Search for something on Google, and one ends up getting multiple results to check. Once clicked, every result will open up into something beautiful, colourful, responsive, and functional that catches the eye. It amazes us to see how every click on these results makes changes as per our wishes. These beautiful things are called websites, and building them up is known as web development. The term web development starts to sound familiar because it has been one of the most trending skills to acquire for every person in the IT field.
Web development is one of the most important parts of IT as it helps build a bridge between consumer and provider. And, of course, it helps in making complex tasks automated through different functionalities. The integral parts of web development are Frontend and Backend.
What is Frontend?
As the name says, Frontend is something that a user can see, interact and experience. It majorly involves programming or coding the parts of the website and applications that are visible to the user. The person who develops the front end is known as a Front End Developer. The work of a Front End Developer is to build on the User Interface and User Experience designs which are the key elements of bringing design to life. Key skills of a Front End Developer include knowing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as Angular JS, node js, etc. Along with this, knowledge about the version control system like GIT and GITHUB adds to their treasury. A Front End Developer is an imperative part of web development, as they provide the structure needed for feasible working.
What is Backend?
Backend or Backend development is like behind the scenes of a movie or show or in our case, the frontend. Actions taken by the user are analyzed, fetched, and delivered back by the backend through the codes written. The person who develops the back end is known as the Back End Developer. The major work of a Back End Developer includes linking every aspect of the front end together and with the databases. The primary skills of a Back End Developer include knowing back-end languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, etc. Other skills include a sound understanding of Database Management Systems (DBMS) and Application Program Interfaces (API). The back end is very crucial as it gives purpose or functionality to the beauty of an app or website.
Features of Frontend
Along with its wide range of functionalities, the front end comes with a lot of features.
- Client Side Rendering: It allows developers to render the entire website on the browser of the user locally with JavaScript.
- Server Side Rendering: It allows the rendering of sites directly on the users’ browser based on the changes requested by the user.
- Optimization: Fine tuning of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript ensures fast loading of sites for the users.
Features of Backend
Like the frontend, the backend also comes with multiple features that are beneficial to the developers.
- Databases: It involves storing of necessary data of the users.
- Website Architecture: It involves understanding the goals that are needed to make the application.
- Scripting: It involves the proper formatting of the framework.
- API: Application User Interface or APIs are tools that help in communication between machines and deliver the necessary data.
Difference Between Frontend and Backend
The major differences between Frontend and Backend Development
| Basis | Front End | Back End |
| Definition | Front end development involves the effective implementation of visual components of a web application | Back end development involves the effective implementation of functions of a web application that includes databases, server management, etc. |
| Skills Required | The skill set required for the front end includes HTML, CSS, SASS, JavaScript, etc. | The skill set required for the back end development includes Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, etc. |
| Independence | Front end development cannot work independently except in the case of static sites. | Back end development works independently of the front end as Back end |
| Goal | The goal of the front end development is to ensure that the application is accessible by everyone and it remains responsive on all the platforms such as desktop, talbot, and phone. | The goal of the back end development is to ensure that the application runs under all the provided cases, be scalable, and work efficiently with low latency without fail. |
| Development Team | The work of the front end development team is to design and develop the appearance of the application based on the user’s input and test it. | The work of the back end development team is to assist the front end in linking pages up, provide security and support to the users. |
| Frameworks Used | AngularJS, React, vue.js, etc. | Django, Flask, CakePHP, Laravel, Ruby on Rails, etc. |
| Additional skills | A good understanding of UI and UX designing. | Logical reasoning and problem-solving. |
