A web developer specializes in building web applications and websites that run on browsers, while a software developer creates programs and applications that can work on computers, phones, or other devices. While these two roles have many similarities, there are a lot of differences in their roles and responsibilities in their day-to-day lives.
In this blog, we will learn more about web developers and software developers and the differences between their roles and responsibilities.
Table of Contents
What is a web developer?
A Web Development is an IT professional who builds websites and writes code for web applications. They ensure the website looks good, works smoothly, and is user-friendly. They are primarily responsible for designing and developing web applications and websites from their user interface, functionality, and back-end working. They also work with designers to ensure that the designs have been implemented correctly in the website to get maximum user engagement. They use programming languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript, and frameworks like ReactJS, AngularJS, VueJS, NodeJS, etc. for efficient development.
Web developers also ensure that the website or application they build must be responsive. That means it should be visible on all the screen sizes perfectly.
What is a software developer?
A software developer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications. Software developers have expertise in multiple fields, like building web applications, desktop software, mobile applications, and non-web-based solutions. They have expertise in multiple languages like Java, Python, C#, C++, etc. that are not just limited to one field; they might be working on multiple projects (like both web and mobile apps). They must be active during the entire software development life cycle to collaborate with stakeholders and understand the client’s requirements.
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Difference Between Web Developer and Software Developer
Here are the following differences between a Web Developer and a Software Developer:
| Aspects |
Web Developer |
Software Developer |
| Ability |
Web Developers skills include the ability to develop websites and web applications only. |
Software Developers can work around and build any kind of software that is needed by the organization or client. |
| Architecture |
Web Developers are known for creating and working with the development of client-server architectures. |
Software Developers mostly focus on providing solutions to clients by working on client-based systems. |
| Development Platform |
Web Developers work with the mindset to develop applications that work flawlessly across a spectrum of web browsers. |
Software Developers ensure that their products and applications can work well in different OS platforms. |
| Easy to Learn |
Web Development is generally easier to get started with as the tools and techniques are not complicated to learn. |
Software Development requires an in-depth understanding of tools, methodologies, and philosophies that govern good software. |
| Average Salary |
Web Developers salary is around $80,000 annually in the United States and around 7,00,000 INR annually in India. |
Software Developers have an average salary of around $120,000 in the United States and 12,00,000 INR in India. |
| Programming Languages |
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node, and other web development tools and frameworks. |
C#, C++, Java, Python, C#, Golang, and more |
What does a web developer do?
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are some of the common web developer job responsibilities:
- They Develop new web design projects by coordinating with clients and business leaders
- The design and test the functionality of web applications and websites with the use of web development tools.
- They write code in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web development programming languages.
- They coordinate with experts to provide top-notch security elements to protect business assets and website data.
Types of Web Developer
There are the following three types of web developers in our industry:
Front-end developer
They majorly focus on the client side of the application or websites. They work on the user interface part and design the web application.
Back-end developers
They focus on the server side of the application. Their work revolves around database handling, the creation of application logic, integrating and creating new APIs based on specifications, and the development of the overall website architecture.
Full-stack developer
They are responsible for working on both the frontend and backend parts of the application.
What does a software developer do?
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are some of the common software developer job responsibilities:
- Designing software-based solutions as per users’ needs.
- Collaborating with experts to recommend software updates to existing systems.
- End-to-end documentation of new applications and system design.
- Creating detailed models that outline the programs and their functionality.
- Ability to effectively test programs for consistent functionality and efficiency.
- Ability to merge existing systems with the new software.
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Which is a better career path?
If you have done your graduation in computer science and are stuck on choosing the career between these two fields, go through these points:
- Personal Interest: First of all, try both fields and explore which field your interest is inclined to the most. You can learn these technologies by doing some courses; these courses help you to explore both fields in detail.
- Career Growth: both software developers and web developers have extensive career growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of software developers will increase by 25% in 2022-2032, and the employment of web developers will increase by 16% in 2022-2032.
- Establish your career goals: Create a list of goals that includes the things you want to be in the next 5 years. And then explore which field is inclined the most to your career goals.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, both software developers and web developers contribute to the software industry; they both have different types of skills, roles, and responsibilities. Web developers majorly focus on Web applications, and software developers focus on web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps, etc. Web development is a subset of software development. Throughout this article, we have learned about web developers, their roles and responsibilities, and software developers, their roles and responsibilities, and the key differences between both of them. If you are keen to learn these technologies or want to explore your career in this domain, you can enroll in Intellipaat’s expert-led Web Development Programs.