By Shruti Jayakumar
As digitalization and internet accessibility expand globally, the need for skilled web developers is at an all-time high. The global web development market was valued at 56,000 million USD in 2021 and is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.03% during the forecast period, reaching 89,013 million USD by 2027.
Web Development Industry:
The web development industry in India has grown substantially over the past decade. In the light of this flourishing landscape, web development has become one of the most promising career paths in the rapidly growing tech industry. This growth is driven by a combination of factors, including the proliferation of online businesses like eSparkBiz, GirnarSoft, Promatics Technologies, startups like Unacademy, CRED, UrbanClap and e-commerce platforms like Nykaa, Myntra and BigBasket. These factors have created a substantial demand for web development professionals, making web development a lucrative and dynamic career choice.
Considering the rapid growth of the web development industry, the anticipated increase in demand for web development through 2031 suggests that someone who becomes a web developer now is likely to have solid job security in the future as well. As of 2023, the employment rate for web developers is over 94%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 30.3% employment growth for Web developers between 2021 and 2031. Globally, the number of web developers is continuously rising. There are 27.7 million web developers globally. The global developer population is expected to reach 28.7 million people by 2024, an increase of 3.2 million from the number seen in 2020.
Need for upskilling in Web Development:
The web development industry is dynamic, so one needs to upskill to keep up with the ongoing trend constantly. With the advent of newer technology like generative AI and the rapid evolution of legacy technologies, the skill gap in the industry is widening. Taking significant strides towards addressing this looming skill gap in the Indian industry are online upskilling platforms like OdinSchool, which delivers rigorous industry-aligned bootcamps to skill up and empower working professionals to transition into lucrative, high-growth careers.
The web development industry in India has seen substantial growth over the past 5 years and is expected to grow drastically in the next 5 years. India is also predicted to have the world’s largest developer base, with a growth rate of 39% by 2024, surpassing the USA in terms of the number of web developers. As a result, some top companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Tech Mahindra are hiring talent at a steady pace.
Individuals looking to enter the web development industry have a wide range of roles to choose from and need to develop specific skills for the desired roles. Some of the most prominent web development roles that companies are currently hiring for include Front-End developer (proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and front-end frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js), Back-End developer (a strong understanding of Python, Ruby, or PHP and frameworks like Node.js, Django, or Laravel), Full-Stack developer (proficiency in both front-end and back-end technologies), Web Application developer (experience with web application frameworks like Ruby on Rails, ASP.NET, or Flask) and many more. These skills are essential for web developers to succeed in their roles. While some skills are specific to certain roles, others are more general and apply to multiple roles.
Future:
The future of web development is expected to be shaped by various emerging technologies, changing user expectations, and advancements in the digital landscape. JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js have gained popularity in recent years, enabling the creation of more powerful and dynamic web applications. This trend is likely to continue as developers seek to build more interactive and engaging user experiences. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are revolutionizing web development by enabling personalized experiences, automated content generation, and data-driven decision-making. AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants are enhancing customer support and improving user engagement. As these technologies continue to advance, websites are expected to become more intelligent, adaptive, and efficient.
Staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends is essential to excel in this dynamic field. In response to this increasing demand, leading upskilling platforms such as OdinSchool provide industry-aligned bootcamps in web development to equip and enable professionals to prosper in their careers. With the ever-increasing importance of the digital realm, web developers in India are poised to enjoy a bright and rewarding career as they play a vital role in shaping the online experiences of millions of people in the country.
(The author is Shruti Jayakumar, Director, OdinSchool, and the views expressed in this article are her own)
