Web development is the heart of the internet — every website, app, or online service relies on it. The field is typically split into two primary disciplines: frontend development and backend development.
Frontend development is all about what users see and interact with. It involves languages and tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React or Vue.js. Frontend developers are responsible for creating clean, user-friendly designs, building responsive layouts, and ensuring smooth navigation. Every button, image, and animation is crafted on the frontend.
Backend development, on the other hand, is what happens behind the scenes. It powers the logic, databases, and server operations. Backend developers work with languages like Python, PHP, Java, or Node.js, along with tools like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB. Their job is to ensure data is stored, retrieved, and processed correctly, and that systems perform efficiently under pressure.
A full-stack developer is skilled in both areas, allowing them to build complete applications from start to finish — a highly valuable skill in the Canadian tech job market. Whether you’re building a personal portfolio site or a complex SaaS platform, understanding both sides is crucial in today’s interconnected web world.