Software Developer vs Web Developer

What's The Difference Between Web Developers and Software Developers?

For a fresher, the term software developer vs web developer both sound almost similar. They have a general concept that they are just doing programming and making applications for the users. And it is not purely wrong to think of a fresher because both the developers have programming in their work culture. So, they can find some similarities between them. Both professionals need to have programming knowledge, analytical skills, and a mindset to find solutions to complex problems.

But if we get into details regarding both professions, they are different professions, and also their work style, their demand, and their field of expertise are very different. Both developers need the skills and tools that they need to sharpen. Both have different work-culture and also there are different opportunities for both web developers and software developers. Knowing the various difference between various aspects related to web developers and software developers can help a candidate choose their career path according o their skill set and interest. Let us see the difference between software developers vs web developers in the below section.

What is a Web Developer?

Web developers are those professionals that are responsible for creating websites using various programming languages, frameworks, and tools. They are the developers who create projects for the interfaces that a user sees when he opens any website over the internet. From writing basic codes for the website to making the design and layouts for that website, creating how the website will interact with the website visitors, all the work comes under the web development profession. A web developer must be clear about the goals of his organization he is creating the websites which will eventually make his project better. Apart from creating the websites, the web developers are also responsible for maintaining the websites. The various works of a web developer include creating a custom design of the websites, interlinking websites to other related websites, making navigation for the websites, etc.

How to Become A Web Developer?

As we know, web developers are those professionals that are responsible for creating the interface of a website. How the website will look and how the website will interact with the website visitor, all are designed and maintained by a web developer. A web developer also works as a back-end system whose work is to collect the data collected by the website. A web developer works with the organization and creates the best solution for its organization by creating some beautiful and engaging websites. A web developer may work for a private organization, a non-profitable organization, and also for a government organization or services.

These days, all these sectors are looking for a good and skilled full web developer. A good web developer can be very useful and profitable for a particular organization, because these days, all these sectors are working online. So, they all need a good and responsive website to make their work easy and faster with less physical human involvement. A web developer not only works for creating a website, but an organization also needed a good web developer to maintain its website over time. As we know, a large number of users get over a website to do their work and a lot of data gets collected in the database of the website. So, web developers also get a good amount of money for maintaining and collecting data from the website.

Some of the major responsibilities of a web developer identified by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statics are as follows:

• Making clean, efficient, and engaging websites.
• Coordinate with the business clients and make new website designs as per the requirements.
• Making and testing web applications.
• Write code to make websites in many programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML.
• Adding various contents such as videos, images, graphs, etc into the website.
• To maintain the functionality of a website.
• Maintain and develop the security components of a website.
• Look after the traffic over the website and fix issues raised by the website visitors.

Talking a little deeper about web development, there are majorly three specialized types of web developers in the field which may vary on the different expertise skills a candidate has. lets us discuss them one by one with suitable examples.

1. Back-end web developers
   

Back-end web developers are responsible for making all the basic building blocks of a website. What the contents will be shown on the website is done by a back-end web developer. Back-end developers work at the end of a program. In general, we can say that a back-end developer works for everything that a visitor can not see over the website such as server-side maintenance, the database of an application, and receiving and sending the required information over the website.

The programming language that a backend developer must have are Python, Ruby, and PHP for databases, etc. Apart from these, a good back-end developer also knows some database technologies such as MySQL, Oracle database, etc. Various roles in the field of back-end development are Software Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Back End Developer, iOS Developer, etc.

2. Front-end web developers
   

Front-end developers are responsible for customizing how the contents received from the back-end team will be displayed and how the things will interact with the website visitors over the website. As we know, HTML is the backbone of a website as all the content that needs to be displayed on the website is written using this HTML language. And CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) is used to customize these HTML contents in a stylish and interactive manner. A front-end developer modifies each section of the website separately and then makes a combination of these to make the website engaging and interactive.

For front-end developers, HTML and CSS are very important skills that they must have. Apart from this skill, front-end developers having knowledge of JavaScript is much appreciable. JavaScript works with both HTML and CSS to make the website more interactive and beautiful. Various roles in the field of front-end development are HTML/CSS Developer, UI Developer, etc.

