When looking to move into a front end developer role, itâs important to first look at the skills you need to be successful in the position. We often work with organisations looking for top talent in front end development; our list of front end developer skills is all you need to get started on your new career path.
The essential front end developer skills
The key skills required by a front end developer can be split into hard skills, or technical skills, and soft skills, or professional skills. The former are the measurable abilities or knowledge and information that has been gained through experience and education. The latter, meanwhile, are abilities associated with an individualâs personality and ability to relate to others.
Front end development work will require both hard and soft skills in order to be completed efficiently, though some organisations may specifically ask for certain skills within these categories.
Hard skills
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is used by front end developers to create the foundation of web pages. It can create text, links, pictures, sound, and video on a web page.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is used to tell the browser how items should be displayed on a web page. This indicates how a page should be laid out, what colour the fonts should be, and what shape images should display as.
JavaScript
One of the most popular programming languages in the world, JavaScript is used in front end web development to make web pages responsive and dynamic. This is an extremely useful addition to websites with a responsive design.
Responsive Design
Itâs possible for a viewer to see website pages on their phone, tablet, or computer. Responsive design assists user experience (UX) in this regard by making sure the page looks good no matter which type of device itâs used on. This includes ensuring the page fits the dimensions given. Responsive design should also be accessible and work on multiple web browser types.
Cross-Browser Development
Different factors can impact the appearance of a website across different browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera, Brave, and Vivaldi. Cross-browser development ensures that a website would look and behave the same way on all of them, to ensure UX is not affected.
APIs
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), in essence, allow two applications to communicate. They power features such as instant messaging, weather applications, online processors, and Twitter bots.
Testing and Debugging
All types of developers need to be able to test their code and find bugs. This may mean reading code line by line to find errors, or rewriting sections of code entirely to make sure they function properly.
Web Performance Optimisation
Web performance optimisation (WPO) techniques help to ensure faster loading times through automation tools, preventing slow loading that reduces user engagement.
Search Engine Optimisation
Knowing at least the basics of search engine optimisation (SEO) can help you to determine where to place titles, meta descriptions, and text on a website. This will help search engines to find these websites easily.
Frameworks and Libraries
Web development frameworks and libraries are compilations of code that have been put together to standardise and streamline development. Frameworks are pre-written code modules for common website elements, such as login and search interfaces. They are easy to incorporate and are reusable. Examples of JavaScript frameworks that you may come across include AngularJS, ReactJS, and Ember.
Libraries are an assortment of plugins and extensions. These are used to add prefabricated elements to a website. An example of use might be a countdown timer on a retail website, and jQuery is a commonly used JavaScript library with a range of customisation options.
Version Control and GIT
Version control systems are pieces of software designed to track changes made to code over time. Developers use version control to organise projects and keep track of changes by comparing earlier code versions with later ones. They can commit to changes or restore previous versions if they are not satisfied.
GIT is a system for tracking and sharing changes throughout development. Itâs also essential for developers who work on a team, because it allows multiple developers or teams to upload or download source code changes.
Soft skills
The key soft skill required to be a successful front end developer is the ability to communicate effectively. This is especially true when an individual needs to work with the back end development team when changes are applied to a website.
Other soft skills needed include:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- A flexible approach when working
- An ability to pay close attention to detail
Do junior positions require different skill sets to senior positions?
While the basics of their needed skills are the same, senior front end developers will naturally have to demonstrate more advanced technical skills than those in junior front end developer jobs. This includes considerable familiarity with GIT, Webpack, JSON, Scrum, and XML, as well as a greater understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The skills essential for advancing in the field donât stop at hard skills, though. Unlike junior developers, senior developers will also have to be able to train newer members of the team. This involves utilising interpersonal skills, which combine with their level of expertise to guide, manage, and teach others in the most effective way.
Other required qualifications
It isnât compulsory for candidates for front end developer positions to be university graduates. However, it is considered to an advantage to have a Bachelorâs degree at the very least. Most will have completed studies in computer science, IT, or software engineering.
Find a career in front end development
If you are ready to take the next step forward in a career in front end development, Oakleaf Technology, Change, and Transformation is ready to assist.
Our recruitment specialists will be prepared to offer the advice and support you need as soon as you get in touch, and can match you with the Contract or Permanent position that suits your personal and professional needs.
Send us your résumé to get started as soon as possible.