If predictions and job statistics are anything to go by, then it is safe to assume that web development is likely to expand as a career field over the next coming years. Many websites are being established everyday, and this means that web developers’ jobs are on the rise. While this is without doubt good news, it does not promise high pay right from the start. Which career does anyway? If you are already in web development, and have this long term goal of making your way to the top, then there are some skills and qualities that you need to have with you before this can happen. The most sellable web developers are those that have a combination of skills, and the qualities to match, and this is what has propelled them to the top of their fields.

An academic background is sometimes important if you want your credentials to aid you in your quest of going to the top. A degree in computer science, graphic design, arts can provide a stable foundation, as you learn the more specific skills needed for the job. There are others that have been able to increase their credibility even without a degree to show for it, but if you have the choice, then the college route is recommended. To get to the top, you need to be good at mark-up language. It’s a necessity, because only with this knowledge can you be able to produce the best results, even when there is software to do the job. Some programs like C++, C, Flash, Java Perl, SQL, and ASP should be at the back of your mind. You might argue that these will make you more of a webmaster. True, but you will still be in web development, and highly qualified for it as well.

Besides having technical expertise, a top web developer is renowned for their artistic side as well. They have some knowledge in graphic design, as this is one of the areas of web development. It is hard for one to excel as a web developer, without having the boost that comes from having some design knowledge. That’s because somewhere down the line, graphic considerations have to be made- like which graphic elements to add to a site, and how to execute them, and processing of images for inclusion in a site. A developer, when faced with these challenges, needs to tap to their design skills, instead of consulting with a web designer. This means understanding of programs such as Dreamweaver, JavaScript, Flash, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Flash is required.

A top web developer is supposed to keep updated with any updates and developments that occur in web development as an industry. This in other words is to say that they should be highly flexible, adapting to any changes that occur. They should be able to commit themselves to working extra hours, some which are painfully long, to ensure the completion of a project within the stipulated deadlines. Job commitment is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a top web developer.