I am interested in becoming a web development freelancer on the side in the next year. My question is, as debatable as some may think… what languages should I learn?
I have a functional understanding of PHP and javascript (but I know I need to know more!). Overall, my goal is in the next two years to know JS/Jquery, PHP, Bootstrap twitter, HTML5, Wordpress, Joolma and maybe express engine. Does this sound like too much, I already have a full-time job in web development using Wordpress and a little of Joomla. But my position has me working with a CMS more than developing things from scratch. I customize child-themes in Wordpress a lot though.
I think knowing CMSes are good, so that way I can build a site form the back to the front (CMS) end and then just hand off the site to the user for them to up-keep however they want.
Any other languages that I should thrown onto the list? When is enough skill enough to start making sites professionally? Any know of any references on freelancing for beginners?
hi… As you mention you have understanding of PHP, JavaScript and CSM so you should be expert in these first. It mean nothing to learn to much skills if you are not expert in that.
And a single expertise is enough to make your profile shine and to get good business.
If you still want to learn more I suggest to learn HTML and CSS. These will help you to start your profile. And later you can put little effort in DotNet too.
I would argue that if you’re talking web in terms of web pages, that being proficient in HTML is top priority. Note I didn’t say “expert”. Of course being expert could only help, but you don’t need to be an expert as long as you understand how things work and can problem solve as the needs arise.
Knowing CSS is good and if you’re planning on focusing on Design then you should get to be as expert as you can with that. But at least get familliar with it and understand the basics even if you don’t learn how to deal with all the little inconsistancies you’ll encounter trying to get things “cross browser” and “pixel perfect”.
And definately learn javascript, once you get that under your belt you’ll be in a better position to work with any of the many many libraries and frameworks that are popping up faster than mushrooms after a rainy day.
A problem is that technology is changing so fast it’s almost impossible to keep up with anything let alone everything.
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Overall, my goal is in the next two years to know JS/Jquery, PHP, Bootstrap twitter, HTML5, Wordpress, Joolma and maybe express engine. Does this sound like too much, I already have a full-time job
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It sounds like a big chaw to me, but 2 years is a bit of time and you may be a faster learner than I am.
if you want to become a web developer ,you should learn html, css,webdesign and you can learn it through freelancing blog.
Learning how to create responsive web pages will also help you too. A lot of my clients want their pages to work on all devices too. Good luck!
I forgot toe mention, I already know HTML and CSS. Those are considered markup and not languages so I didn’t include those in my question, but my fault, Sorry for leaving that out. So overall, does this sound like a good plan. I mean I can only practice 4 to 5 hours on this stuff outside of work a week and I figure its good to get that into my schedule now considering how when I freelance I WILL need to learn new stuff, right?
With almost 100% certainty, yes.
Even if you don’t have clients wanting you to do something you’re unfamilliar with, just trying to keep up with fast-paced ever-changing technology is a challenge.
If you already feel comfortable with HTML and CSS you could spend some time “reviewing” those if just to keep an eye on them.
HTML5 seems to be gaining tremendously even though it’s still not “official” so you may want to get better at that. Shouldn’t be too difficult if you already know HTML
Other than that, I think you will definately want to know JavaScript. I doubt many clients would not want at least some of what it brings to users’ experience.
Great! Yeah, I would actually love to make my own HTML 5 games too, but not sure if I would have enough time to make video games and develop websites as freelance and work full time all at once (ah, but one can dream)