How can you explain web development to non-technical people?

Web Development is the task of building an organization's public, interactive face online (or, "interface"). These interfaces are often called "websites," but these days, this software can be so rich and so complex that they tend to be called "web apps." The user-facing side of a web app – what users see and touch – is the "Front-end." In this space, we focus on user experience, design, craftsmanship, security, and accessibility: fulfilling the needs of the business by fulfilling the needs of the user. The business-facing side of the app – the services, the data, the business logic – is the "Back-end." Here, we focus on architecture, organization, data integrity, reliability, and (of course) security. What are you curious about?

I remember a conference I spoke at earlier this year, and someone asked me how I would explain the concept of web development to a 5-year-old or someone not familiar with software development. I replied with the simplest definition: Web development is all about crafting websites and web applications. It involves using different coding languages, tools, and frameworks to shape how a website looks and functions. There are two key parts to web development: front-end, which deals with the visible parts of a website that users interact with, and back-end, which handles the behind-the-scenes data and functionality.

Webdevelopment is like creating a beautiful painting. The only difference is that tools are changed. For base drawing instead of brush we use html. For colors intead of colors we use css For intereaction with painting we have JS Just like for painting there is exhibitions, for website, we put it in a server. And just like for painting we have fancy tools for development we have fancy libraries.

Imagine you're opening a restaurant. Front-end is the dining area, everything the customer sees and interacts with, from the menu to the tables and chairs. Back-end is the kitchen where chefs (servers, databases) prepare the food (data) and handle orders (requests). Web development is the process of building this restaurant, ensuring customers have a pleasant experience, the decor is inviting (UI/UX), and the kitchen runs efficiently to serve meals quickly and accurately.

I once explained to a non technical person what I did for a living, and it went along these lines. The goal of development is to build digital tools which solve problems experienced by specific users. A more concrete comparison would be inventing and producing a hammer adapted for carpentry. In the case of web development, the produced tools are made available through a web browser like Chrome, Safari or Firefox.

You can think about Web development like constructing a shop window where you present to the customers the nice thing your are sealing. As a web developer, You are building a website that provides accessible information to users and enables them to integrate with it. When the web site is become more complex you extend what we call "frontend" development - the ui , the windows with "backend" development this part responsible for manage, manipulate and do complex action on the data, before we present it in the website.

Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications, involving tasks like coding, design, and functionality to make them work on the internet.

We can take so many examples from real life to explain web dev to non tech people, I follow this approach to teach and train non tech people about web dev and programming and I always found this helpful. Example: Web development is like creating a restaurant on the internet. The frontend is like designing the menu and setting up tables, making the website look inviting. The backend is like the kitchen and chef, managing orders and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Web developers work on both parts to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for online visitors, just like creating a great dining experience in a restaurant.

Front-end development is an exhilarating journey through the digital realm. It's about crafting user experiences that captivate and connect. From the first line of code that shapes a button's appearance to the final touch that brings an interface to life, every detail matters. At the heart of front-end development lies a delicate balance between creativity and logic. It's not just about making things look pretty; it's about making them work seamlessly. It's the art of translating design concepts into responsive layouts, ensuring they adapt flawlessly across devices and screen sizes. It's the thrill of seeing your work come to life, the satisfaction of a perfectly aligned layout, and the joy of users navigating with ease.

FrontEnd development is the client-side development part of web development, it includes coding in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language, it is called HyperText Markup because here we have a set of markup symbols inserted into a file intended for display on the Internet. With CSS we can design our web page with only these two we can create static websites but to add dynamic content to our website we need to have JavaScript. With JavaScript, we can add functionalities to our web application, and handle user input and other events. Some of the modern technologies available for frontend development are ReactJS, AngularJS, VueJS, etc.

One way I explain this to non technical people is using the concept of cars. Frontend can be likened to car's body and interiors. it is everything that makes the car beautiful to look at and everything you can see on the car without actually driving the car or looking under the hood. In like manner Front-end development is everything the user can see on their app or browser and how they interact with it.

