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

The role of a web developer is always included in the lists of high-paying IT jobs. This is because web developers are essential in today's digital world. They create amazing websites, high-performing e-commerce sites, and other web-based applications. If you want to be a web developer, you must understand that full-stack developer skills are in great demand. However, do you understand the differences between full-stack, front-end, and back-end web development? In this post, we’ll see the differences between these three job roles, skills, and salaries.

What is Web Development?

The process of developing a website on the internet is known as web development. The non-design components of a website, such as building features and functioning with programming, markup, and scripting languages, are referred to as web development. Developers focus on technical aspects of website development such as architecture, programming, and application integration, as well as visuals.

A web developer is someone who does the following:

• Creates and maintains webpages and other web-based applications.
• Creates a website from a web design.
• They collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and designers to understand the concept.
• Can focus on frontend or backend development. Even as a full-stack developer, if necessary.

Types of Web Development

Front End Development: This aspect of web development focuses on what the user interacts with directly, i.e., the user interface of a website or web application. Front-end development deals with the design, layout, and interactivity of a site, ensuring that it's visually appealing and user-friendly.

Back End Development: The back end is the part of a website or application that operates behind the scenes. It manages data, user authentication, and the server-side logic, ensuring the smooth functioning of the website.

Now, let's delve into each of these roles in detail.

What is front-end development?

Front-end development, often referred to as client-side development, is the process of creating the visual elements of a website or web application that users interact with directly. It involves writing code for the user interface, optimizing website performance, and ensuring the site looks and functions correctly on various devices and browsers.

Who is a front-end developer?

A front-end developer, also known as a client-side developer, is responsible for turning web designs into a functioning website or application. They work closely with web designers and back-end developers to create an engaging and responsive user experience.

What are the front-end developer's skills?

Front-end developers should be proficient in the following skills:

• Mastery of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is fundamental for structuring and styling web pages.
• Proficiency in JavaScript is crucial for adding interactivity and dynamic features to a website.
• Knowledge of front-end frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js, which simplify and expedite development.
• The ability to create websites that look and function well on various devices and screen sizes.
• Ensuring that the website performs consistently across different browsers.
• Familiarity with version control systems like Git for code management and collaboration.

Front End Developer Salary

The salary of a front-end developer can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the company. On average, junior front-end developers can earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, while senior front-end developers can command salaries ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 or more.

What is Back End Development?

Back-end development, often referred to as server-side development, focuses on the server and database sides of a website or web application. It involves building and maintaining the server, databases, and applications that enable the front end to function correctly.

Who is a Back End Developer?

A back-end developer is responsible for managing the server, databases, and server-side logic of a website or application. They ensure that data is stored securely, accessed efficiently, and transmitted effectively between the front end and back end.

What are Back End Developer Skills?

Back-end developers should have expertise in the following areas:

• Server-Side Programming Languages: Proficiency in languages such as Python, Ruby, Node.js, PHP, or Java is used to build server-side applications.
• Databases: Knowledge of database management systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and NoSQL databases.
• APIs: The ability to create and manage APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for communication between the front end and back end.
• Server Management: Skills in managing web servers and server infrastructure.
• Security: Understanding web security practices and techniques to protect user data.
• Version Control/Git: Proficiency in version control systems to manage and collaborate on code.

Back End Developer Salary

Back-end developer salaries can also vary based on experience, location, and the organization. Junior back-end developers can earn an annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, while senior back-end developers can expect salaries ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 or more.

Frontend vs. Backend Development

Front-end and back-end development are two halves of a whole, and they must work together seamlessly to create a functional website or application. While front-end developers focus on user interface and design, back-end developers deal with the underlying server infrastructure and data management. Both roles are essential for a successful web project.

In many web development projects, collaboration between front-end and back-end developers is essential. They need to communicate and work together to ensure that the user experience is smooth, and data is managed effectively.

What is a Full Stack Developer?

Now that we've explored the roles of front end and back-end developers, it's time to introduce the full stack developer. A full stack developer is someone who has expertise in both front end and back-end development. They are essentially jacks-of-all-trades in web development, capable of handling the entire web development process from start to finish.

Who is a Full Stack Developer?

A full stack developer is a well-rounded professional who can take care of every aspect of web development, from designing the user interface to managing databases and server-side logic. They bridge the gap between front end and back-end development, ensuring that the entire application functions cohesively.

What are the Full Stack Developer Skills?

Full stack developers need a broad range of skills, including:

• HTML/CSS: Proficiency in front end technologies for web page structuring and styling.
• JavaScript: Mastery of JavaScript for creating dynamic and interactive web elements.
• Front End Frameworks: Knowledge of front-end frameworks for efficient development.
• Server-Side Programming Languages: Expertise in languages like Node.js, Python, Ruby, or Java for server-side development.
• Databases: Proficiency in database management systems for data storage and retrieval.
• APIs: Ability to create and manage APIs for communication between the front end and back end.
• Version Control/Git: Familiarity with version control systems for code management.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and optimize web applications.

Full Stack Developer Salary

Full-stack web developers are in high demand due to their range of skills and extensive knowledge. An average full stack developer's annual salary might range from $110,000 to $150,000, based on their skill set and expertise.

Full-stack engineers earn more money than front end or back end developers. Employers agree to pay more for a full stack developer since it makes more business sense to hire one person with front and back end expertise rather than two.

As a result, the profession of a full stack developer is a profitable alternative for aspirants looking to create a career in the digital business.

The choice between becoming a full stack developer, front end developer, or back end developer depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Front end developers excel at creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces; back end developers focus on the server-side and data management; and full stack developers possess a comprehensive skill set that allows them to manage the entire development process. Each role is integral to the web development ecosystem, and the right one for you depends on your passions and aspirations within the field.

If you're considering the path of a full stack developer and are eager to acquire the comprehensive skill set required to excel in this role, we have an excellent suggestion for you. Consider enrolling in the Full Stack Developer course at Datavalley.

Datavalley has a stellar track record of empowering aspiring developers with the knowledge and expertise to succeed in the dynamic world of web development. Their course covers everything from the fundamentals of HTML and CSS to in-depth training in JavaScript, front end and back end frameworks, and much more.

By joining Datavalley's Full Stack Developer course, you'll gain hands-on experience, build an impressive portfolio, and be well-prepared for a rewarding career in web development.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your journey as a Full Stack Developer with Datavalley. Your future in web development awaits. Take the first step today!

Attend Free Bootcamp at Datavalley

If you're looking to supercharge your Java development skills and become a full-stack Java developer, consider joining the Java Full Stack Developer bootcamp at Datavalley. It's an excellent opportunity to enhance your expertise and take your career to the next level.

Key points about Bootcamps:

• It is completely free, and there is no obligation to complete the entire course.
• 20 hours total, two hours daily for two weeks.
• Gain hands-on experience with tools and projects.
• Explore and decide if the field or career is right for you.
• Complete a mini project.
• Earn a certificate to show on your profile.
• No commitment is required after bootcamp.
• Take another bootcamp if you are unsure about your track.