What Does a Front-End Developer Do?
A front-end developer builds the front-end portion of websites and web applications—the part users see and interact with.
December 13, 2021
Article
As an entry-level front-end developer, you’ll be creating websites and applications with web languages that enable people to interact with it seamlessly. Get started in this career path by building the right skills.
Learn the basics of front-end development
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Javascript, Front-End Web Development, React (web framework), Web Development, User Experience, Algorithms, Computer Science, Web Design, Application Development, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Web Development Tools, Collaboration, Communication, Data Structures, Human Computer Interaction, Interactive Design, Linux, Problem Solving, Product Design, Software Engineering Tools, Software Testing
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, React (web framework), Web Development, Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Web Development Tools
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Applications, Software Engineering, Computer Programming, Cloud Computing, IBM Cloud, Application Development, Programming Principles, Software Engineering Tools, Web Development, Cloud API, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Management, Cloud Platforms, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Communication, DevOps, Continuous Integration, Software As A Service, Web Development Tools, Continuous Delivery, Product Development, Front-End Web Development, Leadership and Management, NoSQL, Collaboration, Javascript, Mergers & Acquisitions, Python Programming, React (web framework), Search Engine Optimization, Strategy, User Experience
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Front-end developers create websites and applications using web languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—it’s what people see when they first access and interact with the site or app. These software developers design the user interface (UI), ensuring it’s visually pleasing, functional, and intuitive.
As an entry-level front-end developer, you’re expected to know the basics of web languages to craft how users navigate the site or app. You need to have strong skills in attention to detail, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, in addition to technical skills.
Similar roles include UI designer, full-stack developer, software developer, web developer, and UX designer.
Here is some career guidance for entry-level front-end developers:
Front-End vs. Back-End Developer: Understanding the Differences
8 Front-end Developer Interview Questions + How to Answer Them
Entry-level front-end developer can expect to make an average base salary of $66,115 with 0-1 years of experience, according to Glassdoor. That number goes up to $74,386 per year with 1-3 years of experience. Glassdoor. “Front End Developer Salaries, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/front-end-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm.” Accessed February 1, 2024.
Front-end development is the design and programming of websites, applications, and other software tools that people interact with. Back-end development, on the other hand, creates the logic and frameworks that enable the front-end to work properly, by working with databases, servers, and application programming interfaces (APIs) to integrate the processes in a functioning structure.
To become a front-end developer, you’ll want to build your skills in the three web languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You’ll also want to develop a basic understanding of SQL and NoSQL, frameworks, and responsive design. Beyond the technical skills, problem solving, creativity, and communication are useful to have. Many entry-level roles seek candidates with bachelor’s degrees, so consider earning a degree in computer science, or pursue a professional certificate to gain job-specific skills, before applying to entry-level positions.