Web Development Essay

Importance of web development: essay introduction, developments, cultural benefits, conclusion for web development, works cited.

At the outset, web designing emerged as an easier and simple way of exchanging information. It was a better means of communication and had better networking benefits compared to the commercial reasons. Later on, the Web became an avenue for making profits, and the information space that was prior for providing free exchange thus changed to a space for commercial transactions.

The open source movement first emerged when major players met and decided to begin the initiative of licensing to protect software developers. The movement was therefore a licensing measure meant to make source codes available to others beside the author through leasing.

There was also need to allow programmers to distribute their software freely and enable people to modify source codes. The current web-based software developers such as PHP, Firefox, WordPress and Linux are thus major contributors to development of modern websites. Open source has consequently had a direct influence on web development and browsing such as flexibility and innovative development initiatives in addition to providing network solutions.

Development of ‘open source’ receives very little attention especially official concerns by the initial founders for its development. The initial organizations to benefit from the open licensing systems directly included the Department of Defence (DOD), Research Agencies, and the Lab researchers such as National Laboratories (Reece et al, 92). These organizations were the most viable producers, users and beneficiaries of the licensing operation.

The firms also provided the platform for major advances such as the firewalls, and other network security tools. Open licensing therefore caused firms to merge ideas and integrate development of operating systems and related software to high-tech but inexpensive software/hardware supercomputers to replace the original Pentium-based systems.

Although departments such as the DOD or Space Agencies may have developed or initiated most of the research into open source, in overall, today’s beneficiaries include commercial agencies. Commercial enterprises such as Netscape, Red Hat, Cygnus, MacAfee and Caldera were quick to realize the opportunities offered by web-based methodologies and begun to offer the open source arrangements.

Other firms that latter on came in support of open source included the hardware developers such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Sun Microsystems and IBM (International Business Machines) among others. Consistent with VanDyk, the concept open source emerged from software engineers, but today the entire movement is made of technologically motivated individuals (9). They focus more on technological productivity as opposed to economical benefits.

Although the initial authors retain all the rights of their code, restrictions are less and simpler to allow others to utilize the code. Today, different countries have constitutions supporting the freedom of speech. Users never thought programs would be freeware in a manner comparable to the way verbal communication is an inalienable right today. Redistribution of software code does not face unnecessary restriction, since developers found that ‘open source’ is an effective way of finding and correcting faulty codes.

Open source also encourages reliability and quality of software due to the independent reviews and the rapid dynamic nature of the web-based programming. According to Van Reijswoud, the simplified way of defining ‘open source’ may appear more pervasive compared to technical definition (230).

The open form of licensing allows any individual developer as well as a corporation to give others freedom to change competence and quality of a code, at the same time retain ownership as long as the beneficiaries agree to equally share the code with others under similar terms of agreement.

This form of web development allows development of new web programmers particularly among users who wish to make their contributions on success and quality of products. Web development has therefore advanced to allow better distribution of expertise through refinement of existing codes. Experts are also able to provide new services through innovation and inspired creations.

The new trend of user-developer enhances development of diverse and advanced modern websites. Open source therefore allows a progressive form of dynamism that is almost impossible to achieve given any other condition that developers may find (Meeker, 38). There is a revolution on the way the software engineering industry has developed in terms software quality and ability to assist beneficiaries from the developments.

Current success of the internet is for the reason that there is direct success of the open source form of web development. Success of World Wide Web therefore indicates the evolution and power of open content. According to Richter, ‘open source’ is a form of licensing that affects development, distribution and use of software, thus causing direct change on corporations (281). It assists to focus innovation of information technology to ensure generation of profits.

Pragmatism demands that people share ideas and beliefs as opposed to involvement in scientific formulae. Open source has therefore been on constant demand among human needs indirectly, since proponents hold up to strict scrutiny of applications. Scientists allow extensive source code usage and analysis, which often means critical review of design, functionality, structure and content.

In line with Allen et al, programming involves more that art or design work, it has a foundation of functionality and practical knowledge (81). Technology maturity has thus caused spreading of knowledge and enhancement of techniques. Programmers are ready and more willing to have their codes examined, verified and used by others. Allowing others to use the code is mostly based on utmost good faith that the favour will be replicated or returned as opposed to financial benefits.

Employers of excellent source-code providers such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sun Microsystems, IBM and other corporations also have a direct benefit of fame, recognition and demand for goods or services. Their products are a direct reflection of business personality, capabilities, and the collaborative nature.

The use of ad hoc organizations has assisted in great developments, for instance the Apache Group were able to build up the most popular server “World Wide Web”, without ever convening. Working partners such as the Berkeley Software developers’ in-charge of commercial firewalls have employees working from various locations and collaborate electronically. Open licensing therefore allows organizations to pull web-based initiatives together and ensure survival of best products without disenfranchising anyone.

Programmers are becoming smarter to ensure production of the best and greatest codes compared to potential competitors. The easiness of obtaining the source code is also a great inspiration and a guide for many initial code developers especially web designers. An author of a code can find feedback such as suggestions or criticisms from other users and this is vital for systems productivity.

Companies such as Microsoft can also be able to find the open-source teams and expand their capabilities indefinitely since such measure is global and allows full-time international interactions. In line with Koch, open source enables a firm to ensure continuous use, maintenance and enhancement of a product (5). They must be able to integrate change on future developments to ensure competitive investment. The systems are able to harness sustainability, through collaboration of users and developers.

Although code developers are eager to maintain a reputation in the industry, open source may compromise need to recognize ownership of the original version of code. Indiscipline among users and lack of tight security measures to protect originality leads to existence of multiple versions of a code. With such scenario arising, it is extremely difficult to give credit where it is due. The uses are supposed to benefit from enhanced applications and related financial benefits, while the initial developer gets recognition.

Software developers have often engaged and appreciated the open source form of programming due to easiness on implementation of aspects that initially seemed to conflict such as reliability, innovativeness and interoperability. Internet community ought to value creativity and efficiency and ensure that accomplishments are not redone/duplicated but rather improved.

Good open source software incorporates other common data formats, and these forms of reuse and refinement have previously enhanced development of quality and unique software. There are various debates based on open source especially envisioning future prospects of the field of sharing codes. The current research studies on the matter provide only a glimpse of the facts and fail to expound on the possible pedagogy and technological changes.

Today there is a unique but exiting era and as Canne puts it, “the perfect e-storm is becoming less cloudy and ominous” (151). The writer emphasizes the importance of maintaining the idea of open licensing. Founders such as CISCO termed open sources as the greatest investment a company and consequently the government can make.

Open source applications are thus the basis for implementation of the Internet, as well as mail servers. Ideas of the programmers provide chances for improvement, scaling and reutilization of code to achieve new goals. Various internet protocols such as TCP/IP are a long lasting communication and sharing rules still in use on any network today.

Allen, Chris,. Balkan, Aral,. Grden, John,. Arnold, Wade,. & Cannasse, Nicolas. The Essential Guide to Open Source Flash Development . New York, NY Apress. 2008. Press.

Canne, Torre. Product-Focused Software Process Improvement: 12th International Conference , PROFES 2011: Lecture Notes in Computer Science / Programming and Software Engineering Series. Vol. 6759. Italy: Springer ltd. 2011.

Koch, Stefan. Free/open source software development. Pennsylvania, PA: Idea Group Publishers. 2005. Press.

Meeker, Heather J. The open source alternative: understanding risks and leveraging opportunities . New Jersey, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2008. Press.

Reece, Monique., Shah, Rawn., & Tasner, Michael. How to Innovate in Marketing (Collection) . New Jersey, NJ: Ft Press Delivers. Press.

Richter, Susanne. Critique for the Open Source Development Model. Germany. GRIN Verlag. 2007. Press.

VanDyk, John, K. Pro Drupal development . Second Edition. New York, NY Apress. 2008. Press.

Van Reijswoud, Victor. Free and open source software for development: exploring expectations, achievements and the future . Milan Italy: Polimetrica s.a.s. ltd. 2008. Press.

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Bibliography

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Top 72 Swift Interview Questions

50 Web Developer Interview Questions (ASWERED and SOLVED)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Web developers in the US is projected to grow 27% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. And, this trend can also be seen in other parts of the world. Follow along to check 50 most common web developer interview questions and answers to crack your next web developer interview.

Q1 :   Explain equality in JavaScript

JavaScript has both strict and type–converting comparisons:

  • Strict comparison (e.g., ===) checks for value equality without allowing coercion
  • Abstract comparison (e.g. ==) checks for value equality with coercion allowed

Some simple equalityrules:

  • If either value (aka side) in a comparison could be the true or false value, avoid == and use === .
  • If either value in a comparison could be of these specific values ( 0 , "" , or [] -- empty array), avoid == and use === .
  • In all other cases, you're safe to use == . Not only is it safe, but in many cases it simplifies your code in a way that improves readability.

Q2 :   What npm is used for?

npm stands for Node Package Manager. npm provides the following two main functionalities:

  • Online repositories for Node.js packages/modules which are searchable on search.nodejs.org
  • Command-line utility to install packages, do version management and dependency management of Node.js packages.
  • Another important use for npm is dependency management . When you have a node project with a package.json file, you can run npm install from the project root and npm will install all the dependencies listed in the package.json.

Q3 :   What is Reactive Programming?

Reactive programming is programming with asynchronous data streams. Event buses or your typical click events are really an asynchronous event stream, on which you can observe and do some side effects. Reactive is that idea on steroids. You are able to create data streams of anything, not just from click and hover events. Streams are cheap and ubiquitous, anything can be a stream: variables, user inputs, properties, caches, data structures, etc. For example, imagine your Twitter feed would be a data stream in the same fashion that click events are. You can listen to that stream and react accordingly.

Q4 :   What is Scope in JavaScript?

In JavaScript, each function gets its own scope . Scope is basically a collection of variables as well as the rules for how those variables are accessed by name. Only code inside that function can access that function's scoped variables.

A variable name has to be unique within the same scope. A scope can be nested inside another scope. If one scope is nested inside another, code inside the innermost scope can access variables from either scope.

Q5 :   What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a secure distributed ledger (data structure or database) that maintains a continuously growing list of ordered records, called “blocks”, that are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data.

By design, a blockchain is resistant to modification of the data. It is "an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way".

Once recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without alteration of all subsequent blocks, which requires consensus of the network majority.

Q6 :   What is meant by Continuous Integration ?

Continuous Integration (CI) is a development practice that requires developers to integrate code into a shared repository several times a day. Each check-in is then verified by an automated build, allowing teams to detect problems early.

Q7 :   What is the purpose of the alt attribute on images?

The alt attribute provides alternative information for an image if a user cannot view it. The alt attribute should be used to describe any images except those which only serve a decorative purposes, in which case it should be left empty.

Q8 :   What is webpack?

Webpack is a build tool that puts all of your assets, including Javascript, images, fonts, and CSS, in a dependency graph. Webpack lets you use require() in your source code to point to local files, like images, and decide how they're processed in your final Javascript bundle, like replacing the path with a URL pointing to a CDN.

Q9 :   Explain Null and Undefined in JavaScript

JavaScript (and by extension TypeScript) has two bottom types: null and undefined . They are intended to mean different things:

  • Something hasn't been initialised : undefined .
  • Something is currently unavailable: null .

Q10 :   How can I prevent XSS?

XSS can be prevented by sanitizing user input to the application. Always allowed those elements as input which is absolutely essential for that field.

Q11 :   Implement enqueue and dequeue using only two stacks

Enqueue means to add an element, dequeue to remove an element.

Q12 :   What are different HTTP Methods supported in Restful Web Services?

Restful web services supported HTTP methods are:

Q13 :   What does Containerization mean?

Containerisation is a type of virtualization strategy that emerged as an alternative to traditional hypervisor-based virtualization.

In containerization, the operating system is shared by the different containers rather than cloned for each virtual machine. For example Docker provides a container virtualization platform that serves as a good alternative to hypervisor-based arrangements.

Q14 :   What does use strict do?

The use strict literal is entered at the top of a JavaScript program or at the top of a function and it helps you write safer JavaScript code by throwing an error if a global variable is created by mistake. For example, the following program will throw an error:

It will throw an error because x was not defined and it is being set to some value in the global scope, which isn't allowed with use strict The small change below fixes the error being thrown:

Q15 :   What is CORS and how to enable one?

A request for a resource (like an image or a font) outside of the origin is known as a cross-origin request . CORS (cross-origin resource sharing) manages cross-origin requests. CORS allows servers to specify who (i.e., which origins) can access the assets on the server, among many other things.

Access-Control-Allow-Origin is an HTTP header that defines which foreign origins are allowed to access the content of pages on your domain via scripts using methods such as XMLHttpRequest.

For example, if your server provides both a website and an API intended for XMLHttpRequest access on a remote websites, only the API resources should return the Access-Control-Allow-Origin header. Failure to do so will allow foreign origins to read the contents of any page on your origin.

Q16 :   What is Cross Site Scripting (XSS)?

By using Cross Site Scripting (XSS) technique, users executed malicious scripts (also called payloads) unintentionally by clicking on untrusted links and hence, these scripts pass cookies information to attackers.

Q17 :   What is Sprint Planning?

The work to be performed in the Sprint is planned at the Sprint Planning . This plan is created by the collaborative work of the entire Scrum Team.

Sprint Planning answers the following:

  • What can be delivered in the Increment resulting from the upcoming Sprint?
  • How will the work needed to deliver the Increment be achieved?

The Sprint Goal is an objective set for the Sprint that can be met through the implementation of Product Backlog.

Q18 :   What is DOM (Document Object Model) and how is it linked to CSS?

The Document Object Model (DOM) is a cross-platform and language-independent application programming interface that treats an HTML, XHTML, or XML document as a tree structure wherein each node is an object representing a part of the document.

With the Document Object Model, programmers can create and build documents, navigate their structure, and add, modify, or delete elements and content. The DOM specifies interfaces which may be used to manage XML or HTML documents.

When a browser displays a document, it must combine the document's content with its style information. The browser converts HTML and CSS into the DOM (Document Object Model). The DOM represents the document in the computer's memory. It combines the document's content with its style.

Q19 :   What is Test Driven Development ?

Test Driven Development (TDD) is also known as test-driven design. In this method, developer:

  • first writes an automated test case which describes new function or improvement and
  • then creates small codes to pass that test , and
  • later re-factors the new code to meet the acceptable standards .

Q20 :   What is the difference between procedural and object-oriented programming?

Procedural programming is based upon the modular approach in which the larger programs are broken into procedures. Each procedure is a set of instructions that are executed one after another. On the other hand, OOP is based upon objects. An object consists of various elements, such as methods and variables.

Access modifiers are not used in procedural programming, which implies that the entire data can be accessed freely anywhere in the program. In OOP, you can specify the scope of a particular data by using access modifiers - public , private , internal , protected , and protected internal.

Q21 :   What is the difference between span and div?

  • div is a block element
  • span is inline element

For bonus points, you could point out that it’s illegal to place a block element inside an inline element, and that while div can have a p tag, and a p tag can have a span , it is not possible for span to have a div or p tag inside.

Q22 :   Could you explain the difference between ES5 and ES6

ECMAScript 5 (ES5) : The 5th edition of ECMAScript, standardized in 2009. This standard has been implemented fairly completely in all modern browsers

ECMAScript 6 (ES6)/ ECMAScript 2015 (ES2015) : The 6th edition of ECMAScript, standardized in 2015. This standard has been partially implemented in most modern browsers.

Here are some key differences between ES5 and ES6:

  • Arrow functions & string interpolation : Consider:
  • Const . Const works like a constant in other languages in many ways but there are some caveats. Const stands for ‘constant reference’ to a value. So with const, you can actually mutate the properties of an object being referenced by the variable. You just can’t change the reference itself.
  • Block-scoped variables . The new ES6 keyword let allows developers to scope variables at the block level. Let doesn’t hoist in the same way var does.
  • Default parameter values Default parameters allow us to initialize functions with default values. A default is used when an argument is either omitted or undefined — meaning null is a valid value.

Class Definition and Inheritance ES6 introduces language support for classes ( class keyword), constructors ( constructor keyword), and the extend keyword for inheritance.

for-of operator The for...of statement creates a loop iterating over iterable objects.

  • Spread Operator For objects merging
  • Promises Promises provide a mechanism to handle the results and errors from asynchronous operations. You can accomplish the same thing with callbacks, but promises provide improved readability via method chaining and succinct error handling.
  • Modules exporting & importing Consider module exporting:

and importing:

Q23 :   Explain almost standard, full standard and quirks mode

There are now three modes used by the layout engines in web browsers: quirks mode, almost standards mode, and full standards mode.

  • In quirks mode , layout emulates nonstandard behavior in Navigator 4 and Internet Explorer 5. This is essential in order to support websites that were built before the widespread adoption of web standards.
  • In full standards mode , the behavior is (hopefully) the behavior described by the HTML and CSS specifications.
  • In almost standards mode , there are only a very small number of quirks implemented.

For HTML documents, browsers use a DOCTYPE in the beginning of the document to decide whether to handle it in quirks mode or standards mode.

Q24 :   Explain the difference between Object.freeze() vs const

const and Object.freeze are two completely different things.

  • const applies to bindings ("variables"). It creates an immutable binding, i.e. you cannot assign a new value to the binding.
  • Object.freeze works on values , and more specifically, object values . It makes an object immutable, i.e. you cannot change its properties.

Q25 :   Given two strings, return true if they are anagrams of one another

For example: Mary is an anagram of Army

Q26 :   How is responsive design different from adaptive design ?

Both responsive and adaptive design attempt to optimize the user experience across different devices, adjusting for different viewport sizes, resolutions, usage contexts, control mechanisms, and so on.

Responsive design works on the principle of flexibility — a single fluid website that can look good on any device. Responsive websites use media queries , flexible grids , and responsive images to create a user experience that flexes and changes based on a multitude of factors. Like a single ball growing or shrinking to fit through several different hoops.

Adaptive design is more like the modern definition of progressive enhancement. Instead of one flexible design, adaptive design detects the device and other features, and then provides the appropriate feature and layout based on a predefined set of viewport sizes and other characteristics. The site detects the type of device used, and delivers the pre-set layout for that device. Instead of a single ball going through several different-sized hoops, you’d have several different balls to use depending on the hoop size.

Q27 :   How to compare two objects in JavaScript?

Two non-primitive values, like objects (including function and array) held by reference, so both == and === comparisons will simply check whether the references match, not anything about the underlying values.

For example, arrays are by default coerced to strings by simply joining all the values with commas ( , ) in between. So two arrays with the same contents would not be == equal:

For deep object comparison use external libs like deep-equal or implement your own recursive equality algorithm.

Q28 :   How would you choose between SOAP and REST web services?

Web Services work on client-server model and when it comes to choose between SOAP and REST, it all depends on project requirements. Let’s look at some of the conditions affecting our choice:

  • Do you know your web service clients beforehand? If Yes, then you can define a contract before implementation and SOAP seems better choice. But if you don’t then REST seems better choice because you can provide sample request/response and test cases easily for client applications to use later on.
  • How much time you have? For quick implementation REST is the best choice. You can create web service easily, test it through browser/curl and get ready for your clients. What kind of data format are supported? If only XML then you can go with SOAP but if you think about supporting JSON also in future then go with REST.

Q29 :   State the features of an Interface

An interface is a template that contains only the signature of methods. The signature of a method consists of the numbers of parameters, the type of parameter (value, reference, or output), and the order of parameters. An interface has no implementation on its own because it contains only the definition of methods without any method body. An interface is defined using the interface keyword. Moreover, you cannot instantiate an interface. The various features of an interface are as follows:

  • An interface is used to implement multiple inheritance in code. This feature of an interface is quite different from that of abstract classes because a class cannot derive the features of more than one class but can easily implement multiple interfaces.
  • It defines a specific set of methods and their arguments.
  • Variables in interface must be declared as public , static , and final while methods must be public and abstract .
  • A class implementing an interface must implement all of its methods.
  • An interface can derive from more than one interface.

Q30 :   What are the DRY and DIE principles?

In software engineering, Don't Repeat Yourself (DRY) or Duplication is Evil (DIE) is a principle of software development.

Q31 :   What are the advantages and disadvantages of using use strict ?

'use strict' is a statement used to enable strict mode to entire scripts or individual functions. Strict mode is a way to opt into a restricted variant of JavaScript.

Advantages:

  • Makes it impossible to accidentally create global variables.
  • Makes assignments which would otherwise silently fail to throw an exception.
  • Makes attempts to delete undeletable properties throw (where before the attempt would simply have no effect).
  • Requires that function parameter names be unique.
  • this is undefined in the global context.
  • It catches some common coding bloopers, throwing exceptions.
  • It disables features that are confusing or poorly thought out.

Disadvantages:

  • Many missing features that some developers might be used to.
  • No more access to function.caller and function.arguments .
  • Concatenation of scripts written in different strict modes might cause issues.

Overall, I think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, and I never had to rely on the features that strict mode blocks. I would recommend using strict mode.

Q32 :   What are the best practices for caching?

Always keep static contents like images, css, JavaScript cacheable, with expiration date of 2 to 3 days. Never keep expiry date too high.

Dynamic contents should be cached for few hours only.

Q33 :   What are the features of Microservices?

  • Decoupling  – Services within a system are largely decoupled. So the application as a whole can be easily built, altered, and scaled
  • Componentization  – Microservices are treated as independent components that can be easily replaced and upgraded
  • Business Capabilities  – Microservices are very simple and focus on a single capability
  • Autonomy  – Developers and teams can work independently of each other, thus increasing speed
  • Continous Delivery  – Allows frequent releases of software, through systematic automation of software creation, testing, and approval
  • Responsibility  – Microservices do not focus on applications as projects. Instead, they treat applications as products for which they are responsible
  • Decentralized Governance  – The focus is on using the right tool for the right job. That means there is no standardized pattern or any technology pattern. Developers have the freedom to choose the best useful tools to solve their problems
  • Agility  – Microservices support agile development. Any new feature can be quickly developed and discarded again

Q34 :   What is CSS selectors ? Name some.

A CSS selector is the part of a CSS rule set that actually selects the content you want to style.

Consider some types of CSS selectors:

  • Universal selector : *
  • Element type selector : ul , td
  • ID Selector : #id
  • Class selector : .box
  • Descendant combinator : #id .box . The .box element doesn’t have to be an immediate child of #id.
  • Child combinator : #id > .box . Unlike the descendant combinator, there can’t be another element wrapping .box
  • General Sibling Combinator : ~
  • Adjacent Sibling Combinator : + . The difference from general sibling combinaltor is that the targeted element must be an immediate sibling, not just a general sibling.
  • Attribute Selector : input[type="text"]
  • Pseudo-class : a:hover . A pseudo-class uses a colon character to identify a pseudo-state that an element might be in.
  • Pseudo-element : .container::before . This selector inserts an imaginary element into the page, inside the targeted element, before its contents.

Q35 :   What is Coercion in JavaScript?

In JavaScript conversion between different two build-in types called coercion . Coercion comes in two forms in JavaScript: explicit and implicit .

Here's an example of explicit coercion:

And here's an example of implicit coercion:

Q36 :   What is HTML5 Web Storage? Explain localStorage and sessionStorage .

With HTML5, web pages can store data locally within the user’s browser. The data is stored in name/value pairs, and a web page can only access data stored by itself.

Differences between localStorage and sessionStorage regarding lifetime:

  • Data stored through localStorage is permanent: it does not expire and remains stored on the user’s computer until a web app deletes it or the user asks the browser to delete it.
  • sessionStorage has the same lifetime as the top-level window or browser tab in which the data got stored. When the tab is permanently closed, any data stored through sessionStorage is deleted.

Differences between localStorage and sessionStorage regarding storage scope:

Both forms of storage are scoped to the document origin so that documents with different origins will never share the stored objects.

  • sessionStorage is also scoped on a per-window basis. Two browser tabs with documents from the same origin have separate sessionStorage data.
  • Unlike in localStorage , the same scripts from the same origin can't access each other's sessionStorage when opened in different tabs.

Q37 :   What is IIFEs (Immediately Invoked Function Expressions)?

It’s an Immediately-Invoked Function Expression, or IIFE for short. It executes immediately after it’s created:

This pattern is often used when trying to avoid polluting the global namespace, because all the variables used inside the IIFE (like in any other normal function) are not visible outside its scope.

Q38 :   Explain difference between: function Person(){} , var person = Person() , and var person = new Person() ?

