Full Stack Developer vs. Front End Developer vs. Back End Developer

What Is Web Development?

Web development is the process of creating a website on the internet. Web development refers to the non-design aspects of a website, such as creating features and functionality using programming, markup, and scripting languages. Developers concentrate on the technical aspects of website development, such as architecture, programming, and application integration, and graphics. 

A web developer is someone who - 

• Builds and maintains websites and other web applications
• Converts a web design into a website
• To comprehend the vision, they collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and designers
• Can specialize in either frontend or backend development. If required, even as a full-stack developer

Now that you know what web development is, look at the different types of web development. 

Types of Web Development 

Web development mainly includes frontend development, backend development, and when the two are put together, there is Fullstack development. 

If you’re wondering what exactly they mean, don’t worry. Before learning about frontend vs. backend development, you will look at them separately and understand each of them in detail below in this tutorial.

What Is Frontend Development?

• The aspect of web development that codes and produces frontend elements of a website, or features that are immediately observable and accessible by the end-user or client, is known as frontend development.
• Essentially, a frontend developer is in charge of everything you see be it styling, graphics, text, alignment, navigation, colors, and so on, and attempts to improve the user experience to make it as seamless as possible. 
• They also contribute to the overall design and aesthetic, along with debugging. 
• The major goals of frontend development are responsiveness and performance.

If what you see in an application is the front end, then what do you think makes this happen? That’s right, it is the backend of the application. Continue reading this tutorial to understand this concept better, and start to learn about frontend vs. backend development.

Who Is a Front End Developer?

Front-end web developers take care of the website’s style and user interface. As you’d probably know, HTML is the structural skeleton of a webpage. You can think of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) as the physique or the body of the skeleton. CSS enables front-end, web developers, to modify the shape of the physique, which, in terms of websites, is like pre-defining certain sections to make the website display a specific style.  

For instance, if the website is a human body, using CSS, you can alter the build of muscles and change the way specific muscles look. Now, with regards to websites, you can use CSS to adjust specific sections of the site to define the look and style it displays. Front-end web developers integrate these "style and look" into a CSS file and include it on top of the HTML file. Whenever they need a particular style, they refer to the CSS file that contains the pre-defined styles.

What Are the Front End Developer skills?

A front end developer skills involve solid knowledge of scripting languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS3. If you wish to become a front-end website developer, you need to master these three languages. 

However, by far, the most critical front end developer skill is proficiency in JavaScript. The versatile JavaScript, which works side by side with both CSS and HTML, features in various applications, including the date and time and “Add to Favorites” button.

Besides, working as a front end developer also requires skills around JQuery, Ajax, UI (User interface), UX (user experience) as well as familiarity with frameworks like AngularJS, EmberJS, Foundation, Bootstrap, and Backbone.

Front End Developer Salary 

An average front end developer in the US can make an approx. $104,893 every year. 

What Is Backend Development?

• Web development that occurs at the back end of programs is accurately termed backend development. 
• backend development covers server-side web application logic and integration, and activities, like writing APIs, creating libraries, and working with system components as opposed to frontend development, which focuses on customer-facing services and programs. 
• backend developers create code that allows a database and an application to communicate with one another. 
• backend developers are in charge of the back end of a website, which includes servers, databases, and apps. They are in control of what you don't see.

Surely you clearly understand what frontend and backend of an application means. But what really sets them apart? What constitutes the two? These questions are answered in the next section. 

Who Is a Back End Developer?

The user-facing interface of a website needs to be aesthetically pleasing. But, without the software that runs in the background, the website's UI wouldn't even exist in the first place. That’s something that puts back end developer skills to test. Back end developers work on the server-side. 

What Are Back End Developer skills?

The programming languages that back end developers typically need to know include PHP, Ruby, Python, and .Net to build applications. Plus, they should have good command over database technologies like Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. 

Since the developer community widely embraces PHP, let’s take that as an example. A scripting language, PHP, works together with Structured Query Language, or SQL, which is the database from where PHP pulls information out to enter it into an HTML file for display. You can find examples of this process everywhere. 

For instance, when a user registers on a website, the SQL database stores the submitted information. Every time they log in, the server-side language gets the information from the database, and HTML displays it on your screen. It’s the job of a back end developer to set this process in motion.  

