In simple language, Front-End development is everything that happens on the client side of a web application, while Back-End development is everything that happens on the server side. Front-end vs Back-End development development in client-side programming generally refers to the implementation of code that runs within the user’s web browser, while server-side programming generally refers to the implementation of code that runs on the web server.
The two terms are not necessarily exclusive, nor are one necessarily more important than the other. Both Front-End and Back-End technologies are necessary to create a complete web application. In fact, the conversation between Front-End vs Back-End development is an ongoing topics and some developers choose to specialize in either one or the other aspect, while others are proficient in both.
What is Front-End Development?
At its core, Front-End development is about creating the user interface and experience for a web application. This includes everything from the layout and design of the website to the interactive elements that allow users to interact with the site. In order to create a well-designed and functional user interface, front-end developers need to have a strong understanding of web design principles, user experience design, and web accessibility standards.
These developers do take visual designs from UX and UI designers, and then bring the website to life, making sure it functions well for the user. One interesting way is that you could use Front-End skills in creating a static website, which is a particular website with fixed content that is delivered to a user’s browser exactly as it is stored.
What is Back-End development
Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is Front-End development?” it’s time to focus on Back-End development. Just as Front-End developers are responsible for what users see and interact with on a website or application, Back-End developers are in charge of everything else that goes on behind
Back-End web development is focused on the underlying code and functionality of a web application. This includes the server-side code that powers the website as well as the database that stores all of the data for the site. Back-end developers need to be well-versed in server-side programming languages and frameworks, database technologies, and web hosting solutions
Back-End applications are built by combining these three elements: the server which hosts all data on its own or shares resources with other servers to provide more processing power; application software that runs within this environment provides functionality such as displaying content or accepting input from users (e.g., forms); databases where information are stored.
Front-End vs. Back-End Development
Source: aog.jobs
Purpose
Front-End
The purpose of Front-End development is to make the user experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. This involves everything from the structure of the website to the design, layout, and even the interactivity.
Back-End
The purpose of Back-End development is to make sure that everything on the Front-End works perfectly. This includes the servers, databases, and applications that power the website.
Features
Front-End Features
The Front-End of a web application is the part that the user interacts with. It includes the graphical interface, such as the buttons and menus, and the way in which the user navigates through the app.
Back-End Features
The Back-End of a web application is responsible for storing data and handling all of the behind-the-scenes processes, such as user authentication and sending emails.
Role of developers
Source: oneclickitsolution
Front-End
Front-End developers need to be both creative and technical. They require a strong visual sense, which helps them develop websites with interesting designs for people who want something more than just text on screen or images of plants filling up space – but it’s not the only skill they should focus on!
These should have strong visual sense and creativity, written communication with the ability to think on their feet about how things work together or what might be changed for better results; plus, team collaboration is very important if you want your project completed efficiently while still meeting all requirements.’
Back-End
Back-End developers are the architects of websites. They need an eye for detail and passion in building these digital structures with strong communication skills to work effectively with Front-End or client-side developers on projects they’ve got going forward, successfully managing both sides, so all pieces come together smoothly. Successful Back-End developers have strong passions for data, detail, and are critical thinkers.
They require strong oral presentation abilities; this may come naturally while talking about your expertise in Back-End development. And they require having critical thinking abilities- as when developing a website or post the development, they may have to solve and face a problem unseen before.
Front-End and Back-End languages Required
Source: TechGig
Front-End
Web Developers use a variety of technologies to build websites. The most fundamental programming languages needed for Front-End development include:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language): HTML is the fundamental coding markup language that creates and organizes web content to be displayed by a browser. It is the coding that organizes the information and structure of a web page. Content could be organized using paragraphs, bulleted lists, graphics, and data tables, for example.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): CSS is the language that provides style and design to web content. It is what makes a website visually appealing by adding colors, fonts, graphics, and layouts.
- JavaScript: JavaScript is used to create interactive content on websites such as rollover images, drop-down menus, and popup windows.
Back-End
Back-End web development is a little different because it doesn’t need CSS and HTML. Instead, programming languages like JavaScript are used to make the Back-Ends of sites more interactive for users with what they want on their screens at any given moment.
Some of the fundamental programming languages needed for Back-End development include
- PHP: PHP is a server-side scripting language that’s used to manage dynamic content, databases, and session tracking. PHP has the power of integration with popular database systems including MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, etc.
- Python: Python is a programming language that’s used for creating system utilities, building websites and software, automating tasks like data analysis or document generation, games, and even business applications.
- Ruby: Ruby is a versatile programming language that helps make Back-End development fun. Ruby on Rails is used to create web applications, and it’s popular because it makes the development process much faster. Java: Java is one of the most popular languages for both Front-End and Back-End development..
