4 languages necessary for front-end engineers | Introducing frameworks, libraries, etc.
Engineers need to use different programming languages depending on the system they are developing. This article also describes the languages and frameworks required for front-end engineers, as well as how to change jobs. Please don’t forget to look it over.
What is front-end development?
Front-end development is the development of the parts of websites that are visible to users, and systems are constructed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.
The part you are currently viewing on this web page is called the “front end,’ and is developed separately from the “back end’ system that interacts with databases and other systems.
What is a front-end engineer?
A front-end engineer is an engineer who implements the designs of websites and web services created by web designers into something that can be used. However, depending on the company, front-end engineers may participate in the planning of the website or may even handle web design.
Difference with coder
Coders basically use HTML and CSS to build websites. A web page created using only HTML and CSS is called a static web page and refers to a page that does not move when you visit the website or click an icon.
On the other hand, front-end engineers require skills in programming languages such as HTML and CSS, as well as JavaScript and, depending on the company, PHP. Using JavaScript, you can create what is called a dynamic web page, which adds movement to a web page, such as by sliding an image or displaying a popup when the mouse hovers over the page.
Therefore, the main difference between the two is whether you primarily create static web pages or dynamic web pages. However, there is no clear distinction or definition between front-end engineers and coders, and there are some companies that require JavaScript skills even for coders.
There is an article that explains the coder in more detail, including such information, so please check it out.
*Related link: How to change jobs to a web coder? Explanation of job details and benefits
Difference from backend engineer
Back-end engineers are responsible for developing parts that are invisible to users, so their work area is different from that of front-end engineers. Also, unlike front-end development, there are many programming languages used in back-end development, and you must choose the one based on the content of the system you are developing, the features you value, and the language it supports.
In addition, back-end development requires knowledge of databases, servers, middleware, etc. depending on the system being developed. Therefore, the knowledge required for back-end development differs depending on the development system. This is also a difference from front-end engineers, who basically use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
There is an article that explains backend engineers, so please check it out as well.
*Related article: What language is recommended for backend engineers? We also explain how to become an inexperienced person.
4 languages necessary for front-end engineers
I will tell you four languages used by front-end engineers.
HTML
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a type of markup language used to create the structure of the characters and layout of web pages. Almost all web pages on the Internet are created based on HTML.
Unlike programming languages, markup languages are languages that computers can understand, so there is no need to compile them or convert them into machine language. (Programming languages cannot be understood by computers as they are, so there is a process of converting them into machine language and making them understandable by computers.)
In HTML, descriptions are classified by elements called “tags”, and it is possible to specify things such as creating the largest heading when sandwiched between <h1> tags and creating bulleted lists when sandwiched between <li> tags. can.
CSS
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a type of style sheet language that uses separate files to specify visual aspects such as color, size, placement, and background for content written in HTML. Just like HTML, CSS is also a language that computers can easily understand.
In CSS, for <h1> created in HTML, if you write h1 {color: red;}, the font color will be red, and if you write h1 {text-align: left;}, it will be displayed left-aligned. It may be customized as you wish.
Since HTML alone would result in a concise web page, CSS is used to decorate the basic text and background of the web page to improve its appearance.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a type of programming language, unlike HTML and CSS. It is primarily used to create dynamic web pages and is a programming language that runs on a browser.
By rewriting the content output in HTML with JavaScript, you can create image slides, pop-ups, animations, etc. Nowadays, dynamic web pages have become commonplace, making them an essential skill for working as a front-end engineer.
PHP
PHP is used to develop CMS (Contents Management Systems), such as WordPress, which makes it simple to create websites. If at all feasible, you should learn PHP.
In fact, WordPress customization is a requirement for several of R-Stone’s available positions for front-end engineers. To be able to manage a variety of jobs, it is a good idea to learn PHP. When modifying WordPress, you may utilize plugins that are compatible with WordPress or expand functionality using PHP abilities.
libraries and frameworks that boost front-end developers’ productivity.
An effective framework is one for creating web applications. On the other hand, a library is a collection (component) that brings together functions that are often used while developing systems and makes them simple to utilize again. The simplest way to remember that a framework is an “overall framework” and a library is a “collection of functions” is to keep in mind that both are essential for effective development.
