Web development and coding are often used interchangeably to describe the same job, but there are very distinct differences between the two.
Designers create the overall look of a website or app from scratch, and coders keep that design working behind the scenes with their coding skills. Ultimately, they ensure that the websites and apps function exactly as they should. In the article, we will discuss the difference between web development and web programming.
What is Web Development?
Web development is the process of creating, updating, and maintaining websites and applications. It involves various tasks, including writing code, testing the site, and launching it. It also includes understanding clients’ goals and working with other technical professionals to develop a user-friendly interface.
Web developers use a wide range of programming languages to create websites that meet their clients’ needs. They choose which language to use depending on the scope of a project and the platforms on which they work.
Typical coding languages include Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript. The latter is a popular back-end language that lets web developers build graphical elements for the site and manage data.
The front end of a website is responsible for the appearance of the site, which means how colors, text, icons, and images appear. This includes creating responsive designs that adapt to screen sizes and devices. It also includes using coding to ensure sites are mobile-friendly and search engine-optimized.
Back-end web developers use a series of programs and servers to store the content for websites and applications and deliver it to users on request. They use a range of tools, including databases, to store and organize data and facilitate communication between the server and the client.
As part of a web developer's job duties, they must review and test their work before launching it to ensure it functions properly and is secure. They must also understand how to perform regular maintenance on their own and for their client's websites.
The best web developers pay close attention to detail and use logical thinking when developing software. These skills are essential in a job where errors can lead to big problems once the site goes live.
They also work with other members of the engineering team to understand how a new feature will fit into the site's overall design and function. Strong communication skills are important in this job, especially when debating the best solution to a complicated issue with other stakeholders.
It's not uncommon for developers to spend time meeting with their clients to discuss their goals and make sure the final website meets all of their requirements. They often collaborate with marketing and copywriting experts to ensure the site's content will be effective in reaching their target audience.
What is Web Programming?
Web programming is the art of writing code that makes websites and software function. It’s also an exciting field that combines creative thinking and a dash of science to make websites and apps that perform well on desktops, tablets, smartphones, and everything in between.
The most common coding languages are Java, Python, and C++. However, there are plenty of other languages to choose from. These include C, JAVAScript, R, and Swift among others.
A language is a set of rules that allow the computer to read and write text. A coding language is the most important aspect of web development, as it dictates the functionality and usability of a website or app.
For example, CSS is the coding language that allows web developers to style and format a website’s text and images interestingly. It’s the technology that lets you display different colors, change fonts, add backgrounds and borders, and optimize pages for mobile use, aka responsive design.
The best part is that coding and web development are not as hard to learn as you might think. Luckily, there are plenty of free online courses and accredited programs to help you get started on your web development journey.
What is the Difference between Web Development and Web Programming?
Web development is the process of developing websites for the Internet and other online platforms. It is a diverse field that involves tasks such as web design, client liaison, content development, client-side/server-side scripting, and network security configuration.
A Web Developer is a creative person who builds and maintains the core structure of a website, using coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and PHP. They work closely with clients to create sites that meet their business goals.
They also use their creativity to help create a positive brand image. They may also be involved in the overall design of a company’s logo or website.
The two most common coding languages in the industry are HTML and CSS, which are used to organize text on the web and customize how it displays. XML, an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is another popular option, which is not a programming language but allows developers to organize data more structured way.
Creating a website starts with a blueprint or wireframe, which is a document that shows the developer and their client where they want to start and what they’re trying to achieve. This is a crucial step for any website because it ensures that everything will fit together seamlessly and be user-friendly.
Once the design is complete, the web developer begins coding. This can involve incorporating the design into a database and making sure that it’s accessible by all browsers and devices.
When building a website, developers often take advantage of the fact that modern Internet users have an array of devices with various screen sizes and resolutions.
This is why they prefer to build websites that can accommodate all sizes of screens, including phones, tablets, and phablets.
There are many resources available to help web developers learn coding and other aspects of their careers. For example, Team Treehouse offers a subscription-based program that includes hundreds of courses on topics like JavaScript, Python, and PHP.
Another resource is Stack Overflow, an online forum for web development questions and answers that helps connect you with other developers worldwide. It’s a great place to get your questions answered by experts, and it also gives you access to a wealth of information about the industry as a whole.
What is the Difference between Web Design and Web Programming?
When you hear the term “web design” or “web development,” it can be hard to know exactly what they mean. While both fields are crucial to the success of your website, they are very different in terms of the skill set required and their respective areas of expertise.
While the design is focused on the aesthetics of a website, web developers are responsible for coding it to make it function. These professionals use languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the structure and layout of a site.
A web designer focuses on visuals such as colors, fonts, and images to create a pleasing look. They also consider how the website will function from the perspective of users and ensure that it is easy to navigate and interact with.
Web designers often work from wireframes and mockups to produce designs for websites. They use tools such as Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to create graphics for a website.
They also use software like WordPress and Shopify to create online stores. They also need to be aware of usability and accessibility requirements, as well as the latest technology and industry trends to stay relevant.
To be a successful web designer, you need to have strong creative skills and the ability to understand how to communicate effectively with others. You should also be passionate about designing and have a strong understanding of the needs of your clients.
Depending on the type of site, you may need to learn how to code and build the back end of your website. This is a more advanced skill, but it can be incredibly rewarding and a great way to grow your career.
While some websites are only able to be viewed on a computer, others can be accessed from mobile phones and tablets. These sites need to be designed and developed to be responsive, which means they can adapt to the screen size they are being viewed on.
If you want to be a web developer, it is important to know how to program in various programming languages. This will allow you to build a fully-functional website that will appeal to your target audience.