Back End Developer Salary

Wondering what’s the salary package of back end web developers? Compared to front end developers, they generally get a higher annual salary, which may fall within $128,880 per annum.

Client Side Vs Server Side 

Front End Developer or Client Side

A front end developer designed every aspect of a web page, including the logo, search function, icons, general layout, and user interface. The style and appearance of the website are at the control of front end developers. Additionally, front end developers must guarantee that the website appears nice across all platforms (mobile phones, tablets, and computer). The responsive web design is what this is.

Back End Developer or Server Side

The section of a programme that the user cannot see is referred to as the back end. Back end developers concentrate on the site's functionality, building servers, using databases, and utilizing APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). 

For instance, a form's layout and content might be prepared on the client end, but when users submit their data, the server side handles the processing.

Frontend vs. Backend Development

There are several parameters to consider when differentiating between frontend and backend. Let’s dissect them one by one. 

These are some of the points to note when learning about frontend vs. backend development. However, it is also vital for a backend developer to have a basic understanding of frontend and vice versa. 

Technologies Used For Front End Development

The following list includes some of the front end development technologies:

• HyperText Markup Language (HTML) : This language uses markup. On the internet, web pages are made using it. It establishes the website's structure and serves as its skeleton. HTML also has a Head and a Body, just like people do.
• Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): Whereas HTML establishes the basic structure of a web page, CSS enhances its aesthetic appeal by applying colors, varied fonts, sizes, and margins. It specifies the visual style for the various web page sections.
• Javascript (JS): Javascript is a programming language that increases the interactivity of web pages by introducing more intricate graphics, click triggers, and dialogue boxes. Javascript can even be used to create frameworks.

The following are the frameworks and libraries used in front-end development: 

• Angular- One of the most widely used front-end frameworks was created and is now supported by Google. This platform allows us to develop Single Page Applications (SPAs). The applications are built in Typescript.
• React: Facebook created and maintains one of the most well-liked and commonly used Javascript libraries. This package allows us to develop Single Page Applications (SPAs). Javascript was used to create the applications.
• Vue.js: It's an open-source Javascript tool for building interface design and Single Page Applications (SPAs).

Technologies Used For Back End Development

The following list includes some of the front end development technologies:

• Java: Object-oriented coding is used in these high-level languages. It is frequently employed to create desktop, Android, and enterprise applications.
• C#: It is an advanced, object-oriented programming language called C-sharp. It is employed in the creation of desktop, web, and video game applications. It utilizes the.Net framework and was created by Microsoft.
• PHP: It is a server-side, general-purpose javascript framework. On the website, it is frequently used to create dynamic and interactive online applications. The most well-liked PHP web framework is Laravel.
• Python: An advanced, object-oriented software program is Python. It offers a huge number of libraries. Applications focus on AI and machine learning .

The following are the frameworks and libraries: 

• Spring for Java: One of the most well-liked and frequently utilized Java web platforms for creating enterprise software is Spring. It offers a huge selection of modules for creating web apps.
• Django for Python: This is the most widely used Python web application framework. It has built-in extensions and is ideal for complex, interactive online applications that use a lot of data.
• Laravel for PHP: It is PHP's accessible, free online platform. To create online applications, it offers the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture and design pattern.

Full-Stack Developers

What Is Full Stack Development?

An individual who operates on the front end and back end of a web - based application is known as a full stack developer. While the back end is in charge of the site's architecture and logic in the background, the front end is in charge of the website's aesthetic appearance and feel. 

Who Is a Full-Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer can be best explained as the “jack of all trades.” They are skilled in both front end and back end languages and can work with multiple frameworks.

Skills and Tools You Need as a Full Stack Web Developer

Let's examine the technology and tools you will need to master in order to qualify as a full stack developer.

