Building a website has two key builders: front-end and back-end developers. Here’s why: users come in contact with the front end, which is what they often interact with (the buttons, text, and images), and then you have the back end, which holds all the structure that makes the front end possible. The difference between the developers can be confusing, given the close work they do to make a website come alive. But there are, in fact, major differences. 

Front-end developers create the visual elements of websites that customers interact with, including colours, layout, and fonts. Back-end developers build the unseen framework that allows websites to perform efficiently. Back-end developers have different technical skills and earn more than front-end developers.

Front-end and Back-end Developers: An Overview 

Front-end development is founded on the user-end side of a website. Front-end developers ensure that users can easily interact with and navigate sites using programming languages, design abilities, and other software. They also design website drop-down menus, designs, and layouts.

Front-end programmers use programming languages like JavaScript, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to develop websites. All of these programming languages serve specific purposes. HTML forms the content and design of the website, CSS adds design aspects, and JavaScript constructs complex interactive features. Front-end programmers know less about other programming languages like Python, PHP, or Ruby.

These developers need knowledge of how to use libraries and frameworks like jQuery, Bootstrap, AngularJS, and EmberJS. Frameworks ensure content shows up as expected on all devices, while libraries compress code into smaller, more time-efficient packages. Front-end developers can also use graphical design tools like Photoshop or Sketch and code editor tools like Notepad or Eclipse.

Back-end developers, on the other hand, focus on the server side of sites. They apply technical knowledge to accomplish the behind-the-scenes work that builds a site’s structure and overall functionality, allowing a site’s front end to exist. Back-end specialists create a site’s workings, databases, and application programming interface (API).

The back end has an application, server, and database. The elements of back-end development are not typically seen by computer users, and they remain hidden under the hood of a website.

Back-end developers need professional experience in server-side programming languages like Java, Python, and Ruby to develop applications. Students can learn or refresh specific computer programming languages by joining boot camps. For example, see our article on the top Python boot camps.

Back-end developers use programming languages like SQL Server and Oracle to save, manage, and modify data. Knowledge of PHP frameworks, version control tools, and debugging the back-end system and applications is often required by employers. Back-end developers collaborate with front-end developers, management, and business stakeholders to understand the objectives of every project.

Now you have an overview of what both front-end and Back-end developers do, now let’s look at the distinguishing differences. 

Front-end and Back-end Developers: The Key Differences 

Front-end and Back-end Developers are both important when it comes to making a website come alive! Although they might seem similar, they have varying differences. 

Development goals

Full-stack development aims to create responsive, effective, and functioning applications. Backend and frontend developers aim differently at creating the final application.

Frontend developers aim to create a positive user experience, improve the accessibility and performance of the application, and create responsive layouts. They want to first simplify the front to use it in an uncomplicated manner and well-designed, rendering it completely responsive across the diversity of available platforms and gadgets.

Backend developers write and maintain the server-side aspects of an application. Their core development priorities include developing a reliable architecture that implements application operations accurately and efficaciously. They want to satisfy users’ demands while attending to security and budget matters.

Technologies

Front-end developers relate directly to the user interface section of website design. They need computer languages such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Accelerating production efficiency is one of the main functions of front-end development frameworks in the creation process.

Backend developers make use of programming languages such as Ruby, Java, and Python. Business logic integration requires backend specialists to implement databases along with storage technologies and API technologies for applications and systems to exchange data.

Security

Frontend security addresses user-visible aspects. Examples include input forms, client-side scripts, and the end-user experience in security processes like authentication.

Input validation, disabling settings that allow your users to enter code in text boxes, and multifactor authentication processes are some of the common frontend development security practices. Your user controls various frontend security aspects, like securing their password or their device.

Backend security protects data when it is stored and transmitted. It takes care of everything related to authentication, access control, and session protection. Backend security encompasses all backend services, such as related databases, APIs, and server-side programming languages.

Key backend security practices are secure coding, data encryption before and after transmission, and secure authentication and authorization practices.

Conclusion 

The above details clearly define the difference between front-end and back-end developers. One thing you should note is that both developers work to ensure users have the best experience when visiting a website. While both developers require coding knowledge, they have some technical skills that still set them apart. 
So if you’re considering which of them to focus on as you begin your freelancing journey, this article shows you their unique features. For more guides to help you have a smooth freelance experience, join us today!