Web developers are in high demand, which means that they need to have certain habits in order to be successful. In this article, we will outline 10 essential habits that every web developer should have in order to be successful. By following these habits, you'll be able to build better websites faster and with less stress. Let's get started!

Plan and organize your code before starting
It's important to have a plan before you start coding, so that you know what you're aiming to achieve. This will help you organize your code and make it easier to follow.

Planning and organizing your code before starting can definitely save you time and headaches down the road. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Use version control- When you're working on a project, use version control to keep track of your changes. This way, you can always revert back to a previous version if something goes wrong.

2. Use folders and classes- When developing code, organize it into folders and classes for easier navigation. This will make it easier to find what you're looking for and prevent any conflicts from happening.

3. Use commenting and documentation- It's always a good idea to comment your code and include documentation as needed. This will help other developers understand your code more easily and avoid any potential conflicts.

4. Test your code frequently- Whenever you make a change to your code, test it thoroughly before going live. This way, you can avoid any potential glitches or issues down the road.

Use a bug tracker
A bug tracker is a great way to keep track of the bugs that you find in your software. It can also help you organise your work and keep track of the progress that you are making. Here are a few tips on how to use a bug tracker effectively:

1. Set up a system - First, you need to set up a system for tracking bugs. This system should include a description of the bug, the steps needed to reproduce it, and any other relevant information. Tools like Disbug helps ease this process. Reporters and clients can report a bug with all the neccessary information in just a click. Setting up a tool like Disbug will save an enormous amount of time and money for the company.

2. Use an automatic bug tracker - If you are not comfortable using an automated bug tracker, then you should at least use one that sends email alerts when new bugs are found. This will ensure that you are always aware of what needs to be fixed and will help you stay on top of your work.

3. Use different tools for different tasks - Sometimes, one bug tracker may not be enough - for example, if you are also working on website design or coding tasks. In this case, you might want to use a separate bug tracker for each task. This way, everything is clearly organised and there is no confusion about where reports should go.

4. Track progress - One of the best ways to improve your work ethic is to track your progress regularly. Bug trackers make this easy - just add a line in the description of each bug that says "Completed: [date]". This will help you stay motivated and improve your productivity overall!

Focus on the End Goal
It is important to always keep the end goal in mind when working on a project. This will help you to stay focused and on track, and will ultimately lead to better results. Here are some specific tips that can help you stay focused:

1. Set clear and measurable goals - Once you have determined your end goal, it is important to set clear and measurable goals for reaching it. This way, you will be able to track your progress and stay motivated.

2. Stay organized - It's easy to get lost in the details when working on a project, but if you're not organized, it will be almost impossible to finish on time or with the right quality. Keep a folder for all your project files, and make sure to label them appropriately so that everything is easy to find.

3. Use effective tools and resources - There are countless tools and resources available online that can help you complete your project faster and with better quality standards. Utilize these resources to your advantage, and you'll be able to achieve your goals in no time!

4. Take breaks - A lot of work can lead to stress and anxiety, which can ultimately impede your productivity. Make sure to take occasional breaks so that you can restore energy levels and resume work with a fresh perspective.

Always keep optimizing
Web developers always need to be optimizing their work to make sure that their pages load quickly and look good on all devices. There are a number of things that you can do to optimize your work, including:

1. Optimize your images - Make sure that your images are high-resolution and optimized for retina displays. Also, make sure that you're using the right file formats for the platforms that you're targeting.

2. Minimize your HTTP requests - When you're loading a page, try to minimize the number of HTTP requests that you make. This means using compression technologies, caching resources, and deferring loading of resources until they're actually needed.

3. Check your CSS performance - Make sure that your CSS is loadable and doesn't cause performance issues on the devices that you're targeting. Try using caching solutions and minifying your stylesheets whenever possible.

4. Optimize your JavaScript - Make sure that your JavaScript is as small as possible and doesn't suffer from performance issues. Use bundling techniques, avoid duplicate code, and minify your scripts whenever possible.

5. Check your site's accessibility - Always make sure that your site is accessible by using WCAG 2.0 guidelines and testing on different browsers and devices. Additionally, make sure to use valid HTML5 markup and ensure compatibility with modern browser features like PWAs ( Progressive Web Applications ).

Communicate Regularly
Web developers are often in a position where they need to be able to communicate effectively with their clients and colleagues. Here are some tips for becoming a better communicator:

1. Take the time to learn the basics - When you're first starting out, it can be helpful to learn the basic principles of web development. This will help you to be able to more easily understand and communicate with your clients and colleagues.

