Frontend vs Backend? Or perhaps a Full-Stack Developer?

In the digital age, your online presence is often the first (and most crucial) point of contact with a client. But who is behind it?

Regardless of the application's complexity, a website's success is driven by developers who, like in any industry, have their specializations. If you're wondering about the difference between frontend and backend, which path to choose, or what kind of experts your company needs, this article will answer your questions.

Frontend vs. Backend Development - The Basics

Frontend and backend are the two pillars of all web applications. Together, they form a cohesive whole, but their functions differ significantly. Below, you'll find a comprehensive description of each area.

P.S. If I were to visualize them as two friends, the frontend developer would be the spontaneous extrovert who connects with people at parties, while the backend developer is calmer and more responsible, handling pragmatic matters like ensuring a safe return home and feeling good the next morning.

Frontend vs. Backend - Comparison Table

For easier understanding, below is a graphic summary of the differences and similarities between the two layers.

Frontend Developer - Interface Management

The frontend is the application layer visible to the user. It is responsible for the interactive and visual aspects, including page layout, colors, animations, and responsiveness across various devices. In short, everything the user directly interacts with.

Thus, a frontend developer cares about the aesthetics and intuitiveness (UX/UI) of a website or application, making it simple, easy, and pleasant to use.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Creating user interfaces (UI) consistent with graphic designs.

• Implementing responsive layouts (RWD) using CSS and frameworks like Tailwind CSS.

• Building dynamic components with JavaScript and frameworks such as React, Vue.js, or Angular.

• Optimizing page performance (e.g., lazy loading, CSS/JS minification).

• Testing browser compatibility (cross-browser compatibility).

• Collaborating with UX/UI designers and backend developers on integration.

As you can see, a well-polished frontend is essential for smooth user interactions with the site, and consequently, for encouraging users to use your business's offer.

I also invite you to check out the following posts on our blog – you'll learn what frontend in e-commerce is and why it's the future of conversions.

Advantages and Challenges for a Frontend Programmer

This paragraph is primarily for those considering their career path. Like any profession, it has its pros and cons.

Backend - Web Development Behind the Scenes

The backend is responsible for servers, databases, application logic, and integrations with external services (payments, ERP, CRM). In other words, it's the "brain" of your e-commerce – it lays the foundations for building websites.

A backend developer deals with the "behind-the-scenes" part of a website. They ensure the stability and security of the application, allowing the user to smoothly interact with the frontend part. They are responsible for:

• Designing and implementing APIs (REST, GraphQL) for communication with the frontend.

• Managing databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).

• Creating business logic in languages such as Python, Node.js, or Java.

• Implementing authorization and authentication (OAuth, JWT).

• Optimizing server performance and application scalability.

• Integrating with external services.

• Monitoring and debugging server issues.

Now you see that this "behind-the-scenes" work is just as important as the frontend's leading role – without a proper director, they won't work.

Pros and Cons of Working as a Backend Developer

Both frontend and backend specialists find things they appreciate and those they don't necessarily like in their profession.

Full-stack Developer vs. Frontend and Backend - Similarities and Differences

A full-stack developer is a jack of all trades – a programming handyman who combines frontend and backend skills. They create products from the user interface to application logic and databases. This is a person who knows the entire software development process, from graphic design to server infrastructure.

Full-stack developers are particularly valued in smaller teams and startups where versatility is key. Their tasks include:

• Building complete web applications: from UI design to API and database implementation.

• Integrating frontend with backend, e.g., connecting React with Node.js or Django.

• Creating and optimizing APIs (REST, GraphQL) for communication between layers.

• Managing the full project lifecycle: from prototype to deployment and maintenance.

• Debugging issues on both the client side (browser) and the server side.

• Collaborating with designers, DevOps, and project stakeholders.

• Maintaining code in both layers (frontend and backend) according to best practices.

Is It Worth Being a Full-stack Developer?

How to Choose the Right Specialist for Your Project?

There's no single answer – it all depends on:

• Project goal (whether it's a redesign, integration, or MVP)

• Budget (whether you can hire separate individuals)

• Development pace (whether you need to scale the team quickly)

• Technology (e.g., headless commerce will require someone with specific knowledge).

