Front End, Back End, and Full Stack Developers: A Comparison

The three main types of web programming are full stack vs backend vs frontend development. These three perform different but vital roles in web programming. While the last two are specialists, the first generalize. So, contrasting full stack vs front end developer or full stack back end developer is not as easy as one would front and back.

Websites allow businesses to spread information and meet branding goals today. Which kind of programmer/engineer fits right into a project’s needs? Find here an analysis of important areas in web development, which skills must be harnessed to tackle each, and also recommendations to hire the right programmers (whether front end vs back end vs full stack developers).

Front End Developers

Who is a Front End Developer?

In frontend web development, the latter commonly addresses the interface, which a user can view and directly experience. It concerns the overall presentation: style, feel, and look. Hence, it is also called client-side (‘client’: technical word for the generic user).

The approach requires such technologies as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They are to convert code data into a graphical interface.

• HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the basic framework or bare structure of any website.
• Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) determines the visual presentation of an HTML document.
• JavaScript determines how the elements interact

The front end vs full stack developer writes the code for this client-side. Visuals are only one feature of user experience, which also relates to operation, responsiveness, speed, and so on.

A front end developer vs full stack can create sites requiring no server-side features (e.g. databases); those are called static sites, the very basic website type. For more complex websites, they work with server-side programmers and other professionals.

Front End Developer Skills and Responsibilities

Being a front end programmer even is no mean task. Some responsibilities required include the following:

• Balancing functionality (technical) with aesthetics (creative)
• Mobile responsiveness
• Optimizing for speed and efficiency
• Enhancing user experience

These responsibilities, however, can only be fulfilled when the frontend developer is adequately equipped in:

• HTML, CSS, and Javascript programming proficiency
  Proficiency in these is a no-brainer. These three technologies are foundational tools.
• Proficiency in front-end programming frameworks
  Different Javascript and CSS frameworks are necessary for specific needs. They should be applied depending on the required features. Top Javascript frameworks include: Angular, React, Vue.js (read more about Vue.js benefits), etc.; top CSS frameworks include Bootstrap, Semantic UI, Bulma, and so on.

• Mobile Design (Responsive Design)
  The modern website UI standard: page displays (layout, style, etc.) should adapt automatically to the type (and size) of the device being used to access the website. It is important to pay the most attention to mobile design since more mobile devices are accessing the internet than computers now.
• Knowledge of Content Management Systems
  Many websites operate by a CMS, which enables seamless regular updates of the site. A front-end programmer needs proficiency in them. Some very popular ones include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento (particularly for e-commerce sites).

Front End Developer Salary

In the U.S., the pay is generally around $70,000 to $120,000 per year. A full stack vs front end developer, and a back end programmer as well earn similar rates. From various sources:

Salary.com	$119,224 (range $106,922 to $130,083)
Indeed	$108,628
PayScale	$73,886 (range $49k to $113,000)
GlassDoor	$76,929 (range $48K to $131,000)

Back End Developers

Who is a Back End Developer?

What’s the difference between front end and back end developers?

Unlike frontend coders, back end professionals are responsible for a site’s internal operational constituents. Hence, the server-side facilitates the smooth interaction of elements for correct display. These elements include the server, application, and database.

What’s the difference between front end developer and full stack backend developer?

Back End Developer Skills and Responsibilities

Back end programmers are often referred to by the programming language in which they are most proficient, such as ‘Ruby Developer’, ‘PHP Developer’ or ‘Python Developer’. However, some responsibilities apply to all back end coders, irrespective of these languages. You can use the right backend interview questions to check the following skills:

• Building a system architecture
• Managing resources (databases, APIs, etc.) for seamless running
• Organizing system logic
• Cloud computing integration, where necessary

What’s the difference between front end developer and full stack backend developer? Skills for the latter:

• Database Management
  This is crucial particularly if collecting user info. Server-side programming requires maintaining a database, adapting to scale as needed. Some top systems are Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, etc.
• API Integrations
  Application Programming Interfaces allow interactions between different software applications. For instance, APIs allow a user to sign in with their Google account. APIs are integral for seamlessness.
• Security Protocols
  This is about a website’s security compliance, especially as it pertains to access control. Data is attractive to cyber attackers.

Back End Developer Salary

GlassDoor	$101,619 ($81,000 to $124,000)
Salary.com	$107,476 ($91,360 to $121,912)
Indeed	$125, 309
PayScale	$77,567 (range $49,000 to $130,000)

Full-Stack Developers

In backend vs frontend vs full stack web programming, skills exclusivity isn’t common. A back end programmer needs a rudimentary grasp of client-side tools (at least, the trio of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML). It happens vice versa too for a front end vs full stack developer and mostly because for effective collaboration, each person should communicate in each other’s own words.

Who is a Full-Stack Developer?

Most projects (especially big ones) need separate categories of talent. However, the full stack front and back end developer is capable of contributing meaningfully whichever way.

Full-Stack Developer Skills and Responsibilities

No defined responsibilities exist for full stack front and back end developers. They vary by job description. However, these are common:

• Project planning and life cycle management. The overview of full-stack programmers is vital for organizing a project through to execution.
• Facilitating software improvements alongside data analysts, etc.
• Implementing certain features (security, scalability, reliability, etc.)

Some Full-stack programmer skills are highlighted below:

• HTML, CSS, and Javascript, and relevant frameworks
  Front end programming relies on these three technologies. Particularly for the website’s overall visual experience.
• Backend programming languages
  A full-stack developer needs proficiency in one of PHP, Python, Ruby, and Java, etc. Likewise, knowledge of relevant frameworks is important; they simplify the process.
• Database and Basic Design
  The back end requires database management skills. In contrast, the user interface requires some basic design knowledge.

