20+ Differences between Web Developers and Software Developers (Explained)

Many things are common to both web development and software development. Although both web developers and software developers need to be proficient in coding, the difference lies in what each of them is building.

Since web developers build only web-based applications and software developers mainly build desktop and mobile applications only, it is definitely quite apparent that several differences between the two make them distinctively separate from each other.

differences between web developers and software developers

Comparison between Web Developer and Software Developer

ParameterWeb DeveloperSoftware Developer
StyleWeb developers generally create and work in developing client-server architectures.Software developers focus mostly on providing solutions for clients and working on client-based systems.
CapabilityWeb developers are more skilled at creating web apps and websites mainlySoftware developers are more adept at developing and working on almost any type of software that their clients require
Ease of LearningThe tools and techniques of web development and not really complicated to learn and are easier to get started withA thorough and really in-depth understanding of methodologies, philosophies, and tools that make good software is required
Development PlatformWeb developers generally develop applications that work flawlessly over a diverse set of web browsers.Software developers primarily develop applications and products that work seamlessly across different OS platforms.
Knowledge of LanguageVarious web development tools and frameworks come in this category, such as React, Node, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, etc.Various software development frameworks and tools fall in this category, such as Golang, C#, Python, C++, Java, etc.
Average SalaryWeb developers can typically earn around $80,000 annuallySoftware developers can typically earn an average salary of approximately $120,000

differences between Web Developers and Software Developers

Who exactly is a Web Developer?

Web developers are involved in creating websites. They’re more engaged with the non-design areas, such as markup and coding. It is up to web developers to make a website visually appealing and really easy to navigate.

Web developers also handle the capacity and performance of the website. Troubleshooting and fixing bugs on a regular basis falls under the responsibilities of web developers.

scope of web developer

Who exactly is a Software Developer?

Software developers are more concerned with designing complicated mobile device apps and programs as well as computer apps and programs. They are more engaged with the designing and development aspects of software creation.

Software developers are more responsible for creating software and its components while also ensuring other aspects such as conceptualization, documentation, upgrades, testing, and programming.

scope of software developer

Contrast Between Web Developers and Software Developers

Dynamics 

  • Web Developer Web developers mainly make web applications that are developed via dynamic pages.
  • Software Developer Software developers primarily make applications that are static.

Platform

  • Web Developer Web developers make web applications that are made to work across various platforms.
  • Software Developer Software developers design and create software and applications that will run on particular platforms

Application

  • Web Developer A web developer creates applications that are referred to as web applications or websites.
  • Software Developer A software developer creates an application that is mainly referred to as a desktop application.
what they do in web developer and software developer

Roles and responsibilities

  • Web Developer Web developers are more involved in the process of developing and creating web applications and websites that require web hosting. It involves database scripting, server-side scripting, client-side scripting, as well as various other complex web-based modules.
  • Software Developer Software developers are more involved in designing, programming, testing, documenting, conceptualizing, maintaining, and upgrading software, frameworks, and software modules.
responsibilities of web developer software developer

Robust

  • Web Developer The applications that web developers create are not really robust.
  • Software Developer The applications that software developers create are generally robust.

Hosting

  • Web Developer The Internet, or even the Intranet, is required compulsory to host web applications.
  • Software Developer Software development does not necessarily require any host to launch their applications.

Programming

  • Web Developer Web developers use more scripting for developing their apps
  • Software Developer Software developers do not necessarily news in the script language as such for developing their apps.

When to hire

  • Web Developer since web developers are not proficient in all the technologies, it is essential to employ the services of a web developer who has in-depth proficiency and knowledge specific to the particular platform or technology that you wish to use to develop your website or web app.
  • Software Developer since software developers create quotes to make your computer work and are also involved in upgrading user interfaces, debugging code errors, etc., you will need to hire the services of an open experienced software developer to create the exact software we wish to develop.

Design

  • Web Developer Web developers generally engage in web designing, which is truly more about the graphic design of the entire web content.
  • Software Developer Software developers are engaged in direct software designing and structure. This entire process is generally quite straight and simple.
types of web developers and software developers

Architecture

  • Web Developer Web developers generally create web applications and websites that are truly based on client-server technologies.
  • Software Developer Software developers create various desktop and mobile applications that are only based on client-side technologies.

Platform

  • Web Developer Web developers create web-based applications only.
  • Software Developer Software developers develop OS-based applications only.

Security: 

  • Web Developer Web developers need to implement various security protocols while building their web applications and websites.
  • Software DeveloperSoftware developers do not need to implement any additional security protocols while building their apps simply because such protocols are already embedded within the coding structure itself.

Customization

  • Web Developer – Web developers have a wide scope of customizing their web applications and websites.
  • Software Developer The scope for software developers to customize their applications and software is very much limited.

Skills

  • Web Developer any web developer has to be added and absolutely proficient in HTML and CSS coding. They will also need to have a very strong experience in various web-based programming and scripting languages such as PHP and JavaScript; it is also essential that they have an understanding of the workflows in web applications.
  • Software Developer Not only do software developers have the skills not web developers have, are there more so important in areas such as programming languages, user interface design, and even coding.

They need to know languages such as C++, Java, Python, etcetera., to be able to create software solutions that address specific problems and workflows.

skills needed for web developer and software developer

Accessibility

  • Web Developer The applications that web developers build can be accessed from a diverse set of machines and devices.
  • Software Developer The applications that software developers build can only be accessed from the machines where they are installed.

Focus

  • Web Developer A web developer focuses primarily on the UI/UX of the web app to show that it is more fascinating and appealing to the user.
  • Software Developer A software developer focuses primarily on the logic and the algorithm of the software that is being developed.

Role

  • Web Developer Web developers not only help to create websites and web apps, but they also provide the support and other services to help keep these apps and sites going seamlessly so that users are guaranteed a consistent and flawless experience.
  • Software Developer Software developers design and build various programs, modules, applications, and software to run on particular devices and machines. The algorithms, computations, code, and mathematical calculations that go into developing such applications, can be really complex and lead to some really advanced mobile development systems.
roles of web developer and software developer

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. What are the stages of web development processes?

Market research, planning, web designing, writing, testing, launching, maintenance, and updating.

Q2. What are the stages of software development processes?

Research, analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, maintenance, and updating.

Q3. Are web growth and software program growth the same things?

No, these are two entirely different fields. Although both require proficiency in coding, they differ essentially on what they’re each constructing or developing.

Q4. Are the purposes of both web developers and software developers the same?

Not at all. While web developers construct only web-based purposes such as websites, software developers construct principally the software that is required to run across specific desktops and mobile devices.

Q5. Which is a better career alternative?

Software developers need to have really strong training since there would be more involved in the computer science aspect and need to have the requisite expertise.

Web developers are in constant demand, and finding employment in this field is far easier.

Offshore employment is even an option for web developers, although the pandemic has also allowed scope for software developers to work from home, too.


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