An Introduction to Web Development in 2025 - Mastering HTML/CSS and JavaScript
What I would do differently as a software developer starting all over again
I first saw a line of web software code on June 3rd 2017.
This was an introduction to a world of wonder that I would journey through for many months afterwards.
I would build using markdown and git, then experiment using React.js, then teach cloud computing using Node.js, then build fullstack web applications using the Django web framework and finally write cross-platform mobile applications using Flutter.
My last chunk of activity ended with Q1 2021.
The years between then and now have seen me grow as a business professional, learning product management (inclusive of marketing and strategy), serving in strategy and business analysis roles and leading my first company as an innovation consultant.
I am now, humbly as ever, returning to a first-love: Fullstack web development.
TLDR;
I would learn git and GitHub over a 6-month period; combined with a beginner course web development on HTML, CSS and JavaScript fundamentals.
Learning web development has its ups and downs. It pays to stay focused and know what first principles to acquire and when.
The simplest website will need HTML for structure. If your website was a human body, think of this as the bones propping everything else up.
Such a website would also need CSS for styling. In the same context as a human body, think of this as the muscles and skin giving the individual form and shape.
The two technologies above are more than enough if your aim is to build a static website.
But, what’s the fun in that?!
The third essential component is JavaScript.
A working knowledge of JavaScript can quickly take you from web novice to maestro frontend or even fullstack web developer. JavaScript is for interactivity, and in the context of a human body this would be the nerves allowing for the bones, muscles and skin to move around.
Let us say you intend to learn all three technologies at once. How would you know if you are any good? A good web development assessment would come in handy, and make you feel better prepared for that paid gig or new job.
Conclusion
So, where I to start software development all over again, and need a market-tested platform to learn and activate my skills, I would use freeCodeCamp. I would make sure I maximise my investment in learning and personal development by studying every possible course in my intended professional direction, as well as using the platform projects to gauge my skill-levels.
Until next time, I remain Usheninte Dangana.