Full-Stack Developer Salary

Indeed	$108,847
GlassDoor	$105,813 (range $72,000 to $145,000)
Salary.com	$91,788 (range $81,615 to $108,080)
PayScale	$75,057 (range $48,000 to $113,000)

Backend vs Frontend vs Full stack

What’s the difference between front end developer and backend developer as well as full-stack programmer?

Back End Developer	Front End Developer	Full-Stack Developer
Responsible for the server-side	Responsible for the client-side	Can build either side of a website
Ruby, PHP, Node.js, Java, Python, etc. proficiency	HTML/CSS, React, Vue.js, Angular proficiency	Any frontend framework as well as one backend language, minimum
Manages databases	Enhances program functionality and visual style	Entire web project life cycle

What Kind of Developer to Choose

Choosing the right type of developer for your project is crucial to its success. Whether you need a front end, back end, or full stack developer depends on various factors, including the scope of your project, your budget, and the specific skills required. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.

Front End Developer

When to Choose a Front End Developer?

• Focus on User Experience: If your project heavily relies on a visually appealing and interactive user interface, a front end developer is essential. They specialize in creating seamless and engaging user experiences.
• Single Page Applications: Projects like single-page applications (SPAs) that require dynamic, real-time updates benefit greatly from front end expertise.
• Design Implementation: If you have a design provided by a UI/UX designer, front end developers can accurately translate these designs into functional interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Front end development skills:

• Aesthetics and Usability: Front end developers prioritize the look and feel of the application, ensuring it is intuitive and visually appealing.
• Responsive Design: They ensure your application works smoothly across various devices and screen sizes.
• Performance Optimization: Front end developers optimize load times and improve the performance of the user interface.

Back End Developer

When to Choose a Back End Developer?

• Server-Side Logic: If your project involves complex server-side logic, database interactions, and integrations with other systems, a back end developer is indispensable.
• Data Management: Projects that require handling large volumes of data, such as e-commerce platforms or social networks, need the expertise of back end developers.
• Security and Authentication: If your application requires secure user authentication, data protection, and compliance with regulations, back end developers can implement these features.

Back end development skills:

• Scalability: Back end developers design systems that can handle increasing loads and user traffic.
• Database Management: They ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and manipulation, often working with SQL and NoSQL databases.
• API Development: Back end developers create APIs that enable communication between the front end and server, ensuring seamless data exchange.

Full Stack Developer

When to Choose a Full Stack Developer?

• End-to-End Development: If you need a developer who can handle both the client-side and server-side of your project, a full stack developer is the best choice. They can manage the entire development process.
• Small to Medium Projects: Full stack developers are ideal for small to medium-sized projects where a versatile developer can handle multiple aspects of the project efficiently.
• Budget Constraints: If your budget doesn’t allow for hiring multiple specialized developers, a full stack developer can provide a cost-effective solution.

Full stack development skills:

• Holistic Understanding: Full stack developers have a comprehensive understanding of both front end and back end technologies, allowing them to see the big picture and ensure all parts of the application work together seamlessly.
• Versatility: They can switch between tasks, from developing user interfaces to managing server-side logic, which can accelerate development and reduce the need for multiple handoffs.
• Continuous Learning: Full stack developers are often adept at learning new technologies and adapting to the changing landscape of web development.

Additional Points to Consider

• Project Scope and Complexity: For simple websites or applications with limited functionality, a front end developer may suffice. For complex applications with intricate backend logic and data handling, a back end or full stack developer is more suitable.
• Team Dynamics: In a collaborative environment with other specialized developers, hiring front end or back end developers can ensure focused expertise. For small teams or startups, a full stack developer can wear multiple hats and drive the project forward more efficiently.
• Timeline and Budget: If you’re working with tight deadlines, full stack developers can speed up the development process by handling multiple facets of the project simultaneously. Full stack developers offer a budget-friendly option by reducing the need to hire multiple specialized developers.
• Technology Stack: Choose developers who are proficient in the specific technologies and frameworks you plan to use for your project.
• Future Maintenance: Consider the long-term maintenance and support requirements of your application. Full stack developers can provide ongoing support for both backend issues.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can determine whether a front end, back end, or full stack developer is the best fit for your project. Making the right choice will help ensure the success of your development efforts and result in a robust, efficient, and user-friendly application.

For instance, to improve your website’s look and visual experience in accordance with contemporary styles, you should hire a frontend specialist. However, integrating a payment processing API requires a backend programmer’s knowledge. If testing web applications is your task – consider hiring a professional QA tester.

Technically, hire full stack developer seems less costly. Compared to hiring two specialists (one for the server side and another for the client side). However, that would double the required project completion time, and the time costs might cancel out the financial savings. Although, a full stack coder would be more efficient with minimal project specifications. But if you want to start a new project from scratch, for example, make a transportation app, create a music streaming app or make a delivery app, the chances are good that you need both frontend and backend developers.

In any case, if there are enough specialists, your project could benefit from the perspective of a full stack programmer. That’s regardless of which area their strengths tilt towards.

Conclusion

Irrespective of full stack vs frontend vs backend, hiring a professional abroad may be more cost-effective. Particularly, Central Europe has many IT universities and hubs for training new generations of front end developer vs full stack and back end talents ready to make their mark in the global talent pool. You can find out the average cost to hire an app developer in our blog.

Whichever type your project requires between full-stack vs backend vs frontend developers, communicate your requirements (including) with us at ProCoders and get a skilled professional that meets your needs.