Web Developers use a thorough knowledge of programming and server software operations to plan, develop, implement, maintain, and enhance Internet web (portal) sites for businesses, profit/nonprofit organizations, colleges, governmental agencies, and other entities. Web Developers apply principles of programming, design, engineering, and math to create web sites and systems for traditional personal computer access to the Internet and for wireless access. Web Developers may also provide leadership for the Web site development staff and coordination between the company's internal departments and web development staff.

A Glossary of Terms is contained in a section that follows and should be referred to for clarity.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Web Developers may:

Discuss and define a client's goals for the web site, including budget, site security issues and marketing plans, type of credit transaction and order forms necessary, and design issues

Create prototype or model of site and design plan with consideration for budgets, equipment performance requirements and legal issues including accessibility and privacy

Determine security measures to protect business-to-business ("B2B") or business-to-customer transactions such as digital signatures or certifications (digital notary), firewalls, or virtual private networks

Develop detailed technical requirements for the web site such as features, software, protocols, programming languages and system software and hardware

Select vendors to supply web online services such as tracking and reporting, web site transaction processing, tax calculation, and mail delivery services

Write, design or edit web page content, or direct others producing content. Determine an estimate of thetechnical equipment, cost and time necessary to create the web site, considering the client's requirements for the site and provide feedback to the client

Establish an agreement with the customer or written contract including cost estimates and projected timelines

Evaluate the needed web site hardware, software and system requirements, communications protocols, and make purchases, if necessary

Implement design and software enhancements to the client side of the web site (visible interface) using programming  languages such as HTML, Javascript, XML, and VRML Program interconnections on the server side of the web site languages such as C, C++, PHP, ASP, Perl, SQL or other server side languages

Design the look of the web sites interface using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, XHTML/DHTML and CSS, Flash, Quark XPress, Flash Action Script, Fireworks and Image Ready

Use various techniques which might enhance the site's priority listing on popular search engines

Diagnose and fix software bugs, test the programming with various browsers, and correct programming, as needed

Develop databases that support web applications and web sites

Launch the web site by publishing it onto a server

Maintain and enhance the web site on the server

Manage various client web sites on the server, update usage statistics, backup files, and monitor security and virus programs

Maintain understanding of current web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, and attending vendor seminars

The tools and equipment used may include: 

• Software, including database management software, diagnostic computer programs, web management software, encryption software, text editors, and Forms, MS FrontPage, Notepad, Crystal Reports, Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, and Macromedia's Flash.

• Computer languages (C, C++,  HTML, XML, SQL,  ASP, JavaScript

• Personal (including laptop) and mainframe computers

• Computer server operating system software such as UNIX and Linux, Windows NT, and Macintosh

• Computer server  applications software such as IIS, Apache, and MSN

• Protocols such as HTTP, FTP, TCP/IP,  OTP, POP, STMP

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

 ASP: ASP can have two definitions:

Bandwidth: Measured in "bits" of data per second, this is the amount of data that can be carried by a communications link, such as a telephone link. Higher bandwidth allows faster transmission of data, just as a four-lane expressway carries more traffic than a two-lane road.

Certification authorities and digital certificates (see digital signatures definition below).

Client: A client is a program that uses the services of another program. The client program is used to contact and obtain data from the server.

CGI: Common Gateway Interface is a program written in a language such as Perl, Tel, C or C++ that brings together HTML pages with database management systems or other programs on the web server. There are now more efficient programs such as Microsoft's ASP's for Windows Web Server and Sun/Netscape Java Server Pages (JSP's) and servlets.

Digital cash: Also referred to as electronic cash, electronic money or digital money. Digital cash is a system of purchasing cash credits, storing the credits in your computer, and then spending them when making electronic purchases over the Internet.

Digital Signature: Essential for business-to-business transactions, this technology uses mathematical formulas (algorithms) to create complementary pairs of numbers, called encryption keys. One of the two keys may be published in a user's computer. To make sure that the computer user knows that the digital signature hasn't been altered, there are organizations called certification authorities that can certify the identity of a person. Similar to the concept of a notary, they provide seals of approval called digital certificates. Digital certificates are usually issued in different classes, each class being associated with a different level of security.

