Frontend vs Backend Software Development - Which should you learn?

Once you have mastered the basics of programming, you need to decide whether you want to be a frontend developer or a backend developer.
In this video, I cover:
- What skills do you need to be a frontend vs backend developer?
- Which is easier to learn of the two?
- Which pays more in the long run?
- Which one do I think you should pick?
☕️ I don’t accept paid sponsorships and I have turned off mid-video ads. You’re welcome! If you would like to support my channel see: ko-fi.com/alexhyett
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Whichever path you pick, these roadmaps have you covered:
BECOME A FRONTEND DEVELOPER: academy.zerotomastery.io/a/af...
BECOME A BACKEND DEVELOPER: academy.zerotomastery.io/a/af...
🗺️ Backend Developer Roadmap: www.alexhyett.com/backend-dev...
🎓 RECOMMENDED COURSES (Use code FRIENDS10 for 10% off)
The Complete Web Developer Course - academy.zerotomastery.io/a/af...
The Complete Junior to Senior Web Developer Roadmap - academy.zerotomastery.io/a/af...
Complete SQL + Databases Bootcamp - academy.zerotomastery.io/a/af...
📚 RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Software Development
Clean Code - geni.us/5AEwj2
Clean Architecture - geni.us/yBrTX
Domain Driven Design - geni.us/WiR0Q0x
Design Patterns - geni.us/5ncUt
Developer Hegemony - geni.us/lAXy
Pragmatic Programmer - geni.us/GfNj9
Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy - geni.us/sqg6kJ
Refactoring - geni.us/ufAP0mE
The Productive Programmer - geni.us/IT9WiN
Pragmatic Thinking and Learning - geni.us/x81A
Test Driven Development - geni.us/HFV52
Microservices - geni.us/8vMA
🚀 MY FAVOURITE TOOLS
Visual Studio Code - code.visualstudio.com/
Obsidian - obsidian.md/
Notion - affiliate.notion.so/alexhyett
⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:21 What skills do you need?
00:29 Frontend skills
02:44 Backend skills
04:39 Which one is easier?
07:53 Which one pays more?
10:57 Which one should you pick?
You can check out more of my favourite tools on my website:
www.alexhyett.com/tech/
🔗 MY KEY LINKS
🌍 Blog - www.alexhyett.com/
🐘 Mastodon - social.alexhyett.com/@alex
🧑‍💻WHO AM I
I’m Alex, a Software Developer and KZbin working in the UK. I make videos about software development to help developers with the skills they need to be senior developers. As well as this KZbin Channel, I also write articles on my website (alexhyett.com) as well as write a regular newsletter that contains some thoughts to help aspiring developers.
‼️ DISCLAIMERS
Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you 🙂. I appreciate you supporting my channel so I can continue providing you with free software development content!
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Frontend Background image from this cool UI kit: creativemarket.com/themeselec...
#coding #programming #developer

[@derrickenamazameti8192]

This is the most decisive video I've seen on this topic. Thanks a lot Alex!💕

[@alexhyettdev]

You’re welcome Derrick!

[@jeffmoden4332]

Just bloody brilliant. The follow on 'tube about the difference between Front-End and Back-End developers is equally brilliant and both are spot on.

[@alexhyettdev]

Thank you!

[@jeffmoden4332]

@@alexhyettdev - Just a bit of my history... I did both a couple of decades ago. I totally gave up the front end ("Seriously? You want an on screen 'caution' field with White lettering and a Pale Yellow background?" ) to go full time back-end with NO front-end work. I can relate to everything you said in both videos. And, as you say... it doesn't matter which you choose, weeks that are only 40 hours are tough to come by. Thank you for what you for the community, Alex, and glad to "meet" you.

[@bipgtm768]

As someone who is learning to be a Full stack developer for now, as much as I like the immense satisfaction i get after making a functioning backend, I like the process of designing and scratching the creative itch in me very much. I think i know which path to go now😊😊

[@alexhyettdev]

Yes I like the frontend side too for the same reasons. You definitely get that instant gratification from with UI work. I think I would get bored if I couldn’t do the backend as well though. I like to know I can bring and idea to life end to end.