These skills are required when changing jobs, so by remembering them, you can expect to increase your market value. This time, we have selected four things to remember.
jQuery
This is a JavaScript library released in 2006. Even things that require a lot of writing and implementation in plain JavaScript can be easily implemented with just a few lines of writing using jQuery. Its convenience has been accepted by many engineers, and it was once used as the de facto standard (industry standard) for front-end development.
jQuery is a library that many companies still use today, and it is listed as a required skill in our job information. However, the development of jQuery Mobile and jQuery UI, which are famous jQuery plugins, ended in October 2021, and other plugins have also stopped being updated, so they are gradually no longer being used for new development.
Currently, new frameworks and libraries such as Bootstrap, React.js, and Vue.js, which are described below, tend to be preferred for new development.
Official website: jQuery
Bootstrap
This is a web application framework released by Twitter in 2011. Although it has JavaScript functions, it is positioned as a CSS framework and can basically be used with knowledge of HTML and CSS. Bootstrap has many web design templates and is highly flexible, making it easy to develop modern websites.
Also, Bootstrap is a responsive web design, which allows the developed web pages to be displayed regardless of Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS. For anything other than responsive web design, code must be written to match the OS and browser being used, so having a function that can handle multiple tasks with a single development will help make your work more efficient.
In addition, there are four types of Bootstraps: Angular directives for Bootstrap, Bootstrap Themes, BootstrapWP, and Twitter Bootstrap, and the one you choose depends on your purpose of use. Furthermore, the disadvantage of using Bootstrap is that it is difficult to use it with a layout that you have developed yourself, so please carefully consider this before using it.
Official website: Bootstrap · The world’s most popular front-end framework
React.js
It is a JavaScript library released by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2013 and is specialized for UI development of web applications and websites. It is also used by Facebook, Instagram, Yahoo, Netflix, etc., and is one of the libraries that is gaining attention.
React.js is strong in SPA (Single Page Application), which allows you to use a web application on a single page, and it also uses a technique called virtual DOM (Document Object Model), so it is characterized by fast processing speed. These enable smooth use of web applications and help improve user experience.
In addition, React.js has three features: “declarative view” which makes the source code easy to understand, “component-based” which makes it easy to manage components, and “Learn once and use anywhere” which allows you to write other codes with React knowledge. This feature makes it an easy-to-use library from a developer’s perspective. A growing number of companies are using this library because it allows for development with shorter writing than plain JavaScript, is easier to manage even in large-scale development, and allows you to easily create trendy UIs.
*Official website: React – JavaScript library for building user interfaces
Vue.js
It is a JavaScript framework released in 2014. Like React.js, Vue.js is also strong against SPA and uses a disguised DOM. In addition, the number of companies using it is increasing because it is a framework that is simple, has low learning costs, and can be used in conjunction with other libraries, making it a highly extensible and flexible framework.
Vue.js uses the concept of MVVM (Model, View, View Model) model, which allows each part to be developed separately. This provides benefits such as allowing each team to handle separate development tasks and simplifying management, leading to more efficient work.
Although Vue.js is strong in UI development, it is not very suitable for large-scale development, and it lags other frameworks when it comes to developing native apps that are installed on smartphones, computers, etc. However, due to its convenience, it is used by major companies such as Google, DeNA, and LINE, and it is attracting attention as a framework with high future potential.
3 knowledge and skills required for front-end engineers.
I will tell you three knowledge and skills necessary for a front-end engineer.
Skills in using design tools.
Even front-end engineers may be involved in web design, so it would be best to have basic skills in design tools. Typical design tools include Photoshop and Illustrator provided by Adobe, and data may be sent in those formats, so at least you should have skills such as extracting and adjusting images. Failure to do so may result in problems with your work.
In addition, these skills are required when changing jobs to a web designer, etc., so those who are considering changing to a web designer should actively learn these skills.
Font knowledge
A font is a unified typeface design that is displayed in print or on a computer. Many of you probably know that Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was fascinated by calligraphy (a style of calligraphy that makes text look beautiful) and introduced beautiful fonts to the Mac.
