Web Developer vs. Software Developer: Key Differences

Your favorite websites, mobile apps, software programs, and video games all have one thing in common. They were created, in part, by talented and experienced web developers or software developers.

And with more websites and software programs being created now than ever before, many industries have a growing need for knowledgeable and skilled web developers and software developers. If you'd like to try your hand at creating user-friendly and efficient solutions, however, it's important to understand the differences between a career in web development and a career in software development. 

After all, while they do share some similarities, these are two very different fields that come with different job responsibilities, expectations, work environments, and tools used.

What Is a Web Developer?

Specifically, a web developer is a professional who builds and maintains websites and web applications that are found online. Within this field, there are a few common types of web developers, including:

• Front-end developers - Focus on the user-facing portions of a website or web application.
• Back-end developers - Work on the "behind-the-scenes" aspects of a website or web application that users don't see.
• Full-stack developers - These web developers handle both front- and back-end aspects of a website or web application.

Typical Responsibilities

The exact responsibilities of a web developer can vary somewhat based on whether the job is a front- or back-end role. However, some of the most common job duties performed by web developers on a regular basis include:

• Writing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to create functional websites and web applications.
• Updating and maintaining websites as needed, including troubleshooting and fixing bugs.
• Ensuring websites and web applications are operating efficiently.
• Working with other team members, including web designers, to create websites/web apps to clients' specifications.

Skills Required

Working as a web developer requires both technical skills and mastery of core competencies. Some of the more technical skills web developers need to possess include:

• Proficiency in common web coding languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Understanding responsive design and optimizing web performance.
• Knowledge of commonly used frameworks, including React and Angular.
• Proficiency in databases like SQL and NoSQL for back-end work.
• Understanding common troubleshooting and debugging techniques.

In addition to these technical skills, web developers benefit from having such core competencies as:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• The ability to work with others and communicate expectations clearly.
• A keen eye for detail.
• The ability and tech-savviness to keep up with new technology and tools as the industry continues to evolve.

What Is a Software Developer?

A software developer, on the other hand, is a professional who creates and maintains a broader range of software programs and applications — which may include mobile apps, desktop software, video games, and beyond. Rather than working exclusively on the World Wide Web, software developers work across a wide range of devices, systems, and platforms.

Typical Responsibilities

Like web developers, software developers may be front-end, back-end, or full-stack. And while the exact responsibilities can vary slightly depending on the exact role, some typical responsibilities of software developers include:

• Designing and developing programs and other types of software based on clients' unique specifications through the use of code.
• Testing software, maintaining it, and troubleshooting it as needed to fix bugs or other issues.
• Working with other teams, including design teams and clients, to create a finished product.
• Documenting their work at every stage of the process for reference and compliance reporting. 

Skills Required

As with web development, working as a software developer requires some special skills and proficiencies. On the technical side of things, software developers need:

• Proficiency in commonly used programming languages, including Java, C++, and Python.
• Knowledge of SQL and database management.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms like AWS and Azure.
• Extensive knowledge of operating systems and software frameworks, from Windows and macOS to Linux.

Aside from these technical skills, software developers can also benefit from having the following core competencies:

• Strong time management skills, especially when working on complex projects or multiple projects at once.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and tools as needed.
• Communication skills, especially when explaining technical concepts to clients.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Web Developer vs. Software Developer: How They Compare

Although web development and software development share some basic similarities, it's important to understand that these are two distinct fields with their own scopes, project types, coding languages, and tools used. With a better understanding of how web development and software development differ, you may be in a better position to decide which path is best-suited to your interests and professional goals.

Focus and Scope

Web development focuses specifically on the creation and maintenance of websites and web-based apps. Software development, on the other hand, is broader in its scope, as software applications can range from mobile apps and desktop software to video games and more.

Types of Projects

Web developers are primarily responsible for two types of projects. They'll either be working on developing a website or a web-based app. Regardless, everything they create runs on the Internet.

With software development, however, the range of potential projects is much broader. A software developer may be asked to create a mobile app for a specific company, take part in the development of a new video game, or build an embedded system. Even in designing desktop software, developers may need to tailor each program to work on different operating systems.

Languages and Tools

While there can be some overlap between the languages and tools used in web development and software development, this is not often the case. Specifically, some of the most common languages and tools used in web development include:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Front-end frameworks (such as Bootstrap and ReactJS)
• Web servers and server-side languages (like Node.js and Django)

Meanwhile, tools and languages commonly used by software developers include:

• C++
• C#
• Java
• Python
• SQL
• Database management tools
• Cloud platforms (like AWS and Azure)

Design vs. Engineering

When comparing the roles of software and web developers, it's also important to understand the inherent differences between design/development and engineering. All too often, the terms "software developer" and "software engineer" are used interchangeably — but these are also two distinct fields.

Compared to software or web designers, engineers are responsible for actually carrying out and executing the specific design plans that have been created. This may include designing infrastructure and even building entirely new systems and/or frameworks. And while there is often some overlap between design and engineering roles, their job titles are not synonymous.

Work Environments

Where the work of software developers and web developers is perhaps the most similar is in their everyday work environment. Both professionals often work for larger companies that offer web and software development services, although many also work as independent contractors who take on their own freelance clients.

Both roles also involve being in close collaboration with other professionals, including designers and engineers, to create a finished product that meets a client's needs. 

Job Outlook for Both Careers

Still not sure whether a career in web development or software development is right for you? Another factor you might want to consider is job prospects and demand.

Web Developer Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 7 percent between 2024 and 2034. That's much faster than the national average for all occupations, with an estimated employment change of 15,500 over the same period.

Software Developer Job Outlook

Meanwhile, the job outlook for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is expected to grow 15 percent between 2024 and 2034, based on BLS data. This is much faster than average for all occupations, with an estimated employment change of 287,900.

It is also worth noting, however, that software development is a broader field that includes more roles than web development alone. 

Which Career Path Is Right for You?

Ultimately, only you can decide whether web development or software development could be a better fit for you based on your own interests, professional goals, and other factors. However, if you're having a hard time deciding between the two, here is some parting advice.

Web Development May Be a Good Fit If You:

• Enjoy solving complex challenges and analyzing problems from different angles.
• Like designing user-friendly interfaces on the web.
• Are interested in such coding languages as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Care about designing responsive websites and web applications.
• Prefer a career with a narrower scope but plenty of opportunities for specialization.

Software Development May Be Right If You:

• Want to explore a broader career path with more potential niches and specializations.
• Are a "big-picture" thinker who can see how your work fits into a larger project.
• Are interested in learning programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
• Are committed to adapting to new tools and technologies as they emerge.

Pursue a Degree in Software or Web Development

No matter which path calls to you, both web development and software development can be extremely fulfilling career paths with no shortage of opportunities for advancement and specialization. At the end of the day, both career trajectories offer strong projected demand across a variety of industries.

The key, of course, is to build career-ready skills and knowledge in your chosen path — which is best done through a formal degree program. At Champlain College Online, we're proud to offer degree programs in both web design/development and software development to suit your needs, including an online Bachelor’s in Software Development and an online Bachelor’s in Web Development. 

Both of these programs are offered online, allowing you to pursue your degree without putting other aspects of your life on hold while completing your coursework from anywhere. And if you commit to just two courses per term, either of these online programs can be completed in less than four years.

Contact us today to request more information about either of these programs. Eager to take the next step? You can start your online application now!