[@rudycarv2197]

Hey Alex, I really appreciate your informative and helpful insights . I started to learn Js, css and html but not with intent to become a Web developer but mostly to have them as skill in my luggage. My main goal is to become a Java or C# developer however I've noticed that most of the jobs ads here in the UK requires at least basics of JS, css and html so that's why I thought it would be important to learn them first before jumping into Java or C# and it's framework. I would appreciate any advice regarding this Path I'm pursuing. Really nice to watch your videos as you are in the UK as well. Thank you

[@ryvyr]

Cheers for overview. Regardless how it plays out, I feel more comfortable making core systems more efficient and reliable.

[@alexhyettdev]

Yes I enjoy the problem solving involved with backend more. Plus frontend can be pretty infuriating when things don’t line up!

[@sipanali9118]

helpful video , thank you!

[@alexhyettdev]

You’re welcome!

[@madalin4802]

Amazing presentation! I come across yours after watching a lot of videos explaining Frontend vs Backend for a 6 year old child kind of videos. Most cloning each others superficial information. You got yourself a new subscriber. I suspect you have much more hidden gems in your chanel :)

[@alexhyettdev]

Thank you! Yes, some of the videos on the subject are a bit basic. I have noticed a lot of the developer KZbinrs only have a few years of experience so they are stuck with copying others.

[@redhatgfs]

It's really helpful for me to know these.

[@alexhyettdev]

I am glad it was helpful 😊

[@rafaelfeldfix114]

Frontend development can be as complex as backend, especially when dealing with user-centric apps like Telegram, tools like Figma using WebAssembly, or software like Photoshop and Excel. Complexity depends on the project's needs.

[@dingusfartacus9624]

yup, but scale is limited.

[@tabmax22]

I agree, I feel like for some odd reason whenever people think of frontend they think of a static basic website. Try working as frontend engineer for Trello, Netflix or Canva, it's incredibly complex work with a lot of state management

[@muhammadabdulwadud]

Thank so much ❤❤

[@alexhyettdev]

You're welcome 😊

[@89kylestyle]

I feel like the tasks may blend from on end to the other for a developer at some companies. I'd like to get my foot in the door with front end but slowly progress towards the back since that seems to be the more stable and valuable.

[@AmberSan]

As someone who started as a frontend dev (mobile and then web), and starting to realize I want to get into Backend, It became overwhelming how much I don't know , esp. since you don't always encounter all those different topics at work. Currently trying to make up for my lack of knowledge on my own, and it hasn't been easy, as I want to go into a tech-lead/architect route professionally . I still like Frontend , as I get to see what I created in an instant, though I do enjoy code elegance more than I like playing with CSS to find a prettier design

[@alexhyettdev]

I enjoy frontend too but I enjoy solving problems more. If you haven't already it is worth checking out my backend developer roadmap to find out what you need to know. www.alexhyett.com/backend-developer-roadmap/

[@niayeshjm7496]

so useful thanks

[@alexhyettdev]

Glad it was helpful!

[@reecedoyleguitar]

This is super helpful! I'm a High School Music/Visual Arts teacher looking to become a Software Developer. I'm thinking that based on my experience and skillset I would probably lean towards Front End.

[@alexhyettdev]

Good luck with the career transition!

[@sophiethescarecrow]

Hey there! How has your career aspirations been going? Are you still teaching?

[@reecedoyleguitar]

@@sophiethescarecrow Not at the moment. Just started a Bootcamp to retrain as a Fullstack Dev

[@mickmick3920]

Thanks.

[@alexhyettdev]

You're welcome

[@ninjaoftherift1620]

Im a mix of a ui ux dev and design. Recently graduates with an IT degree with a focus on web dev and design. And i dont know what to focus on. I love desiging a button but through code not through figma so much i enjoy design softwares but not as much as front end coding im thinking to do my masters in software engineering would this enable me more to get a role in front end development? Do front end devs at bigger companies get to design a bit?