Front-end development focuses on building the visual and interactive aspects of a website that users directly engage with. Utilizing languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, front-end developers create responsive and user-friendly designs, ensuring the site looks and functions well across various devices. They often employ frameworks and libraries, such as React or Vue.js, to enhance interactivity and streamline development. The primary goal is to provide an intuitive user experience, translating the site's design into code while optimizing for performance and accessibility.

When my mother describes my job as a front-end developer, the answer would be "sitting in front of the laptop thingy, drinking coffee and doing something with the google web". My own answer would be, the creation of everything you see and interactive with on a website. So for customers its bringing a vision to life, for users its creating an intuitive, informative and seamless experience that is responsive on all platforms..... That, and centering divs

I found the user experience as the center and most important part of the front-end development even on top of the "select your tech stack". On the other hand we can face pretty much the same challenges that are present most of the times in back-end development, like performance and architecture implementations.

Front End development is the presentational aspect of a website. It is what the user will interact with to get some information or some sort of desired results from the website. The three categories that make a website are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Think of it like building a house. HTML is the structure or the wood to be applied to support the structure. CSS is the painting of the various rooms once the wooden walls have been placed. JavaScript is the electricity / functionality of said house, when you turn on the switch the light turns on. This was a way I would explain the concepts whenever I had taught Front End web development classes as an introduction.

Front-end development is the part of programming that makes any other kind of programming shine in the shape of websites, mobile apps, etc. It translates the jargon of programming languages into an interface that you and everybody else can interact with, despite their technical knowledge other than being able to interact with computer or phone.

Front-end development is like designing and decorating the front door of a house. It involves creating the look, feel, and functionality of a website or app that people interact with on their screens. It's about making sure everything looks good, works well, and is easy to use, like arranging furniture and decorations in a room to make it inviting. Front-end developers use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build these digital spaces, ensuring they are accessible and work smoothly for everyone who visits.

Front-end development can be likened to a plate of food served at a restaurant - it's visually appealing, interactive, and carefully crafted by developers to ensure a pleasant user experience, much like how a well-prepared meal enhances the joy of dining. In the realm of web applications, front-end developers play a pivotal role in embodying both the essence of the product and the ethos of the company. A website’s aesthetics are paramount; an unattractive or poorly designed site might drive visitors to seek alternatives. Our perception is significantly influenced by visual cues, hence, it's imperative for front-end developers to excel in their craft to capture and retain the attention of users.

Back-end development is like building the infrastructure behind a grand stage performance. It's where databases house crucial data, servers process requests, and complex algorithms ensure seamless functionality. This realm demands an eye for detail and precision, where a single line of code can impact an entire system.Collaboration with front-end developers is a dance of synchronization. Together, we create a seamless user experience, with the front end interacting harmoniously with the back. It's the thrill of seeing a user's interaction trigger a cascade of processes on the back end, and the satisfaction of knowing my work keeps the digital world spinning.

Back-end development is like the hidden kitchen in a restaurant. While you enjoy the menu and delicious dishes, back-end developers use special codes to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes—like preparing orders and organizing information. They're the chefs behind the website, making sure your online experience is as tasty and seamless as possible.

Think of a restaurant. When you're dining, you see the decor, the waitstaff, and your food. However, behind the scenes, there's a kitchen where chefs, prep cooks, and dishwashers are hard at work. They prepare your meal, manage supplies, and ensure everything runs smoothly. You don't see them, but their work is essential to your dining experience. It involves servers where the data is stored, databases that keep the data organized, and server-side scripts that process user requests. While invisible to the end-user, back-end development is crucial as it powers every function, from user logins to e-commerce transactions.

Back-end development is the invisible part of every websites, it is where most of the magics that amaze people like Facebook suggesting a random person you just met in a random place as friend, the tiktok videos that matches the last thing you imagined, the suggestions for you to buy the same set of things you bought from Amazon a week before, those frustrating personalized ads that follow you around the web and in your sleep originates from. What I'm trying to say is backend dev is the side of websites where the website contents/data are being processed like saving user info, displaying user info, login in, displaying contents, sending notification data, deleting contents, sending and routing real time messages / data and many more

Backend development is where the logic of the business lies. Questions like what data has to be collected , where should it be stored, when should it be retrieved are answered in the backend development. Choice of database and architecture (schema) is dealt with in the backend development. Security of the application is also configured in the backend development. Efficient development process involves reducing the number of interactions between the frontend and backend as this increases the load on the overall system.