DNS or Domain Name System: An Internet's database service for translating Internet host names (used by people such as www.yahoo.com) into Internet Protocol Addresses (used by computers such as 205.71.200.33).

EDI: This is short for Electronic Data Interchange. EDI is the transfer of business information from one company to another. These maybe sent directly from one company to another, or via the use of the Value Added Network as an intermediary.

EFT: This is an acronym for electronic funds transfer. It is used to transfer money between different accounts or banks.

Encryption: Encryption refers to changing information so that it cannot be read for security or privacy reason. Decryption is the process of changing cipher text into readable text.

Extranet: That part of a business's internal computer network that is available to customers or business partners.

Firewall: A type of security measure used to allow only specific kinds of messages from the Internet to get into company networks. It protects a company's system from hackers. Firewalls also prevent unauthorized access from a private network.

Host:  For companies or individuals with a web site , a host is a computer with a web server that serves the pages for one or more web sites. A host can also be the company that provides that service, which is known as hosting .  Another definition is that the term "host" means any computer that has full two-way access to other computers on the Internet. A host has a specific "local or host number" that, together with the network number, forms its unique IP address . If you use Point-to-Point Protocol to get access to your access provider, you have a unique IP address for the duration of any connection you make to the Internet and your computer is a host for that period. In this context, a "host" is a node in a network.

Intranet: A Local Area Network (LAN) that functions to assist employees with internal business procedures. An intranet is an internal Internet used within the confines of a company, university or organization.

Legacy Systems: Older computer systems that must be integrated with newer software/hardware.

Middleware: Also called application-integration software, this software combines the functions of a business, regardless of their locations. Executives who are away from main offices can have access to company databases and e-mail. Middleware is also used as a type of "communication bridge" between different types of software that otherwise wouldn't be able to communicate.

Platform: Used as synonym for operating system. Web Developers typically choose between the three operating systems of Unix, Macintosh and Windows NT for their Web Server platforms. Web server platforms can be different than network operating systems. Web Developers must pick the best overall system considering issues such as cost and flexibility.

Protocols: Protocols are sets of rules that enable computers to "talk" to each other, especially when information is exchanged between networked systems. Any product that uses a protocol should work with any other product using the same protocol HTTP is the Internet's protocol. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a set of rules, or the program itself, for transferring files between two computers on the Internet. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol) is the description of any network using two of the most common Internet protocols. PPP is Point-to-Point Protocol. It defines the connections of one host to another over a telephone line and connection to network resources. POP and SMTP are electronic mail protocols. OTP or Open Trading Protocol is a common language for software electronic "wallets".

PHP: (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side HTML scripting language used to create dynamic web pages.

Router: A piece of hardware or software that is connected to at least two networks and can forward data from one network to another. The router sorts, interprets, and send addresses and bits of information to their proper destination.

Security Protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure Electronics Transaction (SET) and Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (S-HTTP) : These are features in popular browser software that can recognized digital signatures (see definition above) or are protocols used to protect the security of private data on the Internet. This approach is called SSL or secure sockets layer. It is commonly used on the Internet. SET or Secure Electronics Transaction is a system to improve defects in SSL that was proposed by major credit card companies. Each cluster required an electronic "wallet" on his how computer with an encrypted credit card number. Since the credit card number is never passed to the merchant server, the server could never provide stored credit card numbers to hackers. S-HTTP adds security directly to the software application. All of these protocols can operate at different levels and can be used together.

Server: A computer that is connected to network that manages resources for other connected systems on the network. It may handle requests for data, e-mail, file transfers, and other network services from other computers.

Smart Card: A smart card is a plastic card with an embedded microchip that can be loaded with data, used for electronic cash payments, telephone calling, and other applications.

