A web developer is a programmer who specializes in the development of World Wide Web applications using a client-server model. They are also responsible for designing, coding and modifying websites, from layout to function and according to a client’s specifications. Web developers usually just focus on a few languages. You can focus either on the front-end programming of a site using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or on the server-side programming like PHP, Java, Ruby, and .NET. There are different job profiles for a web developer such as:
Front-end development is known as client-side development. It mostly involves programming all the public-facing visuals and elements as part of a website’s design. Front-end developers often have to collaborate with web designers. They must have strong programming skills such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as they work with elements that are visible to the users.
Back-end refers to the hidden layer that the users cannot see when they visit a website. They must have strong programming skills. The back-end layer forms a dynamic connection between the front-end and the database. To get this layer working it’s important to know at least one of the programming languages such as Python, Java, PHP, SQL, C#, Ruby, and knowledge of server-side frameworks such as NodeJS is mandatory.
A Full Stack Web Developer is someone who has a good understanding of how the web works at each and every level, including setting up and configuring Linux or Windows servers, coding server-side APIs, running the client-side of the application by using JavaScript, operating and querying databases and structuring and designing the web page with CSS, HTML and JavaScript.
Web designers create layouts that are visually pleasing for visitors. The work of a web designer is critical in making sure that visitors spend more time on a website. They analyse the latest trends in web design, respect design principles, and norms, follow what users expect when visiting a website. Web designers also focus on adding branding elements on a website, without making them too abrupt compared to the rest of the design. Since web design covers many responsibilities, web designers can specialize in specific areas of the website. There are different job profiles for a web designer such as:
User Interface (UI) designers are the ones who deal with user interaction. They make sure that users are able to interact with the elements that are present on the website. The User Interface is everything that a visitor sees when they access a website, and it needs to be designed in a manner so that it fits the user’s expected workflow.
User Experience (UX) designers make sure that your website is able to keep the visitors engaged. They analyse data before finalizing any design on the website. In addition, UX designers run complex tests and restructure the websites when needed to keep the user experience optimal.
When we combine the duties of a UI and UX designer, it creates a separate profile called the visual designer. Visual designing refers to creating interfaces that are both visually pleasing and convenient to use. In addition, they must respect the voice of a brand. Visual design skills involve both creativity and programming.
Barraclough, D. (2020, February 19). Web Designer vs Web Developer: Do You Know The Difference? Retrieved November 24, 2020, from https://www.websitebuilderexpert.com/designing-websites/web-designer-vs-web-developer/
Scacca, S. (2020, September 22). Web Designer (Design) vs Web Developer (Development) - EXPLAINED. Retrieved November 24, 2020, from https://websitesetup.org/web-designer-vs-web-developer/