Whenever you acquire or set out to build a new IT solution, the terms frontend and backend development inevitably pop up. The two are typically intertwined, but for someone who doesn’t deal with software engineering on a frequent basis, it can get confusing.
What is the difference between frontend and backend? How do they relate to each other? All these questions and more might be plaguing your mind right now. Not to worry though, in this post that’s precisely what we’re going to decipher.
We’ll explain both frontend and backend development, the technologies that are used in each one, and discuss the differences between the two. Let’s get into it.
The Role of Frontend Development
The definition of frontend refers to an aspect of software that the user can see, interact with, and directly experience. It is also known as the “client-side” and covers pretty much everything related to an application’s user experience.
Text, buttons, color schemes, images, navigation, and the like are all part of frontend development. These elements have an immense effect on whether or not people continue using your solution or disregard it after a couple of times. Thus, companies are placing more and more attention on the frontend interface in both web-based software and mobile apps.
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Developers working on the frontend will typically take the visual elements of UI/UX design and focus on bringing it all to life with the end user in mind. Does the created website load quickly? Are the visuals intact and responsive across all kinds of devices? These are just some of the questions that frontend developers will concern themselves with.
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Technologies Used to Design the Frontend
While there is a multitude of frontend frameworks, libraries, and programming languages to rely on during development, these are the ones used most frequently:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Angular
- React.js
- Vue
Frontend languages are used by developers to code the client-facing side of an application while frameworks and libraries make that process more manageable. Specifically, by providing tools and templates that the team can leverage for coding in a particular language.
The Role of Backend Development
Now, you’re probably asking yourselves, alright, but what is backend programming then?
Well, unlike the frontend, the backend aspect is all about the server-side of the web application architecture. It includes storing and managing data, processing business logic, providing access to databases or cloud services, and ensuring that the client-facing side of the solution is working well.
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Users don’t directly interact with the backend but rather indirectly access it through the frontend. For example, when a person completes an action on a web page like making a purchase, the browser will send a request to the backend. That way, it can be processed, and relevant information displayed on the client-side.
Technologies Used to Build the Backend
At the core of backend development are technologies that allow an app to find and deliver relevant data to the frontend. Once again, there is a variety of languages and tools to choose from, but the most common ones include:
- Python
- PHP
- C++
- Java
- .NET Core
- Node.js
- Django
The backend is also largely involved with API development as IT tools often need to be connected with other existing systems to function to their utmost potential.
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Frontend vs. Backend: Key Differentiating Factors
Now that we’ve discussed backend and frontend development, you may be up to speed with the distinctions between the two. Nonetheless, let’s take a quick look over the main differentiating factors before we finish up.
Visibility to Users
As previously mentioned, a major difference between the frontend and backend is that the former is visible to users while the latter isn’t. While people interact with the client-side of an application, they don’t directly have access to the backend, which basically collects data and processes the software functionality.
Of course, the two are intertwined and have to work together to allow users to complete contact forms, make purchases, update information, or carry out other interactive actions that the solution was created for. So, you can’t really go for the frontend or backend exclusively as both are usually required for a well functioning software.
Goals
Another major frontend vs. backend differentiating factor is the end goal that developers from both sides are focused on achieving.
With frontend, the ultimate goal is to make the solution accessible, responsive, and easy to use. After all, a poor user experience is detrimental to the success of an app nowadays. Backend development, on the other hand, is focused on ensuring that software performs the tasks it was designed for in the best possible manner, is scalable, and works efficiently.
Developer Skill Set
Finally, the developer skill set tends to be different depending on whether they specialize in the frontend or backend. Of course, there are full-stack developers who are skilled in both, but that doesn’t happen as often. Typically, development teams have separate people for each of these roles.
So, while fronted developers work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Angular.js, React, and jQuery, backend developers will be familiar with PHP, C++, Java, Ruby, Python, Node.js and the like.
Additionally, frontend specialists can benefit from knowing elements of UI/UX design so that its concepts can be better applied during development. After all, if the end goal is to build the best possible solution — all parts of the process should work together coherently.
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Get Help With Frontend and Backend Development
We hope that now you can clearly see the difference between frontend and backend operations. The two are usually very interconnected and both require skilled specialists that can bring your project to life in the best way.
At Velvetech, we have spent years delivering state-of-the-art frontend and backend development services. Our experts always ensure that your software has optimal performance, can be easily scaled, provides an excellent user experience, and has the highest levels of security to protect all your valuable data.
So, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and share your next project’s idea. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible and happily discuss a potential collaboration.