This question is pretty vague. My best guess at its intention is that it is asking about constructors in JavaScript. Technically speaking, function Person(){} is just a normal function declaration. The convention is to use PascalCase for functions that are intended to be used as constructors.

var person = Person() invokes the Person as a function, and not as a constructor. Invoking as such is a common mistake if it the function is intended to be used as a constructor. Typically, the constructor does not return anything, hence invoking the constructor like a normal function will return undefined and that gets assigned to the variable intended as the instance.

var person = new Person() creates an instance of the Person object using the new operator, which inherits from Person.prototype . An alternative would be to use Object.create , such as: Object.create(Person.prototype) .

Q39 :   How does the this keyword work? Provide some code examples

In JavaScript this always refers to the “owner” of the function we're executing, or rather, to the object that a function is a method of.

Q40 :   What is GOD class and why should we avoid it?

The most effective way to break applications it to create GOD classes. That are classes that keeps track of a lot of information and have several responsibilities. One code change will most likely affect other parts of the class and therefore indirectly all other classes that uses it. That in turn leads to an even bigger maintenance mess since no one dares to do any changes other than adding new functionality to it.

Q41 :   What is Hoisting in JavaScript?

Hoisting is the JavaScript interpreter's action of moving all variable and function declarations to the top of the current scope. There are two types of hoisting :

  • variable hoisting - rare
  • function hoisting - more common

Wherever a var (or function declaration) appears inside a scope, that declaration is taken to belong to the entire scope and accessible everywhere throughout.

Q42 :   What is Closure in JavaScript? Provide an example

A closure is a function defined inside another function (called parent function) and has access to the variable which is declared and defined in parent function scope.

The closure has access to variable in three scopes:

  • Variable declared in his own scope
  • Variable declared in parent function scope
  • Variable declared in global namespace

innerFunction is closure which is defined inside outerFunction and has access to all variable which is declared and defined in outerFunction scope. In addition to this function defined inside function as closure has access to variable which is declared in global namespace .

Output of above code would be:

Q43 :   What is progressive rendering?

Progressive rendering is the name given to techniques used to improve the performance of a webpage (in particular, improve perceived load time) to render content for display as quickly as possible.

It used to be much more prevalent in the days before broadband internet but it is still used in modern development as mobile data connections are becoming increasingly popular (and unreliable)!

Examples of such techniques:

  • Lazy loading of images - Images on the page are not loaded all at once. JavaScript will be used to load an image when the user scrolls into the part of the page that displays the image.
  • Prioritizing visible content (or above-the-fold rendering) - Include only the minimum CSS/content/scripts necessary for the amount of page that would be rendered in the users browser first to display as quickly as possible, you can then use deferred scripts or listen for the DOMContentLoaded / load event to load in other resources and content.
  • Async HTML fragments - Flushing parts of the HTML to the browser as the page is constructed on the back end. More details on the technique can be found here .

Q44 :   What is the difference between Cohesion and Coupling ?

  • Cohesion refers to what the class (or module) can do.
  • Low cohesion would mean that the class does a great variety of actions - it is broad, unfocused on what it should do.
  • High cohesion means that the class is focused on what it should be doing, i.e. only methods relating to the intention of the class.
  • As for coupling , it refers to how related or dependent two classes/modules are toward each other. For low coupled classes, changing something major in one class should not affect the other. High coupling would make it difficult to change and maintain your code; since classes are closely knit together, making a change could require an entire system revamp.

Good software design has high cohesion and low coupling .

Q45 :   What should be the purpose of OPTIONS method of RESTful web services?

It should list down the supported operations in a web service and should be read only.

Q46 :   Write a recursive function that performs a binary search

Q47 :   describe tree shaking mechanism in webpack.

Tree shaking is a term commonly used in the JavaScript context for dead-code elimination. It relies on the static structure of ES2015 module syntax, i.e. import and export.

You can imagine your application as a tree. The source code and libraries you actually use represent the green, living leaves of the tree. Dead code represents the brown, dead leaves of the tree that are consumed by autumn. In order to get rid of the dead leaves, you have to shake the tree, causing them to fall.

If your code did have some side effects (code that performs a special behavior when imported) though, use sideEffects property:

Q48 :   What does it mean to Program to an Interface ?

Programming to an interface has absolutely nothing to do with abstract interfaces like we see in Java or .NET. It isn't even an OOP concept. It means just interact with an object or system's public interface. Don't worry or even anticipate how it does what it does internally. Don't worry about how it is implemented. In object-oriented code, it is why we have public vs. private methods/attributes.

And with databases it means using views and stored procedures instead of direct table access.

Using interfaces is a key factor in making your code easily testable in addition to removing unnecessary couplings between your classes. By creating an interface that defines the operations on your class, you allow classes that want to use that functionality the ability to use it without depending on your implementing class directly. If later on you decide to change and use a different implementation, you need only change the part of the code where the implementation is instantiated. The rest of the code need not change because it depends on the interface, not the implementing class.

This is very useful in creating unit tests. In the class under test you have it depend on the interface and inject an instance of the interface into the class (or a factory that allows it to build instances of the interface as needed) via the constructor or a property settor. The class uses the provided (or created) interface in its methods. When you go to write your tests, you can mock or fake the interface and provide an interface that responds with data configured in your unit test. You can do this because your class under test deals only with the interface, not your concrete implementation. Any class implementing the interface, including your mock or fake class, will do.

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essay questions about web development

45 Essential Web Development Interview Questions and Answers for 2024

Published: December 26, 2023

No matter what side of the interview you’re on, you want to be prepared. Whether I’m the interviewer or interviewee, I get acquainted with common interview questions. If I’m in the hot seat, I feel more prepared to give thoughtful answers. If I’m across the table, I can make sure I ask essential, skill-vetting questions.

woman studies web development interview questions

This is especially true for roles in web development. While technical testing often awaits candidates, verbally answering development questions will help you get to the next stage. If you’re not able to articulate concepts, you may not even make it to show off your skills.

Free Guide: 50 Common Interview Questions [Download Now]

We want to help. That’s why we gathered a list of essential web development interview questions. Get a sense of what you should prepare for and how you can answer.

Table of Contents

Beginner Web Development Interview Questions

Intermediate web development interview questions, advanced web development interview questions.

When you’re interviewing for a role, you’ll likely receive a mix of questions. Some will be geared toward beginners. Here are some basic questions you’ll be expected to know when you start the job search.

Beginner Web Development Interview Questions. What is HTML? What is CSS? What is an API? What is AJAX? What does DOM stand for? Explain JavaScript’s role  in web development. What is web hosting? Explain the concept of “browser compatibility.” What are responsive websites? How can you view a page’s source code? What is a tag in HTML? Describe the differences between responsive and adaptive web design. What is a web browser, and how does it work? Explain JavaScript’s role  in web development. What does WYSIWYG stand for?

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30 Web Developer Interview Questions and Answers

Common Web Developer interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

essay questions about web development

So, you’re a web developer with an impressive portfolio and a solid understanding of the latest technologies. The next challenge? Acing that job interview. Whether you’re a front-end wizard or a back-end guru, preparing for interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re trying to land your dream role in a competitive market.

We’ve got you covered with this guide to common web developer interview questions. From HTML5 to JavaScript frameworks, we’ll help you navigate through the potential minefield of inquiries about your technical prowess, problem-solving skills, and passion for creating seamless user experiences.

1. Can you explain the difference between HTML, CSS, and JavaScript?

Grasping the fundamentals of web development is essential for a successful career in the field. By asking this question, interviewers want to ensure you possess a strong understanding of the core technologies that make up the structure, design, and interactivity of websites. Your ability to explain the differences demonstrates your knowledge, expertise, and ability to communicate technical concepts to team members and clients.

Example: “Certainly! HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the three core technologies used in web development, each serving a distinct purpose.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the backbone of any website, providing its basic structure. It consists of elements called tags that define the content types on a webpage, such as headings, paragraphs, images, and links. Essentially, HTML lays out the foundation for how the content will be organized.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), on the other hand, deals with the presentation aspect of a website. It allows you to control the visual appearance of HTML elements, including colors, fonts, layouts, and responsive design features. With CSS, you can apply consistent styling across multiple pages, ensuring a cohesive look and feel throughout the site.

JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactivity and dynamic functionality to websites. While HTML and CSS handle the structure and style, JavaScript enables user interactions, such as form validation, animations, and updating content without reloading the page. This makes websites more engaging and user-friendly, enhancing the overall user experience.”

2. What is responsive web design, and why is it important?

Responsive web design is about creating websites that automatically adjust to fit the screen size of the device they’re viewed on, providing a seamless user experience. It’s important because with the ever-growing variety of devices and screen sizes, it’s essential to ensure that your website is easily accessible and visually appealing to all users. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your understanding of this critical aspect of modern web development and to ensure you prioritize user experience in your work.

Example: “Responsive web design is an approach to web development that focuses on creating websites that automatically adjust their layout and appearance based on the user’s device, screen size, and orientation. This is achieved through a combination of fluid grids, flexible images, and CSS media queries.

The importance of responsive web design lies in its ability to provide an optimal user experience across various devices and platforms. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets for browsing the internet, it has become essential to ensure that websites are easily accessible and visually appealing on all screens. Responsive design not only enhances usability but also helps improve search engine rankings, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search results. Ultimately, implementing responsive web design contributes to higher user satisfaction, increased engagement, and better conversion rates.”

3. Describe your experience with front-end frameworks like Bootstrap or Foundation.

Hiring managers want to know about your familiarity and expertise with popular front-end frameworks because they are widely used in the industry and can significantly increase efficiency and productivity. Your ability to work with these tools demonstrates your adaptability and proficiency in creating responsive and visually appealing websites, ultimately contributing to the overall success of a project.

Example: “Throughout my career as a web developer, I have extensively used Bootstrap for various projects due to its versatility and ease of use. My experience with Bootstrap includes creating responsive layouts, customizing themes, and implementing pre-built components such as navigation bars, modals, and carousels. This has allowed me to efficiently develop visually appealing and user-friendly websites while maintaining consistency across different devices and browsers.

I also have some experience working with Foundation, particularly on a project where the client specifically requested it. While using Foundation, I appreciated its flexibility in terms of customization and found its grid system quite intuitive. Although my exposure to Foundation is not as extensive as with Bootstrap, I am confident in my ability to quickly adapt to new frameworks and apply my existing knowledge to deliver high-quality results.”

4. How do you ensure cross-browser compatibility for your websites?

Assessing your ability to ensure cross-browser compatibility is important because users access websites through various browsers and devices. The hiring manager wants to know that you are proactive in making sure your web designs and applications function and display correctly across different platforms, providing a seamless experience for all users. This demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Example: “To ensure cross-browser compatibility, I start by using well-structured and semantic HTML markup, which helps maintain consistency across different browsers. Then, I employ CSS resets to eliminate any default browser styling that could cause inconsistencies in the appearance of the website.

During development, I use tools like BrowserStack or LambdaTest for testing the website on various browsers and platforms. This allows me to identify and fix any issues early in the process. Additionally, I make sure to follow best practices such as progressive enhancement and graceful degradation, ensuring that essential functionality is available even if certain features aren’t supported by a specific browser.

Moreover, I stay up-to-date with current web standards and guidelines provided by organizations like W3C and WHATWG, which help me create websites that are more likely to be compatible with both existing and future browsers. In summary, a combination of good coding practices, thorough testing, and staying informed about web standards ensures cross-browser compatibility for the websites I develop.”

5. What are some key considerations when optimizing a website for performance?

Optimizing a website for performance is essential to ensure quick loading times and a seamless user experience. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your understanding of performance optimization techniques, and your ability to identify and address potential bottlenecks. It also helps them determine if you have the knowledge and experience to implement best practices that improve a site’s speed, responsiveness, and overall user satisfaction.

Example: “When optimizing a website for performance, one key consideration is minimizing the size of files and assets being loaded. This can be achieved by compressing images, minifying CSS and JavaScript files, and using efficient file formats like WebP for images or GZIP for text-based resources. Additionally, implementing lazy loading techniques for media elements ensures that only necessary content is loaded when it’s needed, reducing initial load times.

Another important aspect is leveraging browser caching and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to serve static assets more efficiently. Browser caching allows returning visitors to access cached versions of your site’s resources, while CDNs distribute your content across multiple servers worldwide, ensuring faster delivery to users based on their geographic location. Both strategies contribute to reduced server response times and improved overall user experience.”

6. Explain the concept of progressive enhancement in web development.

Progressive enhancement is a critical aspect of web development, and interviewers want to ensure you’re familiar with the concept. They want to know that you can create user-friendly web experiences that work across various devices and browsers, and that you can build a solid foundation for your projects that can be enhanced with advanced features and technologies as needed. This approach ensures accessibility, usability, and a consistent experience for all users, which is essential for the success of any web project.

Example: “Progressive enhancement is a web development strategy that focuses on building a core, functional version of a website or application first and then incrementally adding more advanced features and enhancements for browsers or devices that can support them. This approach ensures that the basic content and functionality are accessible to all users, regardless of their browser capabilities or device limitations.

The key principle behind progressive enhancement is prioritizing user experience by starting with a solid foundation that works for everyone and then layering on additional features for those who have access to modern technologies. This not only improves accessibility but also promotes better performance and maintainability, as developers can easily update or modify individual layers without affecting the entire system. In essence, progressive enhancement allows us to create flexible, future-proof websites that cater to a wide range of users while still taking advantage of cutting-edge advancements in web technology.”

7. Have you worked with any content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal? If so, which ones and what was your role?

Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress and Drupal are widely used tools in the world of web development. They provide customizable templates and plugins that can streamline the development process, making it more efficient to build and manage websites. Interviewers want to know if you have experience with these platforms because it demonstrates your familiarity with industry-standard tools and your ability to adapt to different development environments. Additionally, sharing your specific role in working with a CMS helps the interviewer assess your level of expertise and how you can contribute to their team.

Example: “Yes, I have worked with both WordPress and Drupal in my previous projects. In one of the projects where we used WordPress, I was responsible for developing a custom theme based on the client’s design requirements. This involved creating templates, integrating plugins, and writing custom PHP functions to achieve specific functionalities. Additionally, I collaborated with the content team to ensure seamless content updates and management.

As for Drupal, I worked on a project that required building a complex web application with multiple user roles and permissions. My role included setting up the Drupal environment, configuring modules, and implementing custom features using PHP and JavaScript. Furthermore, I assisted in training the client’s internal team on how to manage and update content within the Drupal CMS effectively. Both experiences allowed me to gain valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of each platform, enabling me to make informed decisions when choosing a CMS for future projects.”

8. Describe your experience with version control systems like Git or SVN.

As a web developer, you’ll often work in teams where collaboration and communication are key. Version control systems, such as Git or SVN, are essential tools for managing the codebase, tracking changes, and ensuring smooth collaboration with your colleagues. Your experience with these systems demonstrates your ability to work effectively in a team environment and handle the complexities of code management throughout a project’s lifecycle.

Example: “Throughout my career as a web developer, I have extensively used Git for version control. My experience with Git began during my first job, where we adopted it to manage our codebase and collaborate effectively within the development team. Over time, I’ve become proficient in using various Git commands, branching strategies, and resolving merge conflicts.

I’ve also had exposure to SVN while working on a project that required collaboration with another team who preferred this system. Although my experience with SVN is not as extensive as with Git, I quickly adapted to its workflow and was able to contribute effectively. In both cases, utilizing version control systems has been essential for maintaining clean, organized codebases and ensuring seamless collaboration among team members.”

9. What is your preferred text editor or IDE for web development?

Your choice of text editor or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) can reveal a lot about your development preferences, productivity level, and how you tackle coding challenges. Interviewers want to know if you’re comfortable with industry-standard tools or if you have a unique preference that sets you apart. Your answer can also spark a conversation about your adaptability to different tools and your ability to learn new technologies.

Example: “My preferred text editor for web development is Visual Studio Code. I find it to be a powerful and versatile tool that streamlines my workflow, thanks to its extensive library of extensions and built-in features like IntelliSense for code completion. Additionally, the integrated terminal allows me to run commands without switching between windows, which saves time and increases productivity. The active community support and regular updates also ensure that Visual Studio Code stays up-to-date with the latest web development trends and technologies.”

10. Can you discuss the differences between GET and POST methods in HTTP requests?

As a web developer, you’ll be expected to have a solid understanding of various web technologies and protocols, including HTTP requests. The distinction between GET and POST methods is essential, as they have different applications and implications for how data is transmitted and processed. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your technical knowledge and determine if you can apply it to create efficient and secure web applications.

Example: “Certainly. GET and POST are two common HTTP methods used for different purposes when interacting with web servers. The primary difference between them lies in how they handle data submission and retrieval.

GET is primarily used to request and retrieve data from a server without making any changes to the existing data. It appends query parameters to the URL, which makes it visible in the browser’s address bar. This method is idempotent, meaning that multiple identical requests will have the same effect as one request. However, due to its visibility and length limitations, GET is not suitable for sensitive or large amounts of data.

On the other hand, POST is designed to submit data to a server, typically for creating or updating resources. Unlike GET, POST sends data within the request body, keeping it hidden from the address bar and allowing for larger payloads. Since POST can modify data on the server, it is considered non-idempotent, and repeated requests may result in different outcomes.

Choosing between GET and POST depends on the specific requirements of the web application and whether you need to retrieve or submit data while considering factors like security, visibility, and idempotency.”

11. What is AJAX, and how have you used it in previous projects?

Technical knowledge is a key component of a web developer’s skill set, and AJAX is among the essential tools for creating dynamic and interactive web applications. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your understanding of AJAX, how it’s used, and your experience with it. This helps them determine if you have the necessary expertise to contribute to the development of their web projects and applications.

Example: “AJAX, or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, is a technique used in web development to enable asynchronous communication between the client-side browser and the server. It allows for updating parts of a webpage without requiring a full page reload, resulting in a more responsive user experience.

In one of my previous projects, I implemented AJAX to enhance the functionality of an e-commerce website’s product filtering system. Users could filter products based on various criteria such as price range, color, and size. Using AJAX, I was able to update the displayed products dynamically as users selected different filters, without having to refresh the entire page. This not only improved the site’s performance but also provided a seamless browsing experience for users, ultimately contributing to increased customer satisfaction and sales.”

12. Do you have experience working with APIs? If so, can you provide an example of a project where you integrated one?

Asking about your experience with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) is essential because they play a significant role in modern web development. APIs allow different software applications to communicate with each other, enabling seamless integration of various tools and services. By asking for an example, the interviewer is looking for evidence of your ability to utilize APIs effectively, as well as your understanding of how they contribute to the successful completion of web development projects.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience working with APIs. One notable project involved integrating the Google Maps API into a real estate website. The client wanted to display property listings on an interactive map, allowing users to easily view and navigate through available properties based on their location.

To achieve this, I first familiarized myself with the Google Maps API documentation to understand its capabilities and limitations. Then, I developed a custom script that fetched property data from the website’s database and formatted it according to the API requirements. Once the data was properly structured, I used the API to generate markers for each property on the map, along with infowindows containing relevant information such as price, size, and images. This integration significantly improved the user experience by providing a visually appealing and intuitive way for potential buyers to explore available properties.”

13. What is the purpose of minification in web development?

Minification is an essential aspect of web development that serves to improve the performance of websites. Interviewers ask about minification to assess your understanding of optimization techniques and your ability to create efficient, fast-loading web pages. They want to ensure that you’re mindful of user experience and can implement best practices to enhance the overall performance of the websites you develop.

Example: “Minification is a technique used in web development to optimize the performance of websites by reducing the size of code files, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The purpose of minification is to decrease the loading time of web pages, which ultimately enhances user experience and reduces server load.

During the minification process, unnecessary characters like whitespace, comments, and line breaks are removed from the source code without affecting its functionality. This results in smaller file sizes that require less bandwidth and can be downloaded faster by the browser. Additionally, minifying code can also improve website performance by reducing the number of HTTP requests needed to fetch resources, as multiple files can be combined into a single minified file. In summary, minification plays a vital role in optimizing web applications for better performance and improved user experience.”

14. Explain the box model in CSS and its significance in layout design.

The box model is a core concept in CSS, serving as the foundation for layout design in web development. Understanding its significance demonstrates your knowledge of how elements are structured and positioned on a webpage, and how their dimensions and spacing can be manipulated. Interviewers want to know that you can create visually appealing, functional, and responsive designs by effectively utilizing the box model concept.

Example: “The box model in CSS is a fundamental concept that describes the rectangular boxes generated for elements in an HTML document. It consists of four main components: content, padding, border, and margin. The content area contains the actual text or images within the element, while the padding surrounds the content and separates it from the border. The border encloses both the content and padding areas, and finally, the margin creates space between the element’s border and adjacent elements.

The significance of the box model lies in its ability to provide precise control over layout design. Web developers can manipulate each component independently to achieve desired spacing, alignment, and positioning of elements on a webpage. Understanding and effectively utilizing the box model is essential for creating responsive and visually appealing designs that adapt well across different devices and screen sizes.”

15. What are some best practices for writing maintainable and scalable CSS code?

Hiring managers ask this question to assess your understanding of efficient coding and your ability to create CSS that is easy to maintain, modify, and scale as the project grows. By demonstrating your knowledge of best practices, it shows that you can contribute to a better workflow and a more organized codebase, which ultimately saves time and resources for the company.

Example: “One best practice for writing maintainable and scalable CSS code is to follow a modular approach, which involves breaking down the styles into smaller, reusable components. This can be achieved by using methodologies like BEM (Block, Element, Modifier) or SMACSS (Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS). These methodologies promote consistency in naming conventions and make it easier to understand the structure of the code.

Another important practice is to leverage preprocessors such as Sass or Less, which allow you to use variables, mixins, and nested rules. This not only makes your code more organized but also reduces repetition and enhances readability. Additionally, using a CSS reset or normalize.css helps ensure consistent styling across different browsers and devices.

To further improve maintainability, it’s essential to keep your CSS code DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) by consolidating common properties and values into reusable classes or mixins. Lastly, adding comments to describe the purpose of specific sections or rules can significantly aid future developers in understanding and maintaining the codebase. Following these practices will contribute to creating a robust and easily manageable CSS architecture that can scale with your project’s growth.”

16. Describe your experience with JavaScript libraries or frameworks like jQuery, Angular, React, or Vue.js.

As a web developer, your ability to use and adapt to different JavaScript libraries and frameworks is essential to create efficient and interactive web applications. By asking about your experience, employers are gauging your technical prowess, versatility, and ability to stay up-to-date with industry trends, which ultimately impacts the quality and effectiveness of the projects you’ll work on.

Example: “Throughout my career as a web developer, I have had the opportunity to work with various JavaScript libraries and frameworks. My experience with jQuery began early in my career, where I used it for DOM manipulation and AJAX requests. It was an essential tool for enhancing user experiences by adding interactivity and responsiveness to websites.

More recently, I’ve been working extensively with React.js, which has become my go-to framework for building scalable and maintainable single-page applications. I appreciate its component-based architecture, which promotes reusability and modularity. Additionally, I’ve leveraged Redux for state management, allowing me to create more predictable and easier-to-debug applications.

While my primary focus has been on React.js, I have also dabbled in Angular and Vue.js for smaller projects or when collaborating with other teams that utilize these frameworks. This exposure has given me a broader understanding of different approaches to solving common problems in web development and allowed me to adapt quickly to new technologies.”

17. What is event delegation in JavaScript, and why is it useful?

Event delegation is a technique in JavaScript that can significantly improve the efficiency and performance of your web applications. It involves attaching a single event listener to a parent element, which then handles events for all its child elements. This is especially useful when you have a large number of similar elements or when elements are dynamically added or removed from the page.

Interviewers ask this question to gauge your understanding of advanced JavaScript concepts and best practices. They want to know if you can build efficient, scalable, and maintainable web applications. Demonstrating your knowledge of event delegation shows that you’re aware of performance considerations and can optimize your code for better user experiences.

Example: “Event delegation in JavaScript is a technique where event listeners are attached to a parent element instead of individual child elements. This approach takes advantage of the event bubbling mechanism, where an event triggered on a child element propagates up through its ancestors until it reaches the topmost element or is stopped by an event handler.

This technique is useful for several reasons. First, it improves performance by reducing the number of event listeners needed, as you only need one listener on the parent element rather than multiple listeners on each child element. Second, it simplifies code maintenance since you don’t have to manually add or remove event listeners when new child elements are added or removed from the DOM. Finally, event delegation can help prevent memory leaks caused by orphaned event listeners that remain bound to removed elements.”

