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Web Developer vs Front End Developer: Key Differences
Published
13th Sep, 2023
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There is an enormous difference between a web developer and front end developer. It is no wonder that folks who aren't active or are unaware of web development frequently mix up the two careers. They both operate on a single task: establishing engagement between visitors and the websites.
Sometimes an uninformed customer makes amusing blunders. They ask a Web Developer questions such as:
- Can you design my website to appear like X? (Referring to a specific website)
- Can you help me with navigation? It seems counter-intuitive to me.
- I like the concept of the website; however, could you make it appear more minimalistic/luxurious/trendy?
- Why did you not anticipate the online shop functionality?
- Such a buyer approaches a website designer after harassing a front-end developer:
- Could you make a certain icon pop? You know, out of the screen.
- Can you do anything about the website's speed, its way too slow to handle?
- Why don't you just install the WordPress plugin that helps me?
- I'd want a plugin that does X when the user does Y.
Nothing is wrong with it (when it is for the first time). After all, how many individuals who aren't involved in digital technologies can identify the difference between a UX front end developer and a web developer? Let's take a small glimpse at what web developers and front end developers do to figure out how to repair it:
Who is a Web Developer?
A Web Developer creates websites from the bottom up and is liable for both front and backend content, even though a front-end developer primarily works on material that is visible to the public.
A Web Developer creates websites and digitally web-based applications using computer languages. For this, they must first completely grasp the needs and expectations, such as the volume of traffic, what users will be doing on the website, what action is expected from the users, it is for a specific audience like shoppers, and what technologies the website must be compatible with before they can build a website. They often collaborate with an engineering and development team to identify and resolve flaws and issues which may present significant delays.
Who is Front-end Developer?
A UX Front-End Developer is a Web Developer who exclusively works on the visible aspects of a website or online application. This comprises elements such as the menu, articles, popups, colors, themes, and photo galleries. They are also concerned with things like widgets, aesthetics of the website, audience, look and feel of games, and ensuring that the product seems nice. In case you feel the need to study all the concepts of this field, you can join an online Front End Bootcamp, which will do the task.
Web Developer vs Front-end Developer [Comparison Table]
The emphasis of the job and the abilities required for the two jobs varies greatly between a Web Developer and a front-end developer. Hence, we are putting out differences for software developer vs front end developer in this post as shown in the tabular form:
| Criteria | Web Developer | Front-End Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A web developer builds websites from the ground up and is involved in both front and backend web content, whereas a front-end developer exclusively works on content that is visible to the public. | A front-end developer is a type of web developer who exclusively works on the visible aspects of an online application or website. This usually comprises of elements such as the menu, modals, sliders, articles, and photo galleries. |
| Skills | Web developers code websites and web applications using computer languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. | Front end Web Developer requirements popularly includes CSS3 and HTML5, where HTML is a hypertext markup language that is used by front end developers to structure web pages. |
| Duties & responsibilities | A web developer oversees creating a whole website Functionality of that web application or website is their primary consideration. | Creating and optimizing websites based on Front End Developers' layouts and wireframes. Making landing pages |
| User Experience Focus | When creating a full website, Web Developers typically consider the user experience, but their entire aim is to produce a functioning website that functions as the development team planned. | Front-end developers prioritize user experience while implementing designs and making adjustments that affect quality. |
| Graphic Design Focus | Most web developers do not require graphic design skills. | Front-end developers, on the other hand, can benefit from graphic design knowledge and skills to apply digital aesthetics. |
| Portfolio | Web Developers mostly rely on the popular repository website “GitHub”, to showcase their fantastic coding project repositories. | Front end developers have their website as portfolios where they may showcase their creativity, such as Behance Dribble and more. |
| Stand-alone Service | Back-end development may be provided as a stand-alone service in Back-end as a service. | Front-end development services cannot be provided on their own. |
| Salary | According to Glassdoor, the approximate total compensation for a Web Developer in the United States is $82,730 per year, with an average income of $77,859 per year. | As per Glassdoor, the average compensation for a frontend developer in US is $86,013. |
Differences Between Web Developer and Front End Developer
Let’s look at how the web developer and front end developer differ from each other in discrete terms:
Web Developer vs Front-end Developer: Definition
Web Developer
A web developer builds websites from the ground up and is involved in both front and backend web content, whereas a front-end developer exclusively works on content that is visible to the public. A web developer creates websites and web-based applications leveraging the available computer languages such as Python, Java, PHP and more. Before they may start creating a website or any web application, they must first thoroughly go through the needs and expectations of their client, such as the volume of traffic, what viewers will be doing on the client's website, and what tools or technologies they would have to be compatible with to complete the Project. They often collaborate with a development and engineering team to identify and fix vulnerabilities and concerns that may result in performance delays or insecurity causing harm to the company or web applications.