[@fluxacadmey5836]

Yes i am a Front end developer its easy when you start learning back end

[@mohammedimaz3879]

Make more videos about Backend technologies like Java , Springboot Kafka etc

[@alexhyettdev]

Will do! I will probably do some on .net as well

[@True_triumphs]

Now I think am going for back-end

[@alexhyettdev]

Which ever you choose good luck. It is worth knowing the basics of frontend too. Even if it is just to make working with the frontend devs easier.

[@user-on1eb2iv2r]

cool video)

[@justcurious1940]

What about the most used technologies in both sides ?.

[@ahmadirfan7840]

I have learn and do some projects with both platform, frontend and backend. I am not saying that I am professional in both platforms but I am happy and fun do both, especially backend. I have applied a job for the backend, and that time I have a basic API that I did with Django (before I decided to enhance my JavaScript totally for frontend and backend), attend the interview, and got rejected, no phone call and etc. Same goes with frontend. Some developers said, if I want to get the job as a backend developer, I should know the data structure and algorithms. Well, I understand a bit of Big O notation. And the other developers said, if I want to get the job as a backend developer, I should apply a job for the front end first, then if I feels confident, then I can the backend. If you wondering, I am a logical brain type. Seeing the foreign keys, create the database, see the password hashing on the database, get the 200 respond than 401 or 500 respond and etc, feels like an enjoyable moment for me, than see the front end. I am honest, I don’t know much about CSS. So, from your perspective and advice, should I apply for the frontend first, then gain more skills and knowledge, then start to apply to backene? Or should I learn data structure and algorithms, have a basic knowledge about cloud, developed a descent API portfolio and etc, and started to applied the to the backend developer position?

[@alexhyettdev]

If you are more interested in backend then I would go the second route. I have seen a dev move from frontend to backend but he did it with a big pay cut for a few years as his backend skills wasn’t the same as his frontend skills.

[@ahmadirfan7840]

@@alexhyettdev actually I am more interested to back end. I tried to develop a simple webpage with CSS and it is like a 2000 of Google search template. Haha.

[@uriahgardner5977]

Javascript is used in both the Front-End and Back-End. What say you regarding this?

[@narutofighter3025]

Not sure if you will see this, but should I just focus on learning front end development so I can get a front end developer job. I guess I could learn backend and some Devops so that my projects as well as my portfolio would be better. Moreover, i am also getting quite confused with front end development. I know that it includes designing and coding the interface that a users interacts with , whether that is a website, web app or mobile app. Would a front end developer job require me to (potentially design) and code all three or would a front end web developer job design and code a website and web app. Whilst a front end mobile developer job would require you to make mobile apps.

[@alexhyettdev]

In terms of which one to pick, I would try both and see which one you can see yourself doing long term. Frontend development generally doesn't include the design of the website or application unless you are working as a freelancer or for a small company. Larger companies higher UI/UX designers for the actual design. The frontend developer's job is then to translate those designs into a working UI as well help the designers with what is technically possible. Mobile is a bit different and I personally haven't done a great deal of it myself. In most companies there will still be designers but the "mobile developer" would likely need to do the development for both the frontend and backend. I haven't seen mobile developers that only work on the frontend, but they might exist.

[@narutofighter3025]

Thanks a lot for the reply @@alexhyettdev

[@Rafaello572]

was my mistake to choose frontend cause I like functionality I make, but not the design moments

[@alexhyettdev]

It is always fun making something that you can actually use. I agree, design is a whole other skill that you have to master.

[@dota2content755]

@@alexhyettdev Exactly If you're working as a Freelancer, you've to design it yourself which is a hard task and not forgetting to hire content writers or outsource the whole work

[@luffy8117]

is database in the backend? if so, would it be okay if I only focus on studying everything about Database? like Database Management and suc

[@alexhyettdev]

I would say Database is part of backend. Most backend developers only need to learn the basics. From what you describe it sounds like you would be interested in Database Administration (DBA) which is a career in itself.

[@luffy8117]

@@alexhyettdev yes sir. what languages or softwares i have to learn?

[@chrisword4859]

amazing

[@MonsterFishKeepersPH]

currently learning front end, I learned backend first. I am planning to focus on backend because I just don't feel excited or happy about frontend, I just find designing boring even though I used to be an artist lol. I prefer analyzing stuff and solving problems.

