What is Front End? Skills Needed to Become a Front End Developer

If you have an interest in web programming, you've likely come across the concepts of Front End and Back End. Let Aniday help you explore: what is front end and what are skills needed to be a front end developer.

The Concept of Front End?

Front End concept. Source: Frontend Mag

First, let's clarify what Front End is. Front End, also known as the client-side, operates within the user's browser. It encompasses the visible and interactive components of a website or web application, such as buttons, menus, images, videos, text, colors, and fonts.

A Front End Developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the interface of a website or web application. They must ensure that the interface is not only visually appealing but also user-friendly, easily navigable, and compatible with various devices.

Essential Skills of a Front End Developer

To excel as a Front End Developer, you need to master the following skills. Source: Tricky Enough

To excel as a Front End Developer, in addition to understanding the concept of Front End, you must possess the following skills:

JavaScript Proficiency

JavaScript is one of the most crucial skills for Front End work. It's the most widely used programming language in web development, enabling the creation of dynamic, interactive, and logic-driven effects for a website or web application. 

Key JavaScript concepts include variables, loops, conditions, arrays, objects, classes, inheritance, promises, and async/await.

Understanding of JavaScript Frameworks

JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular, and Vue) are essential tools for modern and complex web application development. Proficiency in at least one of these frameworks is crucial.

Proficiency in HTML & CSS

HTML and CSS are fundamental markup and presentation languages for websites: 

• HTML: interface elements (e.g., titles, paragraphs, lists, images)
• CSS: component properties (e.g., color, size, spacing, layout) 

Proficiency in their syntax and rules is essential for creating attractive and SEO-friendly interfaces.

Familiarity with jQuery

jQuery, a JavaScript library, simplifies interaction with HTML elements, event handling, API calls, and animation creation. It is a valuable tool in web programming.

Knowledge of CSS Preprocessors

CSS Preprocessors (e.g., Sass, Less, Stylus) enhance CSS development by introducing advanced features like variables, functions, inheritance, and nesting. Understanding at least one Preprocessor is essential for writing efficient and maintainable CSS.

Familiarity with FrontEnd Frameworks

FrontEnd frameworks (e.g., Bootstrap, Tailwind, Materialize) built on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript expedite the creation of user-friendly web interfaces. Proficiency in at least one FrontEnd framework allows you to leverage its components and features effectively.

UI/UX Understanding

• UI (User Interface): the visual elements and components that users interact with on a website or web application
• UX (User Experience): the overall user satisfaction and behavior. 

Understanding UI/UX principles ensures that you design interfaces that are both visually appealing and user-friendly.

Responsive and Mobile Design Knowledge

Understanding responsive design is crucial for ensuring that web interfaces adapt to various screen sizes and resolutions across devices like computers, phones, and tablets. Additionally, expertise in mobile design prioritizes mobile devices in web interface design.

Proficiency in Content Management Systems (CMS)

CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla enable website creation and management without extensive programming knowledge. Familiarity with CMS is valuable for Front End Developers.

Problem-Solving Skills

Front End Developers must possess the ability to analyze requirements, design solutions, deploy source code, test and troubleshoot issues. Proficiency in supporting tools such as Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), debuggers, browser developer tools, version control systems (e.g., Git), and testing tools is also essential.

Distinguishing Front End and Back End

Distinguishing Front End and Back End. Source: FPT Polytechnic FPT Education

Besides understanding what Front End is then you should also know how to distinguish it from Back End. Back End is the part that processes data and logic of the website on the server side.

• A Back End Developer needs to have the following skills:

• Follow these criteria to distinguish:

Work Orientation for Front End Developers

After learning about Front End, Aniday will outline some responsibilities of Front End Developers:

• Design web/app interfaces that are user-friendly using various programming languages.
• Continuously maintain and enhance web/app interfaces.
• Collaborate with other developers and experts to develop new web/app features.
• Contribute innovative ideas to improve graphics and interface design.
• Optimize web/app performance and speed.
• Provide assistance to other developers in programming and troubleshooting.
• Responsively address feedback from customers and users.
• Participate in the app development process and integrate functions into the web.
• Ensure program quality and update the website when necessary.
• Monitor web activity and resolve downtime issues that affect traffic.
• Ensure compliance with graphic and user interface standards.

Current Salary of Front End Developers

According to Glassdoor's report, the average salary for Front End Developers in Vietnam with 0-1 years of experience ranges from 6-19 million VND per month. Salaries increase with years of experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Front End development is a dynamic and essential field in the world of web programming. As we've learned, it plays a pivotal role in crafting not only visually appealing but also user-friendly interfaces that cater to diverse devices and screen sizes. Proficiency in JavaScript, frameworks, HTML, CSS, and other supporting tools is essential for success in this profession. Furthermore, we've distinguished Front End from Back End, highlighting the key differences between these crucial facets of web development.

 

This article from Aniday has provided valuable insights into "What is Front End?" and the skills necessary to excel in this role. Front End Developers play a crucial role in designing and maintaining user-friendly web interfaces, ensuring they are not only visually appealing but also optimized for various devices.

Reference 

Front End's current salary

Salary: Software Engineer FrontEnd in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) 2023 | Glassdoor