The tech industry is booming, with a wide variety of tech-related job openings showing up day by day. One of the industry's most in-demand professions is web development, and it makes perfect sense because you wouldn't be able to view our website or read this article without web developers, would you?
Starting a career in web development isn't as complicated as you might think. There's a vast pool of online resources that make it easy for anyone to learn web development.
In this guide, we've crafted a list of some of the best web development courses that you can enroll in right now!
3 Top Web Development Courses
[Best Overall]
1. An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python - Coursera
This is a beginner-friendly program offered by Rice University, tailored for those who have little to no experience in programming or web development.
4.9/5
[Best for the Money]
2. Learn Intermediate JavaScript - Udacity
Learn Intermediate JavaScript is a 3-part Nanodegree Program offered by Udacity, with a goal of teaching students how to create advanced web development applications using JavaScript and server-side development through hands-on projects.
4.8/5
[Best For Basics of Responsive Design]
3.The Web Developer Bootcamp 2021 - Udemy
This is one of the most comprehensive web development courses for anyone who wants to start a career in the field, offering comprehensive coverage of the fundamental knowledge that every aspiring web developer will need to learn.
4.8/5
Best Web Development Courses Reviews
With thousands of online web development courses, getting started with your learning journey can be confusing. And that's precisely why we've put together some of the best web development courses that can help you learn web development from the very basics.
1. [Best Overall] An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python - Coursera
4.9/5
The first course on our list, An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python, is a beginner-friendly program offered by Rice University, tailored for those who have little to no experience in programming or web development.
The course follows an interactive, hands-on learning approach with a web-based programming environment to help students apply what they're learning and comprehend the topics more effectively.
The program consists of two parts. In the first part, the introductory one, you'll learn about the fundamentals of programming with Python, one of the easiest coding languages a newbie can learn. You'll get introduced to basics like loops, functions, and expressions.
You'll also get the chance to create simple apps by putting together a digital stopwatch and creating a watered-down version of "Pong", the popular arcade game.
The course requires 19 hours of time commitment to watch all the video sessions, take the quizzes, and finish the projects.
What's Included:
- Video sessions
- Readings and quizzes
- Hands-on web development projects
- Certificate of completion
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn how to write code in Python
- Develop simple interactive applications
Pros
Cons
4.8/5
Learn Intermediate JavaScript is a 3-part Nanodegree Program offered by Udacity, with a goal of teaching students how to create advanced web development applications using JavaScript and server-side development through hands-on projects.
In the first part, you'll get clued up about object-oriented JavaScript and its uses in building applications with reusable code blocks. You'll also be required to create a user-generated infographic.
As for the second part, you'll be introduced to functional programming and JavaScript's advanced syntax. By the end of this part, you'll work on creating a NASA Mars Rover Dashboard using functional JavaScript, including key information and images from the excursion.
In the last part, you'll be taught about asynchronous programming and how you can handle asynchronous events in JavaScript. Moreover, you'll create your own Udaci-Racer simulation game using the concepts that you've learned.
The course isn't intended for completed beginners, though. To get the best out of it, you need to have some prior programming experience and a basic understanding of Javascript's primitive types, as well as using Chrome DevTools. The program's duration is 3 months, but you can access the materials by committing to a monthly subscription instead of a one-time fee.
What's Included:
- Video sessions
- Real-life, hands-on projects
- Project reviews and feedback
- Student community
- Technical mentor support
- Resume support
- LinkedIn profile building
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the basics of web development with JavaScript
- Understand what asynchronous JavaScript Programming is
- Learn about objected-oriented JavaScript programming
- Learn how to use JavaScript's advanced syntax in building modern web development applications
- Get a grasp of functional programming in JavaScript
Pros
Cons
3. [Best For Basics of Responsive Design] The Web Developer Bootcamp 2022 - Udemy
4.8/5
One course to rule them all! The Web Developer Bootcamp is one of the most comprehensive web development courses for anyone who wants to start a career in the field, offering comprehensive coverage of the fundamental knowledge that every aspiring web developer will need to learn.
In this course, you'll learn to code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build impressive web applications. What's more, you'll get clued up about creating node modules and extract the data you need from SQL and non-SQL cloud databases.
Additionally, you'll get comfortable working with the command line interface and utilizing the Bootstrap framework.
It's also worth noting that this course lets you try everything you learn with your own hands through over 13 practical projects, so you can develop a better understanding of how everything works and overcome obstacles. Once you complete this course, you'll be able to build your own web apps from scratch and develop JavaScript web games.
What's Included:
- Lifetime access
- Mobile and TV access
- 63 hours of video sessions
- 47 articles
- 122 downloadable materials
- 62 programming exercises
- Certificate of completion
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn everything you need to know about HTML5, CS3, and JavaScript programming
- Build web applications using cutting edge technologies
- Create node modules from scratch
- Know what HTTP requests are
- Application deployment
- Learn the basics of responsive design
- Familiarize yourself with the command line interface
- Understand how to use cloud databases
- Learn how to use the Bootstrap framework
Pros
Cons
4. CSS Essentials: Getting Started with CSS Grid - SkillShare
4.7/5
As its name implies, the CSS Essentials: Getting Started with CSS Grid course on SkillShare covers CSS Grid's foundations. You'll know how to define rows and columns using CSS grid so that you can create a virtually unlimited number of layouts in a two-dimensional space.
