teach incorrect or outdated methods. Free tutorials also often serve as an introduction to a topic or skill without going into the level of detail other learning methods provide. The good news is that you don’t need to choose between free web development videos and paid courses. Many students take a combined approach. For example, you can use free videos to discover what aspects of web development interest you, gain a foundational understanding, and then follow up with a paid class. You can also use free resources to supplement what you learn in an instructor-led class. 

To get the most out of a web development video, you can start by identifying what tutorials offer the most up-to-date, accurate, and useful information. Many coding schools offer free on-demand webinars that serve as an introduction to web development. If the video offers practice files that you can work through, be sure to download them and follow along with the exercises. This will give you hands-on experience with the topics covered by the tutorial. You can also pause and rewatch the video as often as needed to make sure that you follow every step correctly. 

Explore Web Development Certificates & Certification

Both web development certificates and certifications can help you to achieve career goals such as becoming a Web Developer or advancing your web development career. However, it is important to understand the difference between certificates and certifications. 

A certificate does not have any standardized requirements and can be awarded for completing a single class or an entire program. The certificate indicates that you have met the requirements of that particular learning platform or school. The value of a certificate is not in the piece of paper you receive, but rather in the skills you learn in the process of receiving your certificate. The certificate is also only as valuable as the institute that backs it, so it is important to choose a certificate program with high standards and a good reputation among employers.

A certification is a professional credential earned through a standardized process and recognized across the industry. A certification is a proof that you have demonstrated competence in a particular skill or area of web development. Most certifications are earned by passing an exam administered by a technology company or professional body such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer certification. 

So what are the benefits of a certificate compared to the benefits of a certification? 

A certificate is earned through completing a web development class. Web development classes offer structured learning to help you stay on track and gradually develop your skills. Taking a class led by an instructor such as an in-person class or a live online class, gives you real-time access to expert guidance and feedback. You also have the benefit of becoming part of a supportive community by collaborating and learning alongside your classmates. While certificates can be granted upon completion of a single class, certificate programs are more rigorous and consist of multiple classes. This means that a certificate earned through a program demonstrates a deeper understanding of web development, including advanced topics. 

Web development certificate programs typically focus on front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development. Choosing the certificate program that is right for you depends largely on what your career goals are. For example, if you prefer to work on the aspects of a website or web application visible to the user, front-end development aligns with your interests. If you want to focus on server-side components, you will learn back-end development. If you are interested in both or you want to be able to work across all aspects of web development, a full-stack web development certificate program may be right for you. 

Before committing to a certificate program, you can explore these different aspects of web development through introductory courses. This provides an opportunity to better understand different types of programming languages and the different responsibilities related to web development careers. Once you have decided which areas you are interested in learning in-depth, you can decide which certificate program will help you to start your career in web development. 

There are many web development certificate programs available in-person and online. When researching these programs, compare the cost of tuition, the amount of time it takes to complete the program, whether full-time or part-time enrollment options are available and whether those schedules fit with your availability, and what benefits each program offers. You can read reviews from past students and review student outcomes. This allows you to get a sense of each program’s style and pace, as well as how likely you are to find work as a Web Developer upon completion of the program. Additional benefits to look for in a certificate program include free retakes, one-on-one mentorship, small class sizes, and job search assistance. 

Earning a certificate can also help you prepare to earn certification. Some certificate programs teach you the skills needed to pass certification exams while others include the exam itself in the program, putting part of your tuition toward the exam fee. Certification confirms that you have attained a certain level of professional competence as recognized by industry standards. Because certifications are recognized across the industry, earning a certificate can increase your credibility, help you stand out from other applicants, support your goals toward a promotion, and increase your earning potential. Many certifications can only be earned after several years in the industry, but there are some certifications available for new Web Developers. Well-known web development certifications include: 

• Certified Web Professional—Web Developer (CWP): This certification is granted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and demonstrates an understanding of web development basics including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it a worthwhile certification for newer Web Developers to consider. 

• Master Certified Web Professional—Designer (CWP): This is another certification offered by W3C. This is intended for web professionals who can demonstrate a more advanced understanding of topics such as usability, web design, and accessibility. 

• JavaScript Development Certified Professional: This certification offered by Learning Tree International covers the fundamentals of JavaScript, including object-oriented programming, event handling, and DOM manipulation.

• AWS Certified Developer—Associate: this certification is awarded to those who pass an exam that tests knowledge and understanding of AWS services, architecture, and uses. The examinee demonstrates proficiency in using AWS to develop, deploy, and debug cloud-based applications. 

When deciding which certifications you wish to pursue, consider which aligns with your area of specialty within web development. Also, consider which certifications are most likely to enhance your resume and lead to new career opportunities. 

To prepare for a certification exam, you can take courses with a curriculum tailored to your chosen certification, seek out practice tests, and dedicate time to studying and preparing. 

Both certificates and certifications have value. When pursuing your web development goals, consider learning skills with a web development certificate program. Then, when you have met other requirements such as a certain proficiency or number of years in the field, follow up by earning a certification as further evidence of your expertise.