18. Can you explain the concept of closures in JavaScript?

Grasping complex programming concepts like closures is essential for a web developer, especially when working with JavaScript. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your understanding and ability to explain technical concepts in simple terms. Demonstrating your knowledge of closures not only shows your proficiency in JavaScript but also your capacity to communicate your expertise to team members who may not be as well-versed in programming languages.

Example: “Certainly! Closures in JavaScript refer to the ability of an inner function to access variables from its outer (enclosing) function even after the outer function has completed execution. This is possible due to the way JavaScript handles variable scoping and how it creates a unique environment for each function, preserving the variables within that scope.

To illustrate this concept, let’s consider a simple example:

function outerFunction() { const outerVariable = "I'm accessible inside the closure!"; function innerFunction() { console.log(outerVariable); } return innerFunction; }</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>const closureExample = outerFunction(); closureExample(); // Output: "I'm accessible inside the closure!"

Here, innerFunction is able to access outerVariable even after outerFunction has finished executing because the closure preserves the environment where both functions were defined. This powerful feature allows developers to create private variables, implement advanced patterns like module pattern, and manage state in functional programming.”

19. What are some common security concerns in web development, and how do you address them?

Web security is a top priority for any organization with an online presence, and interviewers want to ensure you’re well-versed in the latest best practices. They’re looking for candidates who can identify common vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting and SQL injection, and implement strategies to protect applications and user data. By asking this question, they’re assessing your ability to create secure web applications and contribute to the overall safety of their digital ecosystem.

Example: “Two common security concerns in web development are Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and SQL Injection. XSS occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into a website, potentially compromising user data or manipulating the site’s content. To address this issue, I ensure proper input validation and sanitization, as well as implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) to restrict the sources of executable scripts.

SQL Injection is another concern where attackers exploit vulnerabilities in database queries to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. To mitigate this risk, I use prepared statements with parameterized queries, which separates the query structure from the actual data, making it harder for attackers to manipulate the query. Additionally, I follow the principle of least privilege by limiting the permissions granted to database accounts, reducing potential damage if an account is compromised.”

20. Have you ever had to refactor existing code? If so, describe the process and outcome.

Refactoring code is an essential skill for any web developer, as it involves improving the structure, readability, and efficiency of existing code without changing its functionality. By asking this question, interviewers want to assess your ability to analyze and optimize code, as well as how effectively you can collaborate with team members on codebase improvements. Sharing your experience demonstrates your commitment to producing high-quality work and your adaptability in enhancing existing projects.

Example: “Yes, I have had to refactor existing code on several occasions. One notable example was when I joined a project where the previous developer had left behind a large amount of spaghetti code that made it difficult for the team to maintain and add new features. My first step in refactoring was to thoroughly analyze the existing codebase to understand its structure and functionality.

I then identified areas with high complexity or redundancy and broke them down into smaller, more manageable components. This involved modularizing functions, optimizing database queries, and implementing design patterns like MVC (Model-View-Controller) to improve code organization. Throughout the process, I ensured that all changes were properly documented and communicated to the team.

The outcome of this refactoring effort was a significant improvement in the maintainability and scalability of the application. The team could now easily navigate the codebase, implement new features, and fix bugs more efficiently. Additionally, the performance of the application improved due to optimized queries and better resource management. Ultimately, this led to increased productivity and satisfaction among team members and stakeholders.”

21. Describe your experience with server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, or Node.js.

Web developers are expected to have a solid understanding of server-side programming languages to create, maintain, and enhance web applications. Showcasing your experience with these languages demonstrates your technical expertise, flexibility, and adaptability. Employers want to know that you can work with different languages and frameworks to build the best possible solutions for their specific needs.

Example: “Throughout my career as a web developer, I have gained extensive experience working with server-side languages. My primary expertise lies in PHP and Node.js, which I have used to develop various web applications and APIs for different projects.

With PHP, I have worked on multiple content management systems like WordPress and Drupal, creating custom themes and plugins to meet specific client requirements. Additionally, I’ve developed RESTful APIs using the Laravel framework, ensuring efficient data handling between the front-end and back-end components of the application.

As for Node.js, I have utilized it in conjunction with Express.js to build scalable and high-performance web applications. This has allowed me to create real-time features such as chat functionality and notifications, leveraging the asynchronous nature of JavaScript. In summary, my experience with server-side languages has enabled me to deliver robust and dynamic web solutions that cater to diverse business needs.”

22. What is your approach to testing and debugging web applications?

A web developer’s ability to test and debug applications is critical in ensuring that the final product is functional, user-friendly, and free of errors. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and your understanding of best practices when it comes to creating high-quality web applications. Additionally, they want to know if you’re familiar with various testing methodologies and debugging tools to ensure a seamless user experience.

Example: “My approach to testing and debugging web applications involves a combination of manual and automated testing methods, as well as following best practices in coding. Initially, I perform unit testing on individual components or modules to ensure that each part functions correctly in isolation. This helps me identify any issues early in the development process.

Once the application is more complete, I move on to integration testing, where I test how different components interact with one another. This step is essential for identifying potential conflicts or inconsistencies between various parts of the application. Additionally, I use cross-browser and device testing tools to ensure compatibility and responsiveness across different platforms.

For debugging, I rely on browser developer tools and debuggers available in my preferred IDE. These tools help me inspect elements, monitor network activity, and set breakpoints to analyze code execution. Furthermore, I maintain clear and concise documentation throughout the development process, which aids in tracking down bugs and understanding the root cause of any issues. This systematic approach to testing and debugging ensures that the final product is reliable, efficient, and user-friendly.”

23. Have you ever worked on a project using Agile methodologies? If so, describe your experience.

Your experience with Agile methodologies is critical because it demonstrates your ability to adapt to modern development processes and work effectively within a team. Agile emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and customer satisfaction, which are all essential qualities for a web developer. Interviewers want to know if you can navigate the dynamic nature of Agile projects and contribute to a successful outcome.

Example: “Yes, I have worked on several projects using Agile methodologies. In one particular project, our team was tasked with developing a web application for an e-commerce platform. We followed the Scrum framework, which allowed us to work in short sprints and adapt quickly to changing requirements.

During this project, we held daily stand-up meetings to discuss progress, identify any roadblocks, and adjust priorities as needed. This constant communication helped ensure that everyone stayed aligned and focused on delivering high-quality features within each sprint. Additionally, we conducted regular sprint reviews and retrospectives to assess our performance and continuously improve our processes. The Agile approach enabled us to deliver a robust and user-friendly web application while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to client feedback throughout the development process.”

24. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest web development trends and technologies?

Staying current in the world of web development is essential for creating cutting-edge products and offering innovative solutions to clients. Interviewers want to see that you’re proactive in keeping your skills sharp and staying informed about new trends, frameworks, and tools, which ultimately makes you a more valuable asset to their team. They’re interested in exploring your learning habits, the resources you use, and your ability to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of web development.

Example: “To stay current with the latest web development trends and technologies, I actively participate in online communities such as Stack Overflow and GitHub. These platforms allow me to engage with other developers, share knowledge, and learn about new tools and best practices. Additionally, I follow industry-leading blogs and websites like Smashing Magazine, CSS-Tricks, and A List Apart, which provide valuable insights into emerging trends and techniques.

Another way I keep up-to-date is by attending conferences and workshops whenever possible. This not only exposes me to new ideas but also provides opportunities for networking with fellow professionals. Lastly, I dedicate time each week to learning and experimenting with new frameworks, libraries, or programming languages, ensuring that my skillset remains relevant and adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of web development.”

25. Describe a challenging web development project you’ve worked on and how you overcame those challenges.

Web developers are bound to encounter obstacles and complexities during their projects, and interviewers want to know how you approach these inevitable challenges. Your answer will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and willingness to learn from past experiences. It also helps them understand your level of expertise and ability to communicate effectively with non-technical team members.

Example: “One of the most challenging web development projects I’ve worked on was for a client who wanted to create an e-commerce platform with advanced filtering and search capabilities. The challenge lay in developing a user-friendly interface that could handle complex queries while maintaining fast load times.

To overcome this challenge, I first conducted thorough research on various optimization techniques and best practices for handling large datasets. After identifying the most suitable technologies, I implemented server-side pagination and caching mechanisms to reduce the amount of data being fetched at once, which significantly improved page load times. Additionally, I utilized AJAX to enable asynchronous loading of filtered results, ensuring a seamless user experience without requiring full page reloads.

Throughout the project, I maintained open communication with the client, providing regular updates and seeking feedback to ensure their expectations were met. In the end, we successfully launched the e-commerce platform, and it has since become one of the top performers in its niche market.”

26. What is your experience with accessibility and creating websites that are compliant with WCAG guidelines?

Accessibility is at the forefront of web design, ensuring that websites are usable by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. By asking about your experience with accessibility and compliance with WCAG guidelines, interviewers want to gauge your understanding of inclusive design principles and your commitment to creating websites that can be easily navigated by all users, regardless of their abilities. This also demonstrates your awareness of legal requirements and industry best practices.

Example: “Throughout my career as a web developer, I have always prioritized accessibility and compliance with WCAG guidelines. In one of my previous projects, I was responsible for redesigning an e-commerce website to make it more accessible to users with disabilities. To achieve this, I conducted extensive research on the latest WCAG standards and best practices in web accessibility.

I implemented various techniques such as providing alternative text for images, ensuring proper color contrast, using semantic HTML elements, and making sure that all interactive components were keyboard-accessible. Additionally, I utilized automated testing tools like WAVE and Lighthouse to identify any potential accessibility issues and address them promptly. This project not only improved the user experience for individuals with disabilities but also resulted in increased customer satisfaction and engagement across the board.”

27. Can you explain the concept of server-side rendering (SSR) and its benefits?

Diving into the technical aspects of web development, interviewers want to ensure you have a strong understanding of concepts like server-side rendering (SSR) and how they contribute to building efficient and high-performing websites. Demonstrating your knowledge in this area not only proves your technical expertise but also highlights your ability to optimize the user experience and improve overall website performance.

Example: “Server-side rendering (SSR) is a technique where the web server generates the HTML content of a webpage before sending it to the client’s browser. This contrasts with client-side rendering, where the browser receives an empty or minimal HTML structure and JavaScript code that dynamically generates the content.

One significant benefit of SSR is improved performance, particularly for users with slower internet connections or less powerful devices. Since the server pre-renders the page content, the user can start interacting with the page more quickly, as they don’t have to wait for the entire JavaScript bundle to load and execute. Additionally, SSR enhances search engine optimization (SEO), as search engine crawlers can easily index the fully rendered HTML content sent by the server. This leads to better visibility and higher rankings in search results.”

28. Have you ever had to optimize a website for search engine optimization (SEO)? If so, what steps did you take?

SEO is a key factor in driving traffic to a website and ensuring that users can easily find the content they’re looking for. Interviewers want to gauge your understanding of SEO principles and your ability to apply them effectively. By sharing your experience in optimizing a website, you can demonstrate your knowledge of best practices and how you’ve contributed to the success of a web project in terms of visibility and user engagement.

Example: “Yes, I have optimized websites for SEO in the past. One of the key steps I took was conducting thorough keyword research to identify relevant and high-traffic keywords that aligned with the website’s content and target audience. This helped me ensure that the site’s content was both valuable to users and easily discoverable by search engines.

Another important step was optimizing on-page elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and image alt attributes to include targeted keywords. Additionally, I focused on improving the site’s overall structure and internal linking to enhance user experience and facilitate search engine crawling.

I also prioritized creating high-quality, engaging content that would naturally attract backlinks from reputable sources. To further boost the site’s authority, I reached out to industry influencers and participated in online communities to build relationships and earn valuable backlinks. These combined efforts led to a significant improvement in organic search rankings and increased traffic to the website.”

29. Do you have any experience working with databases? If so, which ones and in what capacity?

Database knowledge is a highly valuable skill for web developers, as it demonstrates your ability to work with data-driven applications and collaborate with database administrators. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your proficiency with different databases, your understanding of data manipulation, and your ability to design and maintain efficient systems—all essential components to building robust and scalable web applications.

Example: “Yes, I have experience working with databases in my previous projects as a web developer. Primarily, I’ve worked with MySQL and MongoDB for creating, managing, and optimizing database structures to store and retrieve data efficiently.

With MySQL, I have designed relational databases using tables, indexes, and foreign keys to ensure data integrity and consistency. I have also written complex SQL queries to fetch, insert, update, and delete records from the database. Additionally, I have used tools like phpMyAdmin and MySQL Workbench for administration purposes.

On the other hand, while working with MongoDB, I have dealt with NoSQL databases that use JSON-like documents for storing data. This allowed me to work on more flexible and scalable applications where the schema can evolve over time. In this capacity, I have utilized Mongoose as an Object Data Modeling (ODM) library to interact with MongoDB through Node.js applications.

Both experiences have given me a solid understanding of how to integrate databases into web applications effectively and securely, ensuring optimal performance and user experience.”

30. How do you handle tight deadlines or multiple projects at once while maintaining quality work?

As a web developer, you’ll likely be working in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects running concurrently. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to shifting demands—all while maintaining high-quality work. Showcasing your ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines is essential to prove you can thrive in their organization and contribute to the team’s success.

Example: “To handle tight deadlines and multiple projects while maintaining quality work, I rely on effective time management and prioritization. First, I break down each project into smaller tasks and set realistic milestones with estimated completion times. This helps me visualize the workload and allocate my time efficiently.

When working on multiple projects simultaneously, I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, focusing on critical aspects first. To maintain quality, I implement version control systems and conduct regular code reviews to catch any issues early in the development process. Additionally, I communicate proactively with team members and stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned and aware of progress or potential roadblocks. This collaborative approach allows us to address challenges promptly and deliver high-quality work within the given timeframe.”

30 IT Interview Questions and Answers

30 front end developer interview questions and answers, you may also be interested in..., 30 ferry captain interview questions and answers, 30 pipe layer interview questions and answers, 20 funeral arranger interview questions and answers, 30 satellite engineer interview questions and answers.

28 web developer interview questions and answers

1. what is the difference between client-side and server-side programming, 2. what is the use of http cookies, 3. explain the concept of responsive web design, 4. what is a content delivery network (cdn), 5. what are some common performance optimization techniques for web applications, 6. what is cross-origin resource sharing (cors), 7. what is the purpose of html, css, and javascript in web development, 8. what does the box model in css represent, 9. what is event propagation in javascript, 10. what is the document object model (dom), 11. how can you achieve progressive rendering in web applications, 12. what are the benefits of using css pre- and post-processors, 13. how do you handle issues with browser compatibility, 14. what are the different ways to implement secure authentication in web applications, 15. explain web components and their benefits, 16. what is the difference between react and angular, 17. what is xss, and how can you prevent it, 18. explain the concept of server-side rendering (ssr) vs. client-side rendering (csr), 19. what is asset bundling, and why is it important, 20. explain the concept of server push in http/2, 21. what is the role of state managers, 22. what are the benefits of using css grid and flexbox layouts, 23. what is the role of typescript, 24. what is a single-page application (spa), and how does it differ from a traditional multi-page application (mpa), 25. explain javascript promises and their advantages over callbacks, 26. how do you measure the performance of a web application, 27. what are service workers, and how do they benefit web applications, 28. explain the differences between a restful api and a graphql api.

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With a focus on remote lifestyle and career development, Gayane shares practical insight and career advice that informs and empowers tech talent to thrive in the world of remote work.

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The following questions and answers have been reviewed and verified by Nikita Shevtsiv , Senior Software Engineer, Certified Technical Interviewer, EPAM Anywhere. Thanks a lot, Nikita!

Looking to ace your next remote web developer job interview or preparing for one? We've got you covered! With the increasing demand for skilled web developers in the global remote job market, it's essential for candidates to come prepared.

Here is our ultimate collection of 28 web developer interview questions specially curated to test your knowledge and expertise across various aspects of web development. From basic to advanced, these questions ensure you're ready to tackle tough interview scenarios when applying for remote web developer jobs .

First, let’s dive into the core of web development with the common web developer interview questions below. This section focuses on the foundational concepts and skills that every web developer should possess. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner, these questions are essential for gauging your understanding of the fundamental principles in web development.

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Client-side programming involves writing code that runs on the user's browser and is responsible for user interface interactions, while server-side programming deals with code executed on a web server. This code typically processes requests, communicates with databases, and generates dynamic content for websites.

HTTP cookies are small pieces of data sent from a website and stored in the user's browser. They're used to maintain user-specific information, such as login session identifiers, user preferences, and tracking user activity.

Responsive web design is a method of designing websites to provide a consistent user experience across a variety of devices and screen sizes. This approach involves using flexible layouts, fluid grids, and CSS media queries to adapt the layout and appearance of a website based on the user's device and screen resolution.

A content delivery network (CDN) is a distributed system of servers strategically placed across the globe to deliver web content (e.g., HTML, images, videos) to users more quickly and efficiently. CDNs minimize delays in loading web page content by caching and delivering it from the server geographically closest to the user.

essay questions about web development

Some common performance optimization techniques include:

  • Reducing HTTP requests by combining files, using sprites, inlining CSS and JavaScript
  • Minimizing file sizes through minification, gzip compression and image optimization
  • Caching assets on the client-side and server-side
  • Using a CDN to reduce latency
  • Improving server response time

Cross-origin resource sharing (CORS) is a security feature that enables web applications from one domain to request resources, like APIs or scripts, from a domain different from their own. CORS works by adding specific HTTP headers to control which origins have access to the resources and under what conditions.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is used to structure content on the web, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is responsible for styling and layout, making the content visually appealing. JavaScript is a programming language that adds interactive functionality to websites, such as form validation, animations, and communication with APIs.

The CSS box model is a rectangular layout paradigm that describes the composition of every HTML element on a web page. It consists of four parts: the content, padding (the space between the content and border), border (the edge around the padding), and margin (the space surrounding the border).

essay questions about web development

Event propagation is the flow of event processing through the DOM (document object model) tree. It consists of three phases: capturing (the event flows from the top of the tree towards the target element), target (the event reaches the target element), and bubbling (the event flows back up the tree from the target element). Developers can control this propagation through `stopPropagation()` and `preventDefault()`.

The document object model (DOM) is a programming interface for HTML and XML documents that represents the structure of a document as a tree of objects. Each object represents a part of the document, such as an element, attribute, or text node. DOM allows developers to interact with and manipulate web pages' structure, content, and style using scripting languages like JavaScript.

essay questions about web development

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This is one of the senior web developer interview questions where you’re expected to showcase your in-depth knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and deep understanding of complex web development concepts.

Progressive rendering involves breaking down a web page into smaller, more manageable pieces, and then prioritizing the rendering of the most important content first. Methods to achieve progressive rendering include asynchronous loading of resources, lazy loading of images, and using server-side rendering for initial page loads.

CSS pre-processors, like Sass, Less, and Stylus, extend CSS with features like variables, mixins, and nested rules, making it more maintainable and less repetitive. CSS post-processors, like Autoprefixer and PostCSS, help with vendor-prefix handling, adding polyfills, and optimizing the CSS for better performance.

To handle browser compatibility issues, you should:

  • Use feature detection with tools like Modernizr to provide fallbacks or polyfills for unsupported features
  • Implement progressive enhancement and graceful degradation techniques
  • Use CSS reset or normalize.css to maintain consistent styles across browsers
  • Test your application using different browsers and devices

Secure authentication in web applications can be implemented using techniques like:

  • Securely storing passwords using hashing and salting techniques, such as bcrypt
  • Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Using secure password reset processes, with tokens and expiration time limits
  • Employing HTTPS to encrypt data communication between client and server

Web components are a set of web platform APIs that enable developers to create reusable, modular, and encapsulated custom HTML elements. The benefits of web components include:

  • Enhanced reusability and maintainability of code
  • Reduced dependencies on external libraries and frameworks
  • Easier to style and theme, providing better consistency in UI
  • Improved performance by reducing DOM complexity

React is a JavaScript library created by Facebook, primarily used for building fast and responsive user interfaces. It's focused on a component-based architecture and leverages a virtual DOM, enabling efficient updates and rendering.

Angular , developed by Google, is a full-fledged framework that provides a complete solution for building dynamic single-page applications. It follows a declarative programming approach, uses a real DOM, and offers tools like dependency injection, two-way data binding, and a built-in module system.

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Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that lets attackers inject malicious scripts into web pages, leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other harmful consequences. To prevent XSS, you need to:

  • Validate and sanitize user inputs and outputs
  • Implement a content security policy (CSP) to restrict the sources of scripts and other resources
  • Use secure methods like `textContent` instead of `innerHTML` for DOM manipulation

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Server-side rendering (SSR) is the process where the server generates a full HTML page for the initial request, improving the first meaningful paint and SEO. Client-side rendering (CSR) occurs when the browser loads an empty HTML document and then renders the content using JavaScript. CSR might lead to a slower initial load but enables better interactivity, faster subsequent page loads, and easier development of single-page applications (SPAs).

Asset bundling combines multiple CSS, JavaScript, and other files into single or few minified files. This process reduces the number of HTTP requests, improving load times and enhancing performance. It also helps with cache management, versioning, and organizing code.

essay questions about web development

Server push is a feature in HTTP/2 that allows the server to proactively and asynchronously send resources to the client's cache, even before they are requested. This helps reduce latency, particularly for content that the server knows will be needed by the client, such as CSS and JavaScript files.

State managers are tools used to manage and maintain application-level state consistently, predictably, and scalably. They centralize the state, providing a Single Source of Truth (SSOT) and facilitating data flow control and manipulation, resulting in better code organization, improved performance, and easier debugging. Popular state managers include Redux, MobX, and Vuex, depending on the chosen framework/library.

To optimize the critical rendering path, you can:

  • Minify and compress text-based assets (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Inline critical CSS and defer non-critical CSS
  • Load JavaScript asynchronously or defer its execution
  • Optimize images and use responsive image techniques, like `srcset` and `sizes` attributes
  • Employ a CDN to cache and serve assets more quickly

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CSS Grid and Flexbox are powerful layout systems that offer the following benefits:

  • Responsive and fluid designs with auto-adapting layouts
  • Simpler code with fewer CSS rules and hacks needed compared to legacy layout techniques (e.g., floats and tables)
  • Better alignment and spacing control, making UI elements more visually cohesive
  • More readable and maintainable code

essay questions about web development

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, developed by Microsoft, that introduces static typing to the language. The main role of TypeScript is to provide type checking and enforcement, enabling better tooling, code completion, and error prevention during development.

Additionally, TypeScript offers features like interfaces, generics, and namespaces that improve code maintainability, readability, and scalability. TypeScript code is transpiled to pure JavaScript before being executed in the browser or on the server (using Node.js ).

A single-page application (SPA) loads the entire application in one initial request and dynamically updates the content as users interact with it, without the need for page reloads. SPAs provide smoother and faster user experiences but can be complex to build and may have SEO challenges. Conversely, traditional multi-page applications (MPAs) reload the entire page for each interaction, requiring more server resources and leading to a slower user experience.

JavaScript Promises represent an asynchronous operation's eventual completion or failure, providing a way to manage and chain asynchronous actions in a more readable, maintainable way. Promises have advantages over callbacks, such as:

  • Improved error handling and exception propagation
  • The ability to chain multiple asynchronous actions easily and concisely
  • Prevention of callback hell, where nested callbacks make code harder to understand and maintain

essay questions about web development

To measure the performance of a web application, developers use various tools, techniques, and metrics, such as:

  • Using performance analysis and profiling tools like Lighthouse, WebPageTest, and Chrome DevTools
  • Monitoring key performance metrics like First Contentful Paint (FCP), Time to Interactive (TTI), and Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
  • Implementing Real User Monitoring (RUM) and Application Performance Monitoring (APM) to measure end-user experiences and server-side performance
  • Performing load testing and stress testing to evaluate the system's behavior under high traffic loads

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Service Workers are JavaScript scripts that run in the background and intercept network requests, acting as a programmable proxy and cache manager. The benefits of Service Workers include:

  • Offline capabilities, enabling web applications to work without an internet connection by serving cached resources
  • Push notifications and background data synchronization
  • Improved performance through the caching of assets, leading to faster load times and reduced server load

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A RESTful API is an architectural style for building APIs that follows a client-server model and uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) for communication. It relies on fixed URL structures and is stateless. GraphQL , on the other hand, is a query language and runtime for APIs that allows clients to request only the data they need, using a single endpoint. This leads to more efficient data fetching, better performance, and reduced over-fetching.

In conclusion, our comprehensive list of 28 web developer interview questions and answers covers various topics, from fundamental concepts to advanced challenges. This carefully curated selection will help you prepare for your next interview and showcase your expertise in web development.

