What's the difference between web developer, web programmer, and full stack web developer (or

programmer)?
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Colin Foster
Colin Foster, Freelance, Full-Stack Web Developer
Written Nov 20, 2014
The problem is there is no formal definition for these items so you’re really going to have to just
ask for the specific skills you need. Each of these does at least hint at the minimum set of skills
the person has.

“Full Stack” means the person can work on the front end (HTML, CSS, Javascript), on the
middleware (PHP, Python, etc.), and the backend database (MySQL, CouchDB, etc.).

I’ve never heard people use “Web Developer” and “Web Programmer” differently but both
should be able to work on the Front End and Middleware (but they may be able to do more).

Also, a “Web Designer” should be able to create the visual look & feel for the site in Photoshop,
etc. (but they might be able to do more).
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Ian Douglas
Ian Douglas, Been building web sites and web apps for almost 20 years
Written Nov 22, 2015
My view:

Web Designer:
Primarily focused on the design and look and feel of a site (ui/ux). Should know some
fundamental basics HTML, CSS, possibly some JavaScript, so they don't design sunsetting that is
impossible to implement.

Web Developer/Programmer:
Can dabble in JavaScript, but focused more on the middleware that the front end interacts with
for ajax calls, api development, and dealing with dynamic content. Should know how to use an
orm or other tools to communicate efficiently with a database.

Back End Developer:

Mostly works in highly effective api development, scalability and database optimizations, dabbles
in devops.

Full Stack Developer:

All of the above, except design. Maybe not at an expert level, but comfortable doing any of the
tasks from HTML, CSS, js, middleware, api with, database work, basic devops.
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