URL: This stands for Uniform Resource Locator, the address of documents or other resources on the World Wide Web. Common extensions for urls are for business (.com), organizations (.org), educational institutions (.edu), and networks (.net). The Internet Protocol Address or IP is the numeric equivalent of the url.

Value Added Network (VAN): A Value Added Network is a network that receives, stores and routes electronic messages, by installing software, getting a connection with a static IP address and registering a domain name for  that address.  Web Server: A computer that serves up web pages. Every web server has an IP address and a domain name Any computer can be turned into a web server by installing server software and connecting the machine to the Internet. When you enter a URL in your browser, the browser software sends a request to the server with that particular domain name.

Web Server Software: There are many Web server software applications, including public domain software from the national Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) and Apache, and commercial packages from Microsoft, Netscape, IIS (bundled with Windows NT 4.0) and others. There are also other special server software applications that run alongside the web server software that process coding for particular application type such as ColdFusion or JSP.

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

The responsibilities of the Web Developer may vary depending on the size of the firm. Web Developers that work for large firms may be in charge of a large information technology department and may interact with higher-level executives. They may also work with legacy (older) systems, as well as new E-Commerce methods. They may work in a web company department, such as network management or graphic design.  They may be responsible for all the computer activities of a smaller corporation. Often a senior management title such as Vice President or Senior Development Manager is used.

Some other titles include Webmaster, Web Author, Graphic User Interface Programmer, Web Server Administrator, Web Application developer, Intranet Developer, Enterprise Resource Planner or Enterprise Developer, Security Specialist, Site Designer, MIS/IS (Manager of Information Systems or Information Systems Manager); Network Manager; and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Manager.

In addition to learning about this occupation, you may find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

For Web Developers that work for large corporate sites or large corporations-life is good. Employers create many perks such as beautiful interior surroundings, valuable stock options, and excellent training programs. Such large employers know that a Web Developer receives frequent and possibly higher job offers consistently, so the idea is to keep the developer from accepting a higher offer from another company. Typically the programmers are very young and have every current programming language skills. At smaller companies pay and perks may not be as rewarding. Web Developers in any company must come up with creative solutions to complex problems, frequently under strict deadlines. Sometimes the work is tedious and frustrating. The hours are long and managers typically do not receive overtime pay. There is a great deal of variety in the work.  If you a thinking of starting a web development firm, be aware that marketing is a large percentage of developing a web development business.  Many web developers free-lance and design software for various sites. 

Client-side programmers work on the web site's "front-end" that everybody sees. They may be called "graphic user interface" designers. Some web developers program the client side as well as the server side of the site and build the whole site.  However, developers may specialize on the client side, using languages such as HTML, Javascript, XML, and VRML. Actually Java is used on both client and server sides.  When developers specialize on the server side of the site, they make the site interact with the servers and its databases. The programmer frequently has a "forms page" and an "order page" where visitors can enter information. Site visitors input information that goes to a file on the company's server. Web programmers work on the "server-side" or "back-end"  to create the coding that connects information from user "clicks" on the site to these server databases.  This is called "database integration".

Some server side languages are C, C++, PHP, ASP, Perl, and SQL. PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a back-end programming language that interacts with databases across networks and creates dynamic web pages. Developers must have knowledge of browser capabilities when using certain programming languages.  Knowledge of audio and video production for both offline and online formats may be important. 

Sometimes web developers telecommute or work part-time from their homes. Other developers become entrepreneurs and take on their own customers. Developers may work on contract and may be required to travel to various locations for the duration of a project. Companies may have "Intranets" which are sites that handle internal company processing. Intranet developers disseminate company information and program workflow applications. Intranet developers may not work such long hours as an Internet developer.

Web Designers plan the site from a visual standpoint. Web Designers must be familiar with animation technologies and software programs.  Font sizes, paragraph spacing, background colors and images must be coded onto the web pages. They import images, choose font sizes and font styles and plan the visual impact of the site. Some software applications and languages that designers use are Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, XHTML/DHTML and CSS, Flash, Quark XPress, Flash Action Script, Fireworks and Image Ready.

