Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

General Discussion

Posted by Josh Hicks
Josh Hicks
14,146 Points

Do Front-end Developers have to know web design and back-end stuff too?

I'm wanting to hear from some "real" Front-end developers, freelance or agency, that can enlighten me on this subject: Can you work with the front-end and not have to learn Photoshop and Illustrator to design assets? Is it possible to code up a web form and make it work without knowing the back-end code, or hiring someone who does? This applies more to freelancers I guess.

If you do work in an agency, how does that flow work? Does the designer hand you a PSD and say good luck? Or do they expect you to help with that? Same thing for back-end stuff.

3 Answers

Arthur Verschaeve
Arthur Verschaeve
20,816 Points
Arthur Verschaeve
Arthur Verschaeve
20,816 Points

Normally, a front-end webdeveloper don't need to know any back-end. But, when you're a freelancer, often the client wants you to deliver a hole project (including back-end stuff).

I don't think you need to know Photoshop and Illustrator. You can perfectly design in the browser. Read about it here: https://medium.com/design-ux/3ccb1dfad980

James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points
James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points

> Is it possible to code up a web form and make it work without knowing the back-end code?

If you want to collect data via a web form you to send the data to a server that means using a backend language.

Josh Hicks
Josh Hicks
14,146 Points
Josh Hicks
Josh Hicks
14,146 Points

So basically, if I would like to be a freelance Front-end developer, and I do, then I have to be a one man band. LOL Well, I can't say I'm surprised but I am a little discouraged. The web field is SOOOOO big. For a career switcher like me, it's a little daunting to look at my list of things to learn. Any advice as far as that is concerned? Also thanks for the replies!

Jeff Busch
Jeff Busch
19,287 Points

Yes it is daunting, unlike pushing a broom or digging a ditch. Anything worth doing is a challenge. So get started and don't look back!

Gemma Weirs
Gemma Weirs
15,054 Points

For back-end and design stuff, you can try outsourcing these while you focus on doing what you are comfortable with. I don't think any front-end developer is expected to understand back-end and design past the basics.