The moment you decide to learn how to code is the very second things start to get complicated. Not only do you have to decide which coding languages are beneficial to your career because you can’t learn them all, you also have to figure out what career you want in the first place.
You’ve probably heard of popular coding-based job titles, like software developer or web developer, but they’re often used interchangeably. Is there even a difference between the two?
Yes. While a software developer focuses on designing programs for computers, web developers build applications for websites. Some businesses will use the term “software engineer” to describe a job title that includes the responsibilities of both a software and web developer.
What Does a Software Developer Do?
Software developers design, test, and build programs for operating systems, hardware, and networks. The scope of their work can extend to desktop programs, mobile applications, and web apps. Software developers learn software-based coding languages, like C++ and Java.
Here are the roles and responsibilities of a typical software development professional:
- Building and testing software applications
- Creating stand-alone desktop or mobile apps
- Reviewing current working systems for a client
- Diagnosing, analyzing, and adjusting software
- Participating in and designing back-end architecture
- Reading and reviewing software requirements
- Creating/writing business and cost proposals
- Identifying weaknesses in existing programs
- Working with analysts, clients, and designers
- Writing and preparing new training manuals
- Attend meetings with clients and programmers
- Developing software plans that meet client needs
Knowing how to become a software developer is your first step to becoming one, but make sure you don’t apply for the wrong program. This understanding is not only crucial for those aspiring to enter the field but also for businesses aiming to hire a software developer. As stated, some employers use “software engineer“, “web developer” and even “web engineer” interchangeably with the term “software developer“.
However, you can make yourself more hireable if you learn web-based skills. We recommend taking a course in both software and website development to expand your job prospects.
What Does a Website Developer Do?
Web developers design, test, and build websites, web apps, and application programming interfaces (APIs). They usually work in the front end and may monitor website traffic and overall system health. Some companies hire dedicated remote developers to do this, but others prefer to have their developers “in-house” so that they can collaborate on creative programming. Web developers learn web-based coding languages like HTML and CSS.
Here are the roles and responsibilities of a typical web development professional:
- Designing, planning, and testing web apps
- Creating, drafting, and running new features
- Hosting web servers and maintaining them
- Collaborating with UX/UI designers
- Working with web design teams
- May create visuals for a website
- Attend meetings with project managers
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting websites
- Monitor and attracts website traffic
- Maintains overall site and system health
- Front-end: mostly website based
- Back-end: mostly database based
It’s common for employers to separate a website developer’s role based on where they primarily work. Front-end web developers will work on the visuals of the websites or what the client sees. A back-end web developer will work with website databases and memory manipulation.
If a web developer is more back-end orientated, they complete the same tasks as a software developer. For this reason, most web developers will also learn Python, Java, Ruby, and C.
8 Key Differences Between Software and Web Developers
To the untrained eye, a software developer and web developer can look exactly the same, and sometimes they perform the same tasks.
However, there are 8 key differences between the two.
1. Software and Web Developers Have Different Responsibilities
For the most part, software developers will work in the back-end, and web developers will work in the front end, but that isn’t always the case. Web developers are more likely to flip between the front and back-end, whereas a software developer or engineer will work in the back.
2. Software and Web Developers Have Different Education Requirements
Both software developers and web developers often earn bachelor’s degrees, typically in computer science. However, a web developer is more likely to be self-taught than a software developer. That’s usually because a software developer needs to learn about legal topics.
3. Software and Web Developers Work on Different Architecture
As a software developer, you’ll typically develop applications directly for a client or architecture that’s client-server-based. Web developers are mostly client-server-based. However, if they start working in the back-end more often, they may create applications primarily for clients or owners.
4. Software and Web Developers Use Different Coding Languages
A software developer will learn languages like C++, Python, and Java, but a web developer will learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, both professions aren’t limited to these languages, so you will often find both developers who know Ruby, NodeJS, PHP, C#, Perl, and Rust.
5. Software and Web Developers Have Different Hosting Requirements
Software developers may or may not make programs that require to be hosted. It depends if the software needs an internet connection. On the other hand, web developers primarily make products that get hosted via the internet or intranet, especially if they work in the front-end.
6. Software and Web Developers Have Different Platform Requirements
In software development, applications are usually developed to be compatible with all platforms. Some developers will stick with one platform, like Windows, iOS, or PC. Web developers need to make their apps compatible with different browsers and the platforms that host said browsers.
7. Software and Web Developers Have Different Salary Expectations
The average software developer makes $97,763 per year, while the average web developer will make $70,863 per year. Although one job pays more than the other, web developers tend to make more per hour due to market demand, especially if they’re independent contractors.
8. Software and Web Developers Have Different Employers
Software developers secure jobs at government offices and big organizations, whereas web developers often work freelance. Web developers have a larger pool of jobs available because their profession is remote-friendly, whereas software developers mostly work in an office.
Should You Be a Software Developer or Web Developer?
When it comes to finding the right career for your needs and preferences, there’s no wrong answer. One person may prefer being a web developer because they like to work with websites, whereas another person may become a software engineer to have a more stable career.
Choose to become a software developer if: You want to create software, learn back-end coding languages, earn a consistent salary, and want to work with government agencies.
Choose to become a website developer if: You want to create websites, learn front-end coding languages, have more earning potential, and want to work with multiple clients.
Keep in mind that a software developer can work for an employer who offers a flexible schedule, and a website developer can have a more stable job at an organization. But some things won’t change with both professions: one works on websites, the other works on software.
