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Web Developer

Technology

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.

Computer Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
  2. 2Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
  3. 3Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
  4. 4Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
  5. 5Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
  6. 6Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
  7. 7Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.
  8. 8Perform or direct Web site updates.
  9. 9Maintain understanding of current Web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups.
  10. 10Analyze user needs to determine technical requirements.
  11. 11Monitor security system performance logs to identify problems and notify security specialists when problems occur.
  12. 12Renew domain name registrations.
  13. 13Respond to user email inquiries, or set up automated systems to send responses.
  14. 14Confer with management or development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose solutions.
  15. 15Communicate with network personnel or Web site hosting agencies to address hardware or software issues affecting Web sites.
  16. 16Collaborate with management or users to develop e-commerce strategies and to integrate these strategies with Web sites.
  17. 17Document test plans, testing procedures, or test results.
  18. 18Establish appropriate server directory trees.
  19. 19Recommend and implement performance improvements.
  20. 20Document technical factors such as server load, bandwidth, database performance, and browser and device types.
  21. 21Develop or implement procedures for ongoing Web site revision.
  22. 22Create Web models or prototypes that include physical, interface, logical, or data models.
  23. 23Provide clear, detailed descriptions of Web site specifications, such as product features, activities, software, communication protocols, programming languages, and operating systems software and hardware.
  24. 24Evaluate or recommend server hardware or software.
  25. 25Install and configure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) servers and associated operating systems.
  26. 26Research, document, rate, or select alternatives for Web architecture or technologies.
  27. 27Develop system interaction or sequence diagrams.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • Webmaster
  • UI Developer
  • Web Engineer
  • Web Producer
  • PHP Developer
  • Web Architect
  • Web Developer
  • XML Developer
  • HTML Developer
  • Web Consultant

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. Typical entry

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. 4

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationBachelor's degree

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
EnglishDraws directly on English Language — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Computers and Electronics88%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • English Language71%

    English

  • Mathematics67%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Communications and Media64%

    EnglishBahasa Melayu

  • Customer and Personal Service59%
  • Design59%

    Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never
  • Time spent sittingAlmost all the time
  • Time spent standingA little
  • Time walking or movingAlmost none

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

31%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

0.75%

Of Malaysian Claude conversations, about this kind of work

Measures how much people use Claude for this work, not how many Malaysians do this job — and more AI use can mean people relying on it, not that it's replacing them.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
See pay for a related career: Cybersecurity Analyst

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Web Developers

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue