Introduction: Basics of Web Development

In the digital world, websites and applications are indispensable for individuals and companies to maintain their presence. Web development is the name given to the process of designing, coding, and publishing these sites and applications. This process is generally divided into two main categories: Frontend (client-side) and Backend (server-side).

In this article, we will examine the stages of web development, the concepts of frontend and backend in detail, and support them with examples and recommendations.

What is Frontend? (User Interface Development)

Frontend is the part that the user sees and interacts with in the browser. In other words, everything visible (colors, fonts, menus, buttons, animations) is designed and coded by frontend developers.

Frontend Development Tools and Technologies:

HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The skeleton of web pages.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Beautifies web pages, provides visual layout and style.
JavaScript: Adds interaction and dynamic features to web pages.
Frameworks and Libraries:
- React, Angular, Vue.js (JavaScript based)
- Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS (CSS frameworks)

Frontend Development Example: Consider a "Contact Us" form. Details such as the appearance of name, e-mail, and message boxes, the submit button, the alignment of the form, and the button color are entirely the subject of frontend development.

What is Backend? (Server-Side Development)

Backend is the "behind-the-scenes" part of the web application that the user cannot see. Critical operations such as database operations, authentication, and payment systems are performed on the backend side.

Backend Development Tools and Technologies:

Programming Languages: PHP, Python, Java, C#, Ruby, Node.js (JavaScript)
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
Frameworks:
- Laravel (PHP)
- Django (Python)
- Express.js (Node.js)
- Spring Boot (Java)

Backend Development Example: If we proceed with the "Contact Us" form again; when the user fills out the form, the information is saved in a database or sent to the administrator as an e-mail. These recording and transmission processes are coded on the backend side.

What are the Stages of Web Development?

Analysis and Planning:
- The project's purpose, target audience, and basic features are determined.
Design (UI/UX):
- Wireframes (skeleton structure) and prototypes are created.
Frontend Development:
- The visual interfaces of the pages are coded.
Backend Development:
- The server, database, API, and internal operation are configured.
Testing and Editing:
- Errors are found and corrected.
Publishing:
- The site or application is moved to the publishing server.
Maintenance and Update:
- Regular maintenance and new feature additions are made.

Differences Between Frontend and Backend

Feature	Frontend	Backend
Definition	The part the user sees	The part the user cannot see, the working part of the system
Technologies Used	HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Vue	PHP, Python, Node.js, Java, SQL
Purpose	To optimize user experience	To process and present data

Recommendations for Web Development

Developers who have both frontend and backend knowledge are called Full Stack Developers. You can also consider this field.
Start with simple projects: such as a blog site, portfolio site.
Practice continuously and participate in open source projects.
Learn version control systems (e.g. Git).
Do not neglect to make responsive (mobile-friendly) designs.

Conclusion

Web development is a field that requires both creativity and technical knowledge. Thanks to the division of labor between frontend and backend development, we bring modern websites and applications to life. Whether you are interested in visual aesthetics or data processing, there is definitely a suitable area for you in the world of web development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Frontend or Backend more difficult?