We can break Web development down into three layers: client-side coding (frontend), server-side coding (backend) and database technology.
Let’s take a quick look at these 3 functions:
Client-side
Client-side scripting, or frontend development, is about all the things the end user experiences directly. Client-side code executes in a web browser and directly relates to what people see when they visit a website. Everything visual like layout, fonts, colors, menus and contact forms is driven by the frontend.
Server-side
Server-side scripting, or backend development, concerns everything that happens behind the scenes. The backend is basically the part of a website that the user never actually sees. It’s responsible for storing and organizing data, and ensuring that everything on the client-side runs smoothly. This is done by communicating with the frontend.
If something happens on the client-side—say, a user fills out a form—the browser sends a request to the server-side. The server-side “responds” with relevant information in the form of frontend code that the browser then interprets and displays.
Database technology
Another thing websites rely on is database technology. The database will contain all the files and content that are necessary for a website to function, stored in such a way that it is easy to retrieve, organize, edit, and save. This database runs on a server, and most websites typically use some form of relational database management system (RDBMS).
In conclusion: the frontend, backend, and database technology all work together to build and run a fully functional website or application, and these three layers form the basis of web development.
A good Web Developer will surely have extensive knowledge of all of these. And yet the right developer for you may need some extra skills, depending on your company’s needs. Haven’t figured out yet what exactly that might be? Don’t worry, just click the button and we’ll take it from there!