The Midlife Web Developer

What's the difference between front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers?

Serenity Hutchinson's photo
Serenity Hutchinson
·

2 min read

I've wanted to create more articles about web development since I am a web developer and I am trying to help beginning web developers. So what is the difference between these three? It can be confusing, especially to those new in the coding world. I know it was when I started.

So a front-end developer deals with the building of the websites. They make the websites look pretty and make them function in a way that will help their customers with their needs. The front-end developer's basic knowledge should include:

  • HTML

  • CSS

  • JavaScript

  • jQuery or some kind of JavaScript library

  • Bootstrap or Sass (extended CSS)

You do not have to be an expert in everything. However, you should have advanced knowledge in HTML and CSS. You should have a pretty good knowledge of JavaScript. Basic knowledge of jQuery or a JS library is preferred and basic knowledge of Bootstrap or Sass is definitely an add on.

Moving on, a back-end developer deals with basically the structure of the website. This can be the security, databases, site operations, etc... Back-end developers basic knowledge should include:

  • Python

  • Python libraries such as Django

  • Java

  • Ruby

  • MySQL or something equivalent

Again you do not have to be an expert in everything, but focusing on at least one of each will help you. MySQL is a database language, but not the only one. So if you focus on it and learn it, chances are you will be able to learn others quickly. There are plenty of languages out there for back-end developers, pick a few and dedicate yourself to learning them, if that is where you want to go.

Last, we have full-stack developers. This sounds weird. What are they? Full-stack developers deal with both sides of the website. They know coding languages from each side and are able to put the website together completely from both ends. They also have a wider array of jobs open to them because they are more knowledgeable in both arenas. This does take a lot of studying, but it is worth it considering the amount of money you make.

So that is a little about types of web developers. If you want to learn more, go here: https://www.computerscience.org/bootcamps/resources/frontend-vs-backend/.

Also visit my WordPress blog at: midlifedeveloper.wordpress.com.

Thanks for reading!

Frontend DevelopmentBackend DevelopmentWeb Developmentfull stackFull Stack Development