When you take a closer look at a CMS like WordPress, get an app developed, or explore a new piece of software, chances are you’ll come across the terms “front-end” and “back-end.” What do these two terms mean? What is the relationship between the front-end and the back-end, and how do they differ from each other? Read on to learn more.
Front-end and back-end are two levels of the same software
There is a back-end and front-end in every software, and, therefore, in every website. The two terms simply describe the two different layers that make up programs and sites.
To understand what the terms front-end and back-end mean, it may help to start by looking at them separately. Although the two layers are very closely related, they perform completely different tasks. An application will only work smoothly when the front-end and back-end are perfectly synchronized.
What is front-end?
In order to understand exactly what the front-end is, put yourself in a user’s shoes. When you visit a website or open an app, the user interface you can see is the front-end. This refers to all the content that is open in front of you, images and text, but also the complete design of the page or software, from the color in the foreground to the layout of each individual element.
The front-end allows interaction between the user and the program. And that’s where the connection with the back-end happens.
What is the back-end?
The back-end refers to all the things that take place behind the scenes. These cover all processes that website visitors and software users do not have direct access to, but that actually enable the website or app to function. The back-end is where the administrative work takes place that ensures everything runs smoothly.
For example, functions are defined, databases are upgraded, and layout changes are made. In this respect, the back-end is the heart of a site or program and runs continuously in the background to ensure the user has the best possible experience.
Among the tasks for which the back-end is responsible, we find:
- The original installation of a website or program, including the front-end
- Management of the software and its users
- Installing plugins, as well as performing the necessary updates
- Content and media integration
- Database management and maintenance
- Implementation of the necessary security features
The interaction of front-end and back-end
The front-end and back-end are, therefore, fundamentally different from each other. Nevertheless, it is their interaction that guarantees the perfect execution of a site.
The basis of any software is the back-end. It is used to define functions and configure the front-end. As far as actual use is concerned, the front-end plays a crucial role. Only a clear and attractive front-end guarantees a good user experience, in which users can have proper access to data and processes. This functionality is provided by the back-end.
In general, different people are in charge of the front-end and back-end.
The back-end is primarily the responsibility of programmers and developers, who determine settings, configure interfaces to third-party programs, install updates, and correct errors. The work on the front-end is usually carried out by a web designer or a front-end developer. Nevertheless, to ensure the smooth running of a website, each party must work as closely as possible with the other. This allows the production of software that is visually attractive and secure.
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