3. Full-stack web developers
   

Full-stack developers are those professionals who make an entire website. A website is not only the webpage that we see when we open them over the internet. There are lots of things over the website and also behind the website. A full-stack developer is a combination of both front-end and back-end developers. They have expertise in all the skills required to create and maintain a fully working website. The skills required to become a full-stack developer are JavaScript, Angular, Vue (for programming the browser), and PHP. Python, ASP (for programming of server).

What is a Software Developer?

A software developer is a professional who creates applications supported by various operating systems and devices. They use various programming languages and scripting languages for creating software applications. There are many types of software that an organization needs for different purposes such as solutions for clients, applications with a variety of functionality, etc. So, the software developers are also categorized according to the different expertise and skills they have.

The software developer is responsible for creating software from the very beginning of the project or they execute their task according to the instruction they get from their respective organization. Various tools and languages such as coding languages, libraries, and modules, are used by a software developer to create high-end fully functioning software.

1. Mobile application
   Software developers are professionals that are involved in making applications supported for mobile devices. The applications are used to perform various tasks such as games, and service applications for different portals. There are also some real-time applications that are used in solving daily tasks such as maps, navigation, and taxi services.

2. Video Games
   A software developer who is involved in video game development creates a mechanism using which complex games can be created. As we know, there are a lot of technologies needed in developing a game such as server-side, graphics, and live database for the score. A video game developer makes all his effort to make the graphics and gaming experience through good programming skills.

3. Professional software
   Professional software developers create applications for the organization and also design applications and software packages for professional use after paying the charges. A professional software developer completes the assigned task from the organization and looks after the activities related to business which makes it possible for an organization to work more efficiently without any security issue.

How to Become A Software Developer?

As we know, a software developer works to create applications supported for different operating systems, and devices like mobile, desktop, laptops, etc. To create these applications, software developers use many programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, and some database languages such as MySQL, and PHP. All these tools and programming languages help the software developer to transform complex problems into solutions.

Many software developers work with very large tech giants such as Google, and Microsoft where they create full-functioning applications. Their various jobs include troubleshooting bugs, updating the existing interface of an application, creating new tools in the existing application, and bringing updates for them. Some of the skills that a software developer must have are Analytical skills, Critical skills, Interpersonal competencies, etc.

Some of the major job responsibilities of software developers according to the BLS (Bureau of Labour Statics) are as follows:

• Design and code the applications as per the needs and requirements of the user or organization.
• Making recommendations for the computer programs and providing software updates from time to time to maintain the functionality and smooth working of the application.
• Test the new codes for the application, check the bugs and fix them, and check the efficiency of the new application.
• Check if the new application is compatible with the current database management systems.
• Collect reviews and comments from the users and make a workflow to fix the issues of users.

In making an application, software developers are engaged in every stage of the application such as making an idea for complex problems, planning, designing the applications, coding, and rolling out fully functioning applications. But similar to web developers, there are some specialized career opportunities in the field of software development according to the skill set of a candidate. Let us have a brief look over them.

• Software application developer:
  Software application developers are responsible to create applications for the general public and audience. They create applications that can be used on mobiles, and tablets, such as games, utility applications, browser applications, etc. In a survey, it is found that a software application developer continues to work on the same projects for many years, and continues to keep their maintenance, security, and bug-fixing for the smooth and efficient running of the applications over the devices.

• Software system developer:
  Software system developers are responsible to make applications that are optimized for system-level tasks. These applications are generally for an organization or an enterprise client. The developers use their hard skills to make an application that can be used to solve problems for some industries, aerospace, manufacturing, and space organizations. These applications manage corporate networking applications, manages large databases of enterprises, etc.

Differences in Compensation

Both web developers and software developers have their expertise in terms of skills and both developers have their advantages and disadvantages. Comparing software developers vs web developers, the salary of a software developer is a little bit higher as compared to a web developer. But a web developer also earns based on per hour. Apart from these, web developers can also do WFH (work from home), which makes their profession more flexible and customizable. A web developer also works as a freelancer and it depends on the individual how much they can grow their network and how much they can earn money.

Software developers have a secure job in whichever organization they work for. They get a higher salary as compared to a web developer. Their work includes teamwork, collaboration, and solving complex problems of big organizations which pays them a better salary. In India, the average salary for a web developer is ₹ 7,00,000 and the average salary for a software developer is around ₹ 12,00,000. Apart from these data, the salary for a web developer or a software developer strictly differs based on the skills and experiences of an individual.

