Are you interested in learning more about the distinctions between frontend and backend development and determining which one is best for you? This article will assist you in reaching an appropriate decision.
For someone naïve, the terms backend and frontend may seem rather intimidating initially. But as you complete this article, you’ll happen to realize that you’ve learned quite a good deal of the respective terminologies- essentially as a beginner.
So, here’s the deal
Introduction
The distinction between frontend and backend web development is that the former supports the client-side (what we see on the front, i.e., a screen), whereas the latter supports the server-side (what’s under the hood of a website).
While these two types of programming are clearly distinct, they are also two sides of the same coin. The functionality of a website is dependent on each side communicating and operating as a single unit with the other.
“Is one more crucial than the other?”
NOT AT ALL! They are both very important in web development.
So, where do we begin? Let’s flip that coin and get to the bottom of the details.
What is Frontend Development?
Frontend developers design with the end-user in mind. Frontend development is a type of computer programming that focuses on the coding and creation of website elements and features that will be visible to the user. It is concerned with ensuring that the visual aspects of a website are functional. Consider the front to be the “client-side” of an application. Assume you’re a front-end developer. This means that your job is to code and bring the visual elements of a website to life. You’d be more concerned with what a user sees when they visit a website or use an app. You’d also want to make sure the site is easy to use while also running smoothly.
These developers bring the visual designs created by UX and UI designers to live, ensuring that the website functions properly for the user. You could use your frontend skills to create a static website, which is a website with fixed content that is delivered to a user’s browser exactly as it is stored. If you come across a simple landing page or a small business website that does not allow users to perform any interactive tasks, you may come across a static website.
Frontend developers create elements such as
- Buttons
- Designs
- Images
- Navigations
- Illustrations
- Animations
- Content arrangement
Frontend Languages
HTML, CSS and JavaScript are among the languages used by front-end developers
- HTML is the abbreviation for HyperText Markup Language. It’s the most widely used markup language for building websites.
- CSS is an acronym for Cascading Style Sheets. While HTML is used to build a website’s structure, CSS is utilized to add style and flair. Colors, fonts and the style of another site material are all defined by it.
- JavaScript is a scripting language that may be used to make a website more dynamic and enjoyable to use. To give you an example, you might utilize it to run a game on your website.
The front employs its own frameworks and libraries. The following are just a few of the frameworks and libraries that a frontend developer might use
- AngularJS
- React.js
- jQuery
- Sass
What is Backend Development?
Backend development is concerned with the side of the website that users do not see. It is what allows a website to be interactive. The back end of a website is also known as the “server-side.” Assume you’re the owner of a social media website. You’ll need a convenient location to keep all of your users’ information. A database is a type of storage center (some popular examples include Oracle, SQL Server and MySQL). Databases are accessed via a server, which is essentially a remote computer. A backend developer will assist in the management of this database as well as the site content stored on it. This ensures that your social media website’s frontend elements continue to function properly as users browse uploaded content and other user profiles.
While users do not directly interact with the back end of a website, they will interact with elements that these developers are working on via a frontend application. Backend development is concerned with storing and organizing data while also ensuring that the front works properly.
Backend developers are responsible for the following tasks
- Writing code
- Troubleshooting or debugging web applications
- Database administration
- Application of the framework
Backend Languages
PHP, C++, Java, Ruby, Python, JavaScript and Node.js are all used by backend developers. Here’s some further information about a handful of these languages:
- PHP is a scripting language that runs on the server.
- Java is a widely-used programming language and platform.
- Python is a multipurpose programming language. It differs from some of the others we’ve discussed here in that it may be used for all types of software development, not just web development.
Frameworks for the back end include
- Express
- Django
- Rails
- Laravel
- Spring
Conclusion
The distinction between the frontend and backend, as well as the varied operations carried out by developers working on both ends of the wire, should be clearer by now. The frontend refers to the client, while the backend refers to the server.
If you enjoy working with user interfaces, sound design and the visual components of developing apps, you might be interested in becoming a frontend software engineer. The frontend is fascinating not only visually, but also in terms of programming; you’ll spend hours upon hours developing logic to make your site look and operate exactly as the designers intended.
Backend development is for you if you enjoy solving business problems, implementing algorithms, working in the cloud and establishing services and APIs.
A job as a full-stack developer is for you if you enjoy both and are equally enthused and comfortable with all parts of web application development. There has never been a better time to be a software developer, no matter which path you take!
