Frontend and backend are two critical aspects of any application. The frontend is what the users see and interact with visual elements, like buttons, checkboxes, and graphics. Meanwhile, the back-end comprises the infrastructure and structure that makes your application run. The front end is the creative part, but the back end manages the logic of your application. 

Given the different purposes, the developers for both of these aspects master different programming languages. Frontend developers work with HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript and use frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js to create dynamic user interfaces. 

The back-end developers work with programming languages like Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, and Node.js and are familiar with frameworks like Django, Spring Boot, or Express.js. They also deal with data storage, so they work with SQL and NoSQL databases. 

However, instead of hiring two different developers, you can hire a full-stack developer that specializes in both frontend and back-end development. 

What is Frontend Development?

Frontend development is all about building what users see and interact with online. It includes designing website structure and layout. It also refers to the “client-side” of the application.

Frontend developers create everything from the layout and colours to interactive buttons and forms. They ensure websites look great and work smoothly on all devices. These developers focus on making websites both attractive and functional. They transform design concepts into working web pages that users can easily navigate. Let’s look at the roles and responsibilities of a frontend developer: 

• HTML/CSS/Javascript are the foundational languages for frontend development. The developer should be well-versed in these three languages to create a responsive, interactive, and accessible website using the three. 
• Accessibility is a critical component of application development. Hence, the developer should be well aware of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and universal design principles. 
• Version control is another essential skill that a frontend developer should have that helps in managing and tracking the changes made into the codebase effectively. 
• Familiarity with UX principles, methodologies, and tools/frameworks is required to create a solid and intuitive UX design. 
• The frontend developer should know about the responsive web design concepts, like fluid grids, flexible images, and viewport meta tags to create adaptable layouts. 
• Well-versed with different frameworks, like React JS, Ember.js, Sass, AngularJS, jQuery, Flutter, Semantic-UI, Foundation, and Backbone.js. 
• Technical SEO is an integral part of any website to meet the guidelines of search engine to rank higher and better. 
• The developer should know about RESTful APIs, how to use them, and interact with them to integrate dynamic data into your web applications. 
• Testing and debugging are crucial for frontend developers as well to ensure the code is free from errors and bugs. 

What is Backend Development?

Backend development powers everything behind the scenes of websites (or the backbone of the Website). It is also referred to as the “server-side” of a website. It is an integral part of a website that users can’t ever see and interact with. Its primary purpose is to store and arrange data.

Backend developers create and maintain the systems that store data, process requests, and keep websites running smoothly. They build secure databases, create efficient APIs, and ensure smooth communication between servers and users. Their work focuses on making websites not just functional but fast, secure, and reliable.

Let’s look at the key skills of a backend developer: 

• Proficiency in server-side languages, like Python, Java, PHP, and Ruby on Rails, to write the business logic and core code for the applications. 
• Knowledge of frameworks, like Django and Springboot, because they help in parsing HTTPs requests, abstracting concepts, and getting an easy access to data. 
• Thorough understanding of software architectures, like monolithic, microservice-based, service-oriented, serverless, microkernel, and event-based architectures. 
• The skills of a backend developer also include mastery of database management systems like MongoDB, Redis, Neo4J, and others. 
• APIs improve an application’s functionality, and the developer should be well-versed in APIs, like RESTful and GraphQL, to ensure smooth interaction and flow between different applications. 
• The developer should have a clear understanding of the basics of Git and branching strategies to work with other developers in sync. 
• Along with all the above, the developer should be familiar with testing, debugging, CI/CD, and DevOps to ensure the high-performance of the applications. 

How Full-Stack Development Balances the Responsibilities of Frontend and Backend?

Full-stack development combines both frontend and back-end development skills in one role. A full-stack developer can handle all aspects of website creation independently, from user interfaces to server operations. Their wide-ranging expertise covers essential responsibilities such as:

• Developing dynamic, end-to-end software and applications with visual appeal.
• Designing user interfaces, responsive layouts, and complete system architectures.
• Managing databases, servers, APIs, and third-party integrations.
• Ensuring cross-platform compatibility and resolving production-phase issues.
• Staying updated on the latest tools, frameworks, and development trends.
• Transforming business requirements into fully implemented digital solutions.
• Leading teams of developers, designers, and network managers to achieve project goals.
• Strategizing for performance optimization, scalability, and system stability.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Full Stack Developer?

