What is front-end development?

Wat is front-end development?

The front end is the part of a digital product that runs in the user’s browser. That’s why it’s also called the client-side: the code is executed on the visitor’s device, not on a server somewhere else. Everything you see and interact with on a website (the layout, the animations, the interaction) is made possible by front-end technology. Good front-end development revolves around three things at once. The interface has to look right, it has to load quickly, and it has to work on every screen and for every user. That combination makes it a craft in its own right, distinct from visual design and the technology behind the scenes.

Front-end versus back-end.

The easiest way to understand the difference is through an analogy. Think of a restaurant. The front end is the dining room: the decor, the menu, the way you order. The back end is the kitchen: that’s where the food is prepared, and that’s where the supplies are stored. You can’t see the kitchen, but without it, you wouldn’t get a plate of food on the table. Both the front-end and the back-end are necessary, and they’re constantly communicating with each other.

What is the client-side?

Client-side means that code runs on the user’s device, in their browser. This has implications: the front-end developer has to deal with different screen sizes, browsers, and internet speeds. An interface that runs smoothly on a fast laptop may feel sluggish on an older device with a slow connection. Taking this into account is a core responsibility of the front-end developer.

What does a front-end developer do?

A front-end developer builds the interface that users interact with. This process begins with a design and ends with working, tested code that functions as intended on any device.

Translate the design into code.

The front-end developer receives a design, often in Figma, and converts it into code. This isn’t just a matter of copying images. A design shows a single scenario; the code must work in hundreds of scenarios, with long texts, short texts, missing images, and varying screen widths. Translating the design correctly requires technical insight and an eye for detail.

Responsive and accessible web design.

A modern front end works on any screen size, from a phone to a wide-screen monitor. This is called responsive design. In addition, the interface must be accessible, including for people who use a screen reader or do not use a mouse. Accessibility is not an afterthought, but a fundamental principle built into the code itself.

What technologies and languages are used in front-end development?

The basics are the same everywhere, but the details vary by project.

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

HTML defines the structure of a page: headings, paragraphs, links, images. CSS controls the styling: color, typography, layout, and spacing. JavaScript handles the interaction: what happens when you click, scroll, or fill out a form. These three form the foundation of every front-end. Anyone who masters them can, in principle, build any interface.

Frameworks: Vue, React, Angular.

For more complex applications, developers use frameworks that build on top of JavaScript. A framework provides ready-to-use building blocks, so you don’t have to start from scratch every time. Vue, React, and Angular are the best known. Cube develops front-ends using Vue, an open-source framework that lets you build user interfaces and single-page applications. The best choice depends on what you’re building and how it needs to scale.

Front-end development for custom software.

With off-the-shelf software, the front end is fixed: you get whatever the vendor has designed. With custom software, you decide for yourself how the interface looks and works, tailored to your own processes and users. That’s exactly where the front end makes the difference. A portal that aligns with the way your people work will actually be used. A portal that doesn’t will be left unused. Cube’s front-end development therefore focuses on interfaces that make sense for the people who use them, as part of a comprehensive solution that also combines custom software and responsive web design.