10 Projects to Get You to Your First Dev Job in 2020

Landing your first web development job can feel daunting, with a seemingly endless list of technologies to master. This guide highlights ten crucial skills to boost your job prospects in 2020 and beyond, complete with project ideas and recommended resources.

Key Skills & Project Ideas:

1. Master Your Code Editor (VS Code): Become proficient in VS Code, exploring extensions (like Prettier and ESLint) and keyboard shortcuts. Project: Install VS Code, explore three extensions, configure Prettier and ESLint, and memorize keyboard shortcuts. Resource: Visual Studio Code: End-to-End Editing and Debugging Tools for Web Developers.

2. Build a Contact Form: Create a responsive, accessible, and well-styled contact form with various input types. Project: Design and build a contact form, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and elegant styling. Consider uploading to CodePen. Resource: Form Design Patterns.

3. Client-Side Validation: Implement client-side validation in your contact form using appropriate input types and custom validation. Avoid alert boxes and consider bot detection. Project: Add client-side validation to your contact form, providing intuitive error messages. Resource: JavaScript: Novice to Ninja, 2nd Edition.

4. Currency Converter (Fixer API): Build a currency converter fetching exchange rates from the Fixer API, dynamically updating the UI without page refreshes. Project: Create a currency converter using the Fixer API and modern JavaScript features (vanilla JS or a framework like React). Resource: JavaScript: Best Practice.

5. Portfolio Website Design: Design your portfolio website, focusing on layout, color scheme, typography, and content presentation. Project: Design your portfolio website, considering user experience and visual appeal. Resource: The Principles of Beautiful Web Design.

6. Portfolio Website Development: Code your portfolio website using modern CSS (Flexbox, Grid, vw/vh units), incorporating animations and your contact form. Project: Develop your portfolio website using modern CSS techniques and animations. Resource: CSS Master, 2nd Edition.

7. Web Performance Auditing (Lighthouse): Audit your portfolio website's performance using Lighthouse, addressing any issues identified. Project: Audit your website with Lighthouse and optimize for performance across devices. Resource: Jump Start Web Performance.

8. Command Line Proficiency (Bash): Familiarize yourself with the Bash shell, performing various tasks and exploring aliases. Project: Use Bash for a week, performing file system navigation, file manipulation, and exploring aliases. Consider exploring Zsh. Resource: Bash Quick Start Guide.

9. Version Control (Git & GitHub): Use Git to manage your projects, pushing your code to a GitHub repository. Project: Put your currency converter app under Git version control and push it to GitHub. Resource: Jump Start Git.

10. Node.js Application: Build a simple Node.js application, incorporating routing, templating, form handling, database interaction, and basic authentication. Project: Follow a Node.js tutorial (e.g., building a simple web app) and adapt it. Resource: SitePoint forums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

This section provides concise answers to common questions about landing a first developer job, covering portfolio projects, essential skills, real-world experience, interview preparation, and learning resources. The original FAQs are re-written for conciseness and clarity.

Conclusion:

Building a strong portfolio through hands-on projects is paramount. Combine these skills with consistent learning and active engagement in the developer community to significantly improve your job prospects.

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