Greetings everyone, I'm seeking some friendly advice and recommendations from all of you. As a frontend developer, I have been working independently for more than eight years, building websites from scratch and performing freelance orders of varying levels of complexity, ranging from connecting hosting and domains to creating illustrations using paint.net. However, I have yet to find any developer friends with whom I can consult or ask for guidance. Instead, I rely on online solutions or just "wing it". Although I am not a junior-level developer anymore, I still have a long way to go before I can call myself a signor.

Recently, I joined a large company as a web designer, mainly focused on the industry. Despite being part of a great organization, I continue to work alone, developing websites from scratch and redesigning them. In general, I modernize the company's websites using my expertise in CSS, HTML, JS, SVG, and canvas. Although I am well-versed in these technologies, I only delve deeper into JS when I encounter new challenges or browse discussion forums like javascript.com. Additionally, some of my projects have gained recognition on the web, such as box-shadows.css and others. However, I have not had much experience working on Github with a team or using SASS/SCSS, npm, node.js, or connecting npm packages to projects. Moreover, I rarely use the console, and when I do, it's usually for basic tasks in cmd or notepad.

Now, my main concern is whether I am falling behind other developers' capabilities or if my skills are sufficient to solve problems without using certain programs. How should I understand this issue? Do I need to enhance my knowledge base and learn new tools such as node, gulp, Vue, and Angular? Many developers use PDF layouts to create websites, but I have never used them and have managed to overcome challenges using the old-fashioned way. I am open to suggestions on which direction to take next, such as mobile development or reading dоcumentation? Thank you all in advance for your input.

You are taking a universal approach to tasks which is not ideal. You are trying to do everything alone, from design and layout to stretching and scriptwriting. This is not appreciated by any professional team that values specialization and efficiency. In a good team, everyone has their own area of expertise and works collaboratively to generate new ideas. Moreover, there are testers who ensure that the site is complete in every respect.

If you wish to work with a professional team, it is advisable to avoid self-developing turnkey websites. Quit your job if it forces you to do so and look for another, better opportunity.

Do you lack a solid understanding in programming and do not have a clear career path? My question to you is this: if you're positioning yourself as a front-end designer, why are you saying "I work in a large company as a web designer?" Though some may disagree, it's no longer the year 2000 when it was possible to combine design, programming, and marketing. These are now distinct fields. If design is your true calling, perhaps it's best to specialize in that area rather than trying to be a jack-of-all-trades. An individual who can do many things is only valuable to those who value quantity over quality; it's doubtful such individuals will be given opportunities for growth.
If programming still interests you, consider learning technologies that are currently in demand on the market, such as Angular or React. Research these technologies, choose one, and study it (I'd recommend Vue for its ease of use and good dоcumentation). Set yourself a task, complete it, and upload the code to Github for review.

If you're already familiar with WordPress and Joomla, perhaps it's time to move on to more advanced frameworks like Symphony or Laravel, or even Bitrix. The added benefit of doing so is that you'll likely receive better compensation for your skills.
Remember, if you're not being challenged by your current tasks, you're not growing.

Several years ago, I faced a challenging situation where my frontend skills were no longer sufficient due to the significant advancements in technology. Despite having over 20 years of IT experience, I found myself struggling to keep up with the latest stacks/technologies and forms with complex logic. This led me to conduct extensive research on modern frontend trends, which allowed me to identify gaps in my knowledge, particularly in JavaScript/ES6+. After months of practice, including solving problems on codevars and studying React, I began to develop a stronger understanding of the language and stack.

To further accelerate my development as a developer, I decided to seek employment opportunities in the right team. However, this didn't come easy at first, and I failed the initial rounds of interviews. Instead of giving up, I learned from each experience, identifying areas that I needed to improve, such as data structures and algorithms. With continued practice and dedication, I eventually became a sought-after specialist.

Overall, I recommend aspiring developers to download algorithmics and attend regular meetings for feedback and to create a plan for further development.

Learning new tools and frameworks can certainly be beneficial to broaden your knowledge base and enhance your capabilities. Tools like node.js, npm, and SASS/SCSS can greatly improve your workflow and productivity, allowing you to streamline your development process. Frameworks like Vue and Angular can also be valuable additions to your skillset, enabling you to build more complex and interactive web applications.

However, it's important to note that while learning new tools and frameworks has its advantages, it's equally important to have a strong foundation in the core technologies such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. These are the building blocks of web development, and having a deep understanding of them will always be valuable.

Regarding mobile development, it's another area where having knowledge and experience can be beneficial. With the increasing use of mobile devices, having the ability to create responsive and mobile-friendly websites can be a valuable skill.

Reading dоcumentation is always a good practice to keep up with the latest updates and features of the tools and frameworks you use. It can also help you explore new technologies and stay ahead in the field.

Lastly, collaborating with other developers and joining communities like GitHub can be a great way to learn from others, get feedback on your work, and stay updated with industry trends. Having a network of developer friends can provide guidance and support, and can be a valuable resource when you encounter challenges or want to explore new ideas.

Diversify your knowledge by exploring backend technologies like Python, PHP, or Ruby on Rails. This will make you a more well-rounded developer and open up new opportunities.

Build real-world projects to gain practical experience. Take on personal projects or contribute to open source projects. This will help you apply your skills in a practical setting and provide an opportunity for collaboration with other developers.

Stay up-to-date with industry trends by following tech blogs, subscribing to newsletters, and engaging in online communities. This will ensure that you stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in web development.

Experiment with new tools and frameworks to enhance your productivity and enable you to build more sophisticated applications. Consider tools like Gulp, Grunt, Webpack, or Parcel for task automation and build processes.

Attend conferences and meetups to connect with industry professionals, learn from experts, and network with peers. These events provide an excellent platform to gain insights into emerging technologies.

Consider learning mobile app development if you're interested in expanding your skillset beyond web development. Explore platforms like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform app development.

suggestions to consider:

1. Improve your problem-solving skills: As a developer, problem-solving is a crucial skill. Practice solving coding challenges and puzzles on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. This will help sharpen your logical thinking and improve your ability to tackle complex problems.

2. Embrace version control: Git is an essential tool for collaboration and managing code changes. Familiarize yourself with Git and start using version control systems like GitHub or GitLab. This will make it easier to work in teams and contribute to open source projects.

3. Explore JavaScript frameworks: While you mentioned being familiar with vanilla JavaScript, diving deeper into popular frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular can greatly enhance your frontend development capabilities. These frameworks offer powerful tools and efficient workflows for building dynamic and interactive web applications.

4. Stay updated with browser compatibility: Web standards and browser support are constantly evolving. Make it a habit to regularly check Can I Use (caniuse.com) to ensure your websites are compatible across different browsers. This will help you deliver better user experiences and prevent compatibility issues.

5. Practice clean and maintainable code: Utilize coding best practices such as writing modular and reusable code, following naming conventions, and organizing your project structure. Clean and maintainable code not only improves readability but also makes it easier for others (or your future self) to understand and modify your codebase.

6. Prioritize accessibility: Web accessibility is crucial to ensure your websites are usable by everyone, including users with disabilities. Familiarize yourself with accessibility guidelines and strive to make your websites accessible. Tools like Lighthouse or axe-core can help you audit and improve the accessibility of your projects.