Back-end development is like the bustling kitchen in a café, hidden from customers but essential. It's where all the behind-the-scenes work happens - chefs cooking, baristas brewing - ensuring what you order is perfect. Similarly, back-end developers manage the 'kitchen' of a website: the servers, databases, and application logic. They make sure that when you click on a website, everything works smoothly, just like ensuring your coffee order comes out just right. While you enjoy the cafe's ambiance (front-end), these tech chefs keep your digital experience tasty and hassle-free!

Back-end development is like the engine of a car; you can't see it, but it makes the car run. It involves creating the behind-the-scenes systems and databases that power websites and web applications. Back-end developers use code to handle things like storing data, managing user accounts, and ensuring everything functions smoothly, just like an engine makes a car move without you seeing the inner workings.

They manage tasks like server operations, databases, and application logic. This includes tasks like processing form data, managing user authentication, handling database queries, and more. It's a crucial part of web development that ensures everything works seamlessly from the user's perspective.

Drawing from the restaurant analogy, the front-end is akin to the plates served to customers, while the back-end symbolizes the kitchen where food processing occurs—from ingredient retrieval to preparation by chefs, culminating in service delivery. Similarly, back-end developers work on the system's infrastructure, addressing every detail across the servers. Whether it's thwarting hackers aiming to steal data or preventing server overloads from malicious user requests, back-end developers strive to build robust and enduring systems designed to withstand challenges over time.

During a company all-hands, my comparison of API's (Application Programming Interface) to a Bartender was well-received. Around the bartender is a variety of liquid bottles, fancy-shaped glasses, fruits, ice, and additives to craft legendary cocktails and mocktails. Customers ask the bartender for a specialty drink, maybe with some conditions like having it "on the rocks". The bartender collects and mixes the ingredients, eventually giving the customer a complete drink with no involvement of the customer (the customer's not allowed behind the bar, anyway). Likewise, loosely-coupled programs ask API's for data or to perform an action while the API's perform all the work behind-the-scenes and don't require programs to know details. Cheers🍸

Full-stack development is like being a chef who can create an entire meal, from appetizers to desserts. In web development, it means having skills to design the visible parts (front-end) of a website or app, manage the kitchen (back-end), handle ingredients (databases), run the restaurant (server management), ensure food safety (security), and provide a great dining experience (user experience). Full-stack developers are versatile and can handle all aspects of building a digital product.

Full-stack development is like being a jack-of-all-trades for websites. A full-stack developer can handle everything from designing how a website looks to making sure all the behind-the-scenes systems work seamlessly. They're like the architects and builders who can create an entire house, both its design and the hidden infrastructure.

In my opinion, full-stack development is a growing field that involves developing both the front-end and back-end components of a web application. Full-stack developers are skilled in multiple programming languages and frameworks, and can effectively work on all aspects of a web application, from database design and server-side programming to user interface and client-side scripting. This makes them highly versatile and valuable professionals who can handle a wide range of tasks in a software development program

A full-stack developer is the architect of the entire application. Blessed with knowledge of both front and back-end development, the full-stack developer can build applications fully on his own. He's the chef, he's the waiters, he's the entire restaurant crew, building and delivering from the server to the user-interface back and forth

Full-Stack Development as Cooking a Meal: ✧ Full-stack developers are like chefs. They handle everything—from chopping vegetables (front-end) to simmering sauces (back-end). Just as a chef balances flavors, full-stack developers balance user experience and functionality.

Full-stack development encompasses both front-end and back-end web development processes. A full-stack developer is skilled in handling the visual and interactive components of a website (front-end) using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as managing server-side operations (back-end) with languages like Python, PHP, or Node.js and databases such as MySQL or MongoDB. Essentially, they have the expertise to build an entire web application, from its user interface to its database operations, ensuring seamless integration and functionality throughout. Their holistic approach allows for end-to-end development and troubleshooting, making them invaluable in diverse web projects.