Don't forget that practice and confidence are the essential ingredients in landing your dream remote job. If you're ready to put your skills to the test and pursue exciting remote job opportunities, don't hesitate to explore and apply for remote web developer jobs at EPAM Anywhere. Join our global team of talented professionals and kick-start your journey toward a fulfilling, flexible, and successful career in web development today.

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Codegiant

25 Most Common Web Developer Interview Questions And Answers [2020]

You’ve set the alarm for 2:45pm.

Team Codegiant

Team Codegiant

The web developer interview is scheduled for 3:00pm.

You are patiently and nervously waiting, tension digging deeper in your chest, hands trembling without any tangible reason, for your mobile phone to ring. You’re wondering what web development interview questions the interviewer is going to fire off at you. Your mind is playing on your nerves. Tension rising notch by notch. “Am I really ready for that coding interview?” — you start beating yourself up.

You check your phone — it’s 3:05 pm. No missed calls. Nothing.

You anxiously recheck your phone — 3:15 pm… still nothing.

You are already 30 minutes under pressure, sweating and silently moaning — your heart races. The latent impostor syndrome arises from the depths. You start freaking out… wondering whether or not you’ve given the wrong phone number… or if they might have forgotten about you.

Your mind is leading a furious battle to overcome your anxious trains of thought. You, filled with a desperate hope, grab your phone with your sweaty pawl and look at it for one last time… and then… it rings.

You pick up and say, “Hello,” trying to hide the trembling notes in your voice, the anxious quiver of your lips and fingers, while battling the excruciating jittery inside your mind. You introduce each other and then… kinds of interview questions for web developers thrown at you, catching you off guard, that you can barely give an adequate answer to.

You realize that you are completely f*cked up. The overwhelming anxiety is growing deeper and deeper in you. You feel like you have a 200-kg bench press on your chest that you can’t lift. Vertigo comes along, and you suddenly forget. You forget your location, the person you are talking to… everything. Hands so sweaty that you just can’t hold your phone without it slipping through your fingers.

You know that the chances of making a good impression are so damn low that you’d have more luck if you were to bet on racing cockroaches.

To avoid that, you need strong preparation for the next coding interview . You need to have a grasp of the interview questions for web developers you are being asked. That will boost your confidence and diminish the anxiety before the phone or onsite interview.

In this article, I’ll talk about the principles behind the developer interview process — the most common web developer questions you can expect from interviewers and how to answer them in a fascinating way that will put a WOW expression on their faces (even if they want to rip your head off, rearrange your face, or just clean their shoes ;-) ).

A Software Developer Interview Is a Negotiation

To start off, you need to realize that the web dev interviewing process is more like a negotiation. You’ve been probably taught as a kid that you need to be flawless during interviews and answer every question accurately to make a good impression and get hired.

This couldn’t be further from the truth (coming from someone who got hired by sending out a cold message directly to their employer — no official nor traditional interview process).

Yes, of course, you need to make a good impression. But if you think that making a good impression comes down to awkwardly staring at your interviewer, frozen, while answering every developer interview question like a robot… you’re highly mistaken my friend.

You need to be able to communicate with your future employer freely while at the same time exuding confidence, knowledge, curiosity, and most importantly, enthusiasm.

Here are the main things employers look for when hiring people:

  • Personality .
  • Basic qualifications .
  • Culture fit .
  • Enthusiasm .

You need to have a fitting personality, meaning, you need to be able to easily communicate with your team without any hassle whatsoever. You need to ask clear and concise questions while at the same time, giving thorough and detailed answers.

Of course, you also need to possess basic qualifications for the job you are applying for. Yet, many people seem to put tons of attention to that one (which is perfectly fine), but it’s just ¼ of the whole equation.

Culture fit — this ties back into your personality. You have to be able to sync with your team and develop a culture that everyone enjoys working in.

And finally, have a burning passion and enthusiasm for your job. You’ll be surprised how helpful enthusiasm can be.

For example, you may not have as good a resume as the guy in the next room that’s also being interviewed… but if you display a burning enthusiasm and willingness to go out of your way, you can beat other candidates and win the job. Of course, that may not always be the case. Still, it’s much more likely for an employer to hire you as a hyper enthusiastic person than as an average employee.

Alright, let’s take a look at some of the most common web developer interview questions (and answers) you may encounter. We’ll first start with professional software engineer behavioral questions and then switch over to more technical questions.

Whether you are a front-end, back-end, or full-stack software developer, these common computer science interview questions will help you in your preparation for the next coding interview.

NOTE: Some of the behavioral questions can also be noticed in web design interviews. So if you are a web designer, this article will highly prepare you for the next web design interview.

What got you into coding? Or Why are you interested in a career as a software developer?

Most interviewers start off with introductory questions. Just follow the common sense when answering these software engineer interview questions. Try to be as transparent as possible. Tell them what really sparked your interest in coding and why you applied for this job.

What’s your experience with coding so far?

If you are applying for an entry-level web developer job, interviewers won’t expect years of experience (they may even skip that question) as you’ve probably just graduated or finished a coding boot camp. Yet, if you are applying for a senior software engineer position, you need to have years of experience to back up your application for that web development job.

Do you have any experience with Agile methodologies?

You need to get familiar with Agile frameworks such as Kanban and Scrum because nowadays companies are adopting Agile practices and moving away from Waterfall methodologies. Interviewers may also ask you questions about the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) process .

What specific languages are you working with?

As simple as that. You might want to focus on the specific languages that your web development job will require you to use most frequently.

Lately, having experience with multiple languages like C++, Java, and Python will definitely widen your interviewer’s eyes in astonishment.

What’s your strongest language?

Credits to Andrew Mallonee, CEO at Mallonee Media .

Be transparent and give a thorough explanation.. Sometimes, the interviewer might follow up with, “Do you get excited by using these languages?” but rarely. Obviously, reply with Yes and explain why you feel excited.

Are you interested in further developing your skills?

It’s more of a soft skill interview question. Software engineering is a job in which you need to always thrive and sharpen your skills. Employers need to know that their developers are on the cutting edge using the latest technologies and constantly honing their skills. So, the answer to that software developer interview question would obviously be “Yes” — but expand further by telling them what interests you the most when it comes to learning new coding skills.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on?

Talk about projects similar to the projects you are going to be working on in the position you are applying for. If not, be genuine (always) and tell them what really sparks your passion for software development.

Tell me about the software engineering project you’re most proud of. What did you do that worked out particularly well?

Here, interviewers particularly want to hear about severe problems, not many people on your team were able to solve, yet you were. Something important to remember is not to try to impress the interviewer — the scales will fall from his eyes immediately. Instead of making a good impression, you’ll make a desperate one. Be casual when talking about the problem that no one was able to solve except you. You, thus, exude confidence and knowledge. Being humble in the answer of this web dev interview question is key.

Tell me about the software development project you’re least proud of. What would you do differently?

Another soft skill interview question. Life is about learning from your mistakes. Be as transparent as possible and openly admit the mistakes you’ve made in the past. Talk about the lessons you’ve learned. Basically, explain how you coped with your worst failures and came out stronger.

What do you know about our company?

Research a lot prior to the interview. Go through all of their social media profiles to find little nuggets of information that would impress your interviewer. Show passion and enthusiasm for the company. Enthusiasm plays a huge role in the interview process.

Any particular projects at our company that you are excited about?

Same as previous — conduct thorough research and analysis before the interview. Show passion and enthusiasm. Tell the interviewer why you would love to work on those particular projects. They can thus see the reason behind that enthusiasm and wind out the thoughts of all that being a mere fluff.

These web development interview questions can happen over the phone or onsite.

The following technical interview questions typically happen onsite, but sometimes they can take place remotely. If it’s remotely, the interviewer will ask you to share your screen to watch over your shoulder while you are coding and at the same time answering software development interview questions.

Keep in mind that the technical questions you are being asked highly depend on the position you are applying for. We’ll try to cover some of the most common software developer interview questions and give you reasonable answers that you can adjust to your situation easily.

Technical Interview Questions

How do you organize your class modules and assets.

Credits to Michael Miller, CEO at VPN Online .

There are lots of ways you can write your code, and all of them are correct. The company you want to join probably has a set standard for writing code and will perhaps compare your answer to that standard. Usually, most companies look for developers who take the simplest approach to code and try to weep out those who praise the sophisticated way of coding. That’s because companies want to easily maintain and document their code.

Tell me about AJAX (JavaScript) in detail. Can you give me an example of when you last used it?

When interviewers ask you such software engineer “explanatory” questions, the point really is not to explain the definition but to tell how you are going to use it in your code. This signals the interviewer that you can actually “think.” And it also displays the way you approach coding.

AJAX is the abbreviation of Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. AJAX is a technique for creating better, faster, and more interactive web applications with the help of XML, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

How would you explain APIs to non-technical stakeholders?

It’s the messenger between software products. It allows software systems to communicate with each other and synchronize. For example, you can use, say, Facebook’s API to display your Facebook posts on your website. And allow people to share or comment on your posts directly from your website without switching over to Facebook.

Explain a non-functional requirement and a functional one?

A non-functional requirement describes a system’s type (accessibility, maintainability, security). Whereas a functional requirement describes the specific functionality of that system.

What is the difference between black box and white box testing?

Black box testing is only used for establishing a correct output given an input. In contrast, white box testing also covers the implementation of that particular function — it tests whether its implementation is correct or not.

Can you describe the model-view-controller (MVC) architecture?

It separates data from the user interface. The MVC architecture is mostly used for GUI applications. The model layer contains the data, the view layer sends the data to the user, and the controller is the one that makes changes to the model based on user input.

What is a recursive function?

A function that calls itself directly or indirectly. The recursion continues until it reaches a set of parameters that return a value instead of calling the function recursively. A recursive function can solve specific problems quite quickly.

Please explain big-O notation in the simplest terms.

The big-O notation tells how fast an algorithm is. This is very important whether you are evaluating other people’s algorithms or your own.

Big-O notation, also known as Landau’s symbol, tells how the runtime or space requirement of a function grows as the input grows. Which means that the algorithm speed isn’t measured in seconds but in the growth of the number of operations.

How does the A* algorithm work?

It’s a computer algorithm widely used in pathfinding and graph traversal. It works with a heuristic function that estimates the cost of going from node A to B. The nodes in each step are huddled together in a priority queue.

It uses the formula f(n) = g(n) + h(n) to add every, adjacent to the start node, node into the queue along with their cost estimates. g(n) is the actual cost from the start node to node n, whereas h(n) is the heuristic function . At each step, the node with the lowest estimated cost f(n) is further expanded. And a path is finished when the final node is the one that expands.

What’s your experience with object-oriented programming (OOP)?

You can refer to this thoroughly-explained guide about OOP on freeCodeCamp. It breaks down the concept in detail.

What about your SQL skills?

Even though databases may not be at the core of your work, you need to understand how data is structured. Any practical SQL experience that you can tell about will definitely add extra points to your web application interview.

Write a function to compute the Nth Fibonacci number.

The following code block is borrowed from Geeksforgeeks . It gives a good example.

//Fibonacci Series using Recursion
#include<bits/stdc++.h>
using namespace std;
int fib(int n)
if (n <= 1)
return fib(n-1) + fib(n-2);
int main ()
cout << fib(n);
// This code is contributed
(Credits to Akanksha Rai)

Reverse a string reverse string(str: String)

An interviewer asking you to reverse a string doesn’t mean they would ask you to actually implement reversed() in your production code. They merely want to see the approach you use to solving problems.

Most big tech problems will undoubtedly ask you algorithm questions, especially the FAANG companies.

The following code block is borrowed from Geeksforgeeks . It gives the perfect example.

// A Simple C++ program to reverse a string
#include <bits/stdc++.h>
// Function to reverse a string
void reverseStr(string& str)
int n = str.length();
// Swap character starting from two
for (int i = 0; i < n / 2; i++)
swap(str[i], str[n — i — 1]);
// Driver program
string str = “geeksforgeeks”;
reverseStr(str);
cout << str;

At the end of the day, companies are looking for smart people, more than anything. Algorithm questions is a great proxy that can weed out a lot of “dumb” candidates.

A coding assignment:

Credits to Leo Polovets for this one.

This is actually a great interview question for software engineers that Microsoft used to ask interviewees.

You have a list of N+1 integers between 1 and N. You know there’s at least one duplicate, but there might be more. For example, if N=3, your list might be 3, 1, 1, 3 or it might be 1, 3, 2, 2. Print out a number that appears in the list more than once. (That is, in the first example, you can print ‘1’ or ‘3’ — you don’t have to print both.)

The most obvious approach is to compare every number in the list to every other number until you find a duplicate with O(n²) time and O(1) space complexities.

Okay, well let’s say the list is pretty big, so you need something that’s faster than O(n²).

I could just use a boolean array and use the integer values as indices with O(n) time complexity to iterate through the list and O(n) space complexity for the array/hash.

Okay, let’s say the list of numbers is quite large, so you’d like to avoid creating a copy of it. Maybe you have 8GB of RAM, and the list takes up 6GB.

I could sort the numbers and compare adjacent pairs. That would take O(n*log n) time and O(1) space if I use an in-place sort like mergesort.

What if you want something faster than O(n²) and you can’t afford to use a lot of extra space, but you also can’t manipulate the original list. For example, maybe the list is on a read-only CD.

(Almost every candidate needs a hint or two at this point..)

I think I can binary search for a duplicated number. For example, I go through the list and count the number of integers between 1 and N/2. If the count is greater than the number of possible integers in that range, then I know there’s a duplicate in that range. Otherwise, a duplicate must exist in the range of N/2+1 to N. Once I know which half of the range the duplicate is in, I can recurse and binary search in that half, then keep repeating the process until I’ve found a duplicated number. The time complexity is O(n*log n) and the space complexity is O(1).

So that pretty much makes it for this post — the most common software developer interview questions and answers. Whether you are a junior web developer or a senior software engineer, hopefully, you were able to find these interview questions and answers useful. You can go through the post again to boost your confidence even more.

And remember — how you perform at your web development interview means nothing to your software engineering skills. If you screw it up the first few times — no big deal. Just move forward to the next software development interview. Eventually, you’ll land a position at your dream company, and all the developer interviews you went through will all be worth it.

If you are searching for a DevOps tool (with an intuitive issue tracker, git repositories, built-in CI/CD, and publishable documentation) feel free to try Codegiant .

Top Web Developer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your web developer interview by going through these most asked web developer interview questions. additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations..

Interview Practice

Search Web Developer Questions:

  • Question: How do you ensure continuity and longevity in web development processes after handing over to your clients?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to take ownership of their work and ensure that the site is running smoothly. This question will help you determine if a candidate is aware of the importance of documentation and how they plan to support the team after handing over to the client.

Sample Answer: I always make sure that I have a thorough understanding of the project goals, as well as what the client expects from the final product. I then create a detailed outline of how I will achieve these goals, including a timeline and a list of tasks that need to be completed. I also create a detailed documentation of all assets used, including images and code. This ensures that if I am not available, another web developer can easily pick up where I left off.

  • - How they plan to support the client
  • - How they plan to support the team
  • - How they plan to maintain documentation
  • Question: What would you do if you were given the task of redeveloping an existing website?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to take an existing website and redesign it to meet the needs of the business. This question will help you understand how a candidate plans to approach a redesign and what they will do to ensure the site is user-friendly.

Sample Answer: I would first analyze the existing site’s traffic and determine if there are any issues with functionality or design. If there are, I would redesign the site to fix those issues and make it more user-friendly. I would also ensure that the site is optimized for mobile devices, as mobile traffic has increased by over 50% in the last year.

  • - What they will do
  • - How they will approach the task
  • - What they will do to ensure the site is user-friendly
  • Question: What frameworks have you worked with?

Question Overview: A web developer should have a working knowledge of the most popular frameworks and how they can be used to create a website. This question will help you determine if a candidate has the experience and knowledge to successfully complete your project.

Sample Answer: I have worked with Ruby on Rails, Django and Laravel. I enjoy using Ruby on Rails because it is an open source framework that is used to create websites and web applications. It is easy to learn and use, and I find it to be very efficient. I have also used Django, which is a Python-based framework that is used for developing websites. It is also open source and very easy to use. Finally, I have used Laravel, which is a PHP-based framework that is used for developing web applications. It is also open source and very easy to use.

  • - Specific frameworks
  • - How they use them
  • - What they like/dislike
  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?

Question Overview: This question will help you understand if a candidate is genuinely interested in the company and the position.

Sample Answer: I’m very interested in the work you do at ABC Company. I’ve been following your blog for the past year and have been impressed with your recent posts on web development trends. I’m also very interested in the company culture and how you support your employees.

  • - Knowledge of company
  • Question: How would you design a Javascript class and send the data over the server?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to design and implement a Javascript class that can be sent to the server to be processed. This question will help you determine if a candidate has the ability to design and develop a Javascript class that can be sent to the server.

Sample Answer: I would first create a Javascript class that includes all of the necessary functions, variables and methods. Next, I would send the data over the server using AJAX. Finally, I would process the data on the server using PHP.

  • - How they plan to design and implement
  • - How they plan to send data over the server
  • - How they plan to process the data
  • Question: How will you close a toggle menu when click on rest of the page?

Question Overview: This question tests a candidate’s ability to think outside the box and solve problems. It also shows how they will approach a problem and how they will communicate their solution.

Sample Answer: When a user clicks on the toggle menu, I would close the menu and then reopen it when the user clicks on the rest of the page. This ensures that the menu is always visible and accessible.

  • - Problem-solving skills
  • - Communication skills
  • - Ability to explain a solution
  • Question: What are the three things you look for when considering working for a company?

Question Overview: This question will give you insight into a candidate’s priorities and what they value most in a company.

Sample Answer: I look for a company that values its employees, offers opportunities for growth and is committed to the success of its customers. I also want to work for a company that is transparent in its business practices and has a positive work environment.

  • - Priorities
  • - What they look for
  • Question: Why do you want to leave your current job?

Question Overview: This question will help you determine if a candidate is looking for a new job because they are unhappy or if they are looking for a new challenge.

Sample Answer: I’ve been working as a web developer for the past three years and I’m ready to take on more responsibility and challenge myself. I’m excited to work with a team that shares my passion for web development and to learn from a leader who has been in the industry for over 20 years.

  • - Motivation
  • - Reasons for leaving
  • Question: What is your skill level with Flash?

Question Overview: Flash is a dying technology, but it is still used in some industries. Knowing how a candidate feels about Flash will help you determine if they are the right fit for your team.

Sample Answer: I have a basic understanding of Flash, but I’m not a fan of it. I prefer to use HTML5 and CSS3 because they are more accessible and responsive.

  • - General knowledge
  • - How they feel about Flash
  • - Specifics on their skill level
  • Question: How will you implement a UI according to the design?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to follow a design and implement it in a way that is functional and visually appealing. This question will help you determine if a candidate is able to follow instructions and work with others.

Sample Answer: I’m a strong communicator and I’m able to work well with others. I’m also detail-oriented and I pay close attention to the design specifications. I’ll review the design with the designer and ask questions if I don’t understand something. Once we agree on the design, I’ll implement it according to the specs.

  • - Ability to follow instructions
  • - Collaboration
  • Question: How would you describe prototypal inheritance?

Question Overview: A web developer should have a strong understanding of prototypal inheritance, as it is a fundamental concept in JavaScript. This question will help you determine if a candidate has a working knowledge of prototypal inheritance and how they apply it.

Sample Answer: Prototypal inheritance is a JavaScript concept that allows developers to create objects that inherit properties from other objects. This is useful for creating reusable code and reducing redundancy. For example, if I want to create an object that inherits the properties of another object, I can use the Object.create() method.

  • - Specifics on how they apply it
  • - How they use it in their work
  • Question: What is the difference between var / const / let?

Question Overview: A web developer should have a strong understanding of the differences between these three types of variables. This question will help you determine if a candidate has a working knowledge of JavaScript and how they plan to use it in their work.

Sample Answer: A web developer should be aware of the differences between these three types of variables. A var is a variable that can be changed at any time, a const is a variable that cannot be changed and a let is a variable that can be changed but only within the current scope. I use const and let variables to ensure that my code is efficient and reliable.

  • - Specifics on how they use each
  • - How they plan to use them
  • Question: How will you differentiate between inner join and outer join?

Question Overview: A web developer should have a working knowledge of SQL and how it is used to manipulate data. This question will help you determine if a candidate has a strong foundation in SQL and can apply it to web development.

Sample Answer: Inner join is used to compare two tables and return only the records that match. Outer join is used to compare two tables and return all records from both tables, even if they do not match. For example, if I want to compare a customer’s order history with their current order, I would use an inner join. If I want to see all of a customer’s order history, regardless of whether or not they have an active order, I would use an outer join.

  • - General SQL knowledge
  • - Specifics on how they differentiate between joins
  • - How they would use the joins in a web development scenario
  • Question: How will you count the number of palindromes in a given string?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box. This question will help you determine how a candidate approaches a problem and if they are able to think critically.

Sample Answer: I would first break the string into an array of characters. Then, I would use a for loop to iterate through each character and compare it to the previous character. If the character is the same, I would increment a counter. Once I have the counter, I can return the number of palindromes in the string.

  • - How they approach a problem
  • - How they plan to solve it
  • - How they evaluate their solution
  • Question: How will you write a record report script on Ruby on Rails?

Question Overview: This question will help you determine if a candidate has the ability to write a script that will be used to track and report on web development progress.

Sample Answer: I will first create a database table to store the data I want to track. Next, I will create a model that will be used to retrieve the data from the database. Finally, I will create a controller that will be used to retrieve data from the model and pass it to the view.

  • - Technical knowledge
  • - Ability to communicate with team members
  • Question: How do you present responsive design concepts to clients?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to communicate with clients in a way that is clear and concise. This question will help you determine if a candidate can effectively communicate with clients and how they will present responsive design concepts.

Sample Answer: I always begin by explaining how responsive design works and how it benefits the user. I then show them how their website will look on a variety of devices, including mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers. I also show them how they can easily update their website content by using a content management system.

  • - Ability to communicate
  • - Presentation skills
  • - Ability to convey information
  • Question: How will you design a database to handle classes and students?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to design a database to handle classes and students. This question will help you determine if a candidate has the skills to create a database and the ability to understand how it will work.

Sample Answer: I would first create a table for each class and student, then create relationships between them. For example, if a student is in multiple classes, I would create a relationship between the student and class tables. I would then create a table for each class, with columns for the class name, number of students enrolled and instructor. I would then create a table for each student with columns for the student name, ID number and class ID number. I would then create relationships between the student and class tables.

  • - Technical knowledge of database design
  • - Ability to explain how they would design a database
  • - How they would test the database
  • Question: Tell me about a project you completed successfully.

Question Overview: This question will help you determine if a candidate can take ownership of projects and complete them successfully.

Sample Answer: I recently completed a project that involved creating a website for a new business. The client wanted a site that was user-friendly and easy to navigate, but also wanted to be able to update content themselves. I created a site that was responsive and optimized for mobile devices, while also allowing the client to easily update their own content.

  • - How they define success
  • - What they learned from the project
  • - How they overcame challenges
  • Question: What is LEFT JOIN in SQL?

Question Overview: SQL is a programming language used to create, modify and retrieve data from a database. This question will help you determine if a candidate has a working knowledge of SQL.

Sample Answer: LEFT JOIN is used to return all records from the left table in a database, even if there are no matches in the right table. For example, if I wanted to return all customers who have not placed an order, I would use LEFT JOIN to join the customer table with the orders table.

  • - Specifics on LEFT JOIN
  • - How they use LEFT JOIN
  • Question: How will you implement inheritance in JavaScript?

Question Overview: A web developer should be able to implement inheritance in JavaScript. This question will help you determine if a candidate has a working knowledge of the concept and how they will apply it in their work.

Sample Answer: Inheritance is a programming technique that allows developers to create classes that are derived from other classes. The derived class inherits the properties and methods of the parent class. In JavaScript, inheritance is achieved through prototypal inheritance. I would create a base class named “Person” and define its properties and methods, then create a derived class named “Manager” and inherit the properties and methods of the parent class. I would then test the derived class by instantiating an object of the parent class and checking if the properties and methods are available.

  • - Specifics on how they would implement
  • - How they would test

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  • Top 100 Web Development Interview Questions and Answers (2024)
  • Web Development

Top 100 Web Development Interview Questions and Answers (2024)

Preparing for a web development interview can feel like going through a maze of technologies and concepts. Whether you’re a fresher or an experienced developer, knowing the top web development interview questions that will come your way is crucial to landing your next role. 

