Thursday, December 6, 2018

The web developer profession: answers to general questions about web development


I receive monthly requests from students seeking guidance or people in professional reconversion, here are the questions that are submitted to me most frequently.
Introduce yourself?
Web developer and project manager experienced for more than 15 years; I had the opportunity to work on digital projects in different sectors and to manage teams (AXA, Basque Popularize, CEVA, ...), as well as on Web and Cloud integration projects (CIC, Remy Martin, Warner ...). Founder since 2009 of the agency Idtonic.com, well surrounded by web pros (web design, ergonomics, photo, video,) we work together to achieve innovative projects tailored to customer needs.

Can you describe in a few words what a web developer is?
It is often a technician who takes charge of the management and implementation of a digital project (web or mobile applications, websites), it translates the functional needs of a client in a computer language that the server understands. We are now talking about a full-stack developer, in other words, it implies that we intervene at all levels (front-end and back-end Web software development, database management, deployment, version management, system administration).

What training did you follow?
After a computer management DUT, I did a master in engineering application development and information systems. But the most important training is the experience gained in my first job as a developer in Canada.

What are the essential abilities to be a developer?
Curiosity, originality, perseverance and a lot of sense. But we must above all be aware of the needs of the client, i.e., find the best solution for a project while respecting deadlines. Finally, it is necessary to be well organized in his work.

What is the biggest difficulty in this business?
The reality is that we are often in a hurry in this business, especially in agile development, which is why it is very significant to understand the customer's request to get it right. Indeed each project is different and sometimes it is difficult to estimate the time that it will take us. So I would say that knowing how to take a step back on your work and that of the collaborators is essential.

How is a project going?
We analyze the client's needs to make a technical proposal. If this proposal is accepted, a kick-off meeting or Kick-off is organized to start the project. We start by working ergonomics, then graphic design, and finally development and graphic integration. Then we perform a series of tests in different environments (different browsers, screen sizes, different devices like tablets and mobiles). Finally, we present the project to the client who validates or who possibly requests retouching.

How is a team made to carry out a web project?
All the agencies work differently. Usually, there is a person in relation with the customer, it is essential, it transcribes customer requests, refines them if necessary. Then a developer for the server (back-end), an integrator specializing in particular technologies (front-end), a web designer to produce the illustrations and create interfaces and a project manager who drives our entire team. Afterward, a person may have several caps depending on the size of the project.

How do you see this job in a few years?

It is rather complicated to predict, in 2016 the digital trades have as the wind-up, data analysis with Big data, machine learning has given rise to new jobs as Data Cruncher, Data Analyst, Data Scientists. There is also artificial intelligence and bot programming that opens up new opportunities. After that it's always the same principles of logic, we just change language or technologies. One thing is certain we are far from the "webmaster" of the 2000s, which brings together all trades (web design, ergonomics, development, and integration), it will adapt and specialize.

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