Full-stack development is like being the architect and the artist 🎨 of the entire digital universe. It's the mastery of both the visible interface the design, layout, and user interaction and the invisible machinery the server, logic, and database management making the entire website or app come alive. ----------------- Full-stack developers are like versatile wizards who can speak multiple coding languages and seamlessly switch between crafting the user experience and building the behind-the-scenes functionality. They're in high demand because they're the Swiss Army knives of web development, capable of handling every aspect of creating a digital masterpiece. ------------ Embrace curiosity and never stop learning!

Full-stack development involves working on both the front-end and back-end of web applications. You design and develop the user interface, ensure its interactivity, and also handle the server-side, database, and application logic. Essentially, you manage the entire process of building a web application, from its visual appearance to its functional mechanics.

Web development is like building a house on the internet. Just like a house needs a blueprint, materials, and skilled workers, a website needs a plan (coding), elements like text, images, and buttons (HTML), style and design (CSS), and functionality (JavaScript). Developers use these tools to create websites that people can visit and interact with online.

Full-stack development refers to the practice of developing both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side) components of a website or web application. Full-stack developers possess the skills and knowledge to work on both sides, enabling them to handle everything from designing and coding the user interface to managing databases and server infrastructure. They use various combinations of programming languages, tools, and frameworks to meet the specific requirements of each project. Full-stack developers are highly sought after due to their ability to manage multiple aspects of web development, making them versatile and valuable in the industry.

Web development is also the process of using social media as an effective tool for businesses to engage with customers, improve brand awareness, and increase sales. Social media allows businesses to become thought leaders and stand out from their competitors, and has become an incredibly effective way to engage with new, current and prospective customers. It can be a highly cost-effective and personalized way of reaching your customers while providing valuable insights into your brand. Social media marketing offers significant opportunities to organizations through lower costs, improved brand awareness, and increased sales.

As an experienced web developer, I've been involved in a diverse array of projects. I've built responsive e-commerce platforms, enabling seamless browsing and secure transactions. I've crafted content management systems, empowering clients to effortlessly update their websites. Creating interactive dashboards for data visualization and analysis has been another endeavor, offering insights at a glance. I've also developed social networking sites, connecting users globally. These projects showcase my versatility in designing user interfaces, implementing back-end functionalities, and ensuring optimal performance across the digital spectrum.

Web development projects span a wide spectrum, from the cozy nooks of personal portfolio sites to the bustling avenues of e-commerce empires. ---------- Picture a portfolio website, your digital business card showcasing your skills and passions. Then there are the blog havens, where words, images, and videos come together to tell stories. Social media platforms are bustling communities where users connect and share. E-commerce sites transform the web into a marketplace, offering everything from trinkets to treasures. Game websites transport you to worlds of graphics, sound, and animation, while web applications simplify life with tools like calculators or quizzes. Each project is a digital adventure waiting to be crafted and explored.

Web development projects can be compared to different types of construction projects. They include creating websites for businesses, online stores where you can shop, social media platforms like Facebook, and even interactive games you can play online. These projects use web developers to build and design the online spaces and services that people use every day.

1. E-Commerce Website: Building an online store where users can browse products, add items to their cart, and complete purchases securely. 2. Social Media Platform: Creating a social networking site where users can connect, share posts, photos, and interact with others. 3. Blogging Platform: Developing a blogging website where users can create, publish, and manage their own blogs with various features like comments and sharing. 4. Online Learning Platform: Designing a platform for online courses with user authentication, video playback, quizzes, and progress tracking. 5. Booking System: Creating a reservation platform for services like hotels, flights, or event tickets, allowing users to search, book, and manage their reservations.

1. Personal Blog or Portfolio Website 2. E-commerce Website 3. Content Management System (CMS) 4. Social Media Platforms 5. Online Forums 6. Booking and Reservation Systems 7. E-learning Platforms 8. Real-Time Chat Applications 9. Weather or Financial Data Apps 10. Healthcare Applications 11. Business Dashboards 12. Booking and Reservation Systems 13. Geolocation and Mapping Applications 14. API Integration Projects 15. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) 16. Blogging Platforms 17. Auctions and Bidding Websites

E-commerce websites offer online shopping with secure payments. Blogs and personal sites, often via WordPress, share articles and portfolios. Social media platforms allow user interactions and messaging. Web games entertain within browsers. Learning platforms deliver online educational resources. Booking systems enable easy reservations. Interactive web apps provide tools like weather forecasts or financial calculators. Forums encourage niche discussions. Streaming services serve multimedia content to users. Each web development endeavor is tailored to specific user needs.

