What distinguishes front-end development from back-end development?

Front-end development is primarily concerned with the user interface and the experience that users interact with directly. This includes the design, layout, and overall aesthetics of a website or application, which are typically built with technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The main goal of front-end development is to create an intuitive and engaging user experience.

On the other hand, back-end development focuses on the server-side logic and database interactions that power the front-end. This includes handling the data that is requested or sent from the client side, managing databases, and ensuring that the server responds appropriately. Back-end developers work with server-side languages like Python, Ruby, Java, and PHP, and manage data storage, server management, and application communication.

The distinction lies in the roles each part plays in the overall architecture of a web application: front-end development enhances user interaction, while back-end development ensures functionality and data processing. Recognizing this separation helps clarify the responsibilities and skills necessary for each area of web development.