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At first glance, distinguishing software development versus web development may seem to be a moot point. After all, they both rely on programming languages, are done by computer programmers, and involve lots of time spent in front of a screen working with what appears to be arcane and complex gobbledygook. For your average lay person, the difference between a software development vs web development is too fine of a point to really care about.<\/p>\n

For those in the industry, on the other hand, the difference is crucial. Things have changed significantly over the past couple of decades, and what used to be true no longer is. Previously, software developers used to be held in higher esteem than web developers. That\u2019s no longer the case.<\/p>\n

These days, the main difference between a software developer and a web developer is simply a job title. The skill levels are often the same, as is the complexity and difficulty of the work.<\/p>\n

In the past, software development and web development were two different skill sets, though they overlapped in some cases. Now, they overlap in many ways, including even the languages used.<\/p>\n

We like it when everyone\u2019s able to speak the same language and use the same terminology \u2014 it saves confusion, which saves everyone trouble in the long run. So, to help out any readers who may have been a bit unclear as just what these different types of development imply, we\u2019ve made this handy blog post.<\/p>\n

Hopefully, after reading this, you will be able to explain the differences to anyone who asks you to differentiate software development from web development, and sound like a well-informed member of digital society. You may be able to even bring them up to date.<\/p>\n

So, follow along as we delve into the specifics of software development vs web development and shine light on the cracks that separate the two \u2014 as well as the bridges that link them. But first, let\u2019s answer a simple question: Why does it matter?<\/p>\n

Software Development vs Web Development: Common Misconceptions<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Got misconceptions about web development vs software development? You’re not alone.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The differences between a software developer and a web developer used to be significant. These days, the specialties overlap in many cases, and web development is just a type of software development.<\/p>\n

In previous decades, software development was considered more complex than web development. This is no longer necessarily the case. A Python developer, for example, can use the same language to create web apps and desktop apps. JavaScript apps have become so much more sophisticated that a JavaScript app may be more complex than one written in Python.<\/p>\n

So, an industry that used to look down their nose at web developers no longer does, as web development has matured into a full-fledged branch of computer science.<\/p>\n

Both types of developer will have significant skills in code testing, bug fixing, object-oriented programming, continuous integration, and so on. A web developer is no longer just the kid you hire as a one-off to make you a web page. They\u2019ve got to have serious chops to make it in the current environment.<\/p>\n

The U.S. bureau of labor statistics (BLS) will tell you that, on average, a software developer makes more money than a web developer<\/a> \u2014 though not all that much more. In truth, it largely depends on the person and the job \u2014 software developers usually work full-time for salary, whereas web developers can be full time, part time, or take on gig work as freelancers. From a worker\u2019s point of view, there\u2019s more flexibility in web development, but there\u2019s more stability in software development. Either approach can appeal to different people.<\/p>\n

Recall that, like any government apparatus, the BLS is a bit laggy in its estimations. Web development has caught up to software development in terms of both professional achievement and pay in many circumstances. So, take what they say with a grain of salt.<\/p>\n

Hiring: Software Developer or Web Developer?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Let\u2019s look more specifically at the hiring side, since it\u2019s fairly obvious that a person should know what career they\u2019re after. Understanding the parameters of the project will make it more clear what kind of developer you need<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Are you looking for a piece of software that a person will largely interact with via the web \u2014 for example, in-browser e-commerce software or a search function on a web page? If so, you\u2019ll want to hire a web developer.<\/p>\n

If, however, you\u2019re looking for software that\u2019s run directly from the operating system of a computer or mobile device, you\u2019re looking for a software developer. If you\u2019re looking to build a mobile app, that\u2019s its own specific breed of software development. In many cases, a developer may be able to do all of the above \u2014 it depends on the individual, their preference, and their current focus. You\u2019ll need to explore the specific case in order to know which route to go.<\/p>\n

Speaking of specifics, it\u2019s time we get down to them. We\u2019ll start with web development.<\/p>\n

Web Development: A Brief Overview<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Web

This cartoon man is hard at work developing software while floating in a strange netherworld of boxes.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

You\u2019re currently reading this on a website. Congratulations! You\u2019ve passed the first test in understanding web development.<\/p>\n

Pretty much everything you see in your browser on whatever screen you\u2019re looking on \u2014 your computer, tablet, or phone \u2014 was created by a web developer. Both the user interface \u2014 what you see \u2014 and the engine that fuels it, the back end, were lovingly crafted by web developers. Or perhaps grudgingly crafted, depending on their mood. Web developers are people, too.<\/p>\n

Web developers can largely be separated into two types: front-end developers and back-end developers. A person who can do both is called a full-stack developer. The person who makes a page look pretty and stylized is the web designer. Web design falls under the broad umbrella of front-end work.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a more specific look at the two main components of web development.<\/p>\n

Back-end Development: Skills and Tools<\/strong><\/h4>\n


\n<\/strong>Simply put, back-end development is the work behind a website or web app that end users can\u2019t see. This includes the server-side work that allows servers to communicate with databases and programs. Those three components \u2014 server, database, and application.<\/p>\n

In the past, the work that resulted in an HTML page in front of you took place on the back end. Now, most of that rendering takes place on the front end instead, taking a load off of the server side, though isomorphic rendering offers a hybrid model in which the app is loaded off the server side the first time and on the client side from then on.<\/p>\n

You can think of the back end like the engine and suspension in a car, whereas the steering wheel, gear shift, pedals, and dashboard are the front end. It doesn\u2019t matter how nice your Ferrari looks if you have a lawnmower engine in it \u2014 it\u2019ll run like a piece of junk.<\/p>\n

The same principle applies to websites: A premium website will need to have robust, powerful back-end systems in place to help keep it running like it should.<\/p>\n

Coding languages to build back-end systems include:<\/p>\n