Overview
This lecture explains the roles of web developers, web programmers, and web designers, clarifies how their skills overlap, and distinguishes between web design companies and web development agencies.
Roles in Web Development
- Web designers focus on the visual aspects and layout of a website.
- Web developers and web programmers handle coding, split into front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) work.
- Many professionals combine multiple skills, but specializations increase with team or company size.
- Freelancers often need to manage both design and development tasks.
- In larger companies, tasks are divided among more specialized team members.
Web Designer Skills
- Web designers typically know HTML and JavaScript for web page structure and simple interactivity.
- Many designers work with client-side code templates, such as Java Server Pages.
- Even if not coding logic, designers should understand basic code to adjust layouts or graphics.
- Designers skilled in HTML and CSS can create static and interactive websites, though these are not programming languages.
Web Developers and Programmers
- Web developers use coding to create both front-end and back-end website functionality.
- Programmers may specialize in either front-end or back-end programming.
- Development agencies cover web applications, database, and software development, not just websites.
Web Design Companies vs. Web Development Agencies
- Web design companies primarily focus on website appearance and layout.
- Web development agencies build on designs and also develop complex apps, databases, and custom software.
- Some overlap exists, but agencies offer broader technical services beyond basic design.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Web Designer — Creates the visual look and layout of websites, often using HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript.
- Web Developer — Builds website functionality, handling both front-end (client side) and back-end (server side) tasks.
- Web Programmer — Focuses on coding and developing the logic behind websites and web applications.
- Front-end — Client-side aspects of websites users interact with, often written in JavaScript, HTML, CSS.
- Back-end — Server-side code managing data, databases, and application logic.
- Static Website — Site composed of fixed content, often built with only HTML/CSS.
- Web Application — Complex website with dynamic features, often involving databases or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between web designer, developer, and programmer roles.
- Identify which role fits your project or career interest.
- Research more about front-end and back-end development if unfamiliar.