Who is a front-end developer: A complete guide 

As the head of the JS department, overseeing a community of several hundred front-end engineers, I’ve seen firsthand the impact skilled developers have on a product. I want to share some insights about front-end developers – a topic that is very close to my heart.

I often say: a product is judged at first glance. That first glance is shaped by their work. For businesses, the work of a front-end developer means a guarantee that users will stay instead of leaving in frustration. For specialists, it’s the art of standing at the crossroads of design, user experience, and code – shaping the way people feel when they interact with technology (that's why I've chosen this job).

Who is a front-end developer?

If you're a fresher to the field you can find out what front-end development is at this link. Here's a definition of a front-end developer that is quite easy to understand.

In short, they bridge the gap between design and technology. More comprehensively, this is the specialist who turns design mockups into a working, interactive website or application. If you see buttons, forms, animations, or smooth layouts – that’s the work of a front-end engineer.

Evolution of a front-end developer role

Have front-end developers always existed? Well, probably not.

What does a front-end developer do?

Now we will look at the general picture of a front-end developer, without going into complex details (they are explored in this article).

1. Building the visual layer 

Front-end developers create the visual layer of a website or application – the part users actually see and use. They translate static design files into interactive web pages that reflect your brand and engage your audience.

2. Writing structured, reliable code

A front-end developer toolkit includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages form the foundation of every modern website. 

3. Leveraging modern frameworks

What are front-end developers doing when they need to speed up development and add advanced features? Use frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, or Vue. These tools simplify repetitive tasks and offer reusable components, allowing developers to focus on the unique parts of the interface.

And as these ecosystems grow, many front-end specialists choose to go deep – becoming React engineers, Angular experts, or Vue specialists. It’s not a matter of personal preference. They choose the tools that are most in demand in the market. That way, the skills they develop are immediately useful on projects and help them solve unique client challenges effectively.

4. Ensuring responsiveness and accessibility

Users today expect websites and apps to work equally well on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. What is the front-end developer in this context? It’s the professional who ensures designs are responsive – adapting seamlessly to different screen sizes and delivering a consistent experience everywhere. 

5. Adding animations and interactivity

Front-end software developers bring interfaces to life with animations, transitions, and interactive features. From smooth page scrolls to engaging hover effects, these details make the user experience intuitive and memorable.

This is not just “cosmetic” work – it directly affects user engagement, time spent on site, and ultimately, conversion rates. 

Got any burning questions?

Modsen professionals will be pleased to answer them. Connect with us and we'll get back to you for an in-depth, free consultation to answer all your questions and how front-end development can improve your business. 

Dmitry Panin

Head of JavaScript Department

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6. Connecting to the backend

Unfortunately, any site isn’t just visuals. Without data it is nothing. Front-end developers connect the interface to the backend via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

• You log in → front end sends your details to the server.

• You check stock → front end displays the data received from the backend.

• You submit a form → front end validates it before sending to the server.

And all these features are not just “decorative”. They increase engagement, make navigation intuitive, and can boost conversions cause users stay longer, interact more, and return more often.

Work of front-end developer in action?

Sure, on paper it all sounds simple: know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and make buttons look nice and a page without reloading. But what is front-end job for users? Let’s look at a few simple examples of how your experience would feel without a front end and how it feels with one.

What is a junior front-end developer, middle and senior?

When people ask “what is meant by front-end developer” at different stages of their career, the answer depends on skills and responsibilities. Keep in mind the following is a simplified overview. In real life, the distinctions are more detailed and nuanced. You can also schedule a consultation if you’d like to discuss the front-end career path in more detail.

Junior (0–1 year): Knows HTML, CSS, basic JavaScript, can build simple layouts.

Example: create a product card from a Figma mockup that works across browsers.

Middle (1–3 years): Confident in coding, understands APIs, async processes, and optimization.

Example: build a fast search page with filters and API integration.

Senior (3–5 years): Solves business problems through code, understands app architecture, mentors juniors.

Example: redesign a storefront to load in 1s even on slow networks.

Team lead: Distributes tasks, ensures deadlines, mentors the team, and chooses technologies.

Example: design the front-end architecture of a new project.

Front-end architect: Plans long-term systems, chooses tools, and minimizes risks.

Example: design a scalable front-end system for a complex web app.

The final words

So, what is a front-end developer? It’s the person who makes every click, swipe, and scroll feel effortless.

Now think about your favorite app or website.

• Why does it load so quickly?

• Why does it look great on both your phone and laptop?

• Why does every interaction feel natural?

That’s the invisible work of a front-end developer. The smoother the experience, the better they’ve done their job. And if you’re looking for solid front-end expertise, the kind that often makes or breaks digital products, Modsen team has it covered.