Front End (In a Website)

What is a front end (in a website)?

While the term may sound a little technical, website front ends are really an everyday encounter for almost all of us. If you’ve opened an app to check the weather, or scrolled through today’s headlines on a website, you’ve interacted with a front end. 

Put simply, the front end is a combination of two different elements: the graphic design (the look) and the user interface (the feel). Each of these is created independently, with most of the technical work going into the user interface using web languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

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How is the front end developed?

Creating a front end experience isn’t a one-person job. In fact, it takes a group of people to create a website that looks as good as it feels to use. 

Most often, this group will be comprised of a front end developer — whose job it is to actually write the code for the functions of the website — and a UX or UI developer, who will work on the visuals of the website. 

The front end experience usually goes through a few different stages of development, including the creation of wireframes (rough outlines of the user flow), prototypes (working examples of the site), and finally user testing.

What is the backend?

The backend, also called server-side, is the infrastructure that supports the front end and is made up of parts of a piece of software regular users can’t see. The backend is basically a website’s brain. 

The backend includes the server that provides data whenever requested, the database where that data is organized, and the application that delivers that information. 

To turn a new website into a dynamic web application (a website whose content may change depending on what is in its database and that can be changed by user input), you will need to add more backend components. This is different from a static website, where the content often remains the same and doesn't need a database.

The backend developers handle everything that doesn't involve providing a user interface. This can include writing APIs, building libraries, and utilities. They make it easier to communicate the presentation layer and business layer. Compared to frontend web designers, they play a key and highly collaborative role in web development. 

To put it simply, backend developers create code to ensure everything functions correctly in the frontend. To ensure the website operates effectively, they typically spend more time than web designers figuring out logistics and putting algorithms into place. 

Frontend vs. backend: how are they different?

Although they are very different, the frontend and backend are come together to create a functional website.

Frontend development focuses on the graphical aspects of a website or app, AKA the client or user-side. Backend development concentrates on the server-side. Together, they develop a dynamic website that lets users make purchases, use contact forms, and engage in interactive activities. Examples of dynamic websites are Facebook, Netflix, and PayPal.

Frontend and backend also use different programming languages. Frontend developers use CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, while backend developers work with Python, Ruby, PHP, C++, Node.js, and JavaScript.

Backend and frontend developers also use different frameworks. Frontend developers use frameworks and libraries like AngularJS, React.js, jQuery, and Sass. Meanwhile, backend developers work with Express, Django, Rails, Spring, and Laravel.

If you’re considering a job in web development, it’s good to know that backend and frontend developers often have different salary ranges. The median US salary for frontend developers is around $120,000, with a range of $106,000 - $130,000. Backend developers are paid a little less, making about $105,000, with a range of $91,000 - $120,000.

Role of the front end in user experience (UX)

Great UX is a powerful element of any self-respecting business’s website, and it can impact a site’s performance. Research shows that a smooth UX design can increase conversion rates by as much as 400%. 

But great UX isn’t easy to set up — UX designers and front end developers must work together to create user experiences that are functional and impressive enough to delight users. 

A key part of strong UX design is a streamlined, user-friendly interface. That demands careful attention to detail, which can be time-consuming but will ultimately pay off by keeping users engaged longer — hopefully long enough to make a purchase, sign up for your newsletter, or take any other desired action. 

Designers and developers must focus on every element of a website’s look and feel. That includes carefully chosen colors (to avoid awkward clashes), fonts, white space, menus, pictures, and videos. 

Another critical component of a robust front-end is speed. Every page on a website should provide users with enough information to understand a specific product, service, or topic discussed (e.g., in a blog post). But it must be designed with good UX in mind to avoid overloading the page and affecting load times. 

Web pages should load in three seconds or less. Any longer, and users are more likely to bounce. Anyone who comes to your site looking to answer a question or make a purchase wants to find what they need as soon as possible. A streamlined, user-friendly front end design will make that possible.

4 examples of websites with great front-end implementation

A simple way to understand what makes for a satisfying front-end in User Experience is to study websites with high-quality front-end implementation. With that in mind, here are some examples to inspire you.

Cats & Dogs - The Weather App

Cats & Dogs is a slick site that grabs your attention right away. Not only does its vibrant yellow background pop, but the first interaction is to answer whether you’re a “cat or a dog person.” Click on either option, and you’re greeted with an adorable kitty or pup. And then you get to dress them up for a specific type of weather. It’s a simple but powerful way to engage users from the start.

Google Pixel Buds

Google knows a thing or two about solid front-end implementation, and Google Pixel Buds is a terrific example. It’s clean and crisp and uses white space beautifully. Plus, it’s designed for quick scannability. You can scroll through various products in seconds, each presented with clear descriptions, prices, and pictures.

eDesign

eDesign’s website impresses within the first few seconds of landing on the homepage, thanks to its dynamic animations, clean layout, and simple navigation. 

WeCargo

WeCargo is a slick website for the WeCargo Airport Innovation Lab & Summit, an initiative of Liege Airport and Leansquare. The website concisely conveys important information with a CTA to buy tickets to the event placed front and center. At the same time, the smoothly animated background makes for a subtle but eye-catching visual.