When creating an entire website from scratch, a Web Developer typically considers the user experience, but their primary purpose is to produce a functioning website that functions as the development team planned. They concentrate on ensuring the website functions properly and without any defects or flaws in its coding.
Front-end Developer
Before anything understands what front-end development means.
So, what front-end development means is that it is a subset of web development that entails bringing a front end developer's thoughts to reality. Simply said, a front-end developer revitalizes the layouts and general aesthetic, feel and appeal of a website.
A front-end developer is a type of web developer who exclusively works on the visible aspects of an online application or website. This usually comprises elements such as the menu, modals, sliders, articles, and photo galleries. They are also concerned with widgets, graphics, games, and making the merchandise seem appealing.
Buttons can be animated or made to become clickable by their expertise. Chat windows can appear or fold when not in use or as followed by a particular action. Sliders can be made to move; animations can be coded to begin or end after a particular action or following a particular user interaction, and so forth.
In other words, a front-end developer allows visitors to engage with the website in the way the client desires. Front-end developers prioritize user experience while implementing designs and making adjustments that affect the quality and aesthetics of the website or web applications. They apply their skills to the sections of the website or application with which people are going to engage directly. As a result, they consider how consumers will interact with the site or web application and how they should handle various design elements on the website, such as drop-down menus, popups, and even the appearance of the contact forms, and they are responsible for providing ease for a layman to interact with the website.
Graphic Design Focus: Web Developer vs Front End Developer Skills
Web Developer
- Web developers code websites and web applications using computer languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Other languages will certainly be used to set up services like an email subscription, user authentication, managing databases, and all other technical features including data storage of websites.
- To do this, developers employ a variety of tools like text editors (notepad++, phpstorm, PyCharm), command line interfaces, and version control systems (GitHub) to create the technical information (code) that will be used to present the information.
- JavaScript, Java, PERL, jQuery, MySQL, Oracle, Python, PHP, Node.js, ASP.NET, and Frameworks for coding (like Laravel, CodeIgniter) are some required tools and skills by a web developer.
- However, Graphic design skills are not necessarily required for a web developer. But it can be helpful in basic image optimization.
- Database Design, Web Service, Business Level Logic Functions (client side), Data Binding, Data Level Logics (database - server side), Ajax, Data Parsing, Refactoring HTML, CSS, and UI are some of the other skills required by a Web Developer.
Front End Web Developer
Front end web developer requirements popularly include CSS3 and HTML5, where HTML is a hypertext markup language used by front end developers to structure web pages. You may use it to specify where certain elements on a web page will be placed. Whereby CSS (Cascade Style Sheets) is used by them to define the appearance of a website. A front end developer may develop the backbone of a website with these two.
- A front-end developer should always be able to design graphics and comprehend digital aesthetics.
- Frameworks for JavaScript (ReactJS, AngularJS, Vue.js). JavaScript is used to make a website interactive by using pop-ups, modals, animated dropdown menus, moving objects and animations, rolling effects, slideshows, and so on. It is essential to understand.
- Understanding the fundamentals underlying PHP engines and JavaScript frameworks along with REST and the use of RESTful APIs and applications.
- Understanding how to optimize Webpages for portable devices.
- Ajax, jQuery, Data Binding, Data Parsing, Refactoring HTML, CSS, and UI into domain-specific programmes such as MVC, MVVM paradigms, and so on are the essential required skills. For a better chance, you can enroll in any best course for Full Stack Developer to get a better hold on the above-mentioned skills.
Web Developer vs Front End Developer: Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Web Developer
- A web developer is in charge of creating a whole website
- The functionality of that web application or website is their primary consideration.
- A Web Developer is supposed to be concerned with all web site related terms like data storage, any website frameworks like Laravel, CodeIgnitor, or server connections.
- Web development entails a significant amount of coding, debugging, and reviewing the changes to meet the needs of the clients and adding new functionalities as and when required.
- Developers are continuously on the lookout for bugs in their code and vulnerabilities that might cause performance difficulties or data breaches.
Front-End Developer
- Creating and optimizing websites based on Front End Developers' layouts and wireframes.
- Making landing pages
- Converting the websites to become mobile-friendly and functional.
- A front-end developer in comparison to a web developer is not at all concerned with data storage, any website frameworks, or server connections.
- Repairing user interface flaws.
- Performing WordPress-related duties
- Inserting, modifying, and deleting user interface elements (buttons, popups, menus, forms, frames, calendars, etc.).
- Testing, troubleshooting, and management of developed websites are the duties and responsibilities of a front-end developer
Web Developer vs Front End Developer: Experience Focus
When creating a full website, Web Developers typically consider the user experience, but their entire aim is to produce a functioning website that functions as the development team planned. They must concentrate on ensuring that the website functions properly and without faults or defects in the coding.
Front-end developers prioritize user experience while implementing designs and making adjustments that affect quality. They apply their skills to the sections of the website or application with which people engage directly. As a result, they consider how consumers will interact with the site and how they should handle various design elements such as drop-down menus.
