Front End Versus Backend Programming. How Do You Pick?
For those who are seasoned in programming, being trained in full stack development is nearly inevitable. Although, for those entering the game now, you may want to understand the differences between front end and back end web development to see if you would like to specialize in one or even both.
What is Front End?
The basic description of a front end developer is a programmer who focuses on the look and user interface and experience of a site. They work on curating and editing the images, style, fonts, and customization of the look, feel, and basic functionality of the site.
The three main languages at a minimum front end developers are expected to know if HTML, CSS, and Javascript. With the market of web and application technology, front end developers are constantly in demand. The primary downside of working in front end is that updates and developments to languages and frameworks are constantly happening. As a developer in general, you are also expected to continue learning and keep yourself up to date with the markets needs and developments.
With front end these updates happen a lot more often to keep up with the creative ideas and opportunities for a site display and function. Therefore acclimating to the most recent Javascript skills with command line tools, as well learning popular frameworks such as Angular.js, React.js, Node/Express, Vue.js, and several others. Generally understanding 1–2 of these languages, as well as hosting your site and buying domains, will put you in a decent spot to find a new role. Some other design skills worth educating yourself in include Photoshop, Sketch, Adobe XD, etc. A unique, creative, and well functioning portfolio is one of the most valuable tools an Front End Developer needs to show their value to the market, so its essential to design as a first step in your career.
What is Back End?
Backend developers primary work is managing the server side of application and websites. This includes managing databases, user accounts, site security, connecting to the front end’s Javascript functionalities, and maintaining a sites performance.
Examples of languages to be learned on the backend side are PHP, Ruby, Python, Node.js, and Java, as well as database softwares such as MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server. Being proficient in about 3–4 of this would be ideal for a mid-level employee.
The functions of a backend programmer would be using these languages and frameworks to debug code, and working on the user interface of the site a visitor may not be directly looking at (Front End). A simple example would be maintaining the function of when a user clicks a button after a form created on the front end and submitting and storing the information on a database.
Additional expectations of a BED is maintaining databases and storage of information, site and user data security, adding newly developed functionalists that do not overlap with current UI/UX, and running tests on the application to make sure the user has the best possible experience on the site with minimal errors and bugs.
Usually back end language and framework updates are not as frequent as front end, so once you get yourself to an expertise level of any of them, updates may not be as difficult to learn or stay knowledgeable about.
Which is Right for Me?
From the information above, the basic differences between FED and BED can be understood. Figuring out whats best for you can primarily be done through practice of the languages each specialization entails. It is a good idea to take beginner level coding courses or certifications of web development (if you aren’t familiar already) to get a feel of what the programming for each would entail. Additionally, your passion and curiosity will usually grow for a certain stack once you get the hang of it.
Something to note while you are making your decision (although should never be the primary point) is the average salary ranges of each position. The job market will nearly be open at all times for both front and back end developers, as technology is constantly evolving and the passion of a strong candidate in either field will always be there. Generally, a FED makes anywhere between 55k-110k depending on a junior to senior level positions. Contract roles may offer rates anywhere between approximately 25/hr-75/hr (avg $50) based on level of experience. A BED developer would be making a salary anywhere between $75k-140k based on level of seniority in roles, expertise, and experience. Freelancing role rate averages are hard to predict. It would depend on the clients needs, the amount of work involved, the length of the project cycle, and skills required. They can range anywhere between $10 to $175 an hour depending on these factors.
So based on these notes, don’t worry if you do not immediately know what you will prefer to specialize in. If you are looking for junior roles to gain experience, it would be a great way t after you understand the basic principles of each to figure out what you are skilled in the most.
Full Stack Development
If you like working through a full project lifecycle and enjoy learning and applying the concepts of both front and back end and connecting them together, full stack development can be an option for you.
Some of the times a fulls tack developer may not preffered unless they have several years and varied types of experience behind them. Getting hired as Full Stack developer may be challenging for a junior level employee, and is primarily purposed for senior level programmers .This is due to the fact that employers would have a hard time trusting a employee having specializations in both stacks, which would be a difficult task without a significant amount of practice.
Although, having or eventually earning the experience is both fields may open more diverse opportunities in the future. Additionally, a company hiring a FSD may be more efficient for them in the long run, so the employee can handle the full life cycle, involving both stacks, of a project(s) with both the customer and company ideals in mind. These can be full time, part time, contract, or consultant roles.
Of course, these are all also available in both Front and Back End specializations as well, so the choice eventually becomes yours. Regardless which of the three you choose to become your future, there are vast career and growth opportunities for you in any. Do what feeds your soul and your mind and betters the life of the peers and colleagues around you. You got this!
