Web development Vs Software development is a debate that continues to date. 

Both have benefits and drawbacks, but there is simply no better time to learn than now.

When it comes to this point, Several questions arise in the mind of someone who plans to build a career in the software industry.

It becomes challenging for those graduate software engineers who are about to step their professional careers into the software field.

They face confusion in choosing their career between these two development professions.

If you are a computer science engineering graduate and about to build your career in this profession, then perhaps you would be on the edge of confusion.

Web and Software development are dynamic fields that can help create and build beautiful websites or applications. Both offer clear career paths and great pay. 

Web development refers to creating websites, mobile applications, social networking widgets and other internet products, while software development involves creating complex software solutions for businesses and others.

However, there is a lot of confusion between the two. One needs to consider before selecting which is the best.

Each profession has its skill sets that can help build your career differently.

Now comes the question.

Are they different?

Is it wrong to say that software developers and web developers have more in common than their differences?

No worries! We will discuss all those differences, and your confusion will get clear at the end of this blog.

If you are fresher and about to start your career in the software domain, this is a must-read blog. 

Let’s know about Web development and Software development individually.

What is Web Development?

As the name suggests, it is all about developing websites using codes. Web developers are responsible for creating the code, policies, and user interface such that end users can access your website. The main objective of web development is to generate a response from visitors and thereby facilitate customer retention and conversion rates.

Talking the job roles in web development includes several roles, but the two main specialisations are front-end and back-end development. 

Front-end development deals with the aesthetics and user interface of a website. It is responsible for the appearance and visual elements of the website, like images, colours, fonts, and buttons.

On the other hand, back-end development deals with the website functionalities. It includes the programming languages and software used to create and manage the databases.

There are two main focuses in web development, the client-side and the server-side. Client-side development ensures every element that users can directly access on the page. A server-side development project is responsible for the back-end systems that support a website’s digital infrastructure.

A client-side system is responsible for letting the user tell the webpage what they want, while a server-side system fulfils the request. 

If you would be prompt in back-end and front-end development, you will be called a full-stack developer.

We will know more about those job roles and responsibilities in this blog.

Before that, let’s know

What is Software Development?

The primary focus of Software development is on computer programs and the various components of a computer system. 

Software developers are responsible for conceptualising, creating, programming, documenting, testing, improving and maintaining software.

The developer has to ensure that the program operates as it was initially planned and be able to identify any bugs within it that could cause problems in other systems or applications.

To execute this, software developers work with different programming languages. Additionally, they should be familiar with development best practices, including their programming theory. It is common for software developers to work in an agile environment, also called scrum. In addition, DevOps is a practice or culture that software developers know.

Let’s understand their difference with a head-to-head comparison.

Comparisons Between Software Development vs Web Development:

#1. Architecture: Web-developed applications are client-server based, while software-developed applications are based only on the client.

#2. Design: Web design are mostly graphics design of web content, whereas software design is generally simple and straight.

#3. Applications: Web-developed applications usually refers to web applications or websites, while software-developed applications refer to a desktop application.

#4. Platform: In web development, web applications are developed for cross-platforms, while in software development, applications are for a specific programme.

#5. Programming: In web development, there is the use of scripting, while in software development, coding is possible without script language.

#6. Hosting:  Web applications need to get hosted via the internet, whereas developed software doesn’t need to host.

#7. Security: As compared to software-developed applications, web-developed applications required more security from viruses, malware and database.

#8. Customisation: Web-developed applications have a wide range of customisation. In software development customisation has limitations.

#9. Web applications mainly consist of dynamic pages, and software applications are usually static.

#10. We developed applications that perform better in multi-user or centralized data-centre applications. Software-developed applications perform better in file handling and gaming.

How to become a Web Developer?

A web developer is a creative or technical professional who works with the creation of websites. 

