10 Things Your Web Developer Wishes You Knew
By Sergio Ramiez on January 31, 2023 in Development
Building a website is no small feat. As a developer, I know firsthand just how many intricate details go into creating a new site. That being said, the full extent of work on the development end is not something the average consumer may be aware of.
This post provides an inside look into the development process – and into the mind of a developer – that can help consumers better understand what happens behind the scenes, and how we can work together to minimize issues, reduce time and expedite a site’s launch.
Web Design and Web Development are Not the Same
While many times they can be used interchangeably and many web firms handle both, it is good to know the difference. Website design refers to what you will be seeing visually. The colors, fonts, images and layouts are all aspects of website design. Web development is what brings it to life. It has to do with programming, creating the functionality and handling the data.
Most Tasks are Not Just a Simple Click of a Button
When doing any update on a website, it usually does not happen with just a simple click of a button. Many times, we, as developers, need to open files, go through the code, test different outcomes, reread the given task at hand, make sure the request does not interfere with any other areas of the site and other important details. This can take time…a lot of time. Though it may seem like we’re magicians – and we often can be – it is important to understand that intricate tasks need time to get resolved.
Your Browser is Probably Caching
After any website update is completed, please make sure to clear your browser cache. If you are not seeing the update, it is most likely because your browser is caching. There is a chance we missed the update, but always check to see if you are caching first. You can either go into the settings of your preferred browser or try a hard refresh with the commands below:
- Mac – Cmd + Shift + r
- PC – Ctrl + Shift = r
The More Specific You Are, the Faster and More Accurate We Will Be
Being as specific as possible (on a website request) helps us greatly as developers (and as a team overall) to address your concerns and requests thoroughly. When we know exactly what to do, we can most likely finish your edits quicker and with fewer errors. Another important aspect is to provide all of your changes together rather than one at a time. This is because, while on the surface it may not seem like the changes are related, it can allow the developer to more effectively make all the changes needed and ensuring they all work together.
Try Your Website on Another Network if Your Website Is Not Working
If your site is not working for some reason, try your website on your phone or another network. Your internet connection might be causing the issue instead of your website being broken. This can save you time and the feeling that your website is down – possibly causing you to lose business and/or leads.
We Never Mind Answering the Key Question
If you ask a developer “Is this possible?”, you will likely get a “yes.” Having your own ideas are always great and are beneficial to putting together a new website, but in addition to asking if something is possible it might be better to ask:
- What will this take?
- What is the timeline for getting it done
- Will the time and resources we are putting into justify the benefit?
If everyone’s on the same page and informed, it’s easier to decide if the change is worth it. It will also help you get a better understanding of costs.
“Simple” Changes Aren’t Always Simple
Changes that may visually appear extremely simple and fast may involve much more for the developer. Many times, we have to take into account if it’s a specific change or if it will affect the rest of your website. We also have to ensure that it looks correct on all other devices and screens of varying sizes.
The Hardest Part is Often Getting Started
Well written, flexible and dynamic code takes time to write as opposed to code to just get the job done in the here and now. This can take more time at the beginning of development, but will save time on future updates and changes made to the website. Additionally, developers require time to research if there are specific issues that arise or if some unique functionality is requested that we may not have seen.
We Hate Theme Builders
While on the surface, theme builders can seem like a great alternative to create a website on your own, they quickly become heavily bloated and hard to maintain. As time goes on and your pages become more complex or more changes are added, the theme builder code quickly reaches a point that it will take hours to resolve any possible issues that may arise. This is accentuated even more if we, as developers, are given a theme builder website put together by others.
We Enjoy What We Do
Most of us got into the web design industry because we enjoy building websites and working with code. We are here to help. By working together to address both simple and complex tasks, we can facilitate and expedite the site’s development. It is a great feeling seeing the website come to life and a client happy with how it came out. The end result is a win-win scenario for all of us.
Final Thoughts
It is very important to communicate with your web developer to get across your ideas, questions or issues. This way we can give you realistic feedback and set your expectations based on what you tell us. Creating a great website takes time but will be worth all the effort in the end. Ready to make some changes to your site? Contact us today!
