Web developers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have grown up with the Internet. Others have adapted skills from the offline world, such as brand management, desktop publishing, or journalism, and applied them online.

The following description of career tracks provides a general introduction to the range of opportunities in Web development. Keep in mind that job descriptions in this field are fluid, rather than fixed; many roles evolve into other roles, and where a title means one thing at one company, it can mean something quite different at another.

It's easy to describe the work of a web developer in simplistic terms. "Our Developer Good code with expert." But writing good code isn't actually that simple. It requires "attention to detail, autonomy, pride in your work, a thirst for learning, and of course, good problem solving," says Braunstein. "You have to be able to adapt to change and work well with other programmers."

Adapting and changing is the name of the game. When you work in web development, there's always a new opportunity to flex your creative muscles. On any given day, you might find yourself collaborating with a web designer, launching a new feature, or solving a complex software problem. Your success is limited only by your willingness to learn and grow.