2. Get feedback - Feedback is an important part of any communication process, and web developers are no exception. By asking for feedback, you will help to improve your skills as a developer and as a communicator.

3. Be clear - When you're communicating with your clients or colleagues, it's important to be as clear as possible. This will help them to understand what you're trying to say, and it will also help them make better decisions.

4. Use visual aids - Whether it's diagrams or screenshots, using visuals can help your communication process go much smoother. Not only that, but it can also help to clarify complicated concepts.

5. Be patient - As with anything else in life, communication takes time and effort to cultivate. However, with a little practice, you'll be able to improve your skills rapidly. Good luck!

Be Creative
Being creative as a web developer can mean a lot of things - from coming up with new and innovative ways to solve problems, to thinking outside the box when it comes to design.

This is why it's so important to have a strong sense of creativity when you're working as a web developer - it will help you come up with solutions that are both effective and practical. Here are some tips that will help you develop your creativity as a web developer:

1. Take some time for yourself - It's easy to get stuck in a rut when you're working on a project, and it can be hard to come up with new ideas. Make sure to take some time for yourself every once in a while and explore your creative side. This can be done by painting, writing, or any other form of artistry.

2. Think outside the box - When it comes to solving problems, don't be afraid to think outside the box. This is how you'll come up with innovative solutions that work well for your specific client or project.

3. Be patient - It takes time and patience to develop creativity as a web developer, but the rewards are worth it!

Use Version Control Software
Version control software is a great way to keep track of your work and make sure that you always have a backup of your files. It can also be helpful when you are trying to collaborate with other developers. Here are some of the most popular versions control software:

1. Git - Git is probably the most popular version control system out there, and for good reason. It is easy to use and it has a wide range of features that can be useful when working with code.

2. Mercurial - Mercurial is another great option for web developers. It is similar to Git, but it has some unique features that may be useful for certain situations.

3. Subversion - Subversion is a more recent option, but it has been growing in popularity lately due to its powerful features and easy-to-use interface.

Whichever version control system you decide to use, make sure to read up on the basics so that you are able to use it effectively and efficiently. Also, be sure to keep a backup of your files in case anything goes wrong. That way, you will always have a copy of your work that you can go back to if needed.

Learn New Languages
One of the great things about being a web developer is that you can learn new languages to better serve your clients and improve your skills. Here are a few languages that are worth learning:

1. Python - Python is a powerful programming language that is used by many developers for creating web applications and websites.

2. JavaScript - JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in use today and is used for creating user interfaces, developing AJAX applications, and more.

3. ReactJS - ReactJS is a popular JavaScript library that allows developers to build user interfaces with minimal code.

4. PHP - PHP is a widely-used open source language that helps developers create dynamic websites and web applications.

5. Ruby on Rails - Ruby on Rails is a popular framework for developing web applications using Ruby. It provides a lot of flexibility and makes it easy to create robust, reliable systems.

Understand the Business Needs
As a web developer, your primary responsibility is to provide your clients with a high-quality platform that meets their specific needs. In order to do this, it's essential that you understand the business needs of your clients, both from an operational standpoint and from a design standpoint.

Operationally, it's important to understand the client's traffic and conversion rates. From a design standpoint, you should be familiar with the company's branding and logo requirements, as well as any specific features or layouts that are required. In addition, you should be familiar with the client's website analytics in order to determine which areas need attention.

Overall, understanding the business needs of your clients will ensure that you deliver a high-quality service that meets their specific needs.

Be careful with deadlines
Yes, deadlines can be a bit tricky as a web developer. On the one hand, you want to make sure that your work is of the highest quality and meets all the requirements of your clients. On the other hand, you don't want to miss any deadlines or end up with unfinished work. Here are some tips to help you navigate these tricky waters:

1. Establish clear communication - Make sure that you and your clients are always clear about your deadlines and what needs to be completed by then. This way, there will be no surprises and everyone will be on track.

2. Set realistic expectations - Don't set deadlines that are too high or too low - this will only frustrate yourself and your clients. Opt for deadlines that will allow you to finish your work on time but also leave enough room for revisions if needed.

3. Use milestone dates - Rather than setting a single deadline, use milestone dates as a way to measure progress and ensure that all parties are satisfied with the work done thus far. This way, you can still be flexible without worrying about frustrating your clients or creating unfinished work.

4. Stay calm - The worst thing that can happen when working on a deadline is getting into a frenzy and making mistakes that take longer to fix. Stay calm, stay focused, and keep pushing forward until the job is done!

Conclusion
As a web developer, it's your duty to cultivate good web development habits to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These 10 essences will help you achieve that. Keep them in mind and you'll be on your way to a successful career in web development!