Novice developers can get a little confused about the principles and functionality of Back-End Web Development and Front-End Web Development, so let’s look at the basic differences between both directions in detail. After all, if you want to order the creation of a website, knowledge of such terminology will be useful to you
Front-end development: concept and tools
In simple words, front-end web development aims to make the site look digestible. This includes all the elements of the site with which the user will interact: navigation, images, and animation. The more competently thought out the interface, the more successful the user experience will be.
For “Front-end” are used:
CSS – tells the browser how fragments should be displayed;
HTML – assigns a name to content elements (headings, subheadings, lists, etc.);
JavaScript – controls the response to some interactions;
Additional libraries (jQuery, React Js, Angular) give the site a unique finished look.
The technologies used for Front-End Web Development meet the front-end design requirements. However, without the “Back-end”, the site simply will not work, no matter how attractive it may be.
Back-end tasks
Web development “backend” affects the internal functionality to ensure the smooth operation of the site. This includes:
- Interaction with the external interface;
- Collection and storage of data;
- Providing requested information, etc.
- In general, everything related to the process of combining the server, database and application is the “Back-end”. The tools used for this area of web development include universal languages (Java and JavaScript, Python, Node, Ruby, PHP) and data management systems (MySQL, Memcached, PostgreSQL, Redis, MongoDB, Cassandra).
Security systems, database creation and integration, recovery, backup, full development of the “brain” of the application and other manipulations that are hidden from the eyes of the end user, but directly affect the performance and responsiveness of web pages, are under the control of Back-end developers.
Front End vs Back End – What’s the Difference?
To work with the visual component of the site, a specialist must be comfortable in handling both coding and design. So, the “front-end” developer is kind of versatile, and it will most likely not be difficult for him to learn a few additional disciplines and become a Full Stack developer.
In Back-End Web Development, web development is built on logic. Having been successful in processes and requests, but not having a creative streak, a “backend” specialist is unlikely to become an expert in both areas.
In fact, Front-end and Back-end are two sides of the same coin, responsible for different functions and needs. They cannot exist separately, because then the product cannot be called attractive or even workable. A significant difference in these areas lies in the set of tools necessary for an IT specialist and the result of the work done.