• Essential Programming Languages: Javascript, CSS, HTML, and other pertinent frameworks
• A full-stack programmer must be proficient in at least one of the following: PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, etc. 
• Database administration expertise is necessary for the back end. The user interface, however, calls for a foundational understanding of design.
• Testing and Debugging - Finding and repairing these mistakes (or "bugs") is known as debugging. Another critical ability to develop is testing. You may check that your software is performing as intended by writing tests for it.
• The project's code can be tracked and managed using version control. Use the well-known programme Git to keep track of your code.
• The ability to solve problems is a company's most crucial competency. Businesses and customers are looking to you for solutions. It's essential to understand how to troubleshoot problems with these web apps by dividing them into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Full Stack Developer Salary

Given their versatility and broad knowledge spectrum, full-stack web developers are sought-after professionals. The annual paycheck of an average full stack developer can fall within the $112,788 range but can go as high as $150,000 depending on their skillset and experience. 

Full-stack developers command the higher salary package than front end or back end developers. Employers are willing to pay more for a full stack developer because it makes more business sense to hire an individual with front and back end skills, rather than getting two people to do the same job. 

Therefore, for aspirants who are planning to carve a career in the tech industry, the role of a full stack developer is a lucrative option. 

A Real World Full Stack Application Example

Let's look at the freeCodeCamp website to get a better idea of what a full stack app appears like- 

The front end would include everything you notice on the page. The front end developer is responsible for creating all of the icons, text, colors, design and structure. 

Login details and other such items are all managed by the back end. Back end development is at work in all of the registration procedures and user data.

Back-End vs. Front-End vs. Full-Stack Development 

For better understanding on the differences look at the table given below-

FAQs

1. Who gets paid more, front-end or backend?

Backend engineers are compensated more. It is a cultural bias in software development that the front-end or "gui" is what "graphic artists" construct, whereas the back-end is where all the complex computer science theory must take place and should never be questioned.

2. Which is better: backend or frontend?

It is determined by your area of interest and level of specialization. If you're interested in design, the front end would be ideal. The back end would be better if you are strong at logical thinking, API, and server management.

3. Is frontend a good career?

Yes, working as a front-end developer is a rewarding profession. It is in high demand by firms such as Amazon, Deloitte, HCL, and others. Furthermore, the average annual salary for a front-end developer is extremely good. Overall, an in-demand career with decent salary and new learning opportunities every day.

4. Is backend a good career?

A job in back end development is a good choice for folks who enjoy programming and are enthusiastic about technology. You'll be determining what educational path you want to follow as you decide what employment path you want to take.

5. What is the highest pay for a Front End Developer?

In India, the average front end developer income is roughly Rs. 5,33,000 per year. This sum can be increased to a maximum of Rs. 1,126,000 every year.

6. What is the lowest pay for a Front End Developer?

In India, the average starting salary for a front end developer is roughly 1.8 lakhs per year (15.0k per month). A front end developer must have at least one year of experience.

7. How much does a Front End Developer make in India?

Front end Developer salaries in India range from 1.8 Lakhs to 12.5 Lakhs per year, with an average yearly pay of 4.5 Lakhs. Estimated salaries are based on 9.7k salaries obtained from Front end Developers.

8. How much does a Front End Developer make in the USA?

In the United States, the average income for a Front End Developer is $105,783. In the United States, the average incremental cash compensation for a Front End Developer is $11,229. In the United States, the average total compensation for a Front End Developer is $117,012.

9. What is the starting salary for a Backend Developer in India?

Backend Developer salaries in India range from 2.0 Lakhs to 19.6 Lakhs per year, with an average yearly pay of 5.5 Lakhs.

10. What is the starting salary for a Backend Developer in the USA?

In the United States, the average annual salary for an Entry Level backend Developer is $89,905.

Your Next Step

The demand for skilled full-stack developers is at an all-time high and shows no sign of slowing down. Over the next ten years, job opportunities for web developers will grow by 13 percent — that’s much faster than average for any other profession. Plus, with millions of websites adding every year to the 1.5+ billion sites existing globally, more web developers are needed to build them. There is no job shortage for web developers for sure. So, it’s not hard to see why web development is a popular career choice. 

While web developers are getting good salaries and being viewed as valuable assets, they need to be on their toes, always learning and adapting to new trends and technologies. If you want to be part of a fast-moving career, being a full-stack developer can be a rewarding experience for you. An online full-stack developer course will set you on the right track, and fortunately, you can start learning the strands of full stack development easily and effectively right now. So, what’s the wait for?