If you are an e-commerce owner planning to expand your system, start with an audit: what works and what needs to be rebuilt. Based on this, you will choose a specialist who will not just "do" but "solve the problem."

When to Opt for a Full-stack Developer?

Of course, full-stack doesn't always mean "expert in everything," but rather "a person who understands both worlds and can connect them in practice." Therefore, consider if:

• You are creating a startup idea.

• You have a limited budget and want to act quickly.

• You want to build a demo or proof of concept.

Choose them if you need someone who understands the "big picture" of the product. One specialist – fast iteration, lower costs.

However, if you have larger funds, it's worth considering a more complex team with specific specializations. Each of them will refine your business in the finest detail according to their specialized knowledge.

How Does the Division Look in Reality?

The truth is, a good developer will be familiar with both layers. The division into frontend and backend is becoming increasingly fluid. A frontend developer no longer deals solely with the "visual side" of an application. Increasingly, they also need to write server-side code (e.g., API routes, middleware), configure proxies, implement business logic, and understand application architecture. These are things that, just a few years ago, were part of the backend.

However, even if a frontend developer creates APIs or serverless functions, it doesn't necessarily mean they are creating a "full-fledged" backend with all its architecture, scalability, security, or integrations with other systems. Therefore, the role and value of a backend developer remain very important. The only area they usually don't directly touch as frontend developers is databases. However, even here, it's worth having a basic understanding – e.g., how relationships work, what an ORM is, or how to optimize queries for API performance.

Frontend or Backend? Or Full-stack? - Choosing Your Specialization

The decision depends on your interests, work style, and career goals. Here's a checklist to help you choose:

• Interests: Do you prefer creating beautiful interfaces (frontend), designing algorithms and databases (backend), or building entire applications (full-stack)?

• Work style: Do you like experimenting with design and animations (frontend), prefer stable work on infrastructure (backend), or enjoy task diversity (full-stack)?

• Career path: Do you want to be an expert in one field or a general specialist in everything?

• Job market: Check local offers on portals like No Fluff Jobs or Just Join IT – in some regions, frontend developers are more valued, in others, backend or full-stack developers.

In short:

• Frontend: You have a knack for design and enjoy working with interfaces.

• Backend: You are interested in logic, algorithms, and scalability.

• Full-stack: You love variety, learn new technologies quickly, and want to influence the entire project.

Earnings and Prospects in the IT Industry

Earnings in IT in Poland depend on experience, location, specialization, and employment type (UoP vs. B2B). Here are approximate gross rates for 2025 (source: spidersweb, No Fluff Jobs, and Bulldog Job reports):

• Junior Frontend Developer: 6,000–10,000 PLN (UoP) / 8,000–12,000 PLN (B2B)

• Junior Backend Developer: 7,000–11,000 PLN (UoP) / 9,000–13,000 PLN (B2B)

• Junior Full-stack Developer: 7,000–12,000 PLN (UoP) / 9,000–14,000 PLN (B2B)

• Mid Frontend Developer: 12,000–18,000 PLN (UoP) / 15,000–22,000 PLN (B2B)

• Mid Backend Developer: 13,000–20,000 PLN (UoP) / 16,000–24,000 PLN (B2B)

• Mid Full-stack Developer: 14,000–22,000 PLN (UoP) / 17,000–26,000 PLN (B2B)

• Senior Frontend/Backend Developer: 20,000–30,000+ PLN (UoP) / 25,000–40,000+ PLN (B2B)

• Senior Full-stack Developer: 22,000–35,000+ PLN (UoP) / 28,000–45,000+ PLN (B2B)

Backend developers often earn slightly more in sectors like fintech or big data, where knowledge of scalability and security is crucial. Frontend developers shine in projects requiring advanced SPA applications and animations. Full-stack developers have an advantage in smaller companies where versatility is valued, but they may earn slightly less than highly specialized seniors in one field.

Every Web Development Specialist Is Equally Important

The frontend is the face of your store. The backend is its heart. A full-stack developer is someone who knows both sides and can build a bridge between them. It's hard to imagine a functioning organism without any of these elements.

Choosing the right specialist is not just a technical decision – it's a strategic step that can determine the scalability, performance, and UX of your store.

Wondering how to build your dream development team? Contact us at BeeCommerce – we will advise, build, and implement a solution that truly works. Click the black button below labeled "Get an estimate."