Difference Between Frontend, Backend and FullStack Development

If you are interested in web development, you have undoubtedly heard of the front end, back end, and full-stack development. Do you know what each term means? Moreover, if you have ever ventured into web development, it is highly likely that you have come across these terms. In this article, you will learn to differentiate them. I'll explain each term to you, let's get started!

What is Front-End Development?

Everything we can see in our browser is thanks to the front end development. A front-end developer has to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to bring designs to life. It is essential to clarify that a frontend developer is not in charge of designing an application. Ideally, they have basic design knowledge and good practices of UI (user interface) and UX (user experience). Still, their main task is always to recreate the design and add functionality (logic) with code (using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).

To become a front end developer, you need to have the following technical skills:

• HTML

• CSS

• JavaScript

• Framework / JavaScript Library (Angular, React, Vue, jQuery)

• Framework / CSS Library (Bootstrap, Materialize)

• CSS preprocessor (Sass, Less, Stylus)

• Version control (Git)

• Tests (Jest, Mocha, Jasmine, Cypress)

• Knowledge of APIs

• Command Line (react-creat-app, npm, yarn)

What is Backend Development?

If you need a web application that can interact with the user to store their data, you need back end development. The main task of a back end developer is to create applications on the server-side to provide the client (browser). In other words, it enables the data transaction between a web application and a data source (usually a database). Without back end development, one would not be able to create accounts, make purchases, or save personal data in an application.

Here is the technical skills a back end developer needs:

• HTML / CSS / JavaScript

• Server-Side Programming Language (Java, Python, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, etc.)

• Server Side Frameworks (Spring, Flask, Express, Laravel, Ruby on Rails)

• Web / Linux / Windows Server (Apache, Nginx, IIS)

• Data Structure / Algorithms (code optimization, refactoring)

• Security (Security Protocols, Implementation, etc.)

• Database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL, etc.)

• Media Storage (Videos, Photos, Audio, etc.)

• API creation

• Version control (Git)

• Tests of all kinds (Unit, Integration, Operation, Performance, etc.)

Commonly a back end developer needs to have more coding skills compared to a front end developer, so it is recommended to start as a front end developer when you start your career. Perhaps it seemed strange to you that a back end developer needs to know HTML / CSS / JavaScript so that the backend team can communicate effectively with the front end team if necessary. A front end developer needs to have a good understanding of APIs to communicate effectively with the back end team.

What is Fullstack Development?

Fullstack developer's main task is to have extensive knowledge of both front end and back end to support tasks, consultation, or communication in the development team. On many occasions, it is confused that the full-stack developer is only a technical expert. However, he needs to have well-developed soft skills (communication, creativity, personnel management, time management, etc.).

To be considered a full-stack developer, you must first have mastered the front end or back end, and then the remaining knowledge is acquired with practice and time. A feature of full-stack developers is that they are extremely curious and always searching for experience.

What Other Roles are there?

How is it possible that there are so many roles if my friend makes web pages by himself and in a short time? Many developers start this way. The first thing you should know is that developing an informative page is different than designing a web platform where user interaction is possible. It is also different from developing a web system that allows managing all the operations (internal and external) of a company and integrates several modules: purchasing, sales, accounting, billing, human talent management, recruitment, and other more functionalities.

As you may have noticed, the more complex a project is, the more roles are going to be needed to deliver quality software in a prudent time. As a web development company, Appstudio Toronto has achieved many milestones and Here are some more roles involved in the development of software projects (not limited to web development):

• Project manager

• Information Architect

• Graphic designer

• Usability and user experience specialist

• Database administrator

• Content editor and publisher

• Information security specialist

AppStudio is a web development company with years of diversified experience and recognition. We cater to every sector in Canada, and we are considered the best company to integrate chatbots and other technologies into the web. We have got the world's best frontend developers and other experts. Our developers, designers, are our assets and the force behind such success.

Web development is not irrelevant in this age of information. Mobile apps have not replaced the websites, nor have they made them less significant. If you are running a business or a startup and want to explore the web world with perfection, do contact us!