Freelance Web Developer 101: How to Start, Grow, and Succeed in Freelance Web Development from A to Z

By HowExpert

You probably use websites every day, but have you ever thought about building them? With the help of this book, now you can!

In this exceptional step-by-step guide, you’ll learn what web development is all about, which resources will help you master it, and how you can build stunning and interactive websites. After instructing you on how to create your own personal web portfolio, the author will take you through all the major web development languages and technologies, including the following:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Bootstrap and jQuery
• PHP and MySQL
• WordPress

Each of these chapters contains best practices and tips for success as well as a “Show Your Skills” section with practical and fun project ideas for you to apply what you’re learning. For example, “Write a JavaScript program that will run the game Chutes and Ladders thousands of time and determine the minimum, maximum, and average number of turns to win.”

Lastly, you’ll find out how to transform your newfound hobby into a profitable career by becoming a freelance web developer. The author will share tips for perfecting your portfolio and finding clients, especially through the popular freelancing website Upwork.

If you’ve ever been curious about web development but didn’t know where to start, this book is for you! Come and embrace both your creativity and logic by delving into the wonderful world of web development!

About the Expert:
Liz Kazandzhy is a passionate web developer who also greatly enjoys writing and editing. As the daughter of a software engineer, she has always had a knack for technology, so when she stumbled upon web development in 2016, it was love at first keystroke. She studied it voraciously and began building websites related to her personal interests, like RandomScriptureVerse.com. In time, she started branching out and building websites for others, like JonathanWhitlockArt.com.

Liz currently lives in Orem, UT, with her husband Vlad and two energetic young daughters, Katya and Sophia. In the rare moments when the kids are asleep and the housework is done, she enjoys reading, writing, and developing websites.

HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HowExpert
• Release date: Mar 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781950864041

HowExpert

HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

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HowExpert Presents

Freelance Web Developer 101

How to Start, Grow, and Succeed in Freelance Web Development from A to Z

HowExpert with Liz Kazandzhy

Copyright HowExpert™

www.HowExpert.com

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Table of Contents

Recommended Resources

Introduction

Step 1: Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Web Development

What is Web Development?

HTML: Building the Webpage

CSS: Decorating the Webpage

JavaScript: Adding Functionality

Frameworks and Libraries: Making Website Building Easier

Bootstrap

jQuery

PHP and MySQL: Back-End Tools in the Web Developer’s Toolbox

WordPress: A Powerful Platform for Building Websites

Never Stop Learning

Summary of Step 1

Step 2: Discover the Best Web Development Resources

Best Websites for Learning Web Development

W3Schools.com

Codecademy

Online Courses

Best Apps for Learning Web Development

SoloLearn

Other Apps

Best Books for Learning Web Development

The Jon Duckett Series

Browse Your Library

Best Search Practices for Learning Web Development

Summary of Step 2

Step 3: Start Your Stunning Web Portfolio

Select a Web Hosting Service

Download a File Transfer Client

Choose a Text Editor

Get to Know Your Webspace

Treat Your Website Like Your Own Digital Playground

Summary of Step 3

Step 4: Master HTML, the Foundation of Web Development

Measure Twice, Code Once

Take Advantage of Developer Tools

Be Semantic in Your Descriptions

Nest Your Elements

Make Use of Website Metadata

Show Your Skills with HTML

Summary of Step 4

Step 5: Style with CSS, the Web Developer’s Paintbrush

Follow Best Web Design Practices

Always Aim for Responsive Design

Be Creative (and Careful) with Selectors

Check Your Website on Every Browser

Minify Your Files

Show Your Skills with CSS

Summary of Step 5

Step 6: Make Webpages Interactive with the Power of JavaScript

Organize Your JavaScript Code

Learn to Love the Console

Fully Understand the DOM, the Structure of Webpages

Get to Know AJAX and JSON, Priceless Web Technologies

Test, Test, and Test Again

Show Your Skills with JavaScript

Summary of Step 6

Step 7: Save Time with Web Development Frameworks and Libraries

Learn Bootstrap: The Most Popular Web Framework

Connecting to the Framework

The Best of Bootstrap

How to Avoid Bootstrap’s Drawbacks

Use jQuery: JavaScript Made Simpler

Connecting to the Library

Must-Know jQuery Capabilities

Experiment with Other Web Development Tools

Show Your Skills with Frameworks and Libraries

Summary of Step 7

Step 8: Dive into Back-End Web Development with PHP and MySQL

Discover the Possibilities of PHP

Compatibility with HTML

Organized File Division

Sessions and Cookies

Easy Integration with SQL

Get Familiar with phpMyAdmin

Manipulate Website Data with MySQL

Show Your Skills with PHP and MySQL

Summary of Step 8

Step 9: Work Website Wonders with WordPress

Learn WordPress Basics

Customize Themes to Create Spectacular Websites

Install the Most Efficient Plugins

Show Your Skills with WordPress

Summary of Step 9

Step 10: Advance Your Web Development Career

Perfect Your Web Portfolio

Find Clients as a Web Developer

Earn More on Freelancing Websites

Summary of Step 10

Conclusion

Summary

Plan of Action

Final Words

About the Expert

Recommended Resources

Introduction

When I first discovered web development, it was like I discovered a whole new world of information and possibilities that I could hardly get enough of. I had finally found something that completely satisfies both sides of my brain: I creatively design beautiful websites using my right brain, and I logically program them using my left brain. Also, my heart is just as satisfied as my mind because I use my web development skills to undertake meaningful projects and contribute to worthy causes that make the world a better place.

Now, the idea of a world of information is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Where do you start? What should you learn, and how do you learn it? Because I’ve been through the ups and downs of learning web development, I’ve decided to write this book to help you through them. I can put you on the fast track of becoming a web developer by teaching you where to start, how to develop your skills, and what you need to do to be successful.

This book is written specifically for beginners with little to no knowledge of web development. In Step 1, I’ll help you to see the big picture of web development, including how several technologies work together in the website-building process. In Step 2, I’ll show you the best resources for studying this topic so you can quickly get started in developing your knowledge and skills. Then in Step 3, I’ll explain how you can get your own website up and running and start building your personal portfolio. Steps 4-9 will explore different programming languages and web technologies that are foundational to web development. For each one, I share best practices and tips for success as well as project ideas for you to apply the principles you learn. Finally, in Step 10, I’ll describe how you can advance your career as a freelance web developer.

Lastly, I’d like you to know that whoever you are, and wherever you are in life, you can become a web developer. I was 25 when I discovered this field; I

Reviews for Freelance Web Developer 101

[Cheryl · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Misleading title. There's nothing about freelancing (only a few paragraphs). The whole book is just about very beginner web development introductions with outdated technologies like jQuery, PHP things I learnt 20 years ago. Yes they are still in use but mostly for older website maintenance. I wouldn't consider wordpress as web development unless it's on WordPress themes and plugins development.. It's basically a no code solution.