Fonts may be specified by the web designer, and we may discuss fonts if a problem occurs during the implementation stage. Additionally, simply changing the font typeface can change the overall impression of the design, so it is a good idea for front-end engineers to have knowledge of fonts as well.
SEO knowledge
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) refers to taking measures to ensure that your website appears high on browsers such as Google and Yahoo! JAPAN. If you exclude inflows from browser search results, your information will not reach users unless they know the URL of your company’s website. Therefore, implementing SEO measures to rank in the top search results of browsers has become very important in modern business.
SEO measures for front-end engineers include setting H1 tags for each page, setting alt attributes that are alternative text for images, and creating an XML site map.
How to change jobs to front-end engineers?
In this section, we will tell you about the career plan to become a front-end engineer.
First, acquire skills as a coder.
Although it is possible to acquire HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills from the beginning and aim to change jobs as a front-end engineer, we recommend that you start as a coder.
Change your job as a coder if possible.
If you are a beginner, rather than suddenly aiming to become a front-end engineer, it is better to change jobs as a coder who mainly deals with HTML and CSS and learn JavaScript while gaining practical experience.
During your practical work, if you come across something you don’t understand, you can ask questions to the coders at your workplace, so you can expect to improve your skills efficiently. In addition, rather than developing websites on your own, you will be able to develop your ability to apply and respond better if you create various types of websites under the guidance of your superiors.
There are companies that allow people in their 20s to change jobs to coders or front-end engineers with no experience, and there are companies that are recruiting people in their 30s and above to become coders with HTML and CSS skills. If you are aiming to become a front-end engineer in the future, it may be a more effective choice for your future to first get a job as a coder.
Acquire JavaScript skills.
If you can change jobs as a coder, start studying JavaScript. In that case, we recommend that you aim to obtain a qualification such as the “HTML5 Professional Certification Exam.’ Through studying for the exam, you can comprehensively and systematically acquire knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The HTML5 Professional Certification Exam has Level 1 and Level 2, Level 1 tests HTML and CSS, and Level 2 tests knowledge of JavaScript in addition to those. Obtaining a qualification is expected to improve your internal evaluation if you are currently employed and is expected to give you an advantage when changing jobs.
In addition, if you are in your 30s or older and are struggling to find a job even though you have acquired HTML and CSS skills, we recommend that you continue your studies with the goal of passing the HTML5 Professional Certification Exam.
*Reference: For web qualifications, “HTML5 Professional Certification Exam” official website
Framework and library knowledge/skills
If you have JavaScript knowledge and skills, it will not be difficult to change jobs as a coder or front-end engineer. However, if you still can’t change jobs, try learning frameworks and libraries.
There are no qualification exams for JavaScript frameworks or libraries, so to prove your knowledge and skills, you will need to develop your own system using them.
A collection of works that you have developed is called a portfolio, and by creating a portfolio, you can appeal to companies as objective proof of your skills. Make sure you meet the skills that the company you want to work for and apply.
Please refer to the article below for information on how to become a front-end engineer and the skills needed to change jobs.
Related article: How to become a front-end engineer? Introducing job changes with no experience and necessary skills
summary
IT technology has permeated every corner of our lives, and it is difficult to imagine that the demand for front-end development that is visible to users will disappear. Therefore, it can be said that changing jobs is not difficult if you acquire solid skills.
You can master your job as a front-end engineer but changing jobs to UI/UX engineer or web designer is also part of your career plan. You can improve your expertise according to what you want to advance in, so aiming to become a front-end engineer is a good option as your immediate goal. I hope this article is of some help.
If you are worried about changing jobs, please contact R-Stone first!
At R-Stone, we will guide you to the most suitable job from over 2,000 private job openings, including DMM.com, DeNA, Sky Corporation, sansan, KONAMI, and tech firms. Our job changes agents, who are well-versed in the IT, web, and gaming industries and have an 88% interview satisfaction rate, use their extensive experience to negotiate with companies for increased income and desired conditions for free. In addition, we will help you plan your career by taking into consideration the image and skills you want to become, and the career plans of other people who have successfully changed jobs.
