Websites consist of two parts: the front end and the back end. The front end, sometimes called the “client-side” is the part that users, also called “clients,” can see and interact with. The back end, sometimes called “server-side,” connects the website to databases, security, and other services that clients don’t directly interact with. All together, this is referred to as the “full stack” because each side of the website also uses specific technologies, coding languages and frameworks, that are “stacked” like building blocks.
For the most part front end development is practiced by Front End Developers. They build the user interface, the look and feel of the site, and code the dynamic or interactive components. Front End Developers are proficient in HTML and CSS, JavaScript and its frameworks, and Git. Most Front End Developers also know how to use Adobe Photoshop.
Web Developers and Full Stack Developers are generalists. They work with the full stack, including front end development. These positions require knowledge of front end development as well as at least one back end programming language (Java, Python, or Ruby), SQL, and Git.
If you’re not ready to dive into learning development, consider a career as a Web Designer! Web Designers plan and create the look and feel of a website which a Front End Developer then uses to code the client-side. Web Designers rely on Photoshop and sometimes Illustrator or Sketch to do their job.
Front end web development is a great way to get into a career that involves coding. Once you dive into learning your first coding language, it’s much easier to pick up more coding languages which can set you up for a Web Developer or Full Stack Developer career.
Front-End Web Development Career Options
Here are a few career paths for which you’ll likely need Front-End Web Development skills in order to succeed. We also include additional info about their average salaries, their day-to-day responsibilities, and a link to learn more about each career.
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Web Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$82K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$83K / year
Web developers build webpages using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They program functionality and identify/troubleshoot errors in code. Web developers can work on front-end development (the part of the website you see in a web browser), or on back-end development (the logic and database functionality that runs on the web server). Others work as full-stack developers, providing end-to-end (front to back) expertise.
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Front End Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$115K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$87K / year
A Front End Developer builds the front end, also called client-side, of a website or web application. Some Front End Developers will update current websites to meet modern standards, create prototypes from wireframes, and use design comps to satisfy the needs of their employer or client.
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Web Designer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$54K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$69K / year
Web designers design the appearance and workings of a website. They use their understanding of both visual design and technical design principles to create functional web layouts. Some web designers work from home and enjoy the flexibility of freelance work, while others work for agencies or businesses. Good web designers have the experience and foresight to anticipate the end-user experience and design for ease of use and navigation.