DOES web design REQUIRE CODING: THE GAP OF CREATIVITY AND CODE
Web design is an online science and it has evolved a lot over the years. But in the digital age we live in, the question that often arises is: Does web design require coding to build captivating websites? This inquiry is not a simple yes or no answer and deserves a fully detailed blog post.
The multifaceted role of web designers
Web designers are kind of like modern-day alchemists but instead, they convert ideas into digital realities. These creators of online experiences are, without a doubt, tasked with translating aesthetic visions into functional websites. Yet, the question of whether they need coding prowess is a conundrum that demands exploration.
Deciphering the coding conundrum
Coding, the language of computers, is often seen as the foundational bedrock of web development. Well, at least it used to be seen as this but more on that later. But does this mean that web designers must learn to code? Not necessarily.
The intriguing truth is that the boundaries between web design and web development are blurring. Web designers learn coding to bridge this gap, equipping themselves with the tools to breathe life into their creative visions. However, this doesn’t mean they need to be an expert in every programming language under the sun. A fundamental understanding of HTML and CSS, the building blocks of the web, can go a long way.
The dance of web developers
Now, we briefly covered “Does web design require coding” but you might be pondering, “Do web developers still code?” Indeed, they do! Web development is an intricate symphony of coding, where functionality takes precedence. These code artisans orchestrate complex algorithms, databases, and server-side scripting to ensure seamless user experiences.
Yet, it’s important to discern the difference:Â web developers focus primarily on back-end development, while web designers choreograph the front-end ballet of aesthetics and user interface. Both are essential components of the web development ecosystem, each with its unique coding requirements. But you can get away with no coding requirements if you are just a web designer.
HTML: The universal language
Amidst this dance of complexity, one language remains steadfast in its relevance. HTML (HyperText Markup Language), the backbone of the World Wide Web, still plays a pivotal role. Web designers still use HTML, albeit in varying degrees. This is because it allows them to structure content, create links, and breathe life into the skeleton of a webpage.
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The crucial blend of creativity and code
In the kaleidoscope of web design, creativity reigns supreme. It’s the designer’s imagination that paints the canvas of the web. However, this creative flair often intertwines with coding finesse. Complex web animations, interactive features, and responsive designs are fruits borne from this fusion.
Consider JavaScript, the Swiss Army knife of web development. Web designers harness their powers to infuse interactivity into their creations, making websites not just visually appealing but also engaging and user-friendly. As a web designer, your ability to infuse creativity into your code can set you apart in the industry.
Evolving skillsets
The ever-evolving nature of the web ensures that both web designers and web developers must continually adapt. The landscape shifts with the winds of technology, and versatility is the key to staying relevant. Modern web designers are often expected to grasp the nuances of content management systems (CMS) like WordPress or Wix. These platforms provide the canvas upon which designers craft their masterpieces, streamlining the coding process.
WordPress is what we actually use to build all of our sites. So because of this, we don’t need to know how to code as we can bridge the gap between creativity in code with this platform.
Conclusion
The web design landscape is a rich tapestry where coding, though not always a mandatory prerequisite, can be a valuable asset. As the digital realm evolves, web designers are navigating a path that embraces both creativity and code. The future of web design is dynamic, where the only constant is change.
So, does web design require coding? Our personal opinion as a web design agency based in Swansea is that no you don’t need to know how to code. This is because CMS platforms are so useful these days and do everything for you. We believe that if you can learn how to code and can do it well then we think it would be wasted on web design. Instead, your skills would be better suited to working for a tech company.
Reasons we prefer no-code websites
Time
The time it takes to code to build a website is far greater than say us who can do it in a fraction of the time using WordPress. So that means as an agency we can create more websites and serve more clients in less time.
Making changes
What if your client wants to put something different on their site? The time it takes a coder to implement changes on a website is a much longer process as they have to alter code. But with us, we can usually make the changes within 24 hours which also keeps the client happy.
The client
Clients often like to make changes themselves and be able to have a little control over their site. So what are you going to do, teach them to code? We don’t think so. But we can make a tutorial video showing them how to do what they want.
Expensive
The costs can rack up if you have multiple sites to run the servers that power all that code. This is on top of your domain, hosting and any pro subscriptions you might have.
Growth
It is difficult to scale if every website you build is a custom-coded one and whereas that might not be your goal, it certainly was ours.
