3 Types of Web Developers
- Front-end developer: This is a contractor who focuses on the client experience, meaning they build the visual components of a website or app that a user sees.
- Back-end developer: The back-end is the server side of websites and apps, so a back-end developer builds the technology that supports the structure of a website or app.
- Full-stack developer: This is a contractor who develops both client and server software.
What Should Be Included? (5)
1. Scope of Work
The contract should include a summary of the work or project being undertaken. What specific design elements will the website include? State here not only the deliverables — for example, a finished website or app — but also the equipment and technologies you’ll be using to reach those ends.
The risk of not being explicit about the scope of work in a contract is the client piling on additional work and expecting to pay the same amount.
2. Timeline
Include a start and end date for the project, as well as specific milestones. It’s important to do this in order to manage a client’s expectations, but also as a means of determining milestone payments.
Websites can take a long time to develop, so it’s reasonable to expect payments throughout the process.
3. Payment
A web developer contract should include a payment schedule and methods by which payment can be transferred. Indicate whether payments will occur at regular intervals, and if so the dates on which they are expected.
Also include information about taxes and other fees, such as those associated with web hosting.
4. Intellectual Property
Who will own the intellectual property, or in other words, the design and codes developed in the development process? Some developers want to own the property, meaning the client cannot sell the site to someone else without the developer’s express permission. Others ask for a larger payment and relinquish the copyright to the code.
Make sure to state in the contract whether the contractor can use the codes and design in their personal portfolio.
5. Termination
Don’t leave a contract open-ended — it’s important to lay out the appropriate process for terminating it. Many web developer contracts state that with 30 days’ notice, the contract can be terminated by either party. It’s also important to state what will happen in terms of remuneration should the contract end prematurely.
Top Programming Languages to Know
- JavaScript: This is the most commonly used programming language. Almost all websites use it.
- Python: Known as one of the easiest programming languages to learn, Python is often referred to as a “batteries included” language because its library is so large.
- HTML and CSS: Every web developer should be fluent in these. HTML stands for hypertext markup language; it’s used to create static websites and apps. CSS stands for cascading style sheets; it’s used to style websites and focuses on visual features, such as font, color, size, and spacing.
- PHP: This is a scripting language, which means it tells a static webpage built with HTML and CSS to perform certain actions.
- TypeScript: Designed by Microsoft, this is generally used for the development of large applications.