What is Web Development?

What is the best web development approach for an aspiring web developer?

• I know there is probably more than one way to do things. So I guess I am looking for a guide of some sort. Right now, I'm tackling questions like should I build the front-end to a satisfying degree and then approach the back-end development..or vice-versa? or should i build in parallel? or perhaps build enough of the front-end to start developing the back-end and then revisit the front-end? etc. I'm essentially looking for the best development methodology to create a process for myself so that on future project I can create a plan and measure myself. Any advice & tips with some context is appreciated. Also if there are any 'must read books', please recommend, thanks.

• Answer:

  Honestly, this sort of thing is something you develop over time. You could try other people's approaches, but then find that things fall more into place if you create your own order and method of working. To me, functionality is one of the paramount things about a website. Both the programming and the design need to be created with that in mind. If you design first, you need to be thinking about how you're going to implement the programming. For me, personally, I do design first, but I'm always thinking about how the website is actually going to work and I know exactly how that should be implemented by the time the design is done. Also, if you're actually working with a client, it's going to depend on what the project requirements are and you may need to switch things up. Say the project requires responsive design. You may find that creating the base code first and adding in design elements might be a better approach. So my best advice is that it's good to develop a process that works for you, but to also be flexible enough that if a project warrants a change in plans, you'll be able to handle it like a boss.