Which language should I learn to become a web developer?

The technology stack is how programmers refer to the various layers of software that make up a web application. Web applications are typically divided into two layers: the front end and the back end.

Front end

Some parts of your web applications will run inside the user's web browser. These parts make up the front-end of your application. The front-end is what makes the site look the way it does. It also controls some of the interactive elements.

Back end

Other parts of your web application will run on a server somewhere. These parts might communicate with a database to get some information for the search a user just ran, or they may take some data from another source and transform it to get it ready for your users.

Full stack

Some developers work on both front-end and back-end code. They need to know more to do this, but they have the ultimate flexibility as they can work on all parts of an application. This makes it possible for them to build an entire application themselves.

Front-End: Learn HTML, CSS, and Javascript

Since browsers can only run HTML, CSS, and Javascript, you don't have a ton of choice here. Learn the languages in that order:

1. HTML
2. CSS
3. Javascript

HTML will allow you to define the structure of the page. You'll call out for the browser which text should be headings, which should be paragraphs, and which should be lists. You'll add images and tables of data if you need them. You'll define which words should be linked to other pages and which words should be displayed with additional emphasis.

CSS will define how each of the elements on your page will be displayed. What's the font size of a heading? What color should a link be? Should an image have a border? How wide should the image be? These questions and more will be answered by your CSS.

Javascript adds interactivity to your page. You could do a calculation when a user enters a number in a text field and display the result on the page (like a calculator). You could create a special link that, instead of taking the user to a different page, drops down a menu with some additional links. When a user enters their zip code, you might call out to another server that provides weather information and dynamically display the local weather for your user. Images and text are nice, but Javascript will make your sites come alive.

If you decide later you want to become a full-stack developer, you can start learning Javascript for server-side code, or you can easily pick up another language to learn.

Back-End: Learn Javascript

For many years, Javascript was the language only of the browser, but today, servers can run Javascript too. Since you don't have any experience with a server-side language, learning Javascript allows you to double-dip since you will also be able to use it for front-end code.

Back-End: Use Javascript

For many years, Javascript was the language only of the browser, but today, servers can run Javascript too. Learning Javascript allows you to double-dip since you will also be able to understand and write some front-end code.

Since you already have Javascript experience — even if that's only on the front-end — that makes it even more of a home-run for you!

Back-End: Use {:5:}

If you already have experience with {:5:} and you don't hate it, pick up wherever you are with it and keep going. That's your fastest path to being able to make cool stuff and {:1:}.

Factors Not Considered

To make your best decision possible, it's important to understand the factors this recommendation does not consider.

Average pay by language

If making the highest possible income is the most important thing, you'll want to do some research to find out which languages and skills have the highest salaries.

Availability of work in your area

This can be highly localized. In some parts of the country, you need to know Javascript inside-out to even get an interview. In other places, Java will serve you better. (Yes, they're different.) If you're freelancing, it may not matter... unless it does.

The technology stack your dream employer uses

If your goal is to work for Google or Facebook, you'll want to be sure you focus on the languages they use. Do some research before you jump in so you don't end up with a finely honed skillset they can't (or won't) use.

It's tough to pick what language. It seems like a huge commitment — almost like a marriage or something. (It's not actually as big a deal as you think.)

What is a really big deal is finding a way to stick with it when it gets hard and frustrating. (It will get hard and frustrating.) I offer a free course that can help.

Just enter your name and email below to get my quick free course that will show you how to set a Big Goal. This is a life goal which web development will help you achieve. It will be your leverage to keep going when your dumb brain tries to get you to quit. I will never sell your email address. If you don't like it, just unsubscribe.