Web development projects cover a broad spectrum, catering to different needs and purposes. Here are a few examples: Portfolio Websites: Personal websites showcasing a person's skills, projects, or services. E-commerce Platforms: Online stores for selling products and managing transactions. Blogs and Content Management Systems (CMS): Platforms for creating, managing, and sharing content. Social Media Platforms: Networks for connecting and sharing content among users. Business Websites: Websites for businesses to display services, contact information, and more. Web Applications: Interactive tools or services like project management platforms or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

Web development projects can range from simple to complex, and their purpose can vary greatly. For instance, you could create a personal portfolio website to showcase your skills and contact information, or a blog or news website to publish articles, images, and videos. Other web development projects may include a social media website that allows users to interact with each other, an e-commerce website for online shopping and selling, a game website with graphics, sound, and animation, or even a web application that performs a specific task such as a calculator or quiz.

A lot of people are scared off because they think they are not technical enough. Meanwhile a lot of options exist even for later career professionals or even folks that need full control of their time (remote work) to pivot to web development. Online career change schools such as Careerfoundry can even guarantee placement in a new role after course completion.

To learn web development, start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals. Online tutorials and platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and MDN Web Docs are invaluable. Practice by building simple projects like personal websites. Gradually, explore front-end frameworks (React, Vue) and back-end technologies (Node.js, Python). Build real-world projects, from e-commerce sites to portfolio pages. Join developer communities (Stack Overflow, GitHub) for guidance. Learn version control with Git. Read blogs, watch video tutorials, and attend meetups. Keep adapting to new tools and trends, and challenge yourself with complex projects.

Learning by doing is a great way: -find a project you can contribute to: an open source project, or your own startup. Begin by finding a goal first -find a course on the principles of object oriented programming, it will help you with almost any language you develop in -use one of the aforementioned resources to understand the principles of a language you want to code in. I like sololearn but codacademy and Udemy are good too. -just start coding against the goal. I suggest using chatGPT or equivalent LLM to write your tests first to define and perfect how the code should behave, then ask it to write code. Where you will really learn is from debugging that code. -apply good coding principles: DRY, SRP and notations will all help.

Learning web development can be approached through various means: Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or freeCodeCamp offer structured courses covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. Interactive Tutorials: Websites like Codecademy or Mozilla Developer Network provide hands-on learning experiences. Books and Documentation: Reference books and online documentation from sources like MDN Web Docs or W3Schools offer in-depth information. Practice and Projects: Applying knowledge through building projects helps solidify understanding and practical skills. Community and Forums: Engaging with developer communities on platforms like Stack Overflow or GitHub can aid learning and problem-solving.

There are so many ways to answer this. I’ll give my perspective as a self-taught web developer. Taking training courses and programs - there are thousands of programs to choose from to teach you the basics all to way to advance concepts both free, affordable, and expensive like a coding bootcamp. Be sure to do a little research to make sure the training program you are interested in are up to date and not outdated. Stay in the loop - there are great blogs, newsletters, mentors, YouTubers who create great content to set you on the good path. Consider following industry leaders to keep up to date A bit of a shameless plus here, I do occasionally make web dev content here via LinkedIn posts and I run a web mentorship program online.

Learning web development is like learning how to build your own magical castle on the internet. Just like when you build with blocks or play with Legos, web development lets you create amazing things on your computer that everyone can see. Here are some steps: - In web development, you start with the basics like HTML. It helps you create the structure and layout of your web page. - You can make basic structure look pretty with CSS. It helps you choose the colors, fonts, and designs to make your web page beautiful. - You can use JavaScript makes things move, interact, and do cool tricks. You can create games, quizzes, and animations with it. - You can publish it online, and people from all around the world can see what you've created.

One thing I've found helpful it's to start doing some project, a simulation of a real life tech at the same time you solve all those challenges by learning the fundamentals, it's the half of the speed but it's a good balance between theory and practice. Also taking into considerations good development practices in your learning path will provide a behavior on the way you solve problems. And finally not jump to much from one tech to another, in the end all of them are great and awesome creations.

