Front-End vs Back-End Development: Which Is Better?

Front-End vs Back-End Development: Which Is Better?

Oct 17, 2023
Chelsea Kaufman

Even if you know next-to-nothing about web development, you’ve probably heard that most web developers specialize in either back-end or front-end development. You also may have heard that there’s a third type of developer: full stack.

Delving deeper into this topic raises even more questions, such as how do you become a great web developer? What does a full-stack developer course teach you? Which is more lucrative, back-end or front-end development? Do you need to know the history of programming to become a coder?

In this article, we’ll shed some light on what different types of web developers do and how their chosen fields of expertise affect their future earnings and work positions. We’ll also tell you who provides top-notch San Diego coding bootcamps. Read on to learn more.

laptop with front end and back end code

Is frontend easier than backend?

A front-end developer creates the functional “front” of the website. This includes the features the website visitor actually sees and interacts with: forms, buttons, chatboxes, drop-down menus, animations, video players, and so on.

On the other hand, a back-end developer is tasked with designing the “guts” of the website. This includes the stuff users don’t see, such as databases, server connections, search algorithms, etc. In short, front-end developers make the stuff the user interacts with while the back-end developers ensure it all works flawlessly.

There’s a general perception that front-end developers have it easier than their back-end colleagues. This might be true on a beginner level. In reality, however, mastering either of these two sides of web development requires a lot of hard work and patience. Fortunately, it’s very much worth it in the end.

front end and back end developers at computers

Who earns more frontend or backend?

Another misconception we often hear is that back-end developers earn more money on average. In truth, skilled coders are in great demand regardless of which development end they specialize in.

How high your actual salary depends largely on how good you are at your job and where you work. A junior front-end developer at a respected company in Silicon Valley is almost always going to earn more than a mid-level back-end developer who works at a tiny firm.

That’s why, as a web developer, you should always aim high. Why choose between front end and back end when having a working knowledge in both will qualify you for a job as a full-stack developer? Keep reading to learn why full stack is the way to go in 2019.

full stack developer at computer

Is it good to be a full stack developer?

Yes! Full-stack developers are able to use at least one back-end language (for example, Ruby on Rails) and one front-end language (eg., JavaScript). Apart from giving them an unrivaled insight into the web development process, this versatility also makes them highly sought-after by coding firms.

Whether they’re making a simple webpage for a local mom and pop shop or they’re building a fully interactive website for the San Diego International Airport, full-stack developers have the ability to bridge the gap between back-end and front-end teams. This makes them an invaluable asset to any programming company.

petco park

Where can I enlist at a first-rate full stack developer course in San Diego?

Look no further than LEARN academy if you’re serious about becoming a coder. We offer intensive programming bootcamps that will teach you everything you need to find a job as a full stack developer.

Our premises are spacious and outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment while our teachers are all highly seasoned and successful coders. Give us a call if you’d like to learn more about what we offer, or if you’d like to enlist in our intensive four-month coding bootcamp.

Back to all posts

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions you may have. If you are interested in receiving updates on our future cohorts please join our waitlist!

A woman presenting and a woman listening.

Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Still have questions?