Web development consists of two main parts – Frontend and Backend. During development of websites and apps it is important to know the difference between these two ways of programming.
Those two parts cooperate on development of web apps and they ensure that those developed apps are functional and user – friendly. In this article, we will discuss the differences between them and we will focus on the importance of each of them.
WEB DEVELOPMENT – FRONTEND VS. BACKEND
Let’s look at the differences between these parts and their importance. We will focus on the process of development of complex and functional websites and apps. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an advanced developer, understanding these concepts will help you to work effectively in the world of web development.
FRONTEND
It is a part of web development that is visible to the user and with which he interacts during using websites and apps. It is a part which includes user interface (UI) and it secures that websites look good and that they are interactive. These are some of the main elements of frontend development:
1. HTML (HYPERTEXT MARKUP LANGUAGE):
HTML is the basics of frontend. By using HTML you define the structure of the website, including headings, paragraphs, pictures and links.
2. CSS (CASCADING STYLE SHEETS):
CSS is used for defining visual elements of a website. It includes colors, fonts, sizes, placement of elements. CSS enables us to create attractive and interactive designs.
3. JAVASCRIPT:
JavaScript is a programming language for frontend, which enables the creation of interactive elements on websites. Frontend developer uses JavaScript for implementation of functionality as animations, verification of forms and communication with server.
4. INTERACTIVITY
The frontend developer is taking care of the interactiveness of the website. He is also responsible for the effectiveness of websites. Users have to be able to perform actions as clicks on buttons, filling up forms or dragging elements.
5. RESPONSIVENESS
Code of frontend has to be developed in a way that the website would automatically adapt to different devices, such as PC, tablets and mobile phones.
BACKEND
Backend is a part of web development, that is on servers and that performs operations “under the hood”. It ensures that the web app works correctly and that it can work with data. Some of them main elements of backend are:
1. A SERVER CODE:
A backend developer uses code that is on the server. This code processes requirements from the frontend and performs operations, like storing and reading data from the database.
2. DATABASE OPERATIONS:
Backend includes operations with databases such as storing, reading, actualization and deletion of data. By this way, the app works with user data and content.
3. SECURITY:
Security is a key aspect of the backend. Backend developers take care of securing apps to avoid various threats, such as authentication of users, protection against attacks and security of sensitive data.
4. PERFORMANCE AND SCALABILITY:
Backend code has to be effective and it has to be able to deal with a large number of requirements from users simultaneously. That requires optimization of code and use of accurate server infrastructure.
5. API (APP INTERFACE):
Backend can provide API, which enables communication between frontend and other services. API enables the frontend to gain and send data to the server.
WEB DEVELOPMENT – FRONTEND AND BACKEND COOPERATION
Frontend and backend are interconnected and they cooperate in order to create a complete web app. Frontend code communicates with with backend by using HTTP requirement, when it needs to gain or send data.
This cooperation is essential for web applications to be user friendly, functional and safe.
Developers that work on frontend and backend development have to cooperate and coordinate their effort to ensure that the website is complete and it meets the requirements of users. Without these two parts the website would not be able to work.
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