Often times, the best way to begin the assessment process is to start with what kind of coding education you want to learn. In the realm of web development, this often means picking between front end or back end development. Both are extremely fulfilling and in high-demand. However, each tackles very different aspects of web design, and require different languages and skills.
Understanding The Difference Between Front End Vs. Back End Development
Front end development deals with the aspects of apps or sites that users actually engage with. This can mean developing code that impacts the visual design of digital experience or finding ways to make the design or interface simpler and easier to use. At the heart of front end development is the look, feel and design of the experience. This is the main reason why good front end developers have their fingers on the pulse of what users truly want, and how they engage with a digital experience. By being able to empathize with their end user, front end developers are able to create an experience their users will love using.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is back end development, which focuses on the behind-the-scenes nuts and bolts of a mobile app or website. Essentially, back end development is the foundation that enables the front end experience, ensuring that the experience that looks good also functions well. Back end development requires a solid grasp of a variety of components like frameworks, software architecture and databases. Individuals who are able to manage abstract concepts, enjoy logic challenges and understand the interconnectivity of digital pieces tend to gravitate towards back end development.
Neither front end or back end is better, simply different. Knowing where you skew in terms of interests and general acumen will help skew you in the right web development sector, and therefore the right coding bootcamp.
Front End Vs. Back End Development Languages
Once you have a better feel for which type of web development most resonates with you, you’ll want to seek out coding bootcamps that have the languages that align best with that sector. As you can imagine, with the two sides of web development being so different, each comes with very different go-to languages and tools.
If you’re interested in pursuing front end development, seek out coding bootcamps that include the following training:
- HTML & CSS: Considered the core building blocks of the web, HTML is key for created structured text like headings, paragraphs and bullet points while CSS brings HTML to life by defining colors, layouts fonts and other elements that control the look and feel of a digital experience.
- JavaScript: This is the “glue” that holds HTML and CSS together. JavaScript controls things like drag-and-drop features, infinite scroll and video functionality for truly dynamic web experience.
- React & React Native: Both React and React Native are JavaScript libraries for desktop and mobile, respectively, that allow you to create apps and sites that never need to be reloaded. This means creating things that run quickly and smoothly because you’re removed load time.
If you find that back end development is a better fit, look for coding bootcamps with these languages and tools instead:
- NodeJS: This is a core backend language that governs server-side scripting. It lets developers control everything from user authentication and application logic to database operations.
- MongoDB: All websites and apps are based on the storage and usage of data. All of that data needs to be stored and still be made accessible. This is where MongoDB comes in. It allows data to be stored flexibly so that websites and apps run smoothly.
- GitHub: Developers generally work as a team, and GitHub lets them merge their code smoothly. It’s a widely-used tool that lets users add their individually-created code to the larger code base.
Of course, sometimes it’s too hard to choose between front or back end development. If that’s the case, you’ll want to explore full stack development which includes the two. And of course, look for full stack coding bootcamps that include both sets of languages and tools.