[@greeng448]

I am a student and I not good at math but like graphics, art and coding but not using number or equation.Should I learn front-end development?

[@alexhyettdev]

In this case, yes I would probably start with frontend. You can always try backend later on.

[@greeng448]

@@alexhyettdev thank you 💚

[@revanthkalavala1829]

IMHO,Nothing is easier or hard Forntend or Backend Anything can be hard as hell and easy as cake 😅

[@jameskhiisa5624]

Hey, so I really like backend, actually could use some help

[@alexhyettdev]

That's great! I put together a roadmap which might help you learn backend. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYikmpJopLGbj8k Is there anything in particular about backend that you are trying to learn but are getting stuck on?

[@jameskhiisa5624]

@@alexhyettdev well basically am just starting and right now I need like a mentor who can walk with me throughout the whole journey till I finish. I think I will look at the link you sent and will definitely ask for any further assistance that I might not find clear

[@alexhyettdev]

That roadmap should help with what to learn and there are a few links to resources on there as well. I need to spend some more time filling out all the resources. It turned into a mammoth task! Feel free to send me an email if you need any help and I will try and help where I can.

[@tabmax22]

Backend does not outearn frontend even in the long term, they are bout the same. Compare React dev salaries to something like Java Spring Boot

[@dota2content755]

Front- End is very confusing

[@alexhyettdev]

It can all be quite confusing to start off with. It does get easier I promise!

[@dota2content755]

Im confused with the use of api data fetching i saw you saying that its used in back end but react nodejs also use it basically all the logic we make for our application how the application is going to react to user actions is part of JavaScript which leaves me confused of the difference BTW back end n frontend also all the libraries built on top of js css n all i think its crap as long as you're not pro in writing from scratch rather than grab a bunch of boiler plate

[@alexhyettdev]

Frontend generally is the HTML, CSS and the Javascript which handles page interactions (e.g. button clicks, pop ups and page transitions). When you use React or another framework it builds the HTML elements on the fly using Javascript. The frontend code runs in the users browser. If they wanted to they could see all the source code for it. To be able to get any data or do any business logic like writing to a database the frontend needs to talk to an API. The API is the backend and sits on a server. Users can’t see the code for this and it handles all the logic and data. Where it gets a little confusing is where you have the React application on the server as well. This is what we call server side rendering. Instead of the page being rendered in the browser it is rendered in the server and sent the user as HTML.

[@dota2content755]

Thanks alot for the info

[@bowenjing3674]

are you from Britain ?

[@alexhyettdev]

Yep. Is my accent a giveaway? 🤣

[@bowenjing3674]

@@alexhyettdev kinda, I m currently studying computer science at Manchester. so kind of familar with this accent lol

[@alexhyettdev]

@@bowenjing3674 ah nice. I am from the south east so a slightly different accent to Manchester!

[@bowenjing3674]

@@alexhyettdev yea, but I still love your video a lot. I learn a lot about this career thank you very much !

[@thescrew-ed]

How can I be a full stack web developer? Help! Hi I'm M19 and I'm learning coding skills and programming languages and going through basics . I'm new to the world of full stack web development. I'm really excited to learn this new skill, and I'm hoping that I can get some guidance from you. I'm looking for the most efficient way to learn full stack web development without spending too much money. I've been doing some research, and I've found a few different resources that seem promising. However, I'm still not sure which way to go. * What are the most important skills that I need to learn in order to become a full stack web developer? * What are some of the best resources for learning full stack web development? * Is it possible to learn full stack web development without spending a lot of money? * Would anyone be willing to let me shadow them as they work on a full stack web development project? I want to learn in a project based way, so can you please help me and work on few projects with me as an assistant so in that way I'll get to learn more while you'll have my assistance. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hear from you.

[@alexhyettdev]

The best place to learn full stack development for free is probably the Odin project. www.theodinproject.com/paths/full-stack-javascript? I am mostly a backend developer and unfortunately haven’t got to mentor anyone. FreeCodeCamp also have a lot of feee courses. Zero To Mastery also have great full stack course. It isn’t feee but cheaper than going to a bootcamp.