It's normal for us to navigate through websites like it's nothing. But when you really think about it, it's amazing how words and photos on a website can create an entire experience for you. So, how exactly does it work for these websites to create this experience?
All of this can be attributed to the developers. There are kinds of developers working on websites: front-end, back-end, and full-stack. If you want to learn more about these developers and their work, then keep reading below.
What Is a Front-End Developer?
Front-end developers are responsible for creating the user interface. Their job involves creating what the user can easily interact with on the website.
They create the visual appearance of the website and give it a structure, then add layout, style and design to it. The front-end developer is responsible for making sure the website is easy to navigate and functions properly, ensuring that it works well on all devices, such as computers, phones, smart TVs, etc.
What Are the Necessary Skills for a Front-End Developer?
While front-end developers can learn the skills on the job, it's important that they have the basic skills and understanding of certain languages, which are listed below.
- HTML5
- CSS3
- JavaScript
They also need to have a knowledge of certain frameworks like Bootstrap, Backbone, AngularJS, ReactJS, and EmberJS because these tools will help ensure the website shows up well on a mobile device. Additionally, libraries like jQuery and LESS will help organize the code in a convenient form.
Front-end developers also need to have the ability to understand instructions designated to them. They need to meet the needs of the client and follow through with them.
What Is a Back-End Developer?
Back-end developers are the ones in charge of the programming and the server-side of the website. This includes data management and the security of the data and the website itself.
The back-end developer is the one responsible for making sure your website is working properly and the server doesn't crash.
What Are the Necessary Skills for a Back-End Developer?
Having a back-end developer with solid coding skills is a must. They need to have the necessary writing and programming skills to be able to code and manage the website's backend.
Some of the most important languages that are essential for back-end developers are listed below.
- PHP
- Ruby
- Python
- Java
- .Net
Back-end developers will also be using tools like MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server to find, save, and change data. PHP framework knowledge is also important for back-end developers with experience in SVN, CVS, Git, or Linux.
The back-end developer also needs to be able to follow instructions given by the client and work with other team members to build the website.
Pros and Cons of Hiring and Front-End and Back-End Team
There are two options when it comes to hiring a team for your website: a team of front-end and back-end or full-stack developers. Later in the article, there will be a focus on hiring full-stack developers, but for now, let us focus on what it means to hire a team of front-end and back-end developers.
Pros
Hiring a team of front-end and back-end developers has various pros, which is why many businesses opt for this option. The pros of hiring this kind of team are:
1. Expertise in Field
Because the team of developers focuses on their field, they are experts in it. Hiring this team will assure you that they will have solutions to all your needs.
2. Speed
There are two teams working on the project, so simultaneous tasks are being done. This ensures that the development cycles are finished quicker.
Cons
However, there are also cons to hiring a front-end and back-end team. These are listed below.
1. Dependency
While it is true that some tasks can be done simultaneously, there is still a level of dependency. This means that if there is an issue with one of the teams, the issue may impact the other team.
2. Lack of Coordination
It may be difficult to get both teams to coordinate. They may have different schedules and approaches, which could not be suitable for everyone.
Now that you are aware of what a front-end and back-end developer is and what hiring them would entail, we will now learn more about a full-stack developer.
What Is a Full-Stack Developer?
Full-stack developers are best described by the phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none.” This means that they are capable of doing various tasks, but do not have expertise-level knowledge in a specific field
Full-stack developers are front-end and back-end developers combined. They have knowledge of both programming languages, both design and UI, and have the skills to do everything in between.
What Are the Necessary Skills for a Full-Stack Developer?
To be a full stack developer, you must be able to understand both front-end and back-end, and how they interact with each other. You must have knowledge of things and languages like
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- PHP
- Ruby
- Python
They must also have knowledge in frameworks like Bootstrap and AngularJS and libraries like jQuery and LESS, just like front-end developers.
The full-stack developer also needs to understand the back-end and server-side, such as NodeJS and ExpressJS. They also need to have experience in NoSQL databases like MongoDB, CouchDB, and Redis.
There is also a common misconception that full-stack developers are merely a combination of front-end and back-end developers. However, their work also includes responsibilities of DevOps roles such as deploying websites to go live on a server.
Pros and Cons of Hiring Full-Stack Developers
Just like with hiring a front-end and back-end team, hiring full-stack developers will also have its pros and cons.
Pros
Below is a list of the pros of hiring full-stack developers.
1. Less Development Costs
Hiring full-stack developers will require you to hire fewer people. This means you can save up on the costs as compared to hiring a front-end and back-end team.
2. Efficient Workflow Management
Because there will be fewer people working on the project, it would be easier for them to coordinate with one another. You do not have to worry about conflicts in schedule and planning.
Cons
Just like there are pros to hiring full-stack developers, there are also cons that come along with it. These cons are:
1. Poor Task Management
With a front-end and back-end team, the tasks are divided among many people. Hiring full-stack developers will minimize the number of people tasks can be divided among. This may make it more difficult for the developers to manage their tasks.
2. Jack of All Trades, Master of None
As mentioned before, they are skilled in multiple areas. However, their skill level may not match that of front-end and back-end developers who are more focused on their specific area.
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