Graphic Design Focus
Most web developers do not require graphic design skills. Their expertise is mostly in coding, and they rarely examine features of aesthetic design. Their primary concern is the page's functionality.
Front-end developers, on the other hand, can benefit from graphic design knowledge and skills to apply digital aesthetics. This also enables them to produce stronger interactive features, especially if they can code and design the visual, removing any conflicts between the developer's and graphic designer's concepts.
Web Developer vs Front End Developer: Portfolio
Web Developer
Web Developers mostly rely on the popular repository website “GitHub”, to showcase their fantastic coding project repositories.
It helps them to show how effectively they can restructure and generalize their code for it to be elegant and legible enough for other web or front-end developers.
Numerous developer portfolio websites are available for this designated purpose and fulfill it effectively.
You can also build your own website in different frameworks or a particular one and add various technologies learnt by you such as JavaScript, Mysql, PHP into it which would showcase your coding skills and would provide you with hands on experience with it.
The more technologies and tools you play with the better you get at handling them.
Front End Developer
Front end developers have their own website as portfolios where they may showcase their creativity, such as Behance Dribble and more. These kinds of websites allow them to showcase their color scheme expertise, creativity, outof the box thinking, graphic design aptitude, and ability to repurpose.
However, creating your own portfolio site where you may promote your work is much more valuable than using these third-party apps or sites. By developing your own website, you gain complete control over how your content is presented and received by others, without the interference that might occur when your material is hosted on any other website that you do not own.
We recommend that you do not pass on these additional opportunities and make sure they're used in some way as they are visited by many employers.
Stand-alone Service
Back-end development may be provided as a stand-alone service in Back-end as a service.
Front-end development services cannot be provided on their own.
Web Developer versus Front End Developer: Salary
According to Glassdoor, the approximate total compensation for a Web Developer in the United States is $82,730 per year, with an average income of $77,859 per year. The highest annual compensation for a Web Developer in the United States being $118,749 USD while lowest being $51,049 USD.
As per Glassdoor, the average compensation for a front end developer in the US is $86,013. This statistic is based on 3,715 salaries submitted by front end developers on Glassdoor. Interestingly, frontend developer's average salary is around $51K, with a top salary ranging up to $145K.
We recommend joining Web Development courses online with certificate to showcase them later during the interviews to prove your skills practically and study-wise.
How are They Similar?
There are a lot of similarities between web developers and front-end developers. A job of web developers and front-end developers seems quite identical and nearly blends the line between the two. Individuals in both disciplines are programming professionals who design websites and programs for internet-connected devices such as Smart Phones, Smart TVs, Tablets, laptops, and Computers where web applications can be accessed.
What Should You Choose Between Web Developer vs Front-end Developer?
In the actual world, both career paths may demand you to have adequate understanding and functional ability to work in the cross field hence it is essential to decide front end developer vs back end developer is better for you. Successful developers will understand how to employ colors, and match themes and typography to create wireframes and layouts that would serve as a template for building the elements employing code.
To comprehend the restrictions of their creative layouts and user experience criteria, successful front end developer and web developer will surely master fundamental HTML, CSS, and Javascript languages.
Hence, it's up to you which one to choose as per the tools, coding language, and technologies you choose.
Are you a beginner looking to dive into the world of coding? Look no further! Our Python Complete Course is the perfect starting point. Learn Python in a unique and engaging way. Join us today and unlock your coding potential!
Conclusion
Whether you find the scenes functioning of websites lucrative or its user experience, exploring concepts in depth connected to these jobs that are explained thoroughly for your sole benefit can help you step into Web Developer or Front End Developer jobs and for this KnowledgeHut is the best fit.
Although we have listed nearly all the differences between front end and Web Developer, understanding the complete spectrum of a website or application, starting from concept to its execution, is what our course will provide you to become a web developer or front-end developer. Discover how KnowledgeHut online Front End Bootcamp will set you on a path towards building the websites and other online apps that are so prevalent these days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is front-end developer a web developer?
Yes, a front end developer, is a front end web developer, who is in charge of the User interface's design and execution. User needs this interface to access the applications at hand.
2. What is the difference between web development and front-end developer?
The key distinction between frontend and backend web development is that the former supports the client side (what we see in front) and the latter supports the server side (what is beneath the functioning of a website).
3. Is Web Developer front-end or back end?
A web developer is usually referred to as the backend due to the core working on the website using programming and scripting languages.
4. What is the difference between a software developer and front-end developer?
Front-end software engineers focus on how the website feels, as opposed to web developers, who oversee overseeing and testing the website from creation process to end.
5. Which developer has the highest salary?
Both earn nearly the same but the difference can arise on the basis of the quality that you bring to a website.
6. Is frontend and Web Developer the same?
No, both differ. As frontend is the website’s interface that you interact with while Web development deals with the technical stuff behind the scenes.
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