Who is a frontend developer?
Every time you visit a website or use a web application, you are interacting with the work of a frontend developer. They are responsible for everything you see and interact with on a website—from buttons and animations to navigation menus and responsive layouts.
A frontend developer’s job is to translate designs and concepts into functional and visually appealing digital experiences. They work closely with designers, backend developers, and project managers to ensure that a website or app is both beautiful and functional.
But how does one become a frontend developer, and what does the journey look like? Let’s hear from our Luka Cerovac, a frontend developer who shares his experience.
Why frontend? Luka’s journey
For many developers, choosing a specialization is a big step in their career. Luka explains why he was drawn to frontend development:
"I chose frontend because I love working on visual and interactive parts of applications, where I can see concrete results from my efforts."
Frontend development combines logic with creativity—writing code that determines how an interface looks and functions. Unlike backend development, which deals with data storage and server logic, frontend developers work directly on the user experience.
Luka’s journey into frontend development began with an opportunity to work on a real project under the guidance:
While many beginners start with self-study (learning through online courses, tutorials, and practice projects), working on real projects provides invaluable experience.
"With the support of my team, I had to learn independently and often stay longer to keep up with the pace of other members and deliver quality results."
Frontend development is fast-paced and requires continuous learning. The field is always evolving, and staying ahead means being proactive in acquiring new skills.
Essential skills every frontend developer needs
Becoming a successful frontend developer requires mastering a combination of technical and soft skills. While coding is the foundation, effective collaboration and problem-solving are just as important.
1. Technical skills as the building blocks
Frontend developers work with several core technologies:
HTML – The structure of a webpage.
CSS – Styles and layouts.
JavaScript – Interactivity and dynamic elements.
React & Angular – Popular libraries and frameworks for building modern web applications.
TypeScript – A typed superset of JavaScript that improves code quality.
Git & other version control tools – Essential for collaboration and managing code changes.
Luka emphasizes the importance of understanding architectural principles in frontend development:
"It’s crucial to understand the architecture of the technology we work with and master concepts like atomic design and reusable React components."
Atomic design, for example, helps developers create scalable and reusable UI components, making development more efficient and structured.
2. But soft skills are the key to success
Beyond coding, teamwork and communication play a huge role in a frontend developer's success. Luka stresses this point:
"The most important skill is effective collaboration with all project participants. Without good communication and teamwork, it’s difficult to meet deadlines and maintain quality."
Frontend developers constantly interact with designers, backend developers, and project managers to ensure smooth execution of projects. The ability to adapt, communicate, and work well in a team is often just as valuable as technical expertise.
A day in the life of a frontend developer
What does a typical day look like for a frontend developer? What tools do they use to get the job done?
Luka shares his daily routine, the technologies he relies on, and what makes his job both exciting and challenging.
Morning: Planning and team sync-ups
The day starts with a cup of coffee and a plan. Before diving into code, Luka reviews his tasks and attends daily standup meetings:
"My typical day starts with planning and a morning standup, where the team discusses current progress, obstacles, and goals."
These meetings are essential for keeping the team aligned and identifying potential issues early. Frontend developers work closely with different roles, so constant communication is key.
Midday: Deep work and coding
Once meetings are out of the way, it’s time to focus on writing code.
Luka's tech stack includes:
Next.js & React – For building scalable and interactive web applications.
TypeScript – To improve code reliability.
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – The foundation of every frontend application.
Git & version control – To manage and collaborate on code efficiently.
"Every day, I use Next.js, TypeScript, and React, along with essential frontend technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript."
Additionally, collaboration with the design team is a key part of his day. If a UI component needs adjustments, Luka consults the designers and ensures everything aligns with the project’s vision.
Afternoon: Debugging, testing, and problem-solving
Not every day is smooth sailing—bugs and challenges often arise. Luka explains that sometimes, a task requires extensive research and problem-solving before it can be implemented:
"The most challenging tasks are often the most interesting because I learn a lot and feel great satisfaction when I solve them."
Complex UI components, performance issues, or unexpected browser behavior can be tricky to fix, but that’s part of the excitement of frontend development.
End of the day: Reviewing and wrapping up
Before logging off, Luka takes time to review his code, push updates, and prepare for the next day's tasks. Version control (Git) helps track changes, and code reviews ensure high-quality output.
Despite the technical challenges, seeing a design come to life and knowing that users interact with something you built makes it rewarding.
The most challenging and rewarding aspects of the job
Like any profession, frontend development comes with both difficulties and rewards. Luka highlights some of the biggest challenges:
1. The challenge: Solving complex problems
Some tasks require in-depth research, testing, and debugging before a solution is found. Developing a feature from scratch can be particularly demanding:
"The hardest part of the job is working on complex tasks that require research before implementation, especially when developing a new feature from zero."
2. The reward: Constant learning and growth
Despite the challenges, these tasks also offer the most learning opportunities. Solving difficult problems expands knowledge and sharpens skills.
"Even though these tasks are difficult, they are often the most exciting because I learn a lot through them and feel a great sense of achievement when I solve them."
3. The challenge: Keeping up with new technologies
Frontend development is constantly evolving, with new frameworks, tools, and best practices emerging all the time. Staying up to date requires continuous learning.
"You have to be ready to adapt to new technologies and trends because frontend development is constantly changing."
4. The reward: Seeing the final product
One of the most satisfying parts of being a frontend developer is seeing a project go live and knowing that people are interacting with something you built. Unlike backend development, where work is often behind the scenes, frontend developers see their impact directly on the screen.
Luka's advice for beginners
For those interested in becoming a frontend developer, Luka offers advice on how to start your frontend journey:
1. Start with the fundamentals
2. Work on real projects
The best way to learn is by building actual projects. Whether it’s a personal website, a small web app, or contributions to open-source projects, hands-on experience is invaluable.
"If you get the chance, work on a real project under the mentorship of experienced developers—it’s one of the fastest ways to learn."
3. Develop soft skills and be a team player
While technical knowledge is crucial, teamwork and communication are just as important. Being able to collaborate with designers, backend developers, and other team members will make you a more effective developer.
"Be prepared for teamwork. Collaborating with others is a big part of the job, and good communication skills will help you grow faster."
4. Stay curious and keep learning
Technology is constantly changing, so staying curious and adaptable is key. Follow industry trends, experiment with new tools, and never stop learning.
"Frontend development is dynamic and exciting, but it requires continuous learning. Be persistent and don’t be afraid of challenges—your efforts will pay off."