On top of that, you'll get familiarized with the flexible structures of CSS Grid and how these structures can help you implement your designs more effectively.
You'll also learn how responsive design works and how you can use it to create adaptable web pages that can be viewed on devices with various screen sizes and resolutions.
In addition, you'll be introduced to how to create hero images by utilizing both manual and auto-placement. You'll also learn how to add gaps and borders with a simple line of code.
On a side note, there's a hands-on project bundled with the course, where you'll be asked to create your own blog page and upload it for peer feedback.
The course is suitable for beginners and those who have some experience with web development, too. Anyone interested in learning more about CSS Grid would definitely find this course insightful.
What's Included:
- Video sessions
- Hands-on project with peer feedback
Learning Outcomes:
- Familiarize yourself with creating two-dimensional spaces with CSS grids
- Learn how to develop responsive websites
- Create simple overlays with grid nesting
- Learn how to combine manual and auto-placement to make hero images
Pros
Cons
5. Introduction to HTML and CSS - TeamTreeHouse
4.7/5
If you want a quick overview of HTML and CSS basics, the Introduction to HTML and CSS course would be an excellent pick for you. Instead of going all-in with a full-blown web development program, this quick course will lay the groundwork for you to continue learning in the future if you find the whole field interesting.
And unlike other web development courses, you don't need to have a technical background to enroll in this course and learn web development.
This 134-minute course teaches you how to create web pages using HTML5 and CSS code, as well as adding and changing HTML tags.
You'll also learn how to modify CSS attributes, like colors, typefaces/fonts, and alignment. Plus, the course includes a micro hands-on project to apply the concepts that you've learned.
What's Included:
- Video sessions
- Hands-on project
- Certificate of completion
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the fundamentals of HTML and CSS
- Adding and changing HTML tags
- Change CSS attributes to customize the appearance of your web pages
Pros
Cons
6. Web Development Career Path - Codeacademy
4.6/5
Unlike many other online courses that just scratch the surface of topics, the Web Development Career Path by Codeacademy offers an extensive, all-rounded learning path that covers the essentials of front-end and back-end development, qualifying you to become a full-stack web developer.
In this program, you'll work on hands-on projects and learn how to build web apps from A-Z by applying the lectures' foundational concepts.
You'll learn how to write code in HTML5, style a website, and become proficient in dealing with the command line interface.
Moreover, the course will teach you how to build compelling websites using CSS styling by learning how to experiment with colors, typefaces, responsive design, and positioning.
On top of that, you'll be introduced to JavaScript, the most popular programming language in the tech world. By learning JavaScript techniques, you'll be able to build interactive websites by combining what you've learned with HTML and CSS.
Some of JavaScript's features that you'll be familiarized with include arrays, objects, and loops. You'll also learn the fundamentals of SQL and cloud databases for website development.
Overall, this program is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to become a full-stack developer.
What's Included:
- Video sessions
- Readings
- Portfolio-worthy hands-on projects
- Certificate of completion
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the ins and outs of front-end and back-end website development
- learn to code in and combine HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript to create interactive websites
- Know how to use the command-line interface
- Learn the foundations of SQL and databases
- Create your own APIs
- Learn GIT
Pros
Cons
7. Introduction to Web Development - PluralSight
4.5/5
PluralSight's Introduction to Web Development course covers the basics of the 3 most commonly used programming languages in web development: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Enrolling in a course that covers the 3 coding languages together is much better than taking individual courses of each programming language because you'll miss the chance of creating projects that combine them.
Throughout the course, you'll be introduced to website development techniques with AJAX, in addition to jquery, one of the most popular JavaScript libraries that enable you to accelerate the development of your websites while also writing less code.
What's more, you'll understand how to work with the command-line interface. You'll even understand what a JavaScript runtime environment is and learn how to use node.js, one of the most common runtime environments in web development.
Not to mention, the program includes several hands-on projects that let you apply what you've studied and create your own websites.
This is one of the best courses for beginners who want to get a glimpse of web development and continue their learning path with more advanced courses in the future. The online course is self-paced, and its duration is 11 hours.
What's Included:
- Video sessions
- Hands-on projects
- Certificate of completion
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the basics of modern web development and code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Get introduced to the client-server interface
- Create basic websites
- Learn how to use JavaScript libraries like jquery
- Learn about AJAX web development techniques
- Get familiar with the command-line interface
Advantages:
- Excellent for beginners
- Easy to complete
- Practical experience with hands-on projects
- Self-paced
Shortcomings:
- Limited assessment methods
- Not meant for experienced web developers
Pros
Cons
Picking the Right Web Development Course for You
Not all web development courses are intended for people with the same background and experience. Here's how to pick the best web development program based on your current skill set.
Education and Background
Suppose you're a computer science or computer engineering major. In that case, you should already be familiar with various coding languages and software development methodologies, which means that an introductory web development tutorial wouldn't be that beneficial to you.