Hence, we have covered this detailed guide covering a comprehensive collection of website development interview questions for both front-end and back-end positions. From the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to the complexities of performance optimization and problem-solving, we’ve got you covered. 

So, let’s begin with the web development interview questions and answers.

essay questions about web development

Table of Contents

Types of Web Developers

Professionals in this field specialize in different types of web development :

Types of Web Developer

1. Front-end Developer

Front-end developers focus on the client-side of web applications. They design and develop the visual aspects of websites and applications, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience. 

Their toolkit primarily includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Vue.js. The goal of a Front-end developer is to create interactive and visually appealing interfaces that operate smoothly across different devices and browsers.

You can become proficient in this type of development by joining the online front-end development course .

2. Back-end Developer

Back-end developers work on the server-side, dealing with databases, server logic, and application integration. They handle data storage, security, and data processing, ensuring that the front-end has the necessary data to present. 

Backend programming languages commonly used are Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, and Node.js, alongside frameworks such as Django, Ruby on Rails, and Express. Their work is crucial for the functionality and performance of web applications, focusing on algorithms, database management, and architecture design.

3. Full-stack Developer

Full-stack developers are the Swiss Army knives of web development. They have the skills to work on both the front-end and back-end, providing a comprehensive approach to building web applications. 

Full-stack developers understand how the web works at every level, including setting up and managing servers, creating user-facing websites, and working with clients during the planning phase of projects. They are proficient in multiple languages and frameworks, making them versatile and capable of handling various aspects of development projects .

You can grab high-paying opportunities in this field by upskilling with the online full stack development course . 

Upskill Yourself With Live Training

Front-end Web Development Interview Questions

Below is a list of interview questions for web development for those applying for front-end developer positions. These questions cover a range of topics, from basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript concepts to more nuanced questions about responsive design and performance optimization.

1. What is HTML? Explain the basic structure of an HTML document.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language used to create and design web pages and web applications. By defining the structure and layout of a webpage, HTML enables the inclusion of text, images, links, and other elements through the use of tags and attributes.

The basic structure of an HTML document includes several key components that are essential for the browser to correctly display the webpage:

  • <!DOCTYPE html> : Declares the document type and version of HTML.
  • <html> : The root element that encompasses all other HTML elements in the document.
  • <head> : Contains meta-information about the document, including the title (displayed in the browser’s title bar or tab), links to stylesheets, and scripts.
  • <title> : Sets the title of the webpage, which appears in the browser’s title bar or tab.
  • <body> : Houses the content of the webpage, such as text, images, buttons, and other elements visible to the user.

It is one of the basic web development interview questions asked to freshers and beginners.

2. What are semantic HTML elements? Provide examples and explain their importance.

Semantic HTML elements clearly describe their meaning to both the browser and the developer. Unlike non-semantic elements (<div> and <span>), which convey no information about their content, semantic elements like <header>, <footer>, <article>, and <section> define the structure and layout of web pages in a meaningful way. 

Their use enhances web accessibility, making it easier for screen readers and search engines to understand the content structure. For example, <nav> indicates navigation links, <article> wraps independent, self-contained content, and <aside> is used for tangentially related content. Employing semantic elements is crucial for SEO, accessibility, and maintaining clean, readable code.

It is among the common web development interview questions for freshers.

3. How do you use HTML5 to structure a web page?

Using HTML5 to structure a web page involves using semantic elements to define different parts of a web page, making the content more accessible and understandable. 

Key HTML5 elements include:

  • <header> for the introductory content or navigation links.
  • <nav> for navigation links.
  • <section> for sections of content.
  • <article> for independent, self-contained content.
  • <aside> for sidebar content, related to the main content.
  • <footer> for the footer content, often including copyright and contact information.

Also Read: How to Learn Coding & Programming in 2024? Best Ways

4. Can you explain the difference between <span> and <div>?

<span> and <div> are both generic HTML elements used to group content, but they differ in how they display that content. 

<div> is a block-level element, meaning it starts on a new line and stretches out to fill the available width, creating a “block.” <span>. 

On the other hand, is an inline element that does not start on a new line and only takes up as much width as necessary.

5. What are data-attributes in HTML? Provide examples of how you might use them.

Data attributes in HTML (data-*) allow you to store extra information on standard HTML elements, without affecting the presentation or behavior. They are used to provide elements with unique identifiers, store information for later use by JavaScript, or for other custom functionalities not covered by standard attributes.

In this example, data-user-id could be used by JavaScript to fetch more information about the user, and data-post-type could indicate how the post should be handled or displayed by scripts.

6. What is CSS and how is it used in web development?

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a stylesheet language used in web development to describe the presentation of a document written in HTML or XML (including XML dialects such as SVG). CSS defines how elements should be displayed on screen, on paper, in speech, or on other media. 

It enables developers to control the layout, colors, fonts, and overall visual aspect of web pages, separating content (HTML) from presentation. By using CSS, developers can ensure consistent styling across multiple web pages, improve content accessibility, and customize user experiences based on device, screen size, and other factors, enhancing the usability and aesthetic appeal of websites.

It is among the top interview questions in web development jobs , especially for freshers.

7. Explain the box model in CSS.

The CSS box model is a fundamental concept in web design and development, describing how HTML elements are represented as rectangular boxes. Each box consists of four areas: content, padding, border, and margin.

  • Content : The area where text and images appear.
  • Padding : Space between the content and the border, inside the element.
  • Border : Surrounds the padding (if any) and content.
  • Margin : Outermost layer, space between the border of one element and another.

8. Can you describe the difference between classes and IDs in CSS?

In CSS, classes and IDs are selectors used to apply styles to HTML elements, but they differ in specificity and usage.

  • Classes are reusable and can be applied to multiple elements. They are denoted by a dot . prefix. 

Example : .button { color: blue; } can be used on any element to apply blue color to the text.

  • IDs are unique and should be used on a single element within a page. They are denoted by a hash # prefix. 

Example : #header { background-color: grey; } targets the element with the ID header to set its background color to grey.

9. What are CSS preprocessors? Give examples.

CSS preprocessors are scripting languages that extend the default capabilities of CSS. They allow developers to use variables, functions, mixins, and other advanced features to write CSS in a more manageable and maintainable way. These scripts are then compiled into standard CSS files that browsers can interpret. 

Examples of popular CSS preprocessors include:

  • Sass (Syntactically Awesome Stylesheets) : Uses the .scss or .sass file extension.
  • LESS (Leaner Style Sheets) : Uses the .less file extension.
  • Stylus : Uses the .styl file extension.

Also Read: Is Web Development a Good Career? 2024 Guide

10. What is JavaScript and why is it important for web development?

JavaScript is a programming language that enables interactive and dynamic content on web pages. It’s crucial for web development because it allows developers to add a wide range of interactive features, such as animations, form validations, asynchronous data fetching, and handling user actions in real-time. 

Unlike HTML and CSS, which provide structure and style to web pages, JavaScript introduces behavior, making web pages responsive and interactive. Its importance is underscored by its widespread support across all modern web browsers, enabling developers to create rich, engaging user experiences and complex web applications that work seamlessly across different platforms and devices.

11. Explain variables, data types, and arrays in JavaScript.

In JavaScript, variables are used to store data values. They can be declared using var, let, or const, with let and const being preferred in modern JavaScript for block-level scoping.

JavaScript supports several data types, broadly categorized into two types: primitive and object types. Primitive types include undefined, null, boolean, number, string, symbol (introduced in ES6), and bigint (for large numbers). Object types are used to store collections of data or more complex entities; arrays and functions are examples of object types.

Arrays are a type of object used for storing multiple values in a single variable. They are zero-indexed, meaning the first element is accessed with an index of 0. Arrays can hold elements of any data type, and their size is dynamically adjusted as elements are added or removed.

12. What are functions in JavaScript? Provide examples.

Functions in JavaScript are reusable blocks of code designed to perform a specific task. Functions are defined with the function keyword, followed by a name, a set of parentheses () that can contain parameters, and a block of code {} to be executed when the function is called.

Example of a simple function:

Functions can take parameters, return values, and be stored in variables. They are fundamental for structuring and organizing JavaScript code, making it more modular, reusable, and maintainable.

13. What is the DOM and how do you interact with it using JavaScript?

The Document Object Model (DOM) is a programming interface for web documents. It represents the page so that programs can change the document structure, style, and content. The DOM represents the document as a tree of objects; each object corresponds to a part of the document’s structure.

JavaScript interacts with the DOM to dynamically change the content, structure, and style of a webpage. This is done using methods like document.getElementById(), document.createElement(), parentNode.appendChild(), and many others. 

For example, to change the text of an element:

This allows web pages to respond to user actions, making them interactive and dynamic.

14. What is jQuery and how does it differ from JavaScript?

jQuery is a fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library designed to simplify the client-side scripting of HTML. It provides an easy-to-use API that works across a multitude of browsers, abstracting complex tasks like AJAX calls, DOM manipulation, and event handling into simpler, more concise code. 

jQuery allows developers to write less code to achieve more functionality compared to writing pure JavaScript.

The key difference between jQuery and JavaScript is that jQuery is a library built with JavaScript to provide a simplified syntax for common JavaScript tasks. While JavaScript is the underlying programming language used to create interactive effects and complex features on web pages, jQuery is a tool that helps streamline and simplify the use of JavaScript. 

Therefore, jQuery cannot exist without JavaScript, but you can use JavaScript without jQuery. jQuery’s “write less, do more” philosophy aims to make web development more accessible and efficient.

15. How do you handle events in jQuery? Provide an example.

Events in jQuery are handled using various methods that bind an event to an element(s) and specify a function to execute when the event occurs. The most common method is .on(), which attaches one or more event handlers for the selected elements and specifies a function to run when the event occurs.

In this example, the .on() method is used to attach a click event to a button with the ID clickMe. When the button is clicked, it triggers a function that displays an alert message. This demonstrates how jQuery can be used to easily add interactive behavior to web elements.

Also Read: 20 Best Web Development Tools in 2024 (Web Dev Tools List)

16. What is responsive web design? How do you implement it?

Responsive web design (RWD) is an approach to web design aimed at crafting sites to provide an optimal viewing and interaction experience—easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices (from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones).

To implement responsive design, web developers use a mix of flexible grids and layouts, images, and intelligent use of CSS media queries. Here’s a basic example of using a media query:

This CSS code changes the background color of the page when the browser window is 600 pixels wide or less. It’s a simple illustration of how CSS media queries can adjust the styling of elements based on the conditions of the device viewport, ensuring the web content is responsive to different screen sizes.

It is a common interview question on web development for both freshers and experienced professionals. 

17. What are media queries? Provide examples of how they are used.

Media queries are a feature of CSS that allows content to adapt to different conditions such as screen size, resolution, and orientation. They enable developers to apply styles conditionally based on the device’s characteristics, making it a cornerstone of responsive web design.

This code snippet shows how media queries can adjust the width of a .container class based on the screen width, ensuring the layout is responsive and looks good on devices ranging from tablets to large desktops.

18. What is web accessibility? Why is it important?

Web accessibility means the design and creation of websites and online resources that are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. This encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the Web, such as auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual impairments.

It’s important because it ensures equal access and opportunities to everyone, fulfilling ethical and legal obligations. Making web content accessible boosts its reach to a wider audience, including those using mobile devices or facing temporary disabilities (like a broken arm). Additionally, accessibility practices often improve the overall user experience and search engine optimization (SEO) of websites.

19. What steps would you take to optimize a website’s performance?

Optimizing a website’s performance involves several key steps aimed at improving page load times, enhancing user experience, and potentially boosting search engine rankings. 

  • Minimize HTTP Requests : Reduce the number of elements on a page to lower the number of HTTP requests required to render the page.
  • Enable Compression : Use tools like Gzip to compress files, reducing the size of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files.
  • Minify and Combine Files : Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML to eliminate unnecessary characters without changing functionality. Combine files where possible to reduce requests.
  • Use Asynchronous Loading : Load JavaScript and CSS files asynchronously to prevent them from blocking the rendering of the page.
  • Optimize Images : Ensure images are appropriately sized and compressed for the web without compromising quality.
  • Use Browser Caching : Make web pages load faster for repeat visitors by storing elements of your site in the user’s browser cache.
  • Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN) : Distribute content closer to users to decrease loading times.
  • Optimize CSS Delivery and Prioritize Above-the-Fold Conten t: Ensure critical CSS is loaded first to speed up rendering time for content seen by users upon page load.

20. How do you debug JavaScript code?

Debugging JavaScript code can be efficiently performed using various techniques and tools, with the most common being the use of browser developer tools available in modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Here’s a simple guide:

  • Console Logs : Insert console.log() statements in your code to output values and debug messages to the browser’s console, helping identify values of variables or whether a part of the code is executed.
  • Breakpoints : Set breakpoints in the browser’s developer tools to pause the execution of your JavaScript code at specific points. This allows you to inspect the values of variables, the call stack, and execute code step by step.
  • Debugger Statement : Use the debugger; statement in your code to act as a breakpoint, causing the execution to pause when the developer tools are open.
  • Watch Expressions : Use watch expressions in developer tools to monitor the values of specific variables or expressions as your code runs.
  • Network Tab : Inspect the Network tab in developer tools to debug issues related to AJAX requests, loading resources, or performance bottlenecks.
  • Performance Profiling : Use the Performance tab to record and analyze runtime performance to identify slow-running code or performance hits.

Also Read: Web Design vs Web Development: What’s the Difference?

21. What are Promises and async/await in JavaScript? How do they improve working with asynchronous operations?

Promises and async/await in JavaScript are features that simplify working with asynchronous operations, such as fetching data from a server. A Promise is an object representing the eventual completion or failure of an asynchronous operation. It allows you to write cleaner code by attaching callbacks, rather than nesting them.

The async/await syntax is syntactic sugar built on top of Promises. It allows you to write asynchronous code that looks and behaves like synchronous code. By prefixing a function with async, you can use await within it to pause execution until a Promise is resolved, improving readability and making error handling easier with try/catch blocks. These features enhance code clarity and debugging for asynchronous operations.

22. Explain the concept of ‘this’ keyword in JavaScript. How does its value change in different contexts?

In JavaScript, the this keyword refers to the object it belongs to, acting as a context pointer. Its value changes based on how a function is called:

  • Global Context : In the global execution context (outside of any function), this refers to the global object (window in browsers, global in Node.js).
  • Function Context : Inside a regular function, this depends on how the function was called. If called as a method of an object, this refers to that object. Otherwise, this refers to the global object or undefined in strict mode.
  • Arrow Functions: Arrow functions do not have their own this. They inherit this from the parent scope at the time they are defined.
  • Constructor Context: In a constructor function, this refers to the newly created object instance.

23. What are JavaScript modules? Discuss the benefits over traditional scripts.

JavaScript modules are files containing reusable code, which can be exported and imported into other modules or scripts using the import and export syntax. This modular approach to structuring JavaScript code brings several benefits over traditional, monolithic scripts:

  • Namespace Management : Modules help in avoiding global namespace pollution by encapsulating code within a local scope, reducing name conflicts.
  • Reusability : Functions, classes, or variables defined in a module can be reused across different parts of an application, promoting DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principles.
  • Maintainability : Breaking down code into smaller, functional modules makes it easier to maintain, understand, and debug.
  • Dependency Management : The import and export statements make dependencies explicit, allowing developers to easily track and manage them.
  • Improved Performance : Modern JavaScript engines and build tools can optimize module loading, such as tree shaking to eliminate unused code, and lazy loading modules only when needed, enhancing web application performance.

24. Explain the virtual DOM. How does React utilize it to enhance performance?

The Virtual DOM is a concept employed by libraries like React to improve web application performance and efficiency. It’s a lightweight, in-memory representation of the actual DOM (Document Object Model). 

When the state of an object changes, React first updates the Virtual DOM, then compares the updated Virtual DOM with a pre-update version using a diffing algorithm. This process, known as reconciliation, identifies the minimal set of changes needed to update the actual DOM.

React enhances performance through this mechanism by minimizing direct manipulations of the actual DOM, which is costly in terms of performance. By batching updates and only applying the necessary changes, React reduces the amount of work required to update the DOM, leading to faster and smoother UI updates. 

This approach significantly improves the user experience, especially in complex applications with frequent UI changes.

25. What are the benefits of server-side rendering (SSR) in JavaScript frameworks?

Server-Side Rendering (SSR) in JavaScript frameworks offers several benefits, especially for web applications aiming for better performance, SEO, and user experience:

  • Improved SEO : SSR ensures that search engine crawlers can fully render pages, making the content more indexable and improving the site’s visibility in search results.
  • Faster First Paint : By sending a fully rendered page from the server, users see the content immediately without waiting for all JavaScript to be downloaded and executed, enhancing perceived performance.
  • Better Initial Page Load : SSR can significantly reduce the time to first contentful paint, crucial for user retention and engagement, especially on slow network conditions.
  • Social Media Sharing : When sharing URLs on social media, SSR ensures that metadata (like images, titles, and descriptions) is correctly displayed, as the content is pre-rendered on the server.
  • Compatibility : SSR can help ensure compatibility with older browsers or devices that might have limited JavaScript support.

26. Discuss the advantages of using CSS preprocessors (e.g., SASS, LESS). Provide examples of features not available in standard CSS.

CSS preprocessors, such as Sass, LESS, and Stylus, extend CSS with features not available in standard CSS, making development more efficient, maintainable, and scalable. 

Advantages include:

  • Variables : They allow you to store and reuse values (e.g., colors, font sizes). For example, $primaryColor: #333; in Sass can be used throughout the stylesheet.
  • Mixins : Functions that let you reuse whole chunks of CSS, potentially with variations. For example, a mixin for cross-browser border-radius.
  • Nesting : CSS selectors can be nested within one another, mirroring the HTML structure for easier readability.
  • Partials and Import : Allows splitting CSS into smaller files (partials) for better organization, which can then be imported into a main file.
  • Mathematical Operations and Functions : Perform calculations directly in stylesheets for dynamic sizing and spacing.

27. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your front-end projects?

Ensuring code quality and maintainability in front-end projects involves a combination of best practices, tools, and methodologies designed to produce clean, efficient, and scalable code. 

These are key strategies:

  • Code Reviews : Implement peer code reviews to identify issues, share knowledge, and maintain consistency across the codebase.
  • Coding Standards and Style Guides : Adopt and enforce coding standards and style guides (e.g., Airbnb’s JavaScript style guide) to ensure consistency and readability.
  • Modular Architecture : Structure code into reusable modules or components to reduce redundancy and improve maintainability.
  • Automated Testing : Utilize unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests with frameworks like Jest, Mocha, or Cypress to catch bugs early and ensure feature integrity over time.
  • Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) : Implement CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment processes, ensuring that code is reliably built, tested, and deployed.
  • Linting and Formatting Tools: Use tools like ESLint and Prettier to automatically enforce coding standards and format code, preventing common errors and ensuring consistency.
  • Documentation : Maintain up-to-date documentation for codebases and APIs to facilitate understanding and collaboration among developers.
  • Performance Optimization : Regularly profile performance and optimize code, reducing bloat and improving user experience.

Back-end Web Development Interview Questions

Web Development Interview Questions

Interview questions for back-end developers cover a wide range of topics, from specific programming languages and databases to system architecture and design patterns. 

28. How do you manage dependencies in your projects?

Managing dependencies in projects effectively includes using package managers, maintaining clear documentation, and adhering to best practices for version control. Tools like npm for Node.js or Composer for PHP allow you to specify and lock down specific versions of libraries and frameworks your project depends on in a package.json or composer.json file. 

Using a lock file (e.g., package-lock.json or composer.lock) ensures that all team members and deployment environments use the exact same versions, reducing “works on my machine” problems. 

Regularly auditing dependencies for updates or vulnerabilities with these tools helps keep the project secure and up-to-date. Additionally, clear documentation of why each dependency is needed and how it’s used guides maintenance and future development.

29. How do you ensure your code is secure and resilient against common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)?

Ensuring code security and resilience against common vulnerabilities involves adopting several best practices and defensive programming techniques:

  • Validate Input : Rigorously validate user inputs on both client-side and server-side to prevent malicious data from being processed.
  • Sanitize Data : Use libraries or built-in functions to sanitize data, removing harmful characters before using it in queries or displaying it on the page.
  • Use Prepared Statements (Parameterized Queries) : For SQL injection prevention, use prepared statements with parameterized queries to separate SQL logic from data.
  • Use Content Security Policy (CSP) : Implement CSP headers to reduce the risk of XSS by specifying which dynamic resources are allowed to load.
  • Escape Output : When displaying user input or data from external sources, ensure it’s escaped properly to prevent execution of unintended HTML or JavaScript.
  • Regularly Update Dependencies : Keep all frameworks, libraries, and packages updated to mitigate vulnerabilities that have been discovered and fixed.
  • Use Authentication and Authorization Best Practices : Implement strong authentication mechanisms and ensure that users can only access resources they are permitted to.

30. What is RESTful API design? 

RESTful API design refers to the architectural style of designing networked applications based on representational state transfer (REST) principles. It leverages standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to operate on resources, represented typically in formats such as JSON or XML. 

Each resource is identified by a stable URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) and is manipulated using stateless operations. The design philosophy of REST emphasizes simplicity, scalability, and statelessness, with each API call being independent and carrying all necessary information to complete the request. 

This approach enables seamless interaction between client and server, making RESTful APIs a popular choice for web services development.

Also Read: How to Become Web Developer in 2024? Beginners Guide

31. Explain the differences between SOAP and REST APIs.

The difference between SOAP and REST APIs include:

32. Explain the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases. When would you choose one over the other?

The differences between SQL and NoSQL databases include:

When to Choose SQL:

  • When you need complex transactions and relational data integrity.
  • For applications requiring strict schema adherence.
  • In scenarios where ACID compliance is critical for data consistency.

When to Choose NoSQL:

  • When dealing with large volumes of data that doesn’t fit well in tabular forms.
  • For projects requiring rapid development and iterations where the schema may frequently change.
  • When the application demands high throughput and scalability across distributed systems.

33. How do you handle database migrations?

Handling database migrations involves managing changes to a database schema and adapting existing data to fit those changes. 

We can follow this streamlined approach:

  • Use Migration Scripts : Write scripts for every database schema change (e.g., adding tables, columns, or indexes). Each script should be idempotent, allowing it to run multiple times without causing errors.
  • Version Control : Maintain these scripts in version control alongside your application code to keep track of database changes over time.
  • Automated Migration Tools : Utilize tools like Flyway, Liquibase, or framework-specific solutions (e.g., Django’s migrations, Rails Active Record Migrations) to automate the application of migrations in the correct order.
  • Test Migrations : Apply migrations in a development or staging environment before deploying them to production to catch any potential issues.
  • Backup Before Migrations : Always backup your database before applying migrations to production to prevent data loss in case of errors.
  • Monitor and Review : After applying migrations, monitor the application and database performance to ensure no adverse effects occur.

34. How do you optimize queries in a relational database?

Optimizing queries in a relational database involves several strategies to improve performance:

  • Indexing : Create indexes on columns that are frequently used in WHERE clauses, JOIN conditions, or as part of an ORDER BY to speed up data retrieval.
  • Select Specific Columns : Avoid using SELECT *; instead, specify only the columns needed.
  • Use Joins Instead of Subqueries : Whenever possible, use joins instead of subqueries as they are generally more efficient.
  • Limit Results : Use LIMIT to retrieve only a subset of records when you don’t need all rows.
  • Query Analysis : Use the database’s query analysis tool (e.g., EXPLAIN in MySQL) to understand how a query is executed and identify bottlenecks.
  • Avoid Functions on Indexed Columns in WHERE Clause : Applying functions can prevent the use of indexes.
  • Normalize Data : Ensure the database design is normalized to reduce data redundancy and improve query efficiency.

35. Explain indexing in databases. How does it improve performance?

Indexing in databases is the process of creating a data structure (an index) to improve the speed of data retrieval operations on a database table at the cost of additional writes and storage space to maintain the index data structure. 

Indexes allow databases to find and access data without scanning every row in a table, significantly reducing the amount of data read from disk and speeding up query execution.

For example, an index on a column used in a WHERE clause can help the database engine quickly locate the rows that match the query criteria, similar to how an index in a book helps you find specific information without reading every page.

36. Explain how caching works. What are the different types of caching mechanisms you might use?

Caching is a technique used to store copies of frequently accessed or computationally expensive data temporarily in a faster, closer, and more accessible location. 

