Web design and web development are quite the same terms. Many site owners tend to confuse them and don’t know what kind of specialist they need for his or her website.
In this article, we plan to explain in additional detail the difference between web designers and web developers, so online business owners can have an improved understanding of both professions.
Web Designer
A web Designer is that the person who gives the concept and layout of the complete website. They design the general look & feel of the web page and build an idea of how and where every element of the website will go. we will imagine a web designer as an Architect who designs a blueprint or a layout of our website.
Web Designers are always underrated but they also play an important role in web development, it’s the job of a web designer to style a user-friendly website, and supply the simplest environment to the user so that they are always attached together with your website.
Web Developer?
A web developer may be a programmer who focuses on the event of World Wide Web applications using a client-server model. They are also responsible for designing, coding and modifying websites from concept to function and customer specifications.
Web developers usually just specialize in a couple of languages. you’ll either specialise in the front programming of a site using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or on the server-side programming like PHP, Java, Ruby, and .NET.
Web Development Roles
Now let’s check out what web developers in each role do.
Front-End Developer
A front-end developer is liable for coding the mockup design for the website. By leveraging multiple programming languages (primarily HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), a front-end developer will implement the layout, images, and interactivity of the site.
Must-Have Skills for Front-End Developer:
- Fluency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript languages
- Handling of version control software like Git
- Using frameworks, like React, to create powerful and modular applications
- Understanding responsive design principles
- Knowledge of browser developer tools
- Technical testing and debugging knowledge
- Understanding of the web performance and automation tools,
- Knowledge of the instruction (not compulsory but incredibly beneficial)
Back-End Developer
A back-end developer often observed as ‘the engineer’, will work behind-the-scenes, writing and maintaining programs that power the frontend. This includes taking care of the server that hosts the website, maintaining the appliance and also the database. Back-end developers leverage a range of server-side languages, like PHP, Python, Ruby, and Java.
Web Design Roles
Here’s what web designers in several roles do.
UI Designers
A UI designer concerns himself with building clean and appealing interface designs supported by the research gathered by UX designers. UI designers are liable for every touchpoint and interaction between a user and a tool — be that a computer, a mobile app, or a car dashboard.
Must-Have Skills for UI Designers
- In the depth knowledge of colour theory, typography, and UI design patterns
- Strong understanding of design approaches, like the Gestalt Principles
- Proficiency in a minimum of one industry-standard design and prototyping tool
- Understanding of responsive design fundamentals
- Knowledge of the way to design UI elements, like buttons, icons, sliders, and scrollbars
- Ability to develop and establish a method guide to keep up consistency
- Ability to animate and style interactivity
Should You Hire the web Developer or Web Designer?
This guide has provided you with an overview of the main differences between a web developer and a web designer. So, let’s recap what we’ve covered so far.
If you would like someone to make visuals for your website, including the brand style, layout, information flow, and user interfaces, you’ll be looking to hire a web designer. Like an architect, the web designer will develop a vision for your website: the design and feel, the stand-out elements, and therefore the must-have functionalities for a seamless user experience.
When you have the mockups and wireframes provided by the online designer, you’ll need a front-end web developer to code them up. Using one among the front-end coding languages, the front-end developer will turn these designs into a functioning website – you’ll have clickable, scrollable elements, site navigation, and content styling that matches your brand guidelines.
You might then need the assistance of a back-end developer, who will look out for all server-side programming, third-party integrations, and programs that are necessary to power a website’s server and database.