Instead, choose a course that covers more advanced topics that enable you to work in better web development roles that require an advanced skill set.
On the other hand, if you have no prior knowledge of programming, you can start with an introductory web development tutorial. Also, if you're still exploring your options, we wouldn't recommend investing in an expensive website development program until you get a better feel of what it's like to be a web developer with a quick tutorial.
Career Goals
Generally speaking, web development comprises three major divisions: front end, back-end, and full-stack. Front-end development is concerned about the "visible" part of the website that the user interacts with. As a front-end developer, you need to be familiar with several programming languages, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
On the flip side, back-end development is about developing and maintaining the server-side of a website, consisting of a server, a database, and an application. Back-end developers are proficient in languages like Python, PHP, Java, and Ruby on Rails.
Full-stack development combines both back and front-end web development into one. As a full-stack developer, you can create websites from scratch completely on your own.
If you're a visual thinker and like the idea of getting user feedback about your website, then front-end web development would be perfect for you. Per contra, if you're the type of person who likes to handle things behind the scenes, consider working as a back-end developer. Of course, you can always aim to become a full-stack developer if you want to get the complete experience.
Related Questions
Are Web Developers in High Demand?
With more and more businesses trying to boost their online presence, the demand for web developers is soaring. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web development is projected to grow by 8% in the period from 2019 to 2029. Bear in mind, however, that this doesn't guarantee that you'll get a web development job quickly. It all depends on what you bring to the table.
Is It Hard to Get a Job as a Web Developer?
If you want to increase your chances of getting a good job as a web developer, it'd be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most in-demand skills that employers and clients seek when searching for web developers. Here are some of the most sought-after soft and hard skills in the field:
- Proficiency in using JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, and other languages used in web development
- Familiarity with Bootstrap
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Responsive design skills
- Basic understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Communication and collaboration skills
Do Web Developers Get Paid Well?
Web development is one of the highest paying jobs in the tech industry. According to glassdoor.com, back-end web developers earn $101,619 per year on average in the United States, while front-end developers make around $76,929 per year. Full-stack web development takes the lead, with a mean annual salary of $105,813.
Many variables can influence your salary prospects as a web developer, like years of experience, education, and interpersonal skills. Your location is a significant factor, too. For instance, working as a web developer in a small office in Pennsylvania won't be as rewarding as being a web developer in California's Silicone Valley.
Do Web Developers Work From Home?
Web development is one of the jobs that can be done from home. As long as you have a capable laptop or desktop computer and a stable internet connection, you can work as a web developer remotely. In most cases, remote web developers work on a freelance basis, but it's not uncommon for companies to hire remote full-time web developers.
Working from home has lots of perks, making web development a more compelling career choice for many people. Here's how working from home can be a positive thing:
- No time wasted in commuting
- It's more eco-friendly
- Living a location-independent lifestyle
- More economic for both the employee and the employer
- Flexible hours
Not to mention, you get the opportunity to work with overseas companies and clients without even leaving your room. This gives you more options for what you want to do with your career and the companies you can work at.
However, working from home as a web developer has several disadvantages, like lack of focus and less effective communication because of technology limitations. Also, it might not be very effective for those who lack self-discipline. Nevertheless, you won't know for sure unless you give it a try.
Do Web Developers Need a Degree?
Not necessarily. You don't need a college degree to work as a web developer. In fact, a considerable number of web developers are self-taught. The availability of thousands of high-quality online web development courses on the internet has made web development education more accessible.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Self-Taught Web Developer?
As a general rule of thumb, you need around 6 months of web development courses to score a decent job. Nevertheless, it's more about the skills you acquire throughout your learning journey rather than the time you spend learning web development.
Are Online Courses as Good as Classroom Courses?
Learning web development online can yield the same results as learning in a classroom environment, if not better. Online courses are more than enough for you to become a web developer, as long as you dedicate enough time and effort to learn everything you need to know. Not to mention, online courses give you the advantage of setting your own study hours.
Is Web Design Similar to Web Development?
Contrary to popular belief, web design isn't the same thing as web development. While both specializations are related, web design doesn't involve as much coding as web development.
Web design is all about making the visual appearance of a website appealing by crafting stunning, aesthetically pleasing graphics. In contrast, web development is more concerned with the coding of the website. Some of the tools used in web design include Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketch, and Invision Studio.
Final Thoughts
Are you feeling intrigued to learn web development yet? Then it's time to pick a course and launch your web development career right now! Still not sure which course should you go for? Well, we can give you a few more hints to make the choice easier for you.
If you want a thorough web development learning experience and plan to become a full-stack developer, Codeacademy's Web Development Career Path would be your best bet. It features full coverage of back and front-end web development techniques.
On the other hand, if you're still testing the waters and not 100% that you're ready to become a web developer yet, Pluralsight's Introduction to Web Development course would be the perfect fit for you.
Finally, web developers or programmers who have some experience up their sleeves might want to consider enrolling in Udacity's Learn Intermediate JavaScript Nanodegree Program or SkillShare's CSS Essentials: Getting Started with CSS Grid course.