When a request is made for the same data again, it can be quickly retrieved from the cache instead of going through the original, slower process of fetching or computing it again.

Different types of caching mechanisms include:

  • Browser Caching : Stores resources like images, stylesheets, and scripts locally on the user’s device to speed up subsequent page loads.
  • Server-Side Caching : Caches data on the server side to reduce database queries or expensive computations. Techniques include in-memory caching (e.g., Redis), file-based caching, and database query caching.
  • Content Delivery Network (CDN) Caching : Stores copies of website content on servers distributed across multiple geographic locations to reduce latency and improve content delivery speed globally.
  • Database Caching : Utilizes database-specific caching mechanisms like query caching or result caching to store frequently accessed data in memory for faster retrieval.

37. How do you approach designing a new system or feature?

When designing a new system or feature, I follow these steps:

  • Understand Requirements : Gather and analyze requirements to define the problem and desired outcomes.
  • Research : Investigate existing solutions, technologies, and best practices relevant to the problem domain.
  • Design : Create a high-level architecture and outline key components, data flow, and interactions.
  • Prototype : Build a prototype or proof of concept to validate design decisions and identify potential challenges.
  • Iterate : Gather feedback, iterate on the design, and refine it based on user needs, technical feasibility, and business objectives.

38. How do you monitor and log your applications? Discuss the tools and methodologies you use.

To monitor and log applications, I employ tools like Prometheus for metrics collection, Grafana for visualization, and ELK stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for logging. I set up alerts with Prometheus Alertmanager to notify of anomalies. 

Additionally, I integrate application-level logging with structured logging libraries like Winston or Serilog, sending logs to centralized logging systems such as Elasticsearch or Splunk. Finally, I use APM (Application Performance Monitoring) tools like New Relic or Datadog to track application performance and diagnose issues.

39. Discuss the Agile development process and how you have implemented it in your projects.

The Agile development process is an iterative approach to software development that prioritizes collaboration, flexibility, and customer feedback. It involves breaking down projects into smaller, manageable tasks called user stories, which are developed and delivered incrementally in short cycles called sprints. 

Key principles include continuous delivery, self-organizing teams, and adaptability to changing requirements.

In my projects, I’ve implemented Agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban to promote transparency, communication, and rapid iteration. We hold regular sprint planning, review, and retrospective meetings to track progress, gather feedback, and make adjustments. 

By prioritizing user stories based on value and complexity, we ensure that the most critical features are delivered first. Additionally, we use tools like Jira or Trello for project management and collaboration, enabling seamless communication and task tracking across distributed teams.

40. How do you manage dependencies and environment-specific configurations in your projects?

To manage dependencies, I utilize package managers like npm for Node.js or Composer for PHP, specifying dependencies and their versions in a package.json or composer.json file. 

For environment-specific configurations, I use environment variables or configuration files, ensuring separate configurations for development, staging, and production environments. Tools like dotenv for Node.js or Laravel’s .env file simplify managing environment-specific settings. 

Additionally, I use Docker for containerization, allowing consistent deployment across different environments while encapsulating dependencies and configurations within containers.

Also Read: What is Full Stack Development? 2024 Guide

41. How do you communicate complex technical issues to non-technical team members?

To communicate complex technical issues to non-technical team members, I break down concepts into simpler terms, avoiding jargon, and using analogies or real-world examples to illustrate points. 

I focus on the impact and relevance of the issue, explaining how it affects project goals or user experience. Visual aids like diagrams or screenshots can also help convey information effectively. Lastly, I encourage questions and feedback, ensuring everyone understands the issue and its implications for decision-making.

Interview Questions for You to Prepare for Jobs

Web Developer Interview Questions on Popular Frameworks and Libraries

Web Developer Interview Questions on Popular Frameworks

Specific job roles require expertise in core frameworks and libraries. Hence, you need to be prepared for interview questions on web development related to frameworks and libraries.

42. What are the key features of ReactJS?

Key features of ReactJS include:

  • Component-Based Architecture : React uses a modular, component-based approach for building user interfaces, promoting reusability and maintainability.
  • Virtual DOM : React’s virtual DOM efficiently updates the UI by only rendering the components that have changed, improving performance and responsiveness.
  • JSX : JSX is a syntax extension that allows embedding HTML-like syntax directly into JavaScript code, making it easier to write and understand UI components.
  • Unidirectional Data Flow : React enforces a unidirectional data flow, making it easier to understand how data changes affect the UI and improving predictability.
  • React Hooks : Introduced in React 16.8, hooks allow functional components to use state and lifecycle methods, reducing the need for class components and simplifying component logic.
  • Declarative : React allows developers to describe the desired UI state, and React handles the underlying DOM updates, making code more predictable and easier to debug.

43. How do you manage state in a React application?

In a React application, state management is generally handled using React’s built-in useState hook for functional components or setState method for class components. 

State represents the data that can change over time and influences the rendering of UI components. State can be managed locally within a component or lifted up to a higher-level component for sharing data between multiple components. 

Additionally, complex state management requirements may benefit from using state management libraries like Redux or Context API for global state management.

44. What are React Hooks? Give examples of some common hooks and their uses.

React Hooks are functions that enable functional components to use state and other React features without writing a class. 

Common hooks include:

  • useState : Manages state in functional components.
  • useEffect : Performs side effects in functional components (e.g., data fetching, subscriptions).
  • useContext : Accesses the value of a React context.
  • useRef : Creates a mutable ref object to persist values between renders.

45. How do you handle side effects in React components?

In React components, side effects are handled using the useEffect hook. This hook allows you to perform side effects in functional components by executing code after rendering. Common side effects include data fetching, subscriptions, and DOM manipulation. 

The useEffect hook takes a function as its first argument, which contains the code to execute, and an optional second argument array to specify dependencies. The hook runs the effect after every render unless specified otherwise. This ensures side effects are properly managed and executed in React components.

46. What is the Context API and how is it used?

The Context API is a feature in React that provides a way to pass data through the component tree without having to pass props down manually at every level. It allows components to share data without having to explicitly pass props through each level of the tree. 

The Context API consists of two main parts: the Provider component and the Consumer component. 

The Provider component allows you to define the data that you want to share, while the Consumer component allows you to consume that data within any component in the tree that is wrapped by the Provider.

47. How do you implement form handling in React?

Form handling in React involves managing form state and handling user input. 

Below is a simple approach:

  • Define state variables to store form data.
  • Attach event handlers to form elements (e.g., onChange for input fields).
  • Update state with user input using event.target.value.
  • Handle form submission with onSubmit event.
  • Prevent default behavior to avoid page reload.
  • Use state variables to submit form data or perform validation.
  • Optionally, implement form validation with additional logic.

By managing form state in React components, you can create dynamic and interactive forms that respond to user input effectively.

48. What are the core concepts of Angular?

The core concepts of Angular include:

  • Components : Angular applications are built using components, which are self-contained units of UI with their own HTML templates, CSS styles, and TypeScript code.
  • Modules : Angular applications are modularized into separate modules, each encapsulating related components, services, and other features.
  • Templates and Data Binding: Angular provides powerful data binding features that allow you to bind data between the component class and its template, enabling dynamic rendering of UI elements.
  • Dependency Injection : Angular’s dependency injection system allows you to inject dependencies into components, services, and other objects, promoting modularity, testability, and reusability.
  • Services : Services are reusable components that provide functionality across the application, such as data fetching, authentication, and logging.
  • Routing : Angular’s built-in router enables navigation between different views or components based on the URL, supporting single-page application (SPA) development.

49. Explain Angular’s component lifecycle.

Angular’s component lifecycle consists of several stages:

  • ngOnChanges : Called when the input properties of the component change.
  • ngOnInit : Called once after the component is initialized and its input properties are set.
  • ngDoCheck : Called during every change detection cycle.
  • ngAfterContentInit : Called after Angular projects external content into the component’s view (e.g., content projection).
  • ngAfterContentChecked : Called after Angular checks the content projected into the component’s view.
  • ngAfterViewInit : Called after the component’s view and its child views are initialized.
  • ngAfterViewChecked : Called after Angular checks the component’s view and its child views.

These lifecycle hooks provide opportunities to execute logic at specific points in a component’s lifecycle.

50. How do you manage data flow in Angular applications?

In Angular applications, data flow is managed primarily through the following mechanisms:

  • Input and Output Properties : Parent components pass data to child components via input properties, and child components emit events to communicate changes back to the parent using output properties.
  • Services : Services provide a centralized location to fetch, store, and manipulate data, allowing components to interact with shared data and functionality.
  • RxJS Observables : Observables facilitate asynchronous data streams, enabling components to subscribe to data changes and react accordingly, providing a powerful mechanism for handling asynchronous operations and data flow across the application.

51. What are the main features of Vue.js?

Vue.js, a progressive JavaScript framework, offers the following main features:

  • Reactive Data Binding : Vue.js provides a simple and efficient way to bind data to the DOM, allowing for automatic updates whenever the data changes.
  • Component-Based Architecture : Vue.js allows developers to build large-scale applications using reusable and composable components, enhancing maintainability and reusability.
  • Virtual DOM : Vue.js utilizes a virtual DOM to efficiently update the DOM when data changes, improving performance by minimizing unnecessary re-renders.
  • Directives : Vue.js includes built-in directives like v-if, v-for, v-bind, and v-on, enabling developers to add dynamic behavior to HTML elements declaratively.
  • Computed Properties and Watchers : Vue.js provides computed properties and watchers to perform reactive calculations and respond to data changes efficiently.
  • Routing : Vue.js offers a built-in router (Vue Router) for building single-page applications with client-side routing capabilities.
  • State Management: Vue.js can be integrated with Vuex, a state management library, to manage application state in a centralized and predictable manner.

Also Read: Types of Web Development in 2024: Full Guide

52. How does Vue.js handle reactivity?

Vue.js achieves reactivity through its reactive system, which tracks dependencies between data properties and the associated DOM elements. When a data property changes, Vue.js automatically detects the change and updates the affected DOM elements accordingly using a virtual DOM. 

Vue.js accomplishes this through a combination of object property getters and setters, as well as the use of JavaScript’s Object.defineProperty() method. This reactive system ensures that changes to data are reflected in the UI, providing a smooth and efficient way to build dynamic and reactive applications.

53. What is Vuex and what problem does it solve?

Vuex is a state management library for Vue.js applications. It provides a centralized store for managing application state and enables predictable and efficient state management in large-scale Vue.js applications. 

Vuex solves the problem of complex state management by offering a single source of truth for application state, making it easier to track changes, manage shared state between components, and implement features like state persistence, time-travel debugging, and asynchronous actions. 

By providing a clear and structured approach to state management, Vuex enhances maintainability, scalability, and developer productivity in Vue.js applications.

54. How do you implement form inputs and validation in Vue?

In Vue.js, form inputs and validation are implemented using the v-model directive for two-way data binding and the v-validate directive for validation.

  • Bind form inputs to data properties using v-model.
  • Implement validation rules using the v-validate directive and specify validation messages.
  • Use validation libraries like Vuelidate or validate.js for more complex validation logic.
  • Display validation errors conditionally based on form input state.

This approach provides a simple and effective way to handle form inputs and validation in Vue.js applications.

55. What is Node.js and what makes it unique?

Node.js is a server-side JavaScript runtime built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. It allows developers to run JavaScript code on the server, enabling the development of scalable, event-driven, and high-performance web applications.

What makes Node.js unique is its non-blocking, asynchronous I/O model, which allows it to handle a large number of concurrent connections efficiently. 

Additionally, Node.js has a rich ecosystem of modules and packages available through npm (Node Package Manager), making it easy to build and extend applications with reusable code. Its ability to use JavaScript for both client and server-side development also streamlines development workflows and promotes code reuse.

56. How do you manage asynchronous operations in Node.js?

In Node.js, asynchronous operations are managed using callback functions, Promises, and async/await syntax.

  • Callback Functions : Traditional way of handling asynchronous operations. Functions accept a callback parameter that is executed when the operation completes.
  • Promises : Provide a cleaner and more structured way to handle asynchronous operations, allowing chaining of multiple asynchronous tasks and handling errors more gracefully.
  • Async/Await : Introduced in ES6, async/await syntax simplifies asynchronous code by allowing developers to write asynchronous code that resembles synchronous code, making it easier to understand and maintain.

These mechanisms enable Node.js to handle asynchronous operations efficiently, promoting scalability and responsiveness in applications.

57. Explain the event loop in Node.js.

The event loop in Node.js is a single-threaded mechanism that allows Node.js to handle multiple asynchronous operations efficiently. It continuously listens for events and executes callbacks when events occur.

  • Event Queue : Incoming events and their corresponding callback functions are placed in the event queue.
  • Event Loop : The event loop checks the event queue for pending events and processes them one by one, executing their associated callbacks.
  • Non-blocking I/O : Asynchronous operations are initiated, allowing Node.js to perform other tasks while waiting for I/O operations to complete.

This asynchronous, event-driven architecture enables Node.js to handle concurrent connections and manage I/O operations efficiently.

58. What is the difference between npm and npx?

Here’s a tabular comparison showing the difference between npm and npx:

Also Read: 15 Best Web Development Books to Read in 2024

59. What are some common performance issues in Node.js applications and how do you troubleshoot them?

Common performance issues in Node.js applications include:

  • Blocking Operations : Synchronous operations can block the event loop, causing delays in processing other tasks.
  • Memory Leaks : Unintentional memory consumption can lead to memory leaks and performance degradation over time.
  • Inefficient Algorithms : Poorly optimized algorithms can result in slow processing and increased CPU usage.
  • Large Payloads : Handling large payloads can cause excessive memory consumption and slow response times.

To troubleshoot these issues, you can:

  • Use Profiling Tools : Tools like Node.js Profiler or Chrome DevTools can identify CPU-intensive functions and memory usage patterns.
  • Optimize Code : Refactor synchronous code to be asynchronous, use efficient algorithms, and implement proper error handling.
  • Monitor Performance : Utilize monitoring tools like PM2 or New Relic to track CPU usage, memory usage, and response times in real-time.
  • Load Testing : Perform load testing to identify bottlenecks and optimize application performance under heavy load.

Web Dev Interview Questions About Performance Optimization & Tools

Interview questions for website developers related to performance optimization are crucial for identifying candidates who understand the importance of creating fast, efficient, and user-friendly web applications. These questions can range from basic techniques to more advanced strategies and the use of specific tools for diagnosing and optimizing web performance. 

  • How do you measure the performance of a web page?
  • What are some common causes of slow website loading times?
  • What are some ways to optimize images for web performance?
  • How does minifying CSS and JavaScript affect performance?
  • What is lazy loading and how can it improve web performance?
  • How do you optimize web fonts for performance?
  • Explain browser caching and how you can utilize it for web performance optimization.
  • What is a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and how does it improve web performance?
  • What are some strategies for reducing JavaScript execution time?
  • How do you optimize third-party scripts to minimize their impact on performance?
  • What tools do you use for performance testing and monitoring?
  • How do you use the Chrome DevTools for performance profiling?
  • Discuss the use of Lighthouse for web performance optimization.
  • What are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), and how do they enhance web performance?
  • How do you balance design and functionality with performance in web development?
  • What is a performance budget, and how do you implement it in your projects?

Web Development Interview Questions About Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Assessing a candidate’s problem-solving and critical thinking skills is essential in web developer interview questions. These skills are crucial for debugging issues, optimizing performance, and developing efficient, scalable solutions. 

  • Describe a challenging problem you encountered in a recent project and how you solved it.
  • How do you approach debugging a web application? What steps do you take?
  • Explain how you would optimize a web page that loads slowly.
  • Given a scenario where users report intermittent issues with a web application, how would you go about diagnosing and resolving the problem?
  • Describe how you keep up with the latest web development technologies and how you determine which ones to implement in your projects.
  • Imagine you are given a project with poorly documented code and no tests. How would you begin to understand and work on it?
  • If you noticed a significant drop in website performance after a recent deployment, what would be your first steps to investigate?
  • How would you handle a situation where a feature you implemented does not work as expected in production, but works fine in development?
  • You’ve been tasked with reducing the loading time of a web page. What resources or tools would you use, and what would be your process?
  • Describe a time when you had to implement a feature with which you were unfamiliar. How did you proceed?
  • How do you prioritize bugs and feature requests?
  • Explain a situation where you had to choose between a quick fix and a more time-consuming, comprehensive solution. How did you decide and what was the outcome?
  • Discuss how you would balance the trade-offs between implementing new features and maintaining code quality.
  • How do you assess the impact of a new technology or framework before deciding to use it in your projects?
  • When given a project with a tight deadline, how do you ensure the quality of your work while meeting the deadline?
  • Given a user-reported issue that you cannot replicate, how would you proceed to solve it?
  • Explain how you would address a security vulnerability reported in one of your applications.
  • How do you ensure that your web applications are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities?
  • If a web application starts to run slowly as the number of users increases, what would be your approach to identify and solve the scalability issue?
  • Describe the process you follow to ensure that your code is both efficient and easy to maintain.
  • How do you evaluate the success of a new feature or improvement you’ve implemented?
  • Describe a decision you made based on data/analytics. How did you gather and interpret the data?
  • How would you explain a complex technical problem to a non-technical stakeholder?
  • If you were given an existing project to improve, but with limited budget and time, how would you decide what to prioritize?
  • How do you stay organized and manage your time when working on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously?

Also Read: Web Developer Salary in India in 2024 (Latest Guide)

Tips to Crack Web Developer Interview

To crack a web development interview, consider the following tips:

  • Understand the Basics : Ensure you have a solid understanding of fundamental web development concepts like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks/libraries. If you are a beginner, consider going for an online web development course .
  • Practice Coding : Practice coding exercises and solve problems to improve your problem-solving skills and coding abilities.
  • Build Projects : Create and showcase personal web development projects that demonstrate your skills and experience with web development technologies. This could include portfolios, GitHub repositories, or contributions to open-source projects.
  • Review Common Interview Questions : Familiarize yourself with common interview questions for web development, including topics like algorithms, data structures, frameworks, and best practices.
  • Prepare for Behavioral Questions : Be ready to discuss your previous experiences, projects, and challenges you’ve faced as a web developer. Use the STAR method to structure your responses (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Stay Updated : Keep yourself updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in web development. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online communities to stay informed.
  • Communicate Effectively: During the interview, clearly articulate your thought process, explain your solutions, and ask questions when needed. Communication skills are essential for conveying your ideas and demonstrating your fit for the role. Follow the tips on how to improve communication skills to get better.
  • Prepare for Technical Assessments: Be prepared to take technical assessments or coding challenges as part of the interview process. Practice coding under time constraints and review any specific technologies or frameworks relevant to the role.

essay questions about web development

Web Developer Job Description

A web developer job description usually includes the following key responsibilities and qualifications:

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain front-end and/or back-end components of web applications.
  • Collaborate with designers to translate UI/UX designs into responsive and interactive web interfaces.
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks/libraries.
  • Implement and integrate APIs, third-party services, and databases to support web application functionality.
  • Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure the reliability and performance of web applications across different browsers and devices.
  • Stay updated on emerging web development technologies and best practices, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the development team.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Web Development, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
  • Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with experience in one or more front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js).
  • Strong understanding of web development principles, including responsive design, cross-browser compatibility, and accessibility standards.
  • Experience with back-end technologies such as Node.js, Python, Ruby on Rails, or PHP, and familiarity with databases (e.g., SQL, MongoDB).
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Effective communication skills and a passion for learning and staying updated on industry trends and technologies.

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FAQs About Web Developer Interview

Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks/libraries like React, Angular, or Vue.js. Knowledge of backend technologies, databases, and version control systems is also valuable.

Research the company, review the job description, practice common interview questions, and prepare relevant examples from your experience.

Dress professionally and appropriately for the company culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, focusing on specific examples from your past experiences.

Inquire about the company culture, team dynamics, opportunities for growth, and any specific projects or initiatives you’ll be working on.

Send a thank-you email expressing gratitude for the opportunity, reiterating your interest in the position, and summarizing key points discussed during the interview.

Virendra Soni

Virendra is the Content & SEO Manager at WsCube Tech. He holds 7+ years of experience in blogging, content marketing, SEO, and editing. With B.Tech. in ECE and working for the IT and edtech industry, Virendra holds expertise in turning web pages into traffic magnets. His mantra? Keep it simple, make it memorable, and yes, let Google fall in love with it.

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20+ Web Developer Interview Questions & Answers

best Web Developer Interview Questions to practice for web development job interviews

The most important programming-related web developer interview questions to practice for any upcoming meeting to ensure you land the job!

The recruitment process for a web development job can be a nightmare, possibly a long and arduous journey. On top of the experience check and culture fit test, you need to hire web developers with the technical skills your company need. How do you achieve that? What questions do you need to ask in order to find your next, suitable web developer? 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the important web developer interview questions to ask and demonstrate what good answers look like. We’ll assume you understand software development terms and terminology because your candidates sure should!

Let’s get started, shall we?

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How the Web Development Employment Process Works (Usually)

The web developer recruitment process is always tailored to the company to which you’re applying, as well as to the particular web developer responsibilities you’ll take on. Depending on the needs of the company, you may be hired to contribute to custom web development projects.

Regardless of the projects you’re hiring for, here is the way a typical web development hiring process looks like:

  • Initial interview , either through audio or video calls.
  • If required by the company, an  online aptitude test  or  competency test .
  • Technical coding test , mostly comprised of programming interview questions that test your technical competence as a web developer.
  • Final interview . You and the employer will talk to each other face-to-face. If an in-person interview isn’t viable (for WFH jobs, for example), a video call is likely at this stage.

Let’s look at some of the key interview questions you should ask job applicants, as well as what you should look for in your candidates’ answers.

Read More : 8 Common Interview Mistakes Remote Software Developers Make

web development interview questions and answers to know and practice

Interview Questions Relating To Your Web Development Experience

Tell me about a web dev project you’re particularly proud of. What did you do that worked out well?

This question helps ease your web developer candidates into the interview gently. What you’re looking for in their response includes early indication of ambitions, perceived view of success, and way of working. A strong answer will not only encompass their individual contributions but also acknowledge the roles and efforts of other team members. Your candidates’ insights into collaboration and teamwork will be valuable aspects to consider. 

Tell me about a web development project that disappointed you. What would you change?

Continuous self-evaluation is a must for a developer. You won’t want to employ someone who continuously make the same mistakes.

What’s hard for you about coding?

This is, for all intents and purposes, another way of asking web developers what their weaknesses are from a technical perspective.

How do you do testing? And what do you think about this? How would you improve QA?

Good code means fewer buggy web applications and fewer coding crises. A good web developer should value testing and respect the QA process because it will reduce the number of late nights when they try to find an issue that has been uncovered in the code.

How are you keeping up with the latest advancements in web development?

This web dev interview question helps you determine if the candidate continues to learn to program and tries to stay on top of their web developer skills. Feel free to ask your candidate about their favorite online web developer communities or programming-related Twitter accounts. If they don’t use Twitter, ask about publications and authors they read, as well as why they’re interesting. 

Web development is always changing, so being curious about the latest trends and forming opinions about them is typically seen as a good sign. This question will help you determine how invested your candidates are in the latest web development news. Alternatively, you can also look into web development services , which typically provides experienced web developers for you to choose from.

What is your preferred development environment?

The main purpose of this question is to provide your candidate with an opportunity to showcase their adaptability to different environments as well as ability to voice and backup their opinions. This question will also give you an indication of whether your candidates have experience working with frameworks, version control systems, unit testing, and others.

Read More : 8 Behavioral Interview Questions Asked by Top Tech Companies

Check out our entire set of software development interview questions to help you hire the best developers you possibly can.

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If you’re a developer, familiarize yourself with the non-technical interview questions commonly asked in the first round by HR recruiters and the questions to ask your interviewer !

Arc is the radically different remote job search platform for developers where companies apply to you. We’ll feature you to great global startups and tech companies hiring remotely so you can land a great remote job in 14 days. We make it easier than ever for software developers and engineers to find great remote jobs. Sign up today and get started .

Interview Questions to Test Your Communication and Management Skills

What are some of your best soft skills?

As hiring managers, you want to look for problem solvers, brilliant communicators, and those who are willing to learn. Your candidate should give examples of how they demonstrate each skill so you may determine whether or not they fit this web developer role.

Depending on the nature of the job, you may prioritize certain soft skills over others. For example, time management skills , interpersonal skills , and intercultural communication skills may be more valuable if you’re looking for a freelance web developer as opposed to an on-site developer since freelancers typically work remotely. They’ll also need to be more autonomous.

