Even though the terms have become interchangeable in casual conversation, when you break each one down into the specifics, they’re quite different. If you’re looking for a new website, knowing the difference between a web designer and a web developer can save you a lot of time.
The main difference is that a web designer is responsible for a website’s look and feel, while a web developer handles the applications and functionality of the site. A designer creates and styles the graphics, objects, and layout for the user to interact with, but without any of the programmed interactive elements. In short, using color, space, and other graphic design principles highlighted below, web designers create an aesthetically appealing website for users to visit.
Web development is the coding or programming that allows users to click and navigate from page to page. Think of a web developer as the director behind the camera; they are always there, but in a good movie you’ll never think about them. The same thing goes for websites.
Software such as Adobe Photoshop is a key ingredient to producing quality graphic design services. Adobe has multiple software programs that allow designers to integrate into every step of their process to make sure they adhere to these 8 principles of graphic design:
Developers work with different coding languages such as HTML or PHP to break down the design into a dynamic, interactive website. They’ll write code (also referred to as programming) in a text editor where they’ll structure the back-end of your site.
For businesses that are constantly producing content, a web development agency may turn to a Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress to build a website faster without sacrificing functionality. This would give the client easy access to their content without having to learn any complex coding languages.
Neither. As you can probably tell after comparing the two, it isn’t exactly comparing apples with apples. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for your design and development needs you should look into hiring an integrated marketing agency, or a web agency that has a team for both. Going this route will give rise to a website that was developed as it was designed and will provide your users with the best possible experience.