As a newbie in the world of web development, you will often hear the terms frontend, backend, and full stack. But what do these roles entail and how do they differ? Even if you are not new to web development, perhaps you are looking to switch roles or careers, understanding these key distinctions is important, and helpful in choosing which skill you want to arm yourself with.
Web Development is a field in technology that deals with, basically, the web – websites, web applications, everything web. It’s like that restaurant you enjoy going with your significant other. You see the vibrant menu and the interior decor that you love taking selfies with – let’s call that the frontend.
While you’re sitting there admiring your date and making googly eyes, you smell the mouthwatering aroma that comes from the kitchen. You don’t see the kitchen staff, neither do you see the fire and the oven that baked that yummy pie you chose on the menu. That kitchen, let’s call it the back-end.
These two aspects of the restaurant will sum up your experience and how you ultimately enjoy your meal – that’s the user experience AKA UX, but it’s not the focus of this writing. However, there’s a third force yet to be mentioned – the full stack maestro.
Full stack developers can be likened to the chef who excels at both presentation and the culinary art. Full-stack developers are the masters of their craft, capable of navigating both front-end and back-end realms. They can whip up a delightful UI, ensure smooth data flow, and troubleshoot any hiccups in the system.
Just like that culinary masterpiece, websites require a symphony of skills, and at the helm are three key players: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. Let’s leave the dramatics, and delve into what each skills are about.
Frontend
Frontend developers are responsible for the part of a website or app that users directly interact with. This includes the layout, visual design, buttons, menus, clicks, and other functionalities coded in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Think of frontend like the storefront of a shop. Frontend developers dress up the space to attract customers with appealing visuals and make the browsing experience smooth and functional.
Skills for frontend developers therefore include strong HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and UI/UX design abilities. Familiarity with frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue is also important, and can improve the chances of getting gigs and climbing the ladder fast.
Backend
If frontend is the store’s physical space, backend is all the behind-the-scenes work to enable operations. Backend developers build and maintain the inner workings that power functional sites and apps.
Backend development includes the creation and maintenance of database architecture, server configuration, API routes, and application logic to process user data inputs; conduct security checks, query data, and deliver outputs.
Popular languages and frameworks used in Backend development include Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP, and .Net.
While Backend developers do not directly build the interface, they enable key connectivity and business logic so that applications function as they should. Strong analytical skills and database/server administration are therefore critical backend competencies.
Full Stack
As the name suggests, full stack developers have expertise spanning both frontend and backend systems and languages. This allows building complete apps from initial interface design through complex backend functionality.
Think of full stack like having mastery of the entire store, from visual merchandising to managing inventory and suppliers. The wide scope of capabilities enable tackling projects independently or leading coordinated teams. However, tradeoffs can exist between wider scope and deeper specialized expertise.
For startups or smaller teams, full stack skills allow faster prototyping and building. Large teams and establishments benefit from having dedicated frontend, backend, and full stack roles based on project needs. There is high demand for developers with versatile full stack abilities today.
Frontend, backend, and full stack developers work hand-in-hand to create the experiences users see and the functionality that powers it behind the scenes. Understand your strengths to determine the right development path.
Read also: What is the difference between the Internet, Extranet, and Intranet?
Choosing your path
The choice between these roles depend on your individual interests and skill sets. If you are a creative storyteller with an eye for design, frontend development might be your calling. If you are a logic puzzle enthusiast who thrives on unraveling complex systems, the backend world awaits. And for those who crave a holistic understanding of web development, the fullstack path offers an endless scope for exploration and mastery.
Whether you aim to be the Picasso of Frontend or the Einstein of Backend, understanding the skills that builds the web is highly important for any aspiring techie.
Good luck on your quest.