Frameworks
Front-End
- jQuery: jQuery is a JavaScript library that’s used for simplifying HTML DOM tree traversal and manipulation, event handling, and Ajax interactions. It is mainly used in development for creating dynamic and interactive web pages.
- AngularJS: AngularJS is a JavaScript-based open-source Front-End web application framework. It is used in single-page application projects. React: React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It lets you create reusable components so that your code is easy to read and maintain.
- Bootstrap: Bootstrap is a CSS framework that’s used for creating responsive websites and web applications. It’s one of the most popular CSS frameworks and is used by some of the biggest companies in the world, such as Twitter.
- ReactJS: ReactJS is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It lets you create reusable components so that your code is easy to read and maintain.
- Polymer: Polymer is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It lets you create reusable components so that your code is easy to read and maintain.
Back-End
- Laravel: Laravel is a PHP web framework. It’s free and open source, and has a big community behind it. It offers a modular packaging system equipped with a dedicated dependency manager. Laravel is rated as one of the best web frameworks and some experts consider this technology the best software for Back-End development.
- Django: Django is a high-level framework written in Python. It’s free and open source, and has a big community behind it. Django comes with batteries included meaning that it has everything you need to get started on your web application.
- Ruby on Rails: Ruby on Rails is a web application framework written in Ruby. It’s free and open source, and has a big community behind it. Ruby on Rails is a very popular framework and is used by many companies including Twitter, GitHub, and Shopify.
Developer tools
Source: syncfusion.com
Front-End
Some of the tools include the following:
- Code editors: There are many code editors available but some of the most popular ones include Sublime Text, Atom, and Visual Studio Code.
- Web browsers: Some of the most popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
- Version control systems: Some of the most popular version control systems include Git and Mercurial.
- Boiler plates: Some of the most popular boilerplates include HTML5 Boilerplate and Bootstrap.
- Assets: There are many assets available but some of the most popular ones include Google Fonts and Font Awesome.
- CSS Preprocessors: Some of the most popular CSS preprocessors include Less and Sass.
- JavaScript Libraries: Some of the most popular JavaScript libraries include jQuery, AngularJS, and ReactJS.
Back-End
Some of the Back-End tools include the following:
- Databases: Some of the most popular databases include MySQL, MongoDB, and Cassandra.
- Web servers: Some of the most popular web servers include Apache, Nginx, and IIS.
Full-stack development
Full stack development is the process of developing a web application from start to finish, from front-end to back-end. Full stack developers are comfortable working with both the front-end and back-end technologies that power a website or web application. The term “full stack” describes either a developer who has expertise in all aspects of web development, or a web development software stack that includes all the necessary technologies to build a complete web application.
The term “full stack developer” has become increasingly popular in recent years, as the line between front-end and back-end development has blurred and the need for developers with expertise in both areas has grown. Full stack developers are comfortable working with both the front-end and back-end technologies that power a website or web application. They deeply understand how the different pieces of a web application fit together, and how they can be used to create a seamless experience for users.
Full stack developers are often able to work independently, and are comfortable taking on projects from start to finish. They are also able to collaborate effectively with other developers, designers, and stakeholders. Full stack developers typically have a strong grasp of one or more programming languages, as well as the various tools and frameworks that are used in web development. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a full stack developer, there are some essential skills that all full-stack developers should have.
Some of the most important skills for full stack developers include:
- A strong understanding of both front-end and back-end development
- The ability to work independently and take initiative
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to learn new technologies quickly
- A strong understanding of web development fundamentals
- In-depth knowledge of at least one programming language
- Familiarity with multiple operating systems
While full-stack development seems like it saves on manpower. Full-stack developers are in high demand and can be difficult to find. Additionally, since full-stack developers need to know so much about different technologies, they may not be as expert in any one area as a specialized developer would be.
Conclusion
To put it simply, the difference between Front-End and Back-End development is like two sides of a coin. The primary responsibility for each side lies in what you see on your screen: while one handles visuals, another takes care of all activities related to processing data or requests sent by other applications over networked connections. In simple terms, the former refers to the browser and the latter refers to the server or, more recently, the cloud.
If one is more interested in user interfaces and the visual aspects of creating web and apps, then perhaps Front-End development is where one should be aspiring to be. One will spend long hours writing logic to make the site look and behave as intended.
Back-End development may be the perfect keeping one’s desk swamped with interesting problems and challenges. The Back-End consists mostly of solving business-related issues, such as developing algorithms or providing services over APIs to make things happen behind the scenes.
If you are looking for a developer for your company and want to hire either kind developer, or you are looking for a full-stack developer, don’t worry, we at Pixel Street are there to help you out with your requirements for the developer. We have an in-house team of experienced developers to solve all your web design needs.
