Exploring the Difference Between Web Development and Design

Should you study web development or design?

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Understanding Web Development and Design

Web development and design are often used as interchangeable terms, but although some of their duties overlap, web designers and web developers work in two distinct spheres of website production. It might help to picture a Venn diagram—in one circle are web designers, who are experts in the graphics and layout of a web page, and in the other circle are developers, who build and program the technical aspects of the site.

Then there's the overlap between web development and design: Some designers work with codes—HTML, CSS and JavaScript—which can help them implement their designs. By the same token, some developers have a knack for setting up the visual elements of a website. Many people have expertise in both areas. If you're looking at web development and design careers, but aren't sure which direction to focus on, take a look at the following chart for a side-by-side comparison.

Web Development and Design Career Comparison Chart

	Web Development	Web Design
Sample Job Titles	Web Programmer, Web Developer, Information Architect, System Administrator, Project Manager	Web Graphic Designer, User Interface Designer, Webmaster, Content Developer
Job Duties	Writes the code to implement the design of a page or an entire site Builds and maintains databases and other tools needed to operate the site May oversee a site's servers, hardware or software, or assist with website security May supervise other web developers as part of a team	Creates web page content such as text, audio and video Designs the visual look and feel of websites, from layout to color to graphics Assists with the navigation and usability of a website Helps maintain and update site content
Skills Needed	Knowledge of website building languages like HTML and CSS as well as scripting languages Knowledge of programming languages for more complex, database-driven content, such as Perl, ASP, PHP and Java Basic business and communication skills to collaborate with designers, marketing and others	Solid training in art and design fundamentals Basic knowledge of web programming languages such as HTML and CSS Knowledge of graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop Business and communication skills to work with developers and/or clients
Education	Certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree in web development or web programming, OR Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in computer science	Certificate or associate's degree in web design or interactive design More advanced positions may require a bachelor's degree
Median Salary Range*	$59,614 - $82,397	$57,501 - $75,135

Salaries in web development and design vary widely according to the size and geographic location of your employer. Your compensation might also include additional perks such as bonuses and benefits. But if the creation of websites is truly your passion, the job itself will be its own reward.

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