Webflow vs Frontend + resources
Posted by PermitPale8922@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 5 comments
Hello programmers, hope you’re all doing well!
I have a few questions about Webflow/frontend and learning paths for them, so I’d really appreciate your input. Let me give you some background so you have a clearer picture of my situation: I’m 26 years old, I finished a high school related to computing and a technical faculty that is not IT-related. I know the basics of HTML and CSS, and back in high school I enjoyed designing simple websites using them, so I think Webflow or frontend development could be a good fit for me. I also completed the Web Dev Bootcamp by Colt Steele on Udemy during COVID. I’m considering a career change for several reasons, mainly the possibility of remote work and my affinity for web development, as well as the fact that I enjoy “creating” things on a computer.
My questions are as follows:
1. In your opinion, is it still worth learning Webflow/frontend today? I’ve browsed older posts on this topic and the range of answers is quite wide, without clear arguments.
2. If the answer to the first question is yes: which educational resources would you recommend for learning frontend/Webflow? Free or paid, it doesn’t matter. Price is not a concern—what matters to me is quality and efficiency of learning, and I’m willing to invest accordingly. Udemy, Webflow University and their YouTube channel, or something else? Also, if possible, please explain your recommendations so I can form a more realistic perspective. It’s not about the money as much as it is about investing time and committing to a path.
3. If the answer to question #1 is no, what would you recommend instead? Learning AI tools or something else? I hear IT folks are seriously considering switching to tiling these days 😂
Disclaimer: I don’t expect to earn €5000 in 3 months, I don’t expect to just “click around” and become “that neighbor’s kid.” I understand the basics of web development and programming in general, and I’m aware that serious work and dedication are required if I choose this path. I currently have free time and can dedicate myself full-time to learning over the next few months.
Any suggestions are more than welcome (just please be kind 😂).
TL;DR: I’m considering learning Webflow or frontend web development (HTML, CSS, JS, frameworks). I’m looking for opinions on which option is better and why, as well as solid learning resources (price is not important—only quality).
dmazzoni@reddit
You're confusing two very different things.
Webflow is for a tool for non-programmers. It lets you build a website with drag-and-drop. Similar tools are Wix and Squarespace.
That's not to say that you can't make a living doing Webflow, but your job wouldn't be programming, and it wouldn't be tech heavy. I know some people who do Webflow for a living - they're essentially graphic designers who are really good at design, sales, and marketing, and they know enough tech skills to get by. Their value proposition to a small business isn't "I know the tech skills to make you a website", it's "I know how to redesign your website so that more visitors stay engaged and purchase your product/service".
If you want to do the tech side of things, then you won't be building websites with static content that could just as easily be built with Wix, you'll be working on more complex websites that offer services, connect with a database, and things like that.
If you want to work in that world, HTML, CSS, JS, and Frameworks are the bare minimum. Unfortunately it's no longer possible to just learn some tech skills and get a job. These days you pretty much need a CS degree and general-purpose software engineering skills.
rawr_im_a_nice_bear@reddit
UX designer would be more fitting than graphic designer.
not_marri99@reddit
You don't need a CS degree to land frontend roles, but you do need tangible, specific projects that show you can build production features, for example launch a customer-facing React + TypeScript app with user auth and Stripe payments, back it with a small Node/Express + Postgres or serverless API, deploy it on Vercel or Netlify, add basic CI and tests, put the code and a concise case study on GitHub and be ready to explain taht work in interviews; Ive hired juniors who did exactly this and got offers, so dont let the degree line stop you, get stuff live and recieve feedback early
Different-Egg-4617@reddit
It kind of depends what you actually enjoy doing day to day. Webflow is great if you like the visual side and working with clients, tweaking layouts, thinking about user experience and branding. It’s more creative and faster to get into. Frontend dev is a different lane. More problem solving, more depth, slower ramp but also more flexibility long term. I tried both for a bit and realized I liked staying closer to design and storytelling, so tools like Webflow made more sense for me.
PermitPale8922@reddit (OP)
Thank you, appreciate your comment!