If you’re hiring for a web development lead role or senior position, you will likely value things such as leadership skills , management skills , analytical skills , and problem-solving skills . And, aside from these important soft skills, your candidates should also have the skills you specifically mention in the web developer job description !

Tell me about a time when you solved a problem that didn’t involve coding?

This could be anything from the time they fixed the office coffee machine to that one instance where they helped a colleague fix their bike. It doesn’t really matter what they did — it’s simply meant to give your an indication of how they solve problems and interact in the wider team and company environment.

Read More : How to Write a Great Thank-You Email After an Interview

How would other developers and project managers you’ve worked with describe you?

This is a great way to gauge their self-awareness, confidence, coding skills, and their possible place within your current team or in previous positions.

You can’t work out how to solve a coding problem. What do you do to find the answer?

Do they ask a colleague, post a question on Stack Overflow, or search other platforms? There’s no right or wrong answer here. In fact, a combination of both may be the best route. What you may find interesting is seeing whether your candidate prefer to keep their head down or ask around if faced with a problem.

What do you think of pair programming? Have you ever done it?

This agile development technique isn’t always suitable for day-to-day web development, but it’s interesting to assess whether they are happy to sit down with a colleague and sort through their code.

Have you ever worked directly with clients or been in a customer-facing role in the past? If not, would you like to?

This particular web developer interview question is essential, especially if the candidate is expected to take on a significant client-facing role. It aims to gauge how well the candidate can articulate their approach to handling feedback from crucial stakeholders and other individuals.

When hiring a web developer to contribute to the development of an app or product, it’s crucial to recognize that they will inevitably encounter challenging feedback from various sources, including end-users, investors, and colleagues within the company. To ensure you select an outstanding web developer, pay close attention to how adeptly they handle feedback.

Read More : 15+ Most Popular Programming Languages & Technologies to Know and Learn

essay questions about web development

Interview Questions to Test Your Technical Skills as a Web Dev

Can you describe your workflow when you create a web page or web app?

When you ask your candidates about how they create a web page, it results in a good way to assess how web developer job candidates approach basic chunks of work. Do they use ready-built code snippets to quickly layout a basic HTML page, add a little jQuery, and code from there? Or do they use a more in-depth approach such as Bower or Yeoman?

What tools do you use to find a performance bug?

The answer to this web development interview question will depend on their dev environment, as different programming languages use different profilers and some frameworks have built-in debug tools to find performance issues. This doesn’t matter too much, but their approach does.

What do you know about CORS?

CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) is an HTML5 staple that should be familiar to most front-end web developers. It allows developers to request many different resources (jQuery, fonts, and so on) from a domain outside of the domain from which the resource came.

Can you explain the purpose of each HTTP request type when using a RESTful web service?

Make sure you are familiar with the difference between a  GET  and a  POST  request, for starters. Remember to mention  PATCH , DELETE , PUT , and  CONNECT  requests, and seal the deal by talking about TRACE and OPTIONS . This is a solid question to assess your basic understanding of HTML and data integrations.

If you have 5 different stylesheets, how would you best integrate them into a website?

This interview question for web developer jobs help to test your candidate’s CSS understanding. Would they combine the multiple stylesheets into a single CSS file? Or would they just combine application-specific stylesheets? And, what is their approach when using a library, such as Bootstrap?

Read More : 10+ Tips for Preparing for a Remote Software Developer Zoom Interview

How do you organize your JavaScript code?

This web dev interview question will give you insight into how your candidate organizes their code. Do they separate JavaScript and HTML? Is their JS broken into logical units and kept in separate files? Do they use a script to concatenate these files into a single bundle? Do they use JS namespaces to avoid cluttering up the global namespace?

How do you take into account SEO, maintainability, UX, performance, and security when you’re building a web application?

This is one of the most important web developer interview questions to assess how web developers look at the bigger picture. The ability to balance and understand these very different factors is a core competency for any web developer.

Their response will also indicate which factors they prioritize when coding. For example, if your company is a fintech startup, you may favor security over SEO. On the other hand, if you run an online media publications, you will likely value performance and SEO . A good answer is one that’s relevant to your company’s specific products and services.

Read More : Phone Screen Interview vs Actual Phone Interview: Learn the Differences

web developer practicing web development interview questions before meeting with recruiter

Wrapping Up Our Web Development Interview Questions

Please note:  By no means are the above web developer interview questions the only ones you’ll be asked as a candidate.

You’ll likely want to dig deeper into your candidate’s technical expertise for the tech stacks they may encounter if they’re to be hired for the job.

If you’re not a developer, focus on asking preliminary questions on culture and values and ask an experienced and knowledgeable developer to do the technical screening portion of the interview process.

You can also explore HireAI to skip the line and:

⚡️ Get instant candidate matches without searching ⚡️ Identify top applicants from our network of 250,000+ devs with no manual screening ⚡️ Hire 4x faster with vetted candidates (qualified and interview-ready)

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Christian Eilers

HR & Career Expert

Christian Eilers is a career expert specializing in resumes, cover letters, the employment process, and life on the job. At Arc, Christian enjoys helping software engineers and developers find amazing work opportunities through the Arc platform and blog. He’s been featured as an expert on HR and talent acquisition in publications such as Business Insider, Upskilled, Databox, and HR Technologist. A native of New York City, Christian currently lives in and works from Kyiv, Ukraine.

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This section of the Learning Area is designed to provide answers to common questions that may come up, which are not necessarily part of the structured core learning pathways (e.g. the HTML or CSS learning articles.) These articles are designed to work on their own.

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Table of Contents

Section-i. top web developer interview questions for freshers, section-ii. web developer interview questions for experienced web developers , interview questions for mean stack developer, get started: become a full-stack web developer in 9 months, top 40+ web developer interview questions and answers for 2024.

Top 40+ Web Developer Interview Questions and Answers for 2024

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job opportunities in the field of web development will increase by eight percent between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the average for any other profession.

The high demand for web developers is being driven by the rising popularity of e-commerce platforms and mobile-based applications, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Web developers, with a deep understanding of popular technologies, such as JavaScript , HTML5, and CSS3 , are the most sought after professionals in the IT industry today. However, to get a dream job, you will first have to prepare yourself for tough interviews.

In this article, we are going to list the most commonly-asked web development interview questions you are likely to encounter. We have divided the questions into two parts: for beginners and for experienced web developers . Taking a quick look at these web developer interview questions and answers will give you a boost of confidence when you appear in any web development interview, no matter at which stage you are in your career. 

If you’re a beginner looking to start your career in web development, you are expected to be aware of certain basics, not only pertaining to the concepts but also to the field as a whole. Here are some of the frequently-asked junior web developer interview questions. Knowing the answers to these will offer a good grasp of basics that you can leverage in interviews for web developer positions . 

1. What skills should a good Web Developer have?

Web development professionals should have the following key skills: 

  • Proficiency in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML ) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
  • In-depth knowledge of Python , Ruby, and PHP
  • Familiarity with DSL (Domain Specific Language), such as SQL
  • A strong sense of JavaScript and JavaScript libraries, including JQuery
  • Problem-solving capabilities

2. Are you aware of the roles and responsibilities of a Web Developer?

The primary responsibilities of a web developer include:

  • Testing and debugging web applications
  • Designing, developing, and deploying web applications
  • Uploading websites onto servers and registering them with multiple search engines
  • Coordinating with other programmers and designers to ensure the smooth development of web projects
  • Fixing bugs, troubleshooting, and resolving problems
  • Implementing contingency plans in the case of system failures 
  • Developing proper code structures for solving specific tasks
  • Providing support in the maintenance and upkeep of websites

3. What are the added benefits of HTTP/2 compared to HTTP 1.1?

HTTP/2 has a number of notable advantages over HTTP 1.1, which are: 

  • Advanced server-push technology
  • Reduced network footprint
  • Uses network resources more effectively
  • Eliminates security issues related to HTTP 1.1, such as a response splitting attack
  • Enables superior capabilities, including effective TLS handling, prioritization, multiplexing, compression, and flow control
  • Compact command representation, which facilitates easier implementation and processing 
  • Robust and efficient data processing between server and client 
  • Improved throughput and lower network latency
  • Less error-prone

4. Can you list a few ways to speed up Page Loading?

The following actions should be performed to improve page loading speed:

  • Decrease image size
  • Clear unwanted widgets
  • HTTP compression
  • Placing script reference in the bottom and CSS on the top 
  • Reduce redirects
  • Minimize lookups

5. How is XHTML different from HTML?

XHTML differs from HTML in many ways, for example:

  • All tags in XHTML must be in lowercase
  • XHTML requires the use of double quotes for all attributes
  • In XHTML, tags must be properly closed  
  • XHTML does not permit an inline element to contain a block-level element 

6. Explain Webpack.

When given dependencies-containing modules, Webpack creates static assets to represent those modules.

JavaScript module bundler Webpack is free and open-source. Although it is designed primarily for JavaScript, it may also modify front-end assets like HTML, CSS, and pictures if the appropriate loaders are also present. Using modules with dependencies,

Implementing various Java script files without worrying about which would load first is beneficial. It results in shorter code. In addition to java script, it assists in turning many other files into modules. It assembles many Java script modules.

7. List out newly introduced input types, APIs, form elements, and elements that support media content in HTML5.

Input types, including Date, Date Time-local, time, week, month, email, tel, URL, search, range, color, and number, are among the new ones introduced by HTML5. to enhance user interaction and make forms more engaging. However, a browser will interpret these new input types like a standard text box if it is unable to recognize them.

8. State the difference between span tag and div tag in HTML5. 

The web page, a hypertext document created by a website and presented to a user via a web browser, uses HTML elements to format and provide semantics to various sections of the content. The general HTML components div> and span> are both used to identify two different sections of a website. These tags are used for both structuring and styling. Here, we've examined the distinctions between the HTML tags for div and span.

To stylize text, use the generic inline element span>. A part of the inline content is given style. The inline element merely takes up as much room as the text and does not require a new line. These tags can be used for brief passages of text, images, links, and other HTML components that may be displayed inline with other content.

9. Explain HTML5 Web storage.

Web Storage in HTML Web storage allows web applications to store data locally in the user's browser. Application data had to be preserved in cookies and sent with each server request before HTML5. Web storage, which is more secure, allows for the local storing of large amounts of data without impairing a website's operation.

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10. Explain DOM (Document Object Model).

The DOM enables programmatic reading, manipulation, and modification of an XML document. The XMLReader class also reads XML , but it does so in a non-cached, forward-only, read-only manner.

11. What do you know about pair programming?

Pair software programming is a sequential model in which two programmers collaborate on the same computer. While the driver is writing code, the observer or navigator reviews each line of programming as it is entered. Positions for software developers frequently change.

12. While building a web application, how do you consider SEO, maintainability, UX, performance, and security?

The ability to balance and comprehend these disparate factors is essential for any web developer. In addition, their response will indicate which factors they will prioritize when coding. 

If you work for an online publication, performance and SEO will be more important. While the driver is writing code, the observer or navigator reviews each line of programming as it is entered. Positions for software developers frequently change.

13. State the difference between SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) and Canvas.

SVG is an XML-based language for describing 2D graphics. Canvas generates 2D graphics in real-time (with JavaScript). Because SVG is based on XML, every element is accessible through the SVG DOM. JavaScript event handlers can be attached to an element. 

12. What is Type Coercion in JavaScript?

The automatic or implicit conversion of values between different data types is known as type coercion (such as strings to numbers).

Both explicit and implicit type coercion is possible. Explicit type coercion occurs when developers explicitly state their goal to convert between types by writing the necessary code, such as Number(value) (or type casting).

13. State the difference between <window.onload> and <onDocumentReady>?

The window.onload method is called after the entire web page has been loaded. This includes all memory-based and model elements such as the head tag, headline, and all other tags such as template files, images, and videos. The onload method is called by passing it a function. After the object has been loaded, the called function would be executed.

14. Describe the different kinds of HTTP requests supported by RESTful Web services. 

The most common HTTP request methods are as follows:

POST, GET, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE are the five main or most often used HTTP verbs (or methods, as they are officially known). These stand for the CRUD (create, read, update, delete) operations, in that order. Other verbs exist as well, albeit they are used less frequently.

If you’ve had some experience as a web developer and are interviewing for senior web developer positions, then you are likely to come across some of these frequently-asked senior web developer interview questions. 

15. How does CORS work?

An HTML5-supported mechanism, Cross-Origin Resource Sharing, or CORS, enables the requesting of resources on web pages from other domains outside the domains from where the resources originated. 

16. What is an Entity Tag?

An Entity Tag, or ETag, is an integral element of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): the protocol that facilitates communication between servers and web browsers. Entity Tag is one of the many mechanisms that the Hypertext Transfer Protocol provides for cache validation, allowing conditional requests from a client.

17. Can you define what Long Polling is?

Long polling is a method to maintain a persistent connection to the server. Long polling keeps the client’s connection intact and open till the server can transmit data to any client. The connection closes only after data is returned to a client, or when a connection timeout happens. 

18. What is DTD and what is the difference between PCDATA and CDATA in DTD?

DTD is short for Document Type Definition. It defines attributes, structure, and legal elements of XML documents.

PCDATA, or Parsed Character Data in the DTD, is the text that the XML parser will parse. Tags within the text are processed as markup, and the entities are expanded.

CDATA, or Character Data in the DTD, is the text that the XML parser will not parse. Tags within the text are not processed as markup, and the entities are not expanded.

19. What are the APIs that the HTML5 standard provides?

HTML5 incorporates a variety of APIs, such as:

  • History API
  • Constraint Validation 
  • Application Cache
  • Command API
  • User Interaction
  • Data Transfer
  • Text Track 

20. What is the best way to integrate different style sheets into a website? 

To style a single HTML element on the page, use Inline CSS in the style property. By incorporating CSS into the head portion of our HTML text, we may embed an internal stylesheet. In order to keep our CSS and HTML separate, we can also connect to an external stylesheet.

21. How do you optimize the loading time of your web application as a Web Developer?

6 Simple Methods for Boosting Page Loading Speed

  • Select a hosting solution that is optimized for performance.
  • Optimize and compress your images.
  • Reduce the number of redirects you use.
  • Cache your website's pages.
  • Activate browser caching.
  • CSS, JavaScript, and HTML should all be minified.

22. Define NPM (Node Package Manager). 

The word NPM (Node Package Manager) tends to come from when npm was first created as a package manager for Node.js. All npm packages are defined in package.json files. The package's contents

23. What are the different popup boxes that are available in JavaScript? 

Popup boxes are used in Javascript to display a message or notification to the user. In JavaScript, pop-up boxes are classified into three types:

  • Alert boxes
  • Confirm boxes
  • Prompt boxes.

24. Explain the term “Scope” in JavaScript and write its different types.

The JavaScript variable accessibility is based on the current context of the code, which is referred to as scope.

The two scope kinds are local and global. Variables that are declared outside of a block are referred to as global variables. Local variables are those that are declared within a block.

25. Can you explain what AJAX is?

  • AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML.
  • AJAX is a technique for creating dynamic and fast-loading web pages.
  • AJAX enables asynchronous web page updates by secretly sharing small bits of data with the server.

26. What do you mean by CDN (Content Delivery Network) in jQuery?

CDNs cache content such as web pages, images, and videos in proxy servers located near your physical location.

You may check your bank balance, download software, watch a movie, post on social media, or make purchases without waiting for the content to load.

27. Explain W3C (World Wide Consortium).

A global organization made up of member organizations is the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), a full-time staff, and the general public that collaborates to develop Web standards.

28. What do you mean by CSS Selectors? Name a Few.

The first component of a CSS Rule is a CSS selector . It is a pattern of elements and other terms that tells the browser which HTML elements should be selected in order for the CSS property values contained within the rule to be applied to them.

29. In CSS, there are numerous different sorts of selectors. Give some examples.

CSS Element Selector, CSS Id Selector, CSS Class Selector, CSS Universal Selector, and CSS Group Selector are some examples of CSS selectors.

30. How do pseudo-classes work?

A selector's term that indicates the special state of the selected element is called a pseudo-class in CSS.

For example, when a user's pointer hovers over a button, the pseudo-class:hover can be used to select it, and the selected button can then be styled.

31. Why are media queries used in CSS?

You can use media queries to apply CSS styles based on the general type of a device, such as print.

Media queries serve the following purposes: CSS @media and @import at-rules can be used to conditionally apply styles.

32. State difference between Local Storage and Cookies.

  • JavaScript uses cookies to read from and save user-related tiny data on the browser.
  • Using JavaScript's Storage API, Local Storage enables you to read from and save user-related data on the browser.
  • Learn about some of the key distinctions between local storage and cookies in this article to determine which is best for your websites.

33. What is the purpose of Canvas in HTML?

The HTML canvas element is employed to draw graphics in JavaScript on the fly. The canvas element only serves as a container for graphics. JavaScript is required.

34. What is the purpose of closures in JavaScript?

A closure is a function that has been bundled (enclosed) with references to its surrounding state (the lexical environment). In other words, a closure allows you to access the scope of an outer function from an inner function.

35. What is an event loop in Node JS?

An event loop is an endless cycle that waits for tasks, completes them, and then goes to sleep until other tasks come along.

The special state of the chosen element occurs when the call stack is empty or when there are no running tasks.

The event loop executes tasks from the event queue. We can use callbacks and promises in the event loop.

An open-source, free JavaScript-based technology, MEAN includes 4 JavaScript software stacks - Node.js ., AngularJS, ExpressJS , and MongoDB: that are used to develop dynamic web applications and websites. Here are the most commonly-asked MEAN stack web development interview questions and answers:

36. What is a Blocking Code?

If an application needs to await an I/O (Input/output) operation for completion of its execution, the code that is responsible for the waiting is called a blocking code.

37. What is the CSS Grid System?

Integrating 2 key components, columns and rows, CSS Grid Systems allow for both horizontal and vertical content stacking in an easily manageable and consistent manner.

CSS Grid Systems include:

  • Flexbox Grid
  • Simple Grid

38. What are Angular Route Guards?

Route guards or routing guards in Angular are interfaces that tell a router whether it should permit navigation to the requested route. Route guards make decisions based on the return value of false/true, which comes from the classes that implement the guard interfaces.

39. Can you compare MongoDB and SQL Databases?

Data is stored as columns, rows, tables, and records on SQL databases. The data storage takes place on a pre-defined model that is not elastic enough to support the needs of today's new-generation applications. MongoDB, on the contrary, adopts a flexible architecture that users can easily modify.

40. Are all the Object-Oriented Programming Principles supported in Typescript?

Yes, TypeScript supports and implements all 4 object-oriented programming principles, which are:

  • Polymorphism
  • Abstraction
  • Inheritance
  • Encapsulation

1. How to become a web developer?

While there are no formal or specific requirements for becoming a web developer, a numerate degree in a subject. Additionally, you ought to be skilled in or have knowledge of the following components: User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) .

2. What does a web developer do? 

Websites are created and maintained by web developers. They are also in charge of the site's technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, which are measures of a website's speed and capacity to handle traffic.

3. How much time does it require to learn web development?

Web development boot camps typically last 3-4 months and teach all of the skills required to qualify for a web developer job. Learning web development through online courses can take anywhere from a month to several years, depending on how much time you devote to your courses.

4. What should a web developer know?

To succeed as a Developer, you should be familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The acquisition of these core web development abilities will serve as the basis and reasoning for communicating with programming languages.

5. Who should learn web development?

A web developer can be anyone. The acquisition of these core web development abilities will serve as the basis and reasoning for communicating with programming languages as long as you're passionate about the field and eager to learn.  

6. Do web developers use coding?

Web developers use coding languages , 7. what is the average salary of a web developer in india .

Web Developer salaries in India range from 1.0 Lakhs to 7.0 Lakhs per year, with an average annual salary of 3.0 Lakhs. Estimated salaries are based on the most recent 26k salaries received from Web Developers.

8. Why should you be hired for a web development internship?

Work placements are a great way to learn about your career field while also developing skills that will help you land one of the highest-paying jobs in the world in the future.

They also assist students in exploring their interests prior to pursuing a career and gaining experience in their chosen field.

9. State the difference between a web developer and a software developer

  • A web developer is someone who works on web-based applications like websites, e-commerce, and mobile development.
  • A software developer, on the other hand, will focus on creating software for the underlying operating system, network, or platform.
  • The main distinction is the type of projects you might be assigned to work on.

10. How do you talk about web-development projects in an interview?

Mention a recent interesting or unique project you worked on to keep the interviewer interested in your response. Then, briefly go over the key points of your web development stages.

11. State different types of web development.

On the front end of web development.

  • Front-end web development is in charge of how a website looks.
  • Web development from start to finish
  • Web development on the back end.
  • Designer of websites.
  • Web developer.
  • Creator of content. Webmaster.

The term stack encompasses products and technologies that constitute the backbone and technological ecosystem for creating and managing web applications. A stack, in practice, includes databases, application frameworks, runtimes, and client-side architectures. Depending on project requirements, full-stack developers use various front-end and back-end stack components, including Ruby on Rails, LAMP, MERN, and MEAN to ensure optimal efficiency. 

Full-stack web development is one of the top employment opportunities in the world today, both in terms of scope and demand. Several multinational companies are looking for full-stack web developers for their all-round knowledge of UI/UX, product testing via Minimum Viable Product (MVP) cycles, app development environments, and mobile-first solutions. 

If you are keen on pursuing a full-stack web development career, check out the industry-recognized Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Web Development , offered by the world’s #1 online bootcamp and certification provider, Simplilearn, in association with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Center for Technology and Management Education (CTME).  

Simplilearn’s leading-edge full-stack web development training program teaches 30+ in-demand tools, and it provides access to 250+ hours of applied learning, twenty lesson-end and five phase-end projects, masterclasses from Caltech CTME faculty, online convocation by Caltech CTME Program Director, and capstone projects in four domains. Click here to get certified by the Caltech CTME. 

Our Software Development Courses Duration And Fees

Software Development Course typically range from a few weeks to several months, with fees varying based on program and institution.

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28 Technical Interview Questions Software Engineers Should Expect to Ace

Interviews are stressful. Technical interview questions can seem even more so—if you’re not prepared.

It’s fair to say that interview skills and the skills in the field of software engineering are two separate skillsets. Along with your field knowledge, you’ll want to work on your interview strategy.

This doesn’t mean you have to have decades in the field or tons of experience. One great thing about the field of software engineering is that people come from all different backgrounds. As long as you can prove your knowledge and show you know what you’re talking about, you can break into the field.

In this article, we’ll cover how to prepare for software engineer interview questions. First we’ll dive into some specific frontend and backend technical interview questions. We’ll give a quick overview into the parts of the software engineer interview and level of technical skills required for each.

To jump directly to a specific section you can click on a heading below.

Recruiter phone screen

  • Technical interview

Take-home project

Final stages, frontend interview questions, backend interview questions, full-stack developer interview questions.

  • Where to find more practice technical interview questions

1. How to prepare for technical interview questions

The interview process for a position as a software engineer has several stages. 

These are pretty much the same no matter if it’s for a job as a frontend, backend, or full-stack software engineer. The specific technical questions you get may be different. That depends on the role and needs of the company.

How you prepare will be different for each stage. Let’s break down the interview process for software engineering jobs.

The first step is almost always the recruiter screen. 

Recruiters are generally non-technical. They’ll often have a checklist of keywords they are looking for. These often involve years of experience, names of technologies you’ve worked with, etc. 

Their main function is to decide if you fit well enough to go to the technical part of the interview process.

For the recruiter screen you’ll want to work on your technical narrative . This is always some form of “tell us about yourself”. Even if you transitioned into tech recently, you want to come up with a narrative that makes sense to an outside ear.

We’re focusing on technical interview questions in this article, but you can more about how to tackle this step in our guide to preparing for the recruiter screen .

Technical phone screen

Once you appease the recruiter, the technical part begins. 

The technical screen is generally with an engineer on the team. They’ll likely test your theoretical and practical knowledge to get an idea of your experience. 

Preparing yourself with the main theory and common questions for your languages and frameworks goes a long way. We’ll give some examples below.

One major tip is to write down all the questions you get right after the interview . Especially if it was a question you didn’t answer well! Prepare an answer afterwards and write it down. That way you’ll be more prepared next time.

It’s pretty common to be given a task at this point to see how you actually code. 

This will likely vary depending on the product the company actually offers. You’ll usually be given a feature to create with a list of criteria. 

