Learn web frameworks with online courses and programs
What are web frameworks?
Web frameworks allow developers to create and run websites, web apps, and web services. They simplify rapid development with prewritten code that handles most operations.Footnote 1 There are two types of web development frameworks: client-side and server-side.
Client-side (or front-end) frameworks focus on what the end user sees and interacts with directly, such as the user interface (UI), layout, and colors. Server-side (or back-end) frameworks focus on the parts that the user can't see, or the ones that the server handles. These include databases, authentication, and security.Footnote 2
When someone defines a web framework as full-stack, it means it can handle both client- and server-side tasks. However, most frameworks are built for one or the other, and need a developer to prop them up to cross over to the other side. For example, it is possible to build an app using React as a "full-stack framework." However, this could just mean that React handles a feature-heavy front-end, while a different development tool handles a comparably lighter back-end.Footnote 3
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Web frameworks course curriculum
The web frameworks course you choose could split its curriculum into front- and back-end sections. Front-end courses teach you to build the visual aspects of platforms and services. In these sections, you might spend a lot of your time covering how to work with web UI frameworks. When you get to the back-end, you may review frameworks suitable to make light systems for smaller operations. This could then lead to instruction on advanced tools you can use to build a more complex back-end with additional functionalityFootnote 4
You could also learn how to combine the best frameworks for web development to create a full-stack product. A web frameworks tutorial might allow you to build actual projects to help you understand how to apply the concepts you learn.
Start building the knowledge you need to work in the web development field with edX. From accelerated boot camps on topics like coding and cybersecurity, to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. Busy professionals can even take advantage of executive education courses tailored to those in leadership and management positions. Find the right course for you.
Explore jobs that use web frameworks
Careers that can benefit from knowledge of how to use web frameworks include:
Software engineer: Develops digital products using code from third-party libraries that let you work faster.Footnote 5
Digital product designer: Builds responsive user interfaces for websites, web apps, and services.Footnote 6
Full-stack web developer: Builds products that have a functioning front- and back-end.Footnote 7
Data scientist: Collects, analyzes, and visualizes data to drive business decisions.Footnote 8
Technical writer: Creates content about IT-related topics to help others grasp concepts they're struggling with.Footnote 9
Technical recruiter: Scans applications and conducts interviews to source talent for various departments within companies.Footnote 10
Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, some employers may require a bachelor's degree in data science, while others may ask candidates to demonstrate specific skills that can be built in a coding boot camp. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the roles and employers you are interested in and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.
How to use web frameworks in your career
From creating complex websites to building applications that perform specialized functions, you can apply your knowledge of how to use web frameworks in many different ways.
As a digital product designer, you can use these frameworks to implement user interface elements that you pick up from additional libraries, instead of making them from scratch. This can be especially helpful if you're on a small team where developers are spread thin.
You could learn how to secure apps more effectively, particularly their back-ends. For example, you can study a Python web framework in depth to learn its vulnerabilities.
You can also use web frameworks in novel ways, such as building a website that collects user input and then visualizes their analytical results. This way, you have more control over the presentation than you would with an off-the-shelf tool.
If you want to start learning how to use web frameworks, explore the range of educational opportunities made available through edX. Start your learning journey today.