Application development used to have a more narrow focus. When creating applications, programmers concentrated on a single language (like COBOL, RPG, C++, etc.).
That has all changed now. There is no single focus on the web. A modern web application developer is more of a “jack of all trades” type of person. They must comprehend not only the technical components of development, but also the security flaws in web apps, how it interacts with other services, and more. They even need to know how their programs work on tablets and smartphones, which adds to the complexity.
In other words, the complexity of developing web applications is rising quickly. It calls for a constantly expanding and changing skill set.
What abilities are now required of web application developers? Despite the fact that the list may undoubtedly be much larger, the following are the top six abilities that web application developers today must possess:
Security knowledge is becoming more and more crucial as company data migrates online. The issue is that many people still don’t have this ability. Let’s look at some facts and figures:
Web application assaults “pose the greatest threat to an organization’s security,” according to a recent web application security analysis. The truth is that 40% of all breaches are caused by web application attacks.
Wait, things get worse
According to another study, 94% of online applications have serious risks. The worst part is that we’re not discussing brand-new weaknesses. We’re discussing well-known, widespread vulnerabilities that have been a concern for a while.
Modern web developers must have strong security knowledge as web application assaults increase. In the upcoming years, the capacity to undertake threat model assessments will become even more crucial due to the growing financial and legal repercussions of security breaches.
Excellent User Experience (UX) Design is more important than ever.
Why? It is influenced by a few things
User expectations have increased, to start. Nowadays, anyone can download an app, immediately grasp how to use it, and do so in a matter of minutes. They anticipate that their business applications will have the same level of usefulness.
Additionally, users now have choices. They’ll discover another online application they enjoy if they don’t like yours.
Modern programs must, in reality, be both usable and understandable. As a result, the modern developer must have a foundational understanding of user experience.
The capacity to make device-agnostic applications
This isn’t really a new skill, though. Since mobile devices have beeFDn around for a while, cross-platform applications are clearly needed. But I do so because it’s a skill that every modern developer needs to have.
In other words, web app developers now need to create universally compatible software. How will users interact with my application is no longer a question. The question then shifts to “How will users engage with my program on each sort of device?”
It’s not simple. You’ll need to provide answers on issues like: Where will the buttons on a smartphone be located? How will your data tables be formatted on a smaller screen? What transpires when the display changes from portrait to landscape orientation? In other words, web developer now need to grasp the design principles that enable online applications to adjust to different screen sizes. It’s not as obvious as it might seem, as will be seen below.
Knowledge of front-end languages
Developers will always disagree on their preferred programming language. Both Java and PHP programmers cannot be persuaded that their respective languages are superior to the other.
However, there is one component of an application that every web developer must understand: the front-end. Javascript, HTML, and CSS are a relatively specific set of abilities needed for front-end programming. Every modern online developer needs to be familiar with these front-end languages, regardless of their preferred programming language.
Technology stacks and integration
Application architecture on the web is more crucial than ever. Your application’s scalability, adaptability, and capacity for integrating with other online services and applications are all intimately related to its application architecture.
Technology stacks are crucial because of this. The frameworks, languages, and software packages on which your applications are built make up a tech stack. To build practical, long-lasting applications today, developers require a good understanding of technological stacks (and how they interact with one another).
Design and integration of APIs
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have grown in importance as a result of the expansion of online services. APIs essentially enable communication between various online services. They let programmers create apps that incorporate information from other programs and services.
API usage and API design are two concepts that the modern developer needs to be aware of.