Role and Responsibilities of Web Developer:

Check out some of the roles and responsibilities:

• Creating a website is the first step in the job of a web developer.
• Web developers build the internal structure of websites to make them functional. 
• Reduces the difficulty of exchanging data between the browser and the web server.
• Provides crucial information to the website design group to make the site work properly.
• Responsible for writing efficient and testable code.
• Any website’s framework, server-side functions, API integration, and business logic are all developed by web developers.
• Perform routine site maintenance when required.
• Any website’s framework, server-side functions, API integration, and business logic are all developed by web developers.

A candidate’s professional interests and skill sets can be divided into three distinct categories when seeking a position in web development: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. Each web design job has its specifications and duties:

Front-end developer: 

Front-end developers manage the look and functionality of websites, especially those that are accessed via computers or mobile devices. Therefore, they are referred to as client-side developers.

They typically work with designers who will help them create the visual design of a website or application, including images that appear on the screen when it is visited.

Front-end web developers may also be responsible for ensuring that the layout, assets and functionality of their websites are up-to-date with changes in web standards.

Back-end developer:

Back-end developers are responsible for creating the technical underpinnings of a website, web application, or other software. 

They often work together with the front-end developer to ensure the logic and database portions of a site work properly.

An important role of this kind of developer is ensuring that resources – such as a database or website assets – are being used appropriately and following organizational policy.

A back-end developer likely has some experience working with database servers through languages like Python or C++ as well as experience creating websites and applications from scratch.

Full-stack developer:

A full-stack developer has broad knowledge and experience in software development, from front-end development to back-end.

They typically have extensive programming experience in HTML and CSS, while also knowing how to use common databases like MySQL. 

Full-stack web developers may sometimes specialize in only one layer (front end or back end), but most are proficient in both areas.

How to become a Software Developer?

Software developers play an essential role in making the best out of the components and technology which are available for us in the market. 

Role and Responsibilities of Software Developer:

Check out some of the roles and responsibilities:

• Before building a new software solution, the software developer needs to examine the client’s existing operating system.
• Developer presents the improvement of a current system/requirements including cost proposal.
• Prioritize the improvement of existing programs, operating systems, or applications based on their weaknesses.
• Collaborate with business analysts, client personnel, and designers to create effective software.
• Software developers must develop applications for both desktops and mobile devices.
• Creates a user-friendly training manual for the application.
• Identify the client’s needs and create a plan to meet them
• Test the entire program to make sure it functions as designed during the requirement phase.

The software development process involves developers at every stage, from the initial planning to the final release.

The profession of this field, however, is often divided into specific roles depending on one’s specialization, just like that of web developers: software applications developers and software systems developers.

Software applications developers:

Software applications developers are integral to the expansion of technological advances, making their work essential for both professional and consumer audiences.

These professionals tend to focus on designing specific desktop and mobile applications, tools and games for consumer audiences.

They may also be involved in creating software using any number of programming languages such as C++, Java and C#.

Software systems developer:

Software systems developers are tasked with designing software that supports every layer of enterprise infrastructure, from the highest level (the core) to the most fundamental (application and network stack).

They’re known for their ability to abstract concepts and make it easier for other programs and processes to get their job done.

This makes them invaluable in large organizations where multiple departments need to share data across redundant networks. 

A thorough understanding of information technology infrastructure is a must for this role, along with expertise in security protocols, programming languages and application frameworks.

Which is easier?

No doubt, If we compare web development vs software development, both jobs require specific technical skills. There are certain advantages and disadvantages associated with both professions.

However, web developers are at the top when it is compared to software developers. Looking at the job market, web developers are always in demand and earn handsome salaries. On top of that, finding a job as a web developer is undoubtedly easier.

Wrapping Up:

I hope that this blog has been able to provide insight into what makes difference when we talk about web Development vs Software Development.

Anyhow are both powerful fields. While the two are certainly related, there is a distinct difference between them. Each field requires different skills to succeed professionally. 

For some, one field might be a better fit than the other, but it would also serve you well to understand the differences between the two so that you can make an informed choice about which one works for you.

As a boutique software development company, Gloify offers vacancies for various positions including web development. If you are currently looking for any full-time or Internship then it’s the right time to apply for the position.