11 most in-demand front end developer skills you should develop

Although your job as a frontend developer requires skills that focus on the user environment and experience, certain qualities exemplify you as a great software developer. Your job as a successful front-end developer demands that you become a trusty translator between the technical and non-technical aspects of software development. 

In fact, this line of work is one of the most impactful career paths in the world. So much that there were 45,000 front-end developer jobs listed on Glassdoor for North America and the United Kingdom alone in 2021. Further, the average salary reported was $86,031, and in India, the average salary for this job goes up to Rs.1,200,000 per annum based on your front-end developer skills and responsibilities. Estimates suggest that 45 million people worldwide will work as software engineers by the end of the decade. So, how can you ensure that you stand out? You work on the intangibles. 

Remember, not every recruiter may be technically knowledgeable, but they look for skills that match the needs of the industry. As you bridge the gap between design and code, sharpen some most in-demand front-end developer skills that will take you far in your career. This means developing both the technical and non-technical front-end developer skills needed. To know where to start and what to do to upskill effectively, read on. 

Technical skills

A front-end developer without the essential technical skills is a red flag. As technology advances, the skills considered essential also change, but there are few current standards that are sure to stay relevant for years to come. Here are some technical skills that you should develop to excel and grow in your career as a front-end developer.

JavaScript

JavaScript is a scripting language and a tool for front-end developers to design interactive websites. Now a standard practice, most websites have some elements of audio, video, drop-down menus, games, or animations, and you need to know how to implement these. This lightweight programming tool allows you to create complex interactions with ease and also helps enable DOM manipulation. This helps deliver the ideal and dynamic user experience. With access to JQuery libraries, knowledge of associated plugins and extensions is another bonus in your favor. These add to your proficiency while making you more efficient.

React JS

This is a JavaScript library that helps front-end developers build dynamic user interfaces. React JS allows you to describe how the user interface should change based on the user interaction. React JS is widely popular due to its ability to create HTML using JavaScript. Among its core advantages is that it updates the DOM automatically and reacts to users’ requests. Considering the increasing adoption of personalized digital services, it would make sense to learn the tools that make it possible. 

Testing and debugging

As a software developer, you must possess the skills to test and debug code. Functionality issues are commonplace in development, and knowing how to deal with bugs is a must-have skill for front-end developers. Testing in front-end development includes evaluating an application or checking a software’s usability, functionality, and graphical user interface. Among the many ways to go about testing and code analysis, here are a few of the most popular. 

• Unit testing
• Functional testing
• Visual regression testing
• Performance testing
• End-to-end testing

Responsive design

The concept of responsive design is particularly important as users migrate to a broad spectrum of digital devices. In practice, it is the adaptation of website development and design to that of the user’s screen or gadget. Here, the web applications or pages must adhere to the varying parameters of phones, tablets, or computers. Responsive web design makes this possible and to excel as a front-end developer, understanding the principles of responsive web design is key. 

A responsive web application is user-friendly and improves search engine ranking. Responsive design is an intrinsic part of CSS frameworks such as Bootstrap. These are all interconnected skills that will help you progress in other aspects of software development too.

Version control

Any good developer must be able to work efficiently and systematically. Version control is a practice that highlights these traits, involving tracking changes and controlling these changes to the source code to ensure optimal function. It streamlines the development cycle, allowing you to revert to the last known good versions of the code if things go wrong. Git is the go-to tool for version control, and any front-end developer worth their salt must be aware of the best practices of Git. 

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) development

Progressive web applications provide the best of both web and mobile apps. It is an application software built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. PWAs work on any platform including desktop and mobile devices with a compliant browser. As devices become more compatible, the demand for PWAs will increase and you must know how to work within the single codebase framework.  

Soft skills

While the technical skills make your resume look great, soft skills will set you apart from others just as qualified. Here are some soft skills that you should have as a front-end developer.

Problem-solving

This non-technical skill complements your technical capabilities like testing and debugging. If you are good at solving non-developer problems then the skill could lend itself to your work. Problem-solving is essential and is one of the front-end developer skills needed by companies. It showcases your ability to comprehend concepts on a deeper level, find solutions and willingly strive to be innovative in finding solutions. All key traits of an excellent developer and a sought-after candidate. 

Patience

Software development is often an iterative process, which can become frustrating as technical problems begin to arise. To succeed and be able to contribute to high-level development teams, you must have the ability to work through frustrating times without losing your composure. An impatient developer is not an asset to any team, as this affects your ability to collaborate meaningfully and tough it out through longer development cycles. 

Communication

Effective communication is one of the most in-demand front-end developer skills. In fact, almost all jobs require you to be a good communicator, and thus, companies look for this quality when hiring you. As a front-end developer, you need to understand what your stakeholders need, how to communicate your challenges, and offer insight. For this, the ability to communicate clearly is important, especially now as we shift into a rapidly digitizing world. 

Collaboration

Being able to collaborate seamlessly is among the top skills to have as a front-end developer. You will be expected to work with back-end developers, managers, clients, and other stakeholders as part of your responsibilities. This demands that you be a team player to get the job done right. Development can’t happen in a silo and developers that prefer to go this route often have trouble progressing as professionals. 

Adaptability

Technology keeps on evolving and so being adaptable is an indispensable facet of your skillset. As a front-end developer, you will need to learn new programming languages, frameworks, and their associated nuances to be competitive. The urge to learn continuously is a necessity to equip yourself with in-demand, industry-relevant skills.

As we venture deeper into the information age, IT professionals will have to keep upskilling to sustain progress and innovation. By focusing on developing these front-end developer skills, 2022 could be the starting point for a very prosperous career arc. Another way to set yourself on the path to success is to sign up on Talent500. Be a part of the global talent network, and feature among an exclusive band of professionals, ready to make a difference. Our skills assessment algorithms align your profile with opportunities at Fortune500 companies, helping you land your dream job.
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