Marketing departments may also plan the design of the site.  They may turn market requirement documents into detailed specifications, workflows and hand-coded mock-ups. There are also "content managers" who specialize in "content" or the text of the web site, making it interesting enough so that viewers don't automatically click to another site. The programmer codes all of this information to make a functional web site. Once programming is finished a good percentage of the programmer's time may be spent correcting programming error or adapting coding to various browser applications.

One of the challenges of the job is keeping up with changing business models: in web software, browser technology, service providers and new encryption technologies. Web Developers may attend seminars to keep current skills and enroll their staff in continuing training programs. Often the seminars are provided by their business trading partners. A developer definitely has to be willing to mentor other aspiring developers.

Wireless Web Developers program wireless web for appliances such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers and cellular phones. The coding for this kind of web development is restrictive and difficult. These programmers receive higher salaries than traditional web developers. There are specific wireless software languages such as WML (Wireless Markup Language), WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), Palm HTML, CHTML and HDML. 

Web Developers must be able to present strategic issues clearly to upper management, and explain the advantages or disadvantages of technological purchases, hiring of service providers, and redesign or corporate departments. Web Developers also have to keep all parties within the scope of the project (clients and managers sometimes make changes after weeks of work has gone into a site.) They also must provide effective leadership to their web development staff--programmers, systems analysts, web developers, or LAN administrators.

The Web Developer must be knowledgeable regarding encryption safeguards to handle financial transactions such as credit card purchases, purchases of supplies from other businesses, banking transactions, etc. Securing financial transactions involves encrypting the message by a special algorithm at the beginning of the message. When the message arrives it can be decoded by the receiver. Electronic signatures on documents are legally binding. Electronic sales are very cost effective for businesses. According to Ford Motor research, a single traditional purchase order costing $150, costs only $5.00 to $15.00 to execute online. Although this is not necessary to success in the field, Web Developers may join professional organizations such as the HTML Writers Guild, International Webmasters Association, and The World Organization of Web Masters.  Members typically pay annual dues. There are also groups that focus on a particular technology, such as Java, Cold Fusion, ASP, security, or databases. Since no one developer can be an expert in every area, developers may specialize in a few areas to keep their skills current.

Some associations offer certification, but it is debatable whether such certifications will influence an employer. Experience with top programming language skills is much more important. Company certifications such as those through SAP, Inc., Microsoft, Novell and Cisco, Inc. are popular with IT personnel.  Developers with these certifications are sought after.  Sites such as datamation.com, dice.com, and Computer World magazine often give information about important new software. The International Webmasters Association (IWA)  offers certification for Web Developers in various skills. To become certified Web Developers must have 2 years in a given specialization such as one of the following: practitioner, reviewer or supervisor. Specialized coursework is required. Web Developers desiring certification must pay a registration fee and pass examinations in their discipline. 

If you are interested in becoming a Web Developer:

You should prefer:

• Activities that require creative imagination and high degree of risk

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities that require self-motivation

• Activities relating to processes, machines, and methods

You should be able to:

• Plan, direct, and control an entire activity and the activities of others

• Think logically, in a clear and organized manner

• Perform a variety of duties that may change frequently

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Understand and use high-level mathematics

• Communicate effectively in speech and in writing

• Rate information effectively using personal judgment or standards

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

Employers look at the quality of the college internship that aspiring Web Developers have completed. In addition, the quality of the university and level of the particular program within the university that the student has completed is important in job placement. Computer software/hardware engineering, computer science, and management information systems are typical college programs for this field.

Note: A bachelor's degree will qualify you for this job, but some Web Developers may have a Master's degree. Excellent web programmers have landed jobs just on the basis of their skills, but this is a rare career path.

The following high school course opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration Script

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM***

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

Programs for graduate and undergraduate universities usually split into two main majors-- Computer Science or Computer Science and Engineering:  Computer Science majors typically are more interested in programming and those in Computer Science and Engineering tend to be more interested in math and technical areas. Community College programs in this area may provide certificates such as a Web Developer Certificate or Web Master Certificate.

