If you’re unsure whether to hire a web developer or a software developer—or pick which field to pursue as a career—it’s crucial to understand the differences between these two jobs. Web development impacts creating and maintaining websites and web applications using tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. On the other hand, software development involves building software programs for desktop, mobile, or server platforms using languages like Python, Java, or C++.
When it comes to businesses, your project’s aims shape your choice. Building websites is quicker and simpler to create platforms users interact with while crafting software deals with more intricate feature-rich applications. For the ones just starting out, web development can be an easier way in giving quick results and a simpler entry to the tech world. On the flip side, software development needs a deeper look into tricky programming but opens up more high-level chances.
In this article, we will examine the key differences, specific challenges, and abilities needed in both areas—guiding company owners to hire the right experts and future professionals to pick the right career path.
What’s the Difference Between Web Development and Software Development?
Overall, web development and software development have their benefits and drawbacks. Web development is typically faster and easier to implement, but its abilities are also more limited. On the other hand, software development is more powerful, but also more time-consuming and expensive.
In simplest terms, web development consists in creating websites using HTML, CSS, or Javascript. While software development consists in developing software using a specific programming language like C, C++, Java, etc.
Understanding the differences between web and software development can help you decide which process is best for your project. Let’s dive into it.
Software Development Overview
Software development is the process of creating and maintaining computer software. It involves a wide range of activities, such as coding, testing, debugging, and documenting. Software developers create software applications using programming languages such as C#, Java, and Python. They also use frameworks and libraries such as .NET, Spring, and Hadoop to develop complex software applications.
They do so to create software that meets specific business objectives. And software development is also known as software design and application development.
Software Developer Skills
The role of a software developer is complex and requires precise technical know-how.
Here are some top technical skills to look for when interviewing a software developer:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Python
- C++
- Git
- Oracle
- Linux
Besides these technical skills, it is also important for a software developer to have transferable skills such as problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and good planning and analytical skills.
Web Development Overview
Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites. It involves a wide range of activities, such as coding, scripting, designing, content management, and security. Web developers create web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages. They also use frameworks and libraries, such as Angular, React, and Node, to develop complex web applications.
Web development entails everything that is required to keep a website functioning properly. The process involves running and overseeing operations to build and manage a website.
Web Developer Skills
What skills should you look for when hiring a web developer?
Web development is best done by those willing to learn and acquire special skills. Technology updates itself periodically, so it is important for a web developer to have the flexibility to keep evolving along with it.
Here are some technical skills you should look for when hiring a web developer:
- HTML/CSS
- JavaScript
- Data Analysis
- SEO
Besides the technical skills, here are some other important skills to look for in a web developer:
- Attention to detail is essential because websites must provide users with a seamless experience.
- Front-end developers must be familiar with applications such as Adobe Creative Suite, as they work closely with web designers to create the UI.
- Quick adaptability to new coding technologies, languages, and frameworks.
Besides just technical skills, communication skills are also essential for web developers. When web developers work in a team, they need to be able to put forward their ideas in a simple yet understandable manner.
Difference Between a Software Developer and Web Developer
Now that we have outlined what each of these does and the necessary skills required for each, it is important to lay out the differences here in order to truly understand who you should hire for your business.
1. Applications
Software developers create applications for web, mobile, and desktop platforms, while web developers are IT professionals who construct websites using code.
2. Architecture
The architecture of website development involves both client-side and server-side. However, in software development, the applications are only client-side.
3. Programming Languages
Software developers use languages such as Java, C++, and Python to build apps. Web developers use languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to build websites.
4. Designing
Software design is straightforward, whereas web development involves designing interactive, engaging front-end websites/apps that anyone can use.
5. Dynamic
Software apps are usually static and used by a limited number of people in an enterprise. On the other hand, web applications often have dynamic elements. Dynamic web elements like interactivity and dynamic web pages in a website are necessary to provide a good user experience on a large scale.
6. Platform
A software development platform is specific and can be a local system/server/machine. On the other hand, a website is usually cross-platform (mobile (Android/iOS), web). It is deployed on a public server and can be accessed via the public domain.
7. Security & Robustness
Websites are more prone to cyber attacks, phishing, etc., as they are in the public domain. So, they are usually less robust than software apps with enterprise-level security and are generally limited to local servers.
8. Hosting & Compatibility
The software doesn’t always require hosting but websites need to be hosted. Software developer apps are usually compatible across different platforms whereas web developer apps or sites are compatible across different browsers.
Final Thoughts: Web Development vs Software Development—Which One Do You Need?
Choosing between web development vs software development depends on your project needs or where you want your career to go. If you run a business, you must know precisely what your project involves. If you’re going to make a website that looks good, works well, and keeps users interested, you should hire a web developer. Web developers are great at making sense of designs and websites that work well using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also make sure your website works on different browsers so more people can use it. But if you need to build a complex app—like a mobile app, desktop software, or big business system—you should get a software developer. They have the advanced coding skills to handle tricky problems, keep things secure, and create powerful systems that work on the user’s device. For projects that mix both, like modern web apps, you might want to use both web and software skills.
For people starting out in tech, picking between web development and software development hinges on what you like and where you want to go in your career. If you enjoy making dynamic web pages and designs that users can interact with, web development lets you jump into tech faster. It’s all about front-end design and creating digital experiences that grab people. But if you get excited about solving tricky coding problems and want to explore AI, enterprise software, or mobile app development, software development opens doors to advanced and well-paid jobs. Software developers become experts in frameworks, platforms, and solid system designs. They take on roles that need more technical know-how, build apps that work across different platforms, and keep big companies’ data safe.
When hiring or starting a tech career, make sure your choice fits your project needs or career goals. If you’re unsure what to do next, DistantJob can lend a hand. With access to a global network of skilled developers, we can help you find the right person to turn your ideas into reality. Reach out to DistantJob today and put together the dream team your business deserves.
