html- jobs for the future

[burnboy]

hi all
just wondering what jobs you can do to do with html. i know a litlle already
what im looking for is all of the technical stuff. names ect...
i would also like to know if any/all of you do this for a job.
what sort of pay do you get?
what do you think of it?
when did you start?
i also want to kno what age you have to be (if anyone knows) as i am 14 and with a little luck maybe start soon? ...
basically come in here and have a chat about you jobs to a person who needs it!
i REALLY REALLY apreciate any discussion, no matter how big or small.
come in and talk!!

[Redcore]

Learning HTML is pretty much the first step. I started real HTML site building around your age. A few years later, I learned PHP and database functionality - I'm now a DBA (Database Administrator) for a high tech company. My job consists of web development just as much as actual database stuff.

There's not as much opportunity out there for HTML developers anymore - especially since programs like Dreamweaver can do it pretty easily. If you're an actual web designer, there's work out there if you look (local ISP's and web firms are typically always looking for contractors). Keep an open mind to learning dynamic languages like PHP, ASP, etc. Once you get the hang of it, they can be WAY funner than HTML.

If you want to do web design, it'd be wise to learn Photoshop if you don't know it already. There are literally thousands of tutorials and walk-throughs on the net for Photoshop. There's definitely a bit of a learning curve with it - but once you get the hang of things and know your way around, it's more about your ability to come up with cool ideas and execute them than anything.

At your age, you should be able to land some kind of job at a web firm doing code maintenance and such. You'd get work that most designers/developers don't want to do (aka, stuff I'm burnt out on haha) like posting pictures to static sites and updating various things on the sites - and maybe down the road, you'd get to develop small sites as well. It really depends on where you live too - I think most states let you work at your age, but there are lots of restrictions. Many high schools have to give you some kind of permission slip to work - if your grades aren't high enough you can't work. It's kind of lame, but whatever.

Knowing HTML is a great foundation right now - just be open to learning a LOT. I didn't really think I'd be doing MS SQL stuff in a corporate environment, but that's how things have played out so far - and that's great. You'll always learn new things to keep up with trends and industry changes. :)

[jamiemac2005]

As always, Redcore speaks the truth. I have to agree with everything that's been said.

Anyway, as for the age thing, it depends on the country you live in, etc etc.? Because in the UK (where i'm living), you cannot work for a web-design firm when under 16(without major legal issues)... Though i have friends who set up their own small businesses which have then grown(One of which was started when he was 12[5 years ago]).

Yet again as Redcore has said, HTML is more of a gateway, because it will give you general knowledge of programming and allow you to learn more languages. It seems that most jobs these days are looking for someone knowing: HTML, CSS, (possibly Javascript) & ASP.NET (this one is supposed to be very useful for finding jobs)... Another requested language is Java, which is taught from scratch in most UK Universitys to those taking Computer Sciences courses.

The best thing you can do is keep learning, (My favourite resource being www.w3schools.com for web-based languages).

Hope all goes well for you,
Jamey

[burnboy]

ye im still learning bout the different languages- ps how do u remember which is which- whats the point?! lol (of the different scripts??)
thanks once again

[Killer Squirrel]

as jamie and redcore said your best bet is to get html+CSS+photoshop knowledge which is a very good trio to have for small companies

[burnboy]

thanks for all your advice!
cheers,
burnboy

[jamiemac2005]

Hey again burnboy,

whats the point?! lol (of the different scripts??)

Okay, different languages have different uses and different languages are better suited to different situations...As an example (I'll stick to web-based languages as that's what we've been discussing):

- HTML: is the basic building blocks of a webpage, it defines the structure of your page.
- CSS: is the stylisation language, which defines how your page looks.
- javascript: is the actions language, e.g. if you have something following your mouse.
- Server Side Languages(e.g. PHP/ASP.Net/Coldfusion): These work as a backend to a site, for example this forum will use a server side language to parse and store the messages(/posts) and to send you subscription e-mails etc.
- Java/Flash: are usually used for animations in a page or games or a number of other things(whole sites can be built in Flash[usually for band portfolios etc.)

The point being that you use the different languages to do different things, and most websites(all popular ones) will use each of the languages in some form or another.

There are also High-level Compiled languages (C[C++, C#] , Java[java has tonnes of uses web-based or pc based], Visual Basic, .Net Lanugages) which are used for the everyday programs we use, and quite a lot of other stuff... And low-level languages (Assembly/Machine code) which are also used for them types of program, but are closer to the language that the processor understands.

As for remembering them all, you get used to it, to be fair i revisit languages after a long period using another and i find myself having to pick up a reference or use google to re-learn syntax. To be honest it doesn't matter which language you learn, the thing to learn is the programming concepts, because once you have them you find it a load easier to learn new languages.

Cheers,
Jamey

[burnboy]

WOW- CHEERS JAMIE-
i think ill keep this reply for l8r lol!!!
cheers to u all
especially jamie- Cheers J
burnboy

[jamiemac2005]

Tis k =]

Glad to help,
keep us up to date with what you decide to do...

Cheers,
Jamey

[burnboy]

will do!

[gistek]

Think of html as like algebra. It's useful for some things, and you can do a lot with it, but for the really powerful stuff you need the higher maths. And to learn the higher maths, you have to have a strong understanding of algebra.

That said.

If you are looking for paying work in web design and management, check with a few of the privately owned businesses and (most especially) community organizations. They might be interested in having you moderate their site(s) and help with basic maintenance. (update articles, notices, and photos, etc). Even if they can't pay you, it will count as job experience on your resume / job applications.

Next, broaden you horizon a bit. Don't concentrate just on webmastering, get a good general programming background. I know one young man who was totally focused on becoming a game writer. When he couldn't get into a game oriented college program he "settled" for a general programming curriculum. Now he's a top programmer for a database development company and totally loves his work. Writing games has become a hobby, and he actually likes it better that way.

Finally, don't think you have to go for a four year degree right off the bat. The fellow mentioned above took a 2 year tech/associate degree program. He plans to continue his education, but isn't in any hurry right now. Just make sure the school is accredited and their courses are acceptable to whatever college you would like to continue in.

[burnboy]

thanks for ALL ur help- THANKS!!!!!!!!

[acd0]

may i suggest learning how apache works, php, python, and sql(my, ms, postgres, etc).

[Redcore]

Apache and SQL are a bit down the road from PHP, CSS, etc. Good things to learn though. Best thing you can do is learn to be a SQL developer in conjunction with dynamic web design. Web 2.0 applications are the way of the future.