Web Developer vs. Software Developer: Career Outlook

For running an organization there is demand for both web developers and software developers. The company needs them to make client applications and web applications and also to maintain them. Apart from making, there is a continuous need to maintain and fix the issues and maintain any kind of security issues. A report given by the BLS tells that the employment opportunities for web developers and software developers will grow exponentially in the upcoming years. because these days, all the work either private organizations, services from government sectors, and security agencies, all are transforming into digital forms. To run these services the organization always needs both software and web developers.

It is also true that the salary for both of these professions will always vary according to their skill and experience. A report says that the growth rate for web developers and web designers is projected to increase by 23% in the year 2021-2031. And the growth rate for software developers is projected to increase by 25% in the year 2021-2031. And the good thing is that in recent times a tech enthusiast does not need to move to big cities and Silicon Valley to make their career in either field. There are many positions and opening comes for freshers where a candidate can showcase their skills and work remotely. This helps them to shape their career in a better way.

Web Developer vs. Software Developer: How to Choose?

Choosing a career path for your life is not an easy task for all candidates. Especially if you are looking to make your future in the tech field. Many students got confused about which option to choose between a web developer and a software developer. Because initially, the skills they are working on and learning are almost similar such as programming and learning tools for databases, etc. So, having a clear perspective and knowledge of what technical skills they need to brush up on to make their future in either of the fields is very necessary. Let us discuss the technical aspects that they need to approach.

A web developer works and enjoys technical discipline as well as creative discipline. While software developers must have problem-solving skills and they must have a mathematical approach to solving complex problems. Apart from that, a web developer may also choose between the specialized field of web development such as front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. The knowledge of programming languages that a web developer must have included HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and JQuery to perform their task efficiently. While the knowledge of programming languages that a web developer must have included C++, C, Python, JavaScript, etc.

Getting Started As A Web Developer or Software Developer

Web developers and software developers, both are dependent on programming skills and must know about computer science topics such as Operating Systems, Computer Networks, etc to perform better and do their tasks efficiently which will eventually help them to make their future bright in their interested field. But some key differences can be mentioned to differentiate between a web developer and a software developer which are as follows:

• Schooling
  To start a career in either web development or software development there is not any compulsion to get a degree or certification from any college or university. The candidate can freely choose their career path on the basis ofbased onskills and abilities they have. A web developer can work as a freelancer and can run their own website to solve any problem. Also, a software developer can build their application to solve any problem and they do not need to belong to any college or school. If any of the professionals want to establish themselves in a software company or organization, they need to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a field related to it.

• Job Growth
  According to the Bureau of Labour Statics of the United States, the growth rate for web developers and web designers is projected to increase by 23% in the year 2021-2031. And the growth rate for software developers is projected to increase by 25% in the year 2021-2031. The growth rate of web developers are little slower than that of software developers but they are not much different and both have a good job and career growth in the future.

• Job flexibility
  A web developer can work for an organization as well as they can do freelance. Apart from these, web developers also do WFH (work from home) which makes their work flexible. While software developers need to stick to an organization. This is because they not only develop application but also maintains server-side kinds of stuff, do maintenance, and many other tasks related to a software application in the office.

• Development Languages
  A web developer must know programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and JQuery to perform their task efficiently. While a software developer must know C++, C, Python, JavaScript, etc.

FAQ

Given below are some most frequently asked questions related to web developers vs software developers.

What's the Pay Difference Between Web Developers and Software Developers?

The difference between a web developer and a software developer is not much. In India, a web developer can earn up to an average of 7,00,000 and a software developer can earn up to 12,00,000. Apart from these static data, the salary of both professionals is much affected by the skills and experience in development they have.

Is There Any Overlap Between Web Developers and Software Developers?

There are some similarities between both the web developer and the software developer. Both need to know the programming languages for coding. Apart from these, some similar qualities are working in a team, troubleshooting bugs, and understanding the problem to provide solutions through coding. But the programming language of a web developer is HTML, CSS, etc and the preferred programming language of a software developer is C++, Python, etc.

How do I Get Into Either Web Development or Software Development?

There are some works that a candidate need to choose a career in web development or software development such as learning programming languages, earning some certifications in related technologies, doing some internships, and most important doing some projects.