Chapter 1 Understanding the Bias

Recently, I encountered a programmer who expressed disdain for web developers, citing several reasons for this sentiment.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

One could speculate that a hint of jealousy is at play. After all, creating websites can yield decent income with relatively limited technical know-how and a good eye for design. In contrast, software developers must delve into more complex areas like algorithms, databases, and version control systems.

Web development is often seen as an easy field to break into, which is a misconception if one aims to master it. The proliferation of opportunistic online courses contributes to this misunderstanding. Many people mistakenly believe that simply assembling a web page qualifies them as web developers. This perception, along with their approach to the craft, unfortunately tarnishes the reputation of web developers.

Although web development is indeed a vast arena, it is generally considered more confined compared to the broader scope of software development. However, this does not diminish its legitimacy as a profession. Just like in software development, professionals often operate within specialized domains, yet they must exhibit adaptability.

I anticipate that software developers should also possess the capability to build standard websites. This may not always involve flashy designs and usually requires a more significant investment of time. Nevertheless, a solid understanding of web technologies is essential for an average software developer.

For those already skilled in software development, acquiring web development expertise is relatively straightforward. The primary gaps in knowledge often lie in IT security and design principles—areas in which many who label themselves as web developers may also fall short. Queries about specific frameworks are merely tools that can be grasped quickly.

When I review the code written by individuals developing websites, I often find myself thinking, “How can this be done more effectively?” It can be challenging to resist the urge to highlight all the poorly structured code and design flaws that can complicate future maintenance. While their implementations may function, they often overlook the hidden "costs" incurred due to subpar software design practices. Observations of disorganized DOM trees leave me questioning the developers' intentions. Common issues include unnecessary element nesting, deprecated tags, a lack of semantic structure, and HTML resembling a tangled mess.

Many websites today are excessively bloated and fail to function correctly when tracking is disabled. They tend to be constructed without contingencies, piling on features without thoughtful consideration. Websites often balloon in size, even though they could be streamlined to a mere 100kB with the right know-how, instead of blindly adding dependencies.

In my view, the web would benefit greatly from a more minimalist approach. Reducing visual clutter, embracing clean and valid HTML and CSS that adapts seamlessly to various resolutions, relying less on third-party JavaScript, minimizing tracking, and cutting down on frameworks—of which only a small percentage is genuinely utilized—are all steps in the right direction. Additionally, reducing unnecessary pop-ups and elements that serve no real purpose would enhance the user experience.

Chapter 2 Insights on Web Development Trends

The first video titled "Web Development is DEAD... Prepare NOW!" discusses the evolving landscape of web development and the importance of adapting to new trends.

The second video titled "Is web development saturated for beginners?" examines the current state of the field and what newcomers can expect as they enter this domain.

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