When working in the technology field, things will always coincide somewhere; it is a very common fact. However, it is very important to know the difference between different roles. Sometimes you need to find out if your current company exploits you by making you work for both roles together. So having your facts straight and knowing your job is crucial. This article will teach you the key differences between a software developer and a web developer, what their responsibilities look like, and a deep insight into their roles.
Software Developer Vs. Web Developer
Now having a brief introduction about both is significant to move forward. Software developers hold the authority to create and maintain software and work towards properly functioning it across various operating systems. Moreover, they need to test and debug any issues occurring in the running software. As a web developer, you produce and maintain a website. You take charge of a website’s front-end development, and back-end development and add elements to make it look appealing to the users. Keep reading to learn about all the differences between both and more via this article.
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Is There Any Overlap Between Software Developers And Web Developers?
What Is Software Developer?
A software developer is a person who is responsible for researching, designing, crafting, and forming applications. There are types of software developers. One is an application software developer, and the other is a system developer. Software developers play a crucial role in software functioning and are integral to their work. They rely on programming languages, software development tools, frameworks, etc., to execute ideas into useful software.
As a software developer, your responsibilities lie in designing, working with codes, adding elements, and integrating third-party programs. Moreover, it would help if you effectively tested and debugged any errors and issues. You need to strong grip on frameworks and programming languages to perform your tasks. A skill set that mixes technical and soft skills gets you ahead in this line.
What Is a Web Developer?
A web developer is a person who is the backbone of a website. A web developer handles everything on a website’s front and back ends. From taking care of user interface, user experience, visual layout, and presentation of a site to behind-the-scenes coding and data storage and retrieval, a web developer, in true words, is a jack of all trades when it comes to website development.
As a web developer, many tasks and responsibilities lie on your shoulder. A web developer develops and creates a website. Not only that, but they also craft user interfaces and optimize user experiences. It is all done using programming languages like PHP, JavaScript, etc. They must keep up with the latest trends and integrate them into a website to keep the users hooked.
Also Read: Web Developer Vs Front End Developer >
Is There Any Overlap Between Software Developers And Web Developers?
Software Developer VS. Web Developer
Although we briefly talked about both roles, the truth is these two can sometimes overlap. They are separate, but a few common elements are there, which we will discuss in this paragraph. As we all know, web developers create and design websites, managing both sides of logic. It is to be considered that a website is a software which again falls under the software development category. Both software and web developer use programming languages, including CSS, Python, PHP, and JavaScript.
Moreover, the skills required to master both fields are similar and overlap at certain points. Web developers work both front end and back end so does a software developer to keep the software running. While the two roles collide, there are still major differences, which will be discussed in the next paragraph.
Software Developer Vs. Web Developer- Key Differences
Now it is time to discuss the difference we have been discussing for a while. Here is a list of some key differences between software developer and web developer, which will clear your vision about the two jobs and develop a better understanding.
| Aspects | Web Developer |
Software Developer |
| Ability | Web developers can design and create websites only. | Software developers are not limited to just websites but work around any required type of software and build it. |
| Architecture | Web developers specialize in crafting the development of client-server architectures. | Software developer’s line of work includes creating solutions for client systems. |
| Programming Language Expertise | The language used by web developers include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React and Node. | The language preferred by software developers include C#, C++, Java, Python, C#, Golang, and more. |
| Platform | A web developer builds a website with the notion of running it successfully in different browsers on the web. | A software developer must ensure the software works well and is compatible with different Operating Systems and platforms. |
| Average Salary | A Web developer earns almost $80,000 annually in the United States. | Software developers make an average of $120,000 in the United States. |
| Learning Curve | Web development is comparatively an easier skill to begin with because the involved tools, frameworks, and methods are not very hard to have a command on. | The tools, processes, and philosophies that guide good software must be thoroughly understood in order to develop software. |
| Hosting | Hosting a website is a very necessary step a web developer must work towards on the internet. | As a software developer, you don’t need to host software. |
Which Is Better, Software Developer or Web Developer?
Both fields are vital for the functioning of websites and software, so choosing which one is a better job isn’t possible. However, being confused about two fields is very normal. You should know precise and detailed specifications to figure out your cup of tea. Every individual has their own personal aspirations, interests, and long-term goals. So, it would help if you had time and enough knowledge to choose one.
In this paragraph, we will discover the basics to aid you in deciding. Regarding software development, the key factor is the role’s diversity. You are not limited to creating or working on a single website format like in web development; you can juggle between software, applications, systems, etc. So if you are someone who can’t stick to one thing and gets bored easily, software development is a better option. Moreover, having a computer science background is a plus for both jobs. Software development is good for you if you like to solve and have a personality that focuses on solutions rather than problems. The scope of the field is ever-increasing, so AI won’t replace you or face an issue regarding employment in most cases.
If web development is to be considered, you can opt for it if you are a person who is inclined to dedicate their entire energy to one single thing. More likely a focused individual. As a web developer, you can exercise your strong points to generate and iterate a website for optimal user experience. A knack for creativity is another factor to consider when considering this field since it gives you much space to express it. Due to increased technology usage, both fields are amazing, offer good potential, and have higher scope than ever. Choose wisely and put in the effort because it will eventually be worth it.
Final Thoughts
This article contained information about the role of a web developer and software developer with a brief insight into what it looks like to be one. We discussed the difference between the two fields and how they are vital. We shed light on deciding which is a good option for you. Knowing different fields broadens your horizons and helps you think outside the box. Learning any new skill can be daunting, but it pays off. If you have any queries about software developer vs. web developer, feel free to reach out, and we will try our best to accommodate you.