The length and complexity will often vary but usually it will take a day or two to complete (especially if you are new).

The final stages really depend on the company. 

You may be introduced to other colleagues at this point for behavioral questions. There might be another technical interview to discuss your project and the choices you made there. 

In any case, the worst is likely over by now.

2. Common technical interview questions

Unsurprisingly, the point of the technical interview is to assess your technical knowledge. 

This includes your experience and abilities as they relate to the company and position. While there is no one set of specific questions, there are common themes you can prepare for.

These are your questions about languages like JavaScript and related frontend frameworks like React, Vue, etc. 

You’re likely also to get some questions on the theory, i.e. object-oriented programming vs. functional programming .

Here are some examples:

  • What is hoisting?
  • What’s the difference between prototypical and classical inheritance?
  • What are the four major principles of object-oriented programming (and how do they work in JavaScript specifically)? 
  • What are reference vs. primitive types?
  • How does the JavaScript runtime environment work and what are the core parts of it?
  • What is a closure?
  • What are the different types of scopes?
  • What is event bubbling?
  • Asynchronous JavaScript, what are Promises, async await, generators, and what are the differences?

React/Redux

  • When should you put something in the Redux store vs. just in React?
  • Why choose React?
  • How do React components know they should be rerendered (i.e. virtual DOM)?
  • What are the core principles of Redux ?
  • How do you manage backend calls (Redux thunk, Redux saga)?
  • How to test components?
  • How to debug components?
  • What is a React Pure Component?

Learn more about React.js in our beginners guide.

Be prepared to talk about trade-offs in all these topics. 

Look into what the tech stack is for the company. If they use Vue, or Angular, for example, you’ll want to be aware of why one might choose that, differences between React, Vue, and Angular, etc.

Let’s go over some questions and themes you might be asked about the backend for web development interviews.

  • How does the event loop work in Node.js ? What are the phases?
  • Name some data structures you know. What’s the difference between a linked list and an array?
  • HTTP methods—what’s the difference between PUT and PATCH?
  • What’s CORS and what’s the purpose of it?
  • What are some Github branching strategies you’re familiar with?
  • What are some advantages and tradeoffs of MongoDB (relational databases)?
  • What is a join (in SQL)?
  • What is a database index?

Learn more about what a backend developer does in our complete beginners’ guide.

You’ll want to be prepped with the questions from the above frontend and backend development sections above. 

Here are some more general questions to prepare for that are not related to specifically frontend or backend:

  • Tell us about the toughest/most impactful technical challenge you’ve had in a project.
  • Tell me about a time you had to handle scaling a system (if you haven’t before – prepare how you would do it).
  • How do you keep up with new developments in the field? List newsletters, blogs, YouTube channels, conferences, etc.

4. Where to find more practice technical interview questions

Interview questions will always vary by company. 

Once you have a technical interview lined up, a good plan is to research their tech stack. Then search “interview questions” + TECHNOLOGY (i.e. interview questions React) and brush up on anything you’re not familiar with.

There are lots of resources online available for every language and situation, with sites such as LeetCode Explore giving you the chance to practice by interactively answering a variety of technical interview questions.

If you’re looking for more advice and guidance around the less technical section of the coder interview, check our main guide to web developer interview questions .

By now you have an idea what to expect from technical interview questions.

It may seem like a lot of area to cover. Keep in mind not every company will cover all areas. It depends on the technologies they use and the scope of the role. That said, slow and steady wins the race. If you prepare and study for 2-3 questions a day, you’ll be prepared in no time.

Looking to become a web developer or software engineer? Students of our full-stack developer program get access to a dedicated career specialist. But what’s that?

You’ll work closely with your career specialist to connect the dots between your previous accomplishments with your newfound tech skills. Together, you’ll create a winning resume that showcases your talent, and carefully craft your online presence to appeal to tech employers. You’ll also fine-tune your interview skills, learning how to confidently market your experience and negotiate salaries.

If you’re not sure if it’s for you, then try out our free 5-day coding short course to see how you like it.

If you’d prefer to read more about the world of coding first, then check out these articles:

  • How to Become a Software Engineer Without a Degree: A 6-Step Guide
  • How to Build a Personal Brand for Your Tech Career
  • What on Earth Is CSS? 

The Online Coding & Design School With A

  • Entry Level Tech Jobs
  • Front End Developer
  • Full Stack Developer
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Learn to Code
  • Get Hired in Tech

Tech Job Interviews 101: 15 Web Developer Interview Questions Explained

Ace your next web developer job interview with these sample questions and tips for answering.

essay questions about web development

Is Tech Right For you? Take Our 3-Minute Quiz!

You Will Learn: If a career in tech is right for you What tech careers fit your strengths What skills you need to reach your goals

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Learning tech skills is great (and something you should absolutely do right away!…buuut once you learn them, it’s time to start applying and interviewing for tech jobs. If you’re wondering what to say when you’re sitting across from a real life hiring manager, we’ve got you covered! Tech job interviews are nothing to fear, especially when you’ve already practiced the most likely questions (and some curveballs as well). That’s why we scoured the internet to pull together comprehensive lists of common questions asked during web developer job interviews, AND tips on how you should prepare for and answer them. You’ve got this!

Looking for more interview tips? Check out our articles on:

  • Web Designer Interview Questions
  • Digital Marketing Interview Questions
  • React JS Interview Questions
  • Remote Job Interview Questions

And if you need to learn the skills to land your own web developer job, consider our Skillcrush Front End Developer and Web Developer courses . These online classes are designed to be completed in 3 months by spending just an hour a day on the materials. 

Web Developer Job Interview Questions

1. describe a web development project you worked on from start to finish. what approach did you take, what challenges did you face, and how were you successful.

Tip: Be transparent about what a real web development project looks like for you. Highlight your wins, of course, but don’t shy away from being real about the challenges. Interviewers aren’t looking to hear that you never have setbacks (that’s not realistic). They want to hear how you get past setbacks and ultimately succeed.

2. Describe a project that went off the rails. Why did it go wrong and how did you react?

Tip: Similar to the last question, interviewers are looking for honesty here. Sometimes projects go badly, and that’s OK. What’s important is how you respond to failures and learn from them so they don’t happen next time.

3. Which programming languages are you proficient in? Are there any languages you’re not familiar with that you feel like you need to learn?

Tip: This question is pretty straightforward—let the interviewer know which languages you’re familiar with and how you use them. Ideally, you’ve scoped out the job beforehand and know that your experience syncs with what the employer needs. At the same time, have some new languages in mind that you’d like to learn. This highlights your willingness to keep growing professionally.

4. Why are you drawn to web development?

Tip: It’s a common pitfall to interview for a job and never explicitly say WHY you want to work in this specific field or for this particular employer/company. Even if the question doesn’t get asked, find a way to touch on it during the interview.

5. What kind of team environment do you thrive in?

Tip: You may be tempted to say whatever you think the interviewer is looking for, but it’s way better to be honest. If the team you’ll be working with has a work style that’s completely outside of your comfort zone, then this particular job might not be a good fit for you. That being said, most development teams are dynamic and flexible, and if your employer knows what kind of environment suits you best, they can help find a spot on the team that WILL work for you.

6. How do you keep on top of industry news and trends, and how do you apply this to your work?

Tip: You DO keep up with industry news, don’t you? If so, simply rattle off your list of favorite news sources and why they’re effective for keeping you in the know. And if tech news is something you’ve overlooked while being in the weeds of learning tech skills, take a few minutes to find a few suitable news blogs and tech Twitter accounts to put in your hip pocket (and be ready to bust them out at your next interview).

7. How do you communicate your progress to clients and/or stakeholders?

Tip: The gist here is to demonstrate that you understand the importance of keeping clients and stakeholders up to date, and that you have ideas for establishing systems of communication (or that you’re willing to work with systems like Agile or Scrum if they’re used by your employer).

8. What do you do if a client or stakeholder is unhappy with a project?

Tip: Having an effective communication strategy with stakeholders doesn’t mean you won’t sometimes receive negative feedback. So how do you respond? Do you get defensive? Shut down? Give up? Or do you find creative ways to accept that feedback and address client or shareholder concerns? Interviewers are looking for candidates who can adapt to and recover from hard times, so either think of a real example that you can share, or develop a client appeasement gameplan that you’ll use when the time comes.

9. Give me an example of how you’d describe web development (what it is, why it is important) to someone who is completely new to tech.

Tip : As a web developer you’ll find yourself in situations where you need to talk “tech” with non-techies. Making your work make sense to people who have no idea what it is you actually do is a valuable skill. Take off your developer hat for a day and think of some ways to describe web development to someone who doesn’t know Java from JavaScript.

10. Give an example of a website or web application that you don’t like, point out what’s wrong with it and what you would change.

Tip: Interviewers may ask you to provide an example of a website you think is less than stellar, then ask you to describe what you think is lacking and what you’d do to improve it. It’s a good idea to have examples and explanations on hand (as well as examples of sites you think are super effective) going into an interview. Answering this question comprehensively shows interviewers that you aren’t signing on to mindlessly write code—you understand what makes good sites good and how to make bad sites better.

11. What kind of management style do you respond to best?

Tip: This question is another one where you might be tempted to make the interviewer happy. But you know what’s guaranteed to make YOU unhappy? Working for a manager whose style you can’t stand. Be as flexible and as open minded as you can when describing your preferred management style, but if there’s something that’s a complete deal-breaker for you (or that you particularly appreciate), don’t be shy about making it known.

12. How would you describe the role of a web developer? What are the most important aspects of the job and why?

Tip: Your clear and concise summary of a web developer role shows how you think about the web development process in general, and lets interviewers know what specific developer strengths and interests you bring to the job.

13. How do you manage your time during a development cycle, and what methods do you use for estimating how long specific development tasks will take?

Tip: Managing your time and estimating how long individual tasks will take is critical to your success as a web developer. If you’re already good at time management and estimation, revisit what works for you and build on it ahead of this question. And if your current time management approach isn’t working? Now’s a great time to implement a new system and get the most out of your work day.

14. What soft skills will you bring to the job, and how do you envision using them?

Tip: Soft skills can be a difference maker. If it’s a choice between a skilled programmer and a skilled programmer who can write well or who has experience with project management, most employers will pick the latter. So have a list of your own soft skills ready, but also have examples of how they’ll be relevant to a web developer job. It’s not enough to say you’re good at written and verbal communication. You need to explain how your excellent written and verbal communication skills will help you relay project details to team members and stakeholders.

15. Give an example of a non-coding/web development problem that you’ve solved, and what your problem solving process involved.

Tip: Yes, you’re interviewing for a web developer job, but remember to look to other experiences in your life for inspiration. Examples like the time you helped improve the ordering system at the cafe you worked at or put together a volunteer fundraising effort to save the music program at your kids’ school all speak to the breadth of your problem solving abilities and experiences.

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Scott Morris

Category: Blog , Front End Developer , Interviews

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essay questions about web development

Web Developer Interview Questions: What to Ask and Expect

Are you a Web Developer seeking a job in one of the top US MNCs? Or, are you a recruiter from a top US MNC looking for an excellent Web Developer ? In either case, you have landed on the right page.

Table of Contents

The proliferation of internet use in businesses and households has resulted in a dramatic increase in the demand for web development. As businesses continue to move their operations online, looking to develop a strong web presence, this has naturally led to an increase in demand for web developers who are able to create and maintain websites that are both functional and visually appealing.

Hiring trends have followed suit, with the number of job postings for web developers consistently growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for instance, expects 19,000 more jobs in the sector by 2029. That’s an 8% growth rate — easily surpassing the 4% to 5% overall job growth rate in the U.S. To corroborate the BLS's findings, a LinkedIn report noted that the web developer role can expect to see 40% more job postings in the near future, and Hackernoon expects 853,000 web developer postings by 2024 — up from 135,000 in 2019.

Salaries have also risen, with the average annual salary for a web developer now easily exceeding $60,000. These job growth and salary prospects are continuously attracting new talent into the sector at an increasingly faster clip, but supply still can’t meet worldwide demand. Hence, there’s no shortage of competitors looking to dip their toes into the same talent pool you’re after.

This article will provide you with the fundamental information you need to know, some essential questions to ask, and detailed answers from experienced web developers. By the end of the article, you should have a solid grasp of the basics to make better-informed decisions when designing your interview process.

What Is a Web Developer?

Before going any further, it’s paramount to be absolutely clear about the roles and responsibilities of the position for which you’re hiring. Experienced developers are often frustrated by recruiters who simply reach out to them due to their profiles on LinkedIn matching certain keywords without understanding if it’s genuinely a good match at all. This is a good way to waste everyone’s time and plant seeds of distrust between tech recruiters and developers.

You should be crystal clear with a subject matter expert (SME) or your web development team lead regarding what you need, but below is an abridged, foolproof version.

Web development, simply put, is the process of building and maintaining websites and web applications. Web design, web programming, web publishing, and database management — you name it, they're all part and parcel of the web development process. The end goal, of course, is to create (and maintain) websites or web apps that look great and run smoothly both in terms of performance and user experience. The role of a web developer often encompasses this entire pipeline, though it can also be more specialized.

Therefore, web developers must have a good understanding of different types of web technologies and programming languages depending on the tasks they are performing and the platform they are using, including:

  • HTML and XML
  • PHP/Ruby/Python

Back-end web development refers to the server-side development of a website. This type of development is responsible for the functionality of a website and how it works. It is also responsible for the security and performance of a website. Front-end web development, on the other hand, refers to the client-side development of a website. This type of development is responsible for the design and layout of a website.

Larger websites and web apps typically have separate teams for both ends, while for smaller-scale operations it wouldn’t be uncommon for them to hire full-stack web developers — devs who can work on both ends sufficiently well for their purposes.

Before interviewing, it's essential to create a compelling web developer job description that clearly states the type of developer you need, along with the required skills, experience, and expected responsibilities.

Web Development Core Concepts 

One of the key principles of recruitment and hiring is asking the right questions during the interview process. This is critical regardless of the position or role. There are some general best practices when it comes to web developer interview questions, of course.

Many of these questions will be generic or basic to some degree, particularly geared towards web developers aiming for junior or entry-level positions. Let’s take a look at some more specific examples to get you started:

Basic Interview Questions for Web Developer

How much experience do you have with coding languages typically used in web development.

It's crucial to gauge their experience with coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Of course, you should ask for specifically what you need. Ask questions geared around the specific coding languages and frameworks you need for your project to determine if the developer you're considering has enough experience and would be a good fit.

Can you comfortably work with different CMS platforms?

You should also inquire about their experience level when it comes to using various content management systems (CMS). Another important question revolves around front-end versus back-end development. Specifically, whether they are more comfortable coding for design purposes or handling server-side logic. Developers typically specialize in either back-end development or front-end development (or both). Your organization may have a distinct delineation between the two, but smaller, leaner teams may want to hire web developers who can juggle both.

Do you have a portfolio of web development projects you've worked on in the past?

Ask to see previous work or gain input on their contributions to past projects. Working on known projects is not a must but it helps give insight into the quality of work that can be expected from the potential hire. It also lets you assess how they might fit into your team if they have already had experience working with other developers on large-scale projects.

What is your problem-solving philosophy, and do you have a typical process?

Having solid problem-solving skills is key to being an effective web developer. After all, being a good developer means being able to identify and solve complex issues quickly and effectively.

How do you keep up with developments in the tech industry?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask. Potential hires should be able to explain how they stay current on advancements within the industry. Technology is always changing at a rapid pace, so it’s crucial that your developers are keeping up with the latest trends.

What would former team members say about you? How would you say you react when things go wrong?

Definitely make sure to focus on soft skills. Since web development can be a very collaborative process, it's important to find someone who communicates well and is open to working with other team members.

Junior Web Developer Interview Questions and Answers

Now, onto the specifics: there is a multitude of specific questions you can ask entry-level or junior web developers to ascertain skill and culture fit. In the section below, you’ll find some of the most common questions, and also an explanation why they should almost always be included.

“What are the key responsibilities and overall roles of a web developer?”

Note that there may be distinctions you want to hear specifically for the role (e.g. back end versus front end), but generally, you want to hear what they think in general and how they think this specific role’s responsibilities will look like. In doing so, you will also gain an understanding of their overall grasp of the roles required in the position and their general understanding of web development in general.

“In your opinion, what programming languages and tech stacks should web developers be sufficiently skilled in for this role?”

Of course, ask about technologies, programming languages, and skills that apply to the actual position. Potential hires should be able to give examples and explain their reasoning.

Ask this question for the same reasons as the one above, but also to gain a clearer picture of the candidate’s understanding of the specific requirements of the role for which you’re hiring.

Common Web Developer Interview Questions

At a minimum, what you want to ascertain are demonstrated skills and experience in:

  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other languages you might need (e.g. PHP, Python)
  • Tech stacks and frameworks for web development
  • Responsive design
  • Servers and databases Version control tools

In light of this, some developer interview questions to ask would include:

  • “What is your understanding of Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) and how does it work?”
  • “Compare HTTP1.1 to HTTP/2.”
  • “What are some ways to reduce page load time and loading time in general?”
  • “How do you include JavaScript code into HTML?”
  • “Explain the difference between local storage and cookies.”
  • “Explain the difference between <frame> and <div>.”
  • “Explain the difference between HTML and XHTML.”
  • “What’s Document Type Declaration (DTD)?”
  • “Why is SVG used?”
  • “What are the new features introduced in CSS3?”

You get the idea: simple, factoid questions relevant to the role, questions that can reveal how much they know of current iterations of relevant technology, and questions that would trip up candidates that are posing with more experience than they actually have.

A caveat here is that sometimes, despite how simple some questions are, candidates might be stumped. Ask your SME/web dev team lead which questions candidates have some wiggle room for, because they, of all people, can tell you that sometimes dev work is all about who can refresh their memories via Google or Stack Overflow the best.

As an extra, you can also ask things like:

  • “What are your favorite HTML tags and why?”
  • “What are the best web development courses you’ve seen and why?”

You aren’t really looking for right or wrong answers with these. Rather, your goal is to get some insight into how they think.

Recruitment Web Developer Coding Challenges

First and foremost, know that coding challenges are the bane of developers when they’re not a good fit for their experience or the role they’re applying for, so be sure to deploy them tactfully. That said, there are some simple coding challenges you can ask face-to-face — all you need is to put a laptop in front of your candidate.

Open your company home page for them to fiddle with and ask away. Of course, make sure the coding of your home page (or wherever webpage you show them) actually has what you’re asking. Some sample questions:

  • “Can you point out a CSS ID selector in the webpage's source code and explain what it does?”
  • “Can you show me the CSS3 grouping made on this webpage and give me your assessment of whether it’s a good approach?”
  • “Can you point to the class selector used in this code and explain how it’s used and why?”
  • “Can you briefly code pagination into this webpage using CSS3?”
  • “Can you point out some areas in this webpage where z-index use would be a good addition?”

If you really want a full coding challenge, you can design one from scratch or go for multiple providers who have packaged coding challenges ready for your needs.

Culture Fit, Experience, and Soft Skills Questions

Some key questions apply to all roles, as mentioned earlier. These questions often involve digging deeper into relevant experience and personal insights. There are also soft skills questions, which when applied to a web developer interview are framed from the perspective of a team working on a website or web app.

“Describe your preferred development or team environment.”

Questions like this are key to understanding their professional preferences. Do their answers show them to be more individualistic or collaborative? Technical or creative?

Of course, you’ll need a checklist or some input from your SME or web dev team lead to interpret their answers properly if you're not so technically inclined.

Additional questions surrounding professional preferences can reveal some insights regarding culture fit. It’s pretty similar to questions you might ask in other roles, only they're framed for the specific job specs of a web developer.

“Could you walk me through one of your recent projects?”

This question allows the interviewee to go into detail about their role in a particular project as well as what technologies were used and what challenges were faced during its development process. It also gives an idea as to whether they prefer collaboration or working independently.

If the candidate explores anecdotes displaying technical skill, take note, but also try to steer it towards the soft skills and collaboration angle:

  • “Were there instances when there was friction between team members?”
  • “How did you work together with other team members towards [some specific web dev goal]?”
  • “Did you receive feedback from your teammates?” Or “How do you think your teammates would have appraised your performance in that previous role?”

Of course, this same question can also be framed in a way that allows you to better understand their technical prowess, and it’s indeed recommended to do so. Try designing your interview process to revolve around one or two questions of this make, and spread out your angles of approach to cover both skill fit and culture fit follow-up questions.

“What interests you about this job opening?”

This question helps ascertain whether they have read and understood the job posting, which shows initiative and care beyond simply getting any old job.

Senior Web Developer Interview Questions

That does it for entry-level or junior web developers. Those questions can become completely incompatible when hiring senior web developers, so you’ll have to rely on a different set:

“What skills do you think are important for a senior web developer to have?”

This question determines if their mindset matches the profile you’re looking for. Good candidates will answer in a way that matches their current skill sets to those required in your job listing, adding a bit of information on why that’s important.

“How often do you update your skills as a senior web developer?”

Essentially, figure out how intrinsically committed a candidate is to this career path because it’s always easy to go with extrinsic factors like career paths provided by outside influences, like employers. Additionally, this question addresses whether they can keep up with the company’s changing needs as technologies advance. Ideally, candidates show they're dedicated to updating their skills through reliable means.

“Describe the relationship between back-end and front-end development.”

Give candidates the opportunity to share what is essentially generic knowledge from their perspective and based on their own experience. If they provide the “general knowledge” sort of answer, push them to explain how they would frame it from their point of view. This question also shows you their experience handling the nuances of the relationship between both ends.

“How would you decide the features to include in a new project?”

Answers to this question reflect strategic prioritization and decision-making. Push for examples from previous projects and ask for detailed explanations and justifications, making sure to see if you can identify — or indeed, if they can make it clear — what strategies or processes they rely on.

“How do you test new websites or apps before public release?”

This is a process question where you’re not necessarily trying to get a specific answer that fits your current needs — though that would be great — rather you want to get a concrete idea of a candidate’s technical problem-solving skills. Use what-if follow-up questions for more detail.

How would you design a back-end for specific requirements or a front-end for specific target audiences?

Either/or, depending on your needs: answers to this question reflect creativity and problem-solving skills that fall a bit outside of technical prowess and take quite a bit from previous experience. Of course, replace “specific requirements” with actual project specs, and “specific target audiences” with actual people, like “younger demographics.”

“How would you approach a situation where a client needs to use an unfamiliar tech stack (or part of it)?”

Answers to this question reflect not only how a senior web developer would approach challenges beyond what they’re equipped to handle at the moment, but also how they would deal with clients and develop strategies towards such issues.

“How would you approach negative client feedback on website or web app design?”

This question seeks to affirm how candidates approach the management of client expectations and communication. You can use variations of this question, such as adding for example that the deliverable was exactly on-spec and the client was actually at fault for not understanding what they asked for.

“How do you approach working with a team of developers for a single project?”

This seems like a question that may also apply to lower-level devs, but the context matters. Pay close attention to how candidates answer this based on their own experience and how they explain or justify their answer and you can gain some insight if they’re a good manager or leader.

“Say a junior dev made a mistake that rolled out in public release. How do you address this?”

This is a very specifically framed version of “Can you tell me about a time when there was a conflict in your previous team and you approached it?” That question is also pretty good, but there are times when the answers candidates come up with are a little too unimpressive by no fault of their own, i.e. the conflict was easily resolved or it was so easy to fix that you gain no insight into the candidate’s qualities.

Pushing a theoretical situation that’s pretty dire makes candidates dig deep into their previous history, regardless of how grave their past conflicts were, and work out a multifaceted solution because the situation you provided is complex.

Key Senior Web Developer Areas of Focus

Notice the pattern yet? Designing interview processes for senior web developers means digging deep into a few key areas:

  • Personal and professional development
  • Client engagement and communication
  • Leadership and management of projects and teams

Your questions need to ascertain how well they fare in these facets. Feel free to ask your SME or web dev team lead how to put a more technical spin or frame on your questions, to make them double-edged and also get a deeper understanding of a candidate’s technical prowess. By and large, however, a technical skills test combined with a verified portfolio of previous projects can already give you a good skills fit assessment.

How We Can Help You Hire Web Developers

Choosing the right web developers for hire will play a pivotal role in the success of your project. With the current global shortage of tech talent, it has become increasingly difficult to find qualified individuals for open positions. Revelo can help ease this burden by connecting you with pre-screened mobile app developers from Latin America. Having established relationships with top tech talent from around the world, Revelo is equipped to build remote mobile application development teams quickly and efficiently.

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