Full-stack developers bring unique value through their diverse technical expertise. Their broad skillset helps companies grow and succeed efficiently. Let’s explore their key advantages:

• Easy Upgradation: Full-stack developers keep your software current through seamless upgrades. They understand both frontend and backend systems deeply. Their comprehensive knowledge ensures smooth updates without disrupting user experience.
• High-Quality Product: These developers oversee projects from start to finish. They maintain consistent quality standards throughout the development phases. Their involvement in every stage guarantees excellence in the final product.
• One Package Deal: Full-stack developers handle all aspects of software development independently. They manage frontend interfaces, backend systems, and database operations. This comprehensive approach ensures cohesive software development under one expert.
• Improved Flexibility: These professionals adapt quickly to various technical challenges. They switch between different development tasks with ease. Their versatility helps projects stay on track despite unexpected issues.
• High Experience: Full-stack developers bring deep expertise across multiple technologies. They understand how different systems work together effectively. Their broad experience helps them solve complex problems efficiently.
• Better Productivity: These developers can manage multiple tasks simultaneously with expertise. They reduce the need for large development teams. Their efficiency leads to faster project completion times.
• On-Time Delivery: Full-stack developers handle multiple development aspects at once. They maintain consistent progress across different project areas. This comprehensive approach ensures timely project completion.

Hiring full-stack developers reduces overall development costs significantly. Let’s do the math. Frontend developers earn an average annual salary of $109,186, and back-end developers earn $166,396. Meanwhile, the average annual salary of a full-stack developer is $159,917. 

It is quite cost-effective to hire a full-stack developer, and the cost becomes more affordable if your operation allows the hiring of remote developers through off-shore or near-shore staff augmentation methods of hiring. Here’s a table describing the salary of full-stack developers from different countries: 

How to Decide Between Hiring a Frontend, Back-End, or Full-Stack Developer?

To simplify your decision-making process, here are some scenarios where you can either go with a frontend, back-end, or full-stack developer: 

• Choose a frontend developer when you require a strong focus on UI/UX design, you want dynamic and interactive websites with the latest web design trends and optimize for different screens. 
• Choose back-end developers when your applications need to handle complex data processing and storage, robust and scalable applications, and solid, secure integration with third-party applications. 
• Choose a full-stack developer when you have smaller projects that require a single developer, rapid deployment and flexibility, and a versatile developer with expertise in both frontend and back-end stack.  

Find Your Perfect Full-Stack Developer with Hyqoo

Balancing frontend and back-end responsibilities defines a full-stack developer’s role. Frontend developers design interactive interfaces, while back-end developers handle server functionality. Full-stack developers bridge these areas, ensuring seamless integration between the two. This versatility allows them to oversee projects comprehensively, from design to deployment. Businesses benefit from their ability to manage both user-facing elements and technical infrastructure. 

If your organization is looking to onboard a remote full-stack developer quickly and efficiently, consider using Hyqoo’s AI Talent Cloud. Hyqoo specializes in connecting businesses with pre-vetted MEAN stack developers tailored to your needs. Describe the qualities you seek—experience level, specific skills—and let our AI algorithm find your best talents.

The Hyqoo team coordinates interviews and handles onboarding logistics. We provide a shortlist of 3-5 professionals who match your criteria and coordinate calls for seamless communication. With Hyqoo’s support, you can complete your hiring process within 2-3 days, not weeks.

FAQs

1. How do companies benefit from hiring full-stack developers? 

Full-stack developers reduce communication barriers and speed up development processes. They can work independently on various tasks. Their comprehensive knowledge often leads to better-integrated solutions.

2. Which companies prefer hiring full-stack developers over specialists?

Startups and small businesses often favour full-stack developers for versatility. They can handle multiple aspects of development with limited resources. Larger companies typically maintain teams of both specialists and generalists.

3. How do full-stack developers prioritize their skill development?

They focus on core technologies used in their current projects. Learning follows project needs and industry trends. Regular practice in both the front end and the back end keeps skills sharp.