The evolution of internet usage has been significant, transitioning from static websites to mobile-friendly apps. While the web has come a long way and continues to evolve, there is speculation about the potential demise of web development.

To determine if this is true, consider the following questions: will web development become obsolete? Is there still a demand for developers? Is outsourcing app development a more cost-effective option? Are new DIY platforms like Wix and Weebly discouraging individuals from learning to code?

Additionally, if you’re concerned about the competition in the app and website market, there are numerous strategies for differentiation. To uncover the answers to these inquiries and more, read this article examining the possibility of web development dying.

Will web development become obsolete?

will web development become obsolete?

There is a common misconception that will web development become obsolete but this is not necessarily true. While programming is a crucial component of a web development career, it is not the only skill required. It is essential to keep up with the latest advancements in web design and development to create intuitive websites and applications.

Web development is an ever-evolving field, and demand for developers who can keep up with the changes in the IT industry remains high. Some may wonder if pre-designed templates are rendering web development obsolete. However, the answer to this question can be found by examining the following section.

1. The popularity of templates

Experienced web developers are concerned about the future of web development with the growing use of templates. These templates are designed to simplify the process of creating a website. However, contrary to the notion that templates are killing web development, they actually serve as a helpful tool for developers, making their work more efficient and profitable for their clients.

Using templates enables web developers to complete projects more quickly, allowing for a faster turnaround time. Additionally, templates offer great value to clients due to their intuitive nature. Therefore, templates are not detrimental to web development, but rather a useful resource that can aid in delivering high-quality results in a shorter amount of time.

Web page builders such as Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace have gained immense popularity. These platforms have contributed to the growth of the web development industry, and have increased the demand for web designers and developers. Rather than killing web development, they have made it more accessible to businesses that recognize the importance of having a strong online presence.

One downside of templates is that some web designers and developers who use DIY web development tools may not have the same level of expertise as professionals. They may rely solely on drag-and-drop tools to create websites for their clients, without possessing the necessary web design or development skills.

2. The increasing popularity of no-code web development platforms

The trend of low code development has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2020, the low code development platform was worth $10.82 billion and it is projected to reach $94.75 billion by 2028. Many businesses are now turning to low-code applications to speed up the process of creating apps, gain a competitive advantage, and incorporate digital technologies for business transformation. As a result, the future of web development appears to be in low-code development.

Here are some examples of low-code apps.

  • WordPress
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Weebly

The Advantages

Wix and Weebly are often offered as website-building options by many web development companies. They are popular DIY models, but are they always the best choice?

There are numerous advantages to building a website with Wix or Weebly. They are user-friendly, cost less than hiring a web design company, and don’t require any coding skills. You can even add features like social media integration without any technical knowledge.

The Disadvantages

As DIY website builders like Wix and Weebly make it simpler for people to build their own sites, many believe that web development is becoming obsolete since there’s no need for professionals.

While it is true that these platforms have made it easier for people to create their own websites, the disadvantages of using them may outweigh the advantages.

For example, while they are easy to use and can be a great platform for one-time projects, you are limited in the number of pages you can create and how much control you have over your design.

Another drawback is that the content on these sites is still not optimized for search engines (SEO), so ranking on Google can be challenging.

It’s also worth noting that many of these sites offer free trial periods, which means you’ll lose everything if you decide not to pay the monthly fee after a certain amount of time. And even if you choose a paid option, it may end up costing you more in the long run than hiring a professional developer!

Web Development in a Changing Landscape

will web development become obsolete?

Web development is a constantly evolving field, with new technologies and techniques emerging regularly. It’s important for web developers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the industry to remain relevant and competitive. Some of the current trends in web development include the rise of no-code and low-code development platforms, the increasing importance of mobile responsiveness and performance optimization, the use of AI and machine learning, and the growing popularity of progressive web apps (PWAs).

Additionally, web developers must also consider factors such as accessibility, security, and user experience in their work. Overall, the changing landscape of web development presents both challenges and opportunities for developers to create innovative, efficient, and user-friendly websites and applications. Here are a few ways in which the industry has already changed and is set to change:

  1. The Rise of Cyberattacks With the rapid increase in cyberattacks, website developers are now focusing more on security while creating applications. This trend is expected to continue and become a major development focus in the coming years.
  2. The Growth of UX HTML5 is regularly updated with new features, and it works in conjunction with CSS, which is also making exciting changes in the web development industry. As a result, significant changes are expected in the industry in the next few years.
  3. Good UX is Key With the rise of mobile devices, the importance of user experience (UX) has skyrocketed. A good UX is crucial as it can either make or break an application. This includes app speed and responsiveness to user interactions.
Web Development is a Growing Field with Endless Possibilities

will web development become obsolete?

According to James Randolph, web development has become more accessible to anyone with the help of various web development tools like Wix® and Squarespace®, which have simplified many aspects of web development. However, web developers are still needed to add custom functionality, improve performance and create custom UIs that match the brand of the organization. While automation may take over repetitive tasks, it will not replace a web developer’s judgment, which is still essential. With the increasing demand for better user experiences on mobile interfaces and online retail expansion, the employment rate for web developers and digital interface designers is expected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030. While coding abilities are important, web developers who thrive offer more than just coding abilities to their clients or employers. The role of a web developer is evolving, and as new tools and advancements arrive in web development, developers can focus more on the big picture and provide exceptional experiences to the end-user.

Conclusion

It’s unlikely that web development will become entirely obsolete, as the internet and websites remain a crucial part of modern life. However, web development is continuously evolving, and new technologies may change the way websites are developed and used. For example, the rise of mobile applications has led to a shift towards more app development, but websites are still essential for many purposes. It’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in web development to remain competitive and meet the changing needs of users.