Web Developer vs Software Developer: What's the difference?

Who is a Software Developer?

Software developers are professional who builds software which runs across different types of computer. They write code from scratch. The application could be a desktop application like Photoshop, mobile apps like Instagram, web apps like facebook or twitter.

In this tutorial, you will learn

Who is a Web Developer?

A web developer is an IT professional who does coding for a website or a web application. A website consists of 3 tiers. Based on team size and development model, a web developer may work on one or all three tiers.

A web developer working on the logic and data layer build the backbone of any website. They do not care about the look and feel of the page as they focus mainly to provide the clean code.

A web developer working as a full stack engineer will work on the front end as well.

KEY DIFFERENCE

  • Software developers are professionals who build software which runs across different types of the computer whereas a Web Developer is an IT professional who does coding for a website or a web application.
  • Software developers need to create programs for stand-alone desktop and mobile platforms while web developers take care of the framework, server-side functions, API integration, and business logic of any website.
  • Software Developers use languages like C++, Java, and Python whereas web developers use HTML, CSS, JavaScript languages.
  • Software may or may not require to be hosted but web Application needs to be hosted via the internet or intranet.
  • Software Developer applications are developed to be compatible across different OS/platforms,on the other hand, web developer applications are developed to be compatible across browsers.

Role and Responsibilities of Software Developer

Here, are important roles and responsibilities of the software development professional:

Role and Responsibilities of web developer

Here, are important responsibilities executed by web developer:

Difference between Software and Web developers

Parameter Software Developer Web developer
Who Develops any kind of software Develops a website or web applications
Architecture Applications developed could be 1) client or 2) client-server based Applications developed are client-server based
Programming Languages used are C++, Java, Python, etc. Languages used are HTML, CSS, JavaScript etc.
Hosting Developed software may or may not require to be hosted. Web Application needs to get hosted via internet or intranet.
Platform In software development, an application is developed to be compatible across different OS/platforms. In web development, an application is developed to be compatible across browsers.
Salary The average salary for a Software Engineer is $107,909 per year in the United States The average salary for a Web Developer is $76,298 per year in the United States.

Which is a better career option?

There are specific advantages, and disadvantages are associated with both professions.

Website developer earns comparable salaries as their work is always in demand. As a result, finding the job of a web developer is undoubtedly easier. Moreover, they could operate from a remote location, which could even be their home. You could become a web engineer after attending a coding boot camp.

Software engineers are better trained as they have knowledge of computer science. They can secure jobs in big firms or government offices.

 

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