Learning web development is a rewarding journey that blends theory with hands-on experience. Begin with the foundational trio: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can then explore a plethora of learning platforms. There are fantastic free courses available on Udemy, YouTube, or even comprehensive bootcamps, both online and offline. As you progress, transition from crafting static websites to dynamic ones, and initiate small projects to consolidate your skills. Eventually, deepen your expertise by exploring frameworks, libraries, and databases, and master version control, notably through platforms like GitHub. Embrace the process, practice consistently, and you'll see immense growth.

Becoming a web developer entails more than coding. Understand design principles, user experience (UX), and responsive layouts. Learn to collaborate with designers and communicate effectively. Dive into databases, learn SQL or NoSQL, and grasp CRUD operations. Explore APIs for integrating third-party services. Master version control with Git and use GitHub for collaboration. Understand web hosting, domains, and server management. Prioritize security, learning about authentication and data encryption. Stay curious, adaptable, and updated with industry trends. Build a strong portfolio showcasing diverse projects. Soft skills like problem-solving, time management, and teamwork are equally vital.

A web developer is not just a "one language or technology" developer. Most if not all of the web devs across the world are constantly learning every single day new tools, patterns, and many other layers that support their applications. This requires dedication and hard work, so if you got it, and you're up to the challenge - go learn to be a web dev and create something awsome!

Talking specific to website development, creating a website resembles constructing a digital house. 1. Planning, akin to drafting a blueprint, is crucial for identifying requirements. 2. Designers generate layouts based on specifications. 3. Developers utilize programming languages to construct the website’s structure, functionality, and interactivity. 4. Testing, similar to inspecting a house, ensures functionality before launch. 5. Launching (Move in) makes the website accessible to the users post-completion and testing. 6. Maintenance involves regular updates, security checks, and improvements, akin to house upkeep, to ensure effective operation and utilization of the latest technologies.

If you are looking at web development as a potential career path, do not waste your time trying to "learn everything" (i.e., frontend, backend, DevOps, AWS, etc. ) ... it is practically impossible. Don't believe me? Go ahead and try. Instead, learn the fundamentals of the most popular programming language in your region, then quickly switch your focus to the most popular framework written in that language (e.g., PHP + Laravel). When I and other business owners are searching for developers to hire, we are not looking for a "jack of all trades". We have a specific role on our team that needs to be filled. Whoever has the most experience in the specific technology/framework we need will usually get the job.

Make sure to understand the fundamentals, best practices, and good UX. UX design is a lot like the plumbing in a house. Plumbing might not be the most glamorous aspect of a home, but we can all agree it's absolutely essential. Imagine turning on your stylish faucet for a refreshing glass of water - and nothing happens! Similarly, have you ever visited a website where a button was unclickable? Or the top navigation mysteriously vanished if you didn't hover your cursor in just the right spot? Having a visually stunning website is a great start, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. Functionality and a seamless user experience are vital if you want those visitors to keep coming back to your site.

Be a web developer is more than make websites, is provide smart solutions based in the client needs. Must know what to do with the right tools, and work closely with UX designers, understand that each scenario need a specific solution.

Despite the importance of the technical skill is necessary to konw the meanly manager tools and metodologies like agile, scrum, kanban, jira for example.

Web development is a continuous learning process, and the ecosystem steadily expands to pave the way for aspiring developers. Popular frameworks for both frontend and backend, such as React, Vue, Express, and Laravel, exist as springboards to your journey. While nice to have, knowing all ABCs of these frameworks and memorizing them from the get-go is not necessarily demanded. Start by building a functional pet project that resonates with you the most. Deploying and maintaining your application as it scales would effectively establish your core knowledge. Once you make it work, examine your code and consider optimal solutions. Committing errors are part of the process. You will learn as you go and recognize the significant progress you make.

Learn the basics! Read about web development, and don't worry if 99% of the things being said go over your head. As you learn more and improve, you'll eventually encounter a situation where your mind goes, "Oh, that's what they were talking about in that article I read a few years ago; let me find it again." Immerse yourself in the field by reading about it in your free-time, instead of doom-scrolling.