When choosing a career in development, you can focus either on the web or software. Both fields require similar skills, so either could be a good fit. To decide which is a better fit for you, let's take the time to understand the definition of web developer and learn how this differs from a software developer. We will explore what each role involves and find out how much they make.
What is a web developer?
A web developer is a professional who uses coding and programming skills to build websites. They write the code that makes up a website's look and functionality, including the appearance of the pages, how they link together, and their interactive features.
They work with various coding languages to create the site's layout, individual pages, and navigation, and overall construction to bring the whole project to life.
What is a software developer?
A software developer is a tech expert who designs and builds digital applications. They use programming languages to develop software for different operating systems and various needs. Developers might focus on one type of software or work on different projects for clients or employers, but what remains consistent is that they create apps with various functions.
Web development vs. software development: key differences
So, let's discuss the difference between a software developer and a web developer . Here are the key categories:
Core responsibilities
Common roles for web developers include:
- Front-end developer - focuses on the client side and creates the design and user experience.
- Back-end developer - works on the server side and enables tasks like the data exchange between the user and the server.
- Full-stack developer - handles both front-end and back-end to build complete, functional websites.
Common roles for software developers include:
- System developer - builds and maintains operating systems, databases, and networks.
- Mobile application developer - designs and codes apps for mobile devices, including games and service apps.
- Professional software developer - works for companies that create software for business use (managing tasks, efficiency, and security).
- Video game developer - codes the systems that make video games work.
- Embedded system developer - creates software for embedded systems in devices like cars, appliances, and medical equipment.
Skills
Another key difference is the programming languages these specialists use. Web developers tend to use languages like HTML, JavaScript, and Ruby, whereas software developers commonly work with Python, C, and Golang.
Salary expectations
As for web developer vs. software developer salary, according to Indeed, the typical salary for a software developer in the US is over $105,000 per year, and a web developer earns an average of close to $80,000 annually.
Your pay in both fields depends on your education, certifications, experience, and the size of the company or clients you work with.
Career opportunities
Web developers have flexibility, with options to freelance or work for firms across various industries. Software developers typically work in larger companies or teams, which limits their flexibility but offers clear career progression.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, both software developer and web developer positions are expected to see strong growth, with increases of 26% and 17%, respectively, between 2022 and 2032.
Do you need formal education?
Both fields offer ways to start your career without a college degree. For web development, you can work as a freelancer and offer website creation services to businesses. As a software developer, you can build and release your own software applications independently.
However, if you're looking for a job with a company, such as a software firm or web management agency, they typically expect you to have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Can a web developer become a software engineer?
Sure! Web development is actually a branch of software engineering. Because both fields involve coding and problem-solving, there's a significant overlap that makes it feasible to switch from one to the other. This transition, of course, will require learning some new and specialised skills. If you already have a foundation as a software engineer or web developer, picking up these skills will be much easier.
You can even become a sort of website software developer who focuses on creating and maintaining the software that powers the site. This role blends skills from both web development and software development.
Which one should you become? Software developer vs. web developer
One of the best ways to understand web development and software development is to experience them first hand. When picking a course, go for one that covers both areas, like computer science. In the early stages, you can focus on general computer science courses and modules. This way, you can work towards your degree while keeping your options open for either career path.
When you enter the job market, it won't always be clear which roles align with your skills and education. Even with all the differences discussed, job titles like “software engineer/developer” and “web developer” are used interchangeably. This can be confusing and varies by location, company, or even the hiring manager.
Don't worry if your education or boot camp used a different title. What matters most are your skills, tools, and understanding of programming.
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