Starting out in web development is exciting yet challenging, filled with technologies to learn, best practices to understand, and sometimes, mistakes to make. Here are the five key things I wish I’d known earlier in my journey, and I hope they’ll make yours a bit smoother!

1. Don’t Skip the Design Phase: Use Figma or a Similar Tool

When I started, I often dove straight into coding, thinking I could “design as I went.” That approach backfired more times than I can count. The truth is, jumping directly into development without a blueprint leads to wasted time and a lot of backtracking.

A tool like Figma lets you plan out each component, choose color schemes, and create a flow that feels natural for users. This will give you a clear direction in development, reduce trial-and-error, and help you bring the project to life faster with fewer revisions.

2. You Don’t Need to Memorize Everything

With endless HTML tags, CSS properties, JavaScript methods, and frameworks, trying to memorize it all is impossible—and unnecessary. What really matters is knowing how to find information quickly. Resources like MDN Web Docs, Stack Overflow, and CSS-Tricks are lifesavers, and Google search skills are as valuable as coding itself.

It’s okay to search for solutions as you go. In fact, most developers do. Mastering how to research and problem-solve effectively will make you a far stronger developer than simply trying to remember every syntax.

3. Collaboration Skills Are Essential

Early on, I was hesitant to ask for help, fearing it would reflect poorly on my skills. But collaboration and communication are foundational in web development. Asking for input or assistance is not a sign of weakness but a commitment to growth and learning.

You’ll often work with designers, other developers, and clients—each bringing unique perspectives to a project. Good communication leads to better feedback, a stronger understanding of the project, and sometimes, solutions that you might not have considered. Embrace teamwork and ask questions; the growth you’ll experience is worth it.

4. Accessibility Is Just as Important as Visual Design

With the rise of stunning, heavily stylized websites, it’s tempting to focus on aesthetic elements alone. But web accessibility is just as critical, if not more. Accessibility features ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your website effectively.

High-contrast text, keyboard navigation, and alt text for images may seem like small details, but they’re essential for creating an inclusive web. Accessible sites rank higher on search engines and provide a better user experience for everyone. If you focus on accessibility from the start, you’ll not only create better websites but will also expand your site’s reach to a wider audience.

5. Learning Never Stops

Many beginners think that one good course will give them everything they need to know, but web development is an ever-evolving field. From new frameworks to shifting best practices, there’s always something new to learn. Courses are great for building a foundation, but continuous learning is crucial for staying competitive.

The best web developers are those who keep up with industry trends, regularly experiment with new tools, and are willing to pick up skills on the go. Whether it’s joining a developer community, reading blogs, or tackling new challenges in side projects, embracing lifelong learning is key to thriving as a web developer.

These five lessons have been instrumental in my journey as a web developer, and I hope they help you as much as they’ve helped me. Embrace these insights, keep learning, and enjoy the journey—you’re on your way to becoming an exceptional developer!

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