The role of Front End Developer

While Back-End Developers are focused on the part of a computer operation that the user doesn’t usually see, a Front-End Developer will work on the exact opposite. When you use a screen at work for various functions, the chances are a Front-End Developer will have been involved in its creation. In many instances, they take the visions of a Website Designer and turn them into a reality. 

Duties and responsibilities - What does a Front-End Developer do?   

Various duties that come under the remit of a Front-End Developer include: 

• Overseeing the structure and design of web pages and making them as user-friendly as possible 
• Developing user-facing applications and monitoring their effectiveness 
• Working alongside colleagues and other stakeholders to ensure speed and stability of the user experience 
• Understanding the needs of the company and working with relevant personnel to ensure maximum effectiveness of web pages 
• Working with Back-End Developers to ensure all pages work according to briefs 
• Changing design and content of existing pages for the benefit of users, clients, and colleagues 

Qualities needed for a successful Front-End Developer  

To be a successful Front-End Developer, a strong eye for detail and a somewhat pedantic nature will prove to be advantageous. Those who are extremely organised and methodical will be well-equipped to cope with the pressures that can and will increase during busy times. Excellent time management skills will be important, as will the ability to solve what others may see as overly complex problems. 

On the job market, Front-End Developers tend to have on the job experience already or will have a background in similar areas such as web development, cloud engineering and programming. In some organisations, the role of Front-End Developer is combined with that of Back-End Developer. 

Front-End Developers need to have a strong knowledge of various aspects of the job, including the likes of hosting environments, systems frameworks, database management and programming languages. This is a role that can easily be transferred from one industry sector to another, as long as the individual can display a sound understanding of the company’s business requirements. 

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become a Front-End Developer?  

There are a number of technological applications that a Front-End Developer will need to know about, including HTML, CSS, databases and working with Apis. Experience with one or more of the popular JavaScript FE frameworks such as React, Vue or Svelte is also highly advantageous. This is by its very nature a highly technical job, so those who succeed will also be able to keep a close eye on future developments in the fields of software, user interfaces, hardware, and cloud computing. 

Some Front-End Developers will have gained a university degree in a relevant subject in the past, often in computer science, web development, computer programming, information technology or advanced mathematics. Bootcamps are also an increasing popular way of entry in to Front-End roles. 

Career development - What is the next step after Front-End Developer? 

Previous roles that can lead to front-end development may include Back-End Developer, Cloud Engineer and DevOps Engineer. Further up the ladder, there could be opportunities to become a Senior or Fullstack Developer or IT Director. More senior roles will inevitably mean more working on bigger picture projects.

Salary and remuneration - How much does a Front-End Developer make?  

Salaries at junior level for this role are relatively good, but they become exceptional when the individual progresses along the career path.