Technically-speaking, a front-end developer is someone who creates websites or webpages using code, following UX standards and brand guidelines.
So this is why I find describing myself as a front-end developer limiting. To be honest, I just say this for the sake of making it short, especially when I also specialise in digital design.
It can be dangerous though, especially in this era where users are more tech-savvy and drag-and-drop solutions make designing a website oh so much easier.
So let me take the opportunity to explain what I can offer as a “front-end developer”.
TLDR; More than what a drag and drop website can offer!
I develop sites
Why not start with the obvious!
Excuse the geekiness, but in case you were interested, here is a list of script languages I use on a daily basis:
- HTML
- CSS (that includes SCSS)
- Javascript
- PHP (because WordPress, Drupal)
- Twig (because Drupal)
I have used other languages along the way, but let’s stop there for now.
I find solutions
Quite often, customers I have worked with needed support to add a new feature to their already-existing website.
So my job is to understand the current structure of the website and the platform is being on. This enables me to provide customers a solution for their requirement.
Each project has its own challenges and this is what I love about this job. The common rules I have when I tackle such project are:
- I always try to make use first of what’s available – no need to reinvent the wheel.
- I make sure that whatever I add feels like it is part of the website
I maintain websites
Technology always change. Code evolve, security needs reinforcing etc etc. I help customers make sure their website are kept up to date.
This is more than just updating plugins or the core of a CMS. It is about doing it non-destructively and making sure that the functionality of the website remains the same or correct any issue otherwise.
Maintaining a site is also not just about the CMS. It’s also about the platform the CMS is being hosted on. Some websites are being hosted on shared hosting platforms such as wpengine in which case the dashboard can be straightforward enough. But others might be a bit more complicated and would require some knowledge of command lines to update things like PHP versions or major versions, other maintenance the platform needs, such as Linode or Pantheon.
I improve websites
Some customers are happy with their site as it stands but might want to improve things such as performance, or if their branding has changed, they might want to update fonts and colours. This is something I enjoy doing as well, because I believe that every little change makes a big difference.
I give best practice advice
Some of my customers have a limited technical knowledge. They therefore rely on my advice and propositions. I try to communicate suggestions in an accessible way, so they understand each decision that need to be taken.
I can provide advice about technical website needs such as UX, website performance, SEO.
I train clients
After providing customers with a brand new website or function, I spend time with them to train them on it. I do leave them some time to play with their website and answer follow up questions whether it is needed.