Web Design, Untangled

The World Wide Web earned its name for a reason. Like threads of a spiderweb, its pages of information and opportunities are numerous and intricate -- and can thus become hopelessly entangled. Let's untangle the web for some straight answers about one of the most profitable Web design careers: Web development and administration.

Separating the Strands
Here's a basic definition: A front-end Web developer uses HTML, JavaScript, ASP, ColdFusion, and other tools to develop static and dynamic Web pages.

While that may sound simple enough, if you're going that Web design route, realize that you'll likely be performing the duties typically ascribed to a Webmaster/administrator as well. That means you'll be responsible for the back-end of Web development, which includes maintaining a server and keeping it running, making sure the hosting continues to work and the servers are secure, and keeping track of the logs.

Weaving a Super Skill Set
In the world of Web design, it's not enough to just know HTML anymore. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the skills you can acquire through Web design programs.

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language). This is the language used to write Web pages, critical to all Web design careers.
• CGI (Common Gateway Interface) programming. CGI is the program that runs on the server to add dynamic actions to a Web site. You'll need to be fluent in a programming language like C or Perl to write CGIs.
• Graphic design. This includes mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other graphics software.
• Client-side programming. Use scripting tools JavaScript, ActiveX, Flash, or AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) to add dynamic interaction to your site.
Server-side programming. These scripting tools include SSI (Server Side Includes), ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP, and ColdFusion, all of which allow you to add interactivity to your Web pages.
• Database knowledge. You'll need to be able to hook your site up to a database back-end, which will enable you to create more dynamic, personalized, data-driven sites.

Tying Up Loose Ends
There's a lot to learn -- but Web design programs will teach you what you need to know to create a career hit.

Standard coursework at Web design schools includes Web site tools, Web site development, graphics and multimedia, advanced Web languages, Web marketing and e-commerce, and Web servers and security.

All this Web design work will pay off, according to the 2006 AIGA/Aquent Survey of Design Salaries 2006. In 2006, the median total cash compensation for Web developers was $60,000.

Sure, the World Wide Web is a tangled one -- but Web design schools can help you untangle the threads and set a straight path to a cutting-edge career.

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