Web Designer vs Web Developer: Know The Difference
By
Avantika Shergil
|
Jul 29, 2022 |
Web Development Website Design
Summary:
Web designers vs web developers —people still get confused between the two portfolios, that is, web developer and web designer. Clearly, these are two different things related to the web or “website.” However, the areas that they work in vary. Now, if you look at the terms adjoined, you’ll know that. One is the developer, the one who builds something or technically codes it. Whereas, the other one is related to designing, one who designs the look of the website. We will get into the details, so, don’t push yourself too hard to find the difference between a web designer and a web developer. Let’s roll into the details without further ado.
Introduction:
Web developer vs. designer is one of the most searched terms when it comes to hiring professional website development companies to build a website. However, the two terms are usually mixed up. Since both of these play a role in creating a website, it is kind of customary to get confused. However, if you need a clearer view of web developer vs. web designer, this blog is just the right piece to read today. Before moving further, let’s take a quick overview of web designer and web developer differences.
The developers use coding languages to develop the core structure of the website while the designers take care of the “creative” part of the whole picture. The developers give life to the designers’ creation using the codes. Therefore, no one can say that one is more important than the other. Both of them play a different role and are equally important to bring out a website that yields money and success for the business. So, if you want to hire web developers for your project, understanding these two terms UI/UX designer vs web developer can be a great help.
Table of Contents
What are Web Developers vs Web Designers
When it comes to having a web development team, developers and designers are the core structure of a website development team. They are the ones who help you build a website that perfectly aligns with trends and your business vision. A web developer is the one who programs your website while a web developer creates visual appeal. We have explained these terms in detail for you.
Who is a Web Designer?
Coming to the first part of the entire web developer vs. web designer, let’s look at the definition of a web designer. The role of a designer is to create the visual aspect of the website. Their goal is to deliver a combined benefit of visually appealing and user-friendly web design. Both of these are meant to encourage more visitors to the website. Alongside they have a motto of retaining them for a longer time.
In addition, the designers also need to remain concerned about how their design will affect the website’s coding. That is one reason why designers need to stay updated with modern web design trends. In brief, the designers create the structure of the site and the developer brings it to life.
Who is a Web Developer?
The other part of web developer vs. web designer is the web developer. Well, the primary role of the developer is to build and maintain the website’s core structure. Their role involves technical aspects like coding and using advanced programming languages. In a nutshell, the web developers take the ideas of website design structured by the designers and give it a life using codes and make it into a fully-functioning being.
To simply understand it, web developers build websites so the users can use it and interact with the business. The web developers also test and debug the code. Also, they handle post-launch services like ongoing support, maintenance, fixing servers, etc.
Web Designer and a Web Developer: Types of Web Designers
In a comparison between a web designer and a web developer, the designer team plays a crucial role. You can segregate designers into various types, according to the work they do. For example, web design, game design, app design, interaction design, and user experience design are some examples of web designers. However, there are basically 3 types of web designers with varied skill sets, they are;
- UX Designers
- UI Designers
- Visual Designers
Let’s explore the three main types of designers in detail.
1. UX designer
They ensure that the website is designed appropriately to engage customers and create a positive user experience. Here, human-centric designs are created depending on the data collected.
2. UI designers
They are a significant part of the web designing process. UI designers work to enhance the website’s usability and optimize it in a manner to encourage soaring conversions.
3. Visual designers
Visual designers play an intriguing role. They work with the website’s layout and visual elements. Also, their portfolio combines both – UI and UX design. In other words, the key role of a visual designer is to ensure that the interface of the website is visually pleasing and easy to use!
Types of Web Developers
You can find web developers having expertise in various technologies, albeit there are 3 main types of web developers, they are;
- Front-end web developers
- Back-end web developers
- Full-stack web developers
Besides, you can also find developers having expertise in different technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and many others. However, they all fall within three categories. Let’s explore them in detail.
1. Front-end web developers
They code the website using CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and Content Management Systems (CMS). They are also called client-side developers, responsible for coding and programming the visual elements of a website. The front-end is what the users see that is why there is considerable overlap between front-end developers and web designers.
2. Back-end web developers
They take care of the construction of things that go behind the scenes, that is, the server-side development! These developers code the database and server using high-standard languages like PHP, C++, Java, Ruby, and even Node.Js.
3. Full-stack web developers
A full-stack developer is the one that takes care of both the front and back end of a website. In addition to constructing the websites using programming languages, they also configure servers, code the APIs, and query databases.
Web Designers Vs. Web Developers: The Major Difference You Need to Know
Now that we are aware that web designers and web developers are two distinct profiles, let’s glance through the key differences between them. So, here’s the most awaited web developer vs. designer.
1. Web designers need not code
Web designers take care of the look and feel of the website. Thus, for that purpose, they may use tools like Photoshop to create the images and a prototyping tool like InVision to create a mockup. However, none of the two objectives require them to code or use website programming languages like HTML, CSS, and so on.
2. Web developers don’t create visual elements for the website
Web developers program the website using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They use coding skills to translate the designer’s wireframes to a website that is functioning and alive! In a nutshell, they don’t design or plan the buttons, color schemes, and fonts used on the website but code to implement these elements on the web pages.
3. Web developers are more costly
Comparing the website developers’ cost vs. web designers, the latter is more expensive. The primary reason behind this hike in the cost of hiring a web developer is – there are more designers than developers, hence, applying the rule of demand and supply.
Web Developer Vs. Web Designer: Which Is Better?
Whether you are comparing – frontend vs. backend developers or web designers, the main discretion comes to the “hiring” part. The question is whom to hire to develop and launch the best website? Well, the answer is you need both of them. Since the whole part goes hand in hand, you cannot simply omit one of them.
Hence, comes the concept of “unicorn”. A unicorn is someone who has exclusive knowledge about both ends – a developer and designer. Such a professional with combined strength can alone take your project from the conceptual stage to the visual prototype and the front-end development.
Well, unicorns are best for smaller projects. But, if you have a bigger fish to catch, it’s good if you hire web developers and web designers separately.
Conclusion:
On the whole, now you are aware of web developer vs. web designer, the types of web designers and developers, and the relationship between them. However, one thing that remains is whether you should outsource web development services or not. Well, this decision depends heavily upon your budget and project requirements. While hiring, ensure that you have highly experienced professionals creating the designs and developing the structure.
Just to leave you with a concluding note, remember, to build a website you need developers to construct it and designers to design its look and feel!
Avantika Shergil
| Jul 29, 2022
An enthusiastic Operations Manager at TopDevelopers.co, coordinating and managing the technical and functional areas. She is an adventure lover, passionate traveler, an admirer of nature, who believes that a cup of coffee is the prime source to feel rejuvenated. Researching and writing about technology keeps her boosted and enhances her professional journeying.