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

Please check the Military web site at  http://www.today's military.com

COMPUTER SYSTEMS OFFICERS

The military uses computers in almost every aspect of its operation. Military computers are used to process payroll and personnel information, control the targeting firing of weapons systems, account for money, and make it easier to communicate around the world. Computer systems officers direct the operations of computer centers and are involved in the planning and development of computer systems.

What They Do

Computer systems officers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Prepare data processing plans and budgets

• Develop and monitor contracts for data processing equipment

• Translate military objectives and needs into computer systems requirements

• Design and maintain computer software and databases

• Plan and oversee the installation of new equipment

• Direct teams of computer systems specialists and computer programmers

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with computers

• Interest in working with mathematical models and formulas

• Interest in technical work

Work Environment

Military computer systems officers work in offices or at computer sites on military bases or aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian computer systems officers work for wide variety of employers, such as banks, hospitals, manufacturers, financial firms, government agencies, and firms that design and test computer systems. They perform duties similar to those performed by military computer systems officers. They may also be called information systems directors, ADP or EDP managers, computer systems engineers, software engineers, or systems analysts. 

Opportunities

The services have over 4,000 computer systems officers. On average, they need 150 new computer systems officers each year. After job training, computer systems officers are assigned to units where they work in teams of engineers, systems analysts, and computer programmers. With experience and demonstrated leadership, they may advance to senior management or command positions in the computer systems field.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Internship programs and cooperative work/study programs may be available through colleges or universities. It is difficult to get that initial job experience, but this is a field that pays well once you have experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

information apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a company that has a Web Developer on staff

internships

volunteer work with local Web Developer

community service work with an agency

Postsecondary cooperative education or internship programs offered by universities and corporate or government employers may provide experience. Opportunities for experience are also available through training programs offered by E-Commerce vendors.

Both formal and informal methods should be used to locate job openings in this profession. Formal methods include direct application to employers, as well as locating ads in newspapers, trade and professional journals, and on line electronic computer services. Openings are also found through school placement offices. More information methods such as informational interviewing and membership in professional or student associations can be extremely helpful in the job search. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as: 

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

Yahoo!hotjobs

CareerBuilder  

MONSTER.COM

MONSTERTRAK.COM

Spherion

dice.com

VAULT

Net-Temps

guru

ComputerJobs.com

The Silicon Valley Job Source  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Nationally, corporate and non-profit organization Web Developers in early 2007 earned:

In the Great Lakes Area, including Michigan, corporate Web Developers in early 2007 earned:

Most  Web Developers receive fringe benefits such as paid vacations, holidays and sick leave; life, health, accident and disability insurance; retirement and educational reimbursement plans; and stock purchase savings plans. Employers usually pay for benefits, at least in part.

According to a 2006 survey, Web Administrators in Detroit had the following salaries: 

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

The exact number of Web Developers in the united states is unknown. According to several web master and developer associations, there were at least 190,000 Web Developers in the United States in mid 2007.  The Internet, corporate networks, and wireless setups are linking people, machines, and companies around the globe -- and connecting sellers and buyers as never before. This is enabling buyers to quickly and easily compare products and selection, convenience, and enhanced security features on the Internet are resulting in more online shopping by American web surfers  In addition, web developers are using languages that help them work more easily with wireless and web services development. Web designers may specialize in programming for cell phones, web sites, and video games. A major development has been the availability of open source programming which is free on the Internet.  Programmers can take advantage of such programming and alter it or add to it to make further improvements.  

Unfortunately, much of the web development work has been outsourced to India and China.  However, businesses are willing to pay consultants or employees who are up to the task of developing an excellent on-line presence. For the Web Developers who administer the technical side of E-Commerce, knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP), and the languages and protocols related to wireless web sites will be a plus.

To find employers, click the  Employer/Business Locator .

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:

Copyright © 2008 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth