To understand the differences between a web developer and a web designer, we need to understand what each of these roles mean. Web developers create web applications and websites using programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, CSS etc. And using other languages and tools like command line interface, text editors, they set up the technical aspects of a website. Web development is one of the most sought-after skills in the market and most of these jobs are high paying as well.
Web designers are concerned with the aesthetic part and user-friendliness of a website, and not for the coding. Web designers are key in attracting customers for a business because of its visual appeal. They have to make strong visual communication with the visitors to transform them into customers.
Web designers use graphic design software like Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and many more. They design the layout of the website through wireframes and construction of prototypes. The flow of information on a webpage is also controlled by web designers. A web designer is the architect of the website. They are responsible for the look and feel of a website. And that requires deciding on the typography, interface layout– UI and UX design.
You can learn both web development and designing by signing up for a web design course or a web development program taught by industry experts.
How do the portfolios of web designers and developers differ from each other?
Firstly, a portfolio is very important in both these roles. Employers and clients would like to see your past work and see the growth to your present. Good work consistently is an indicator of a brilliant future. However, a developer and a designer will need very different services for the display of their portfolios.
As such, most developers use GitHub to display their coding work. Web designers use Dribble or Behance.com to showcase their expertise.
What is the role of a web designer and a web developer in building a website?
- Web designers receive a brief of the website from the client
- The web designer sketches a layout of the website
- Web designers use wireframing software to build the outline of the web pages and send it for approval or moderation
- One the wireframing is approved, the designers use software like photoshop to create the digital visual profile of the website using colours, fonts, icons etc. However, it is just the design. It is not the website yet.
- This design is then passed on to the web developer.
- The web developer uses programming skills for designing the user interface of the website.
- After finishing front end designing of the website, designers move to the back-end designing. The developer creates a database and uses programming languages to build a functional website.
- The website is then published and is available online.
In an everyday scenario, both these careers require skills that intermingle with each other even though they vary widely in the task they do. Successful developers know the basics of typography and colour schemes for making wireframes while most designers also understand the basics of HTML and CSS.
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