Ever Wondered What Actually Happens Behind a Website’s Face?
You’re scrolling through your favorite online store. Everything looks smooth. Pages load fast. Buttons behave. But have you ever stopped to ask—what’s going on underneath? That’s where the real magic happens. And in that magical world, two names rule the kingdom: Frontend and Backend
Most people throw these terms around like sugar on a Turkish lokma. But when it comes to really understanding them, things get foggy. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re more of a frontend person or backend brain—or maybe both—grab your kahve, and let’s break it all down
This guide was carefully prepared by the editorial team at Too.ae, with special attention to make it as practical and locally relevant as possible
What Exactly Is Frontend Development?
Frontend is what users see and interact with. Think of it as the shiny glass counter at a pastane. It’s where the display matters. Every color, animation, button, or form you fill out—that’s frontend
Frontend developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as their basic tools. But it doesn’t stop there. Frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular are the baklava in this equation—making everything sweeter, smoother, and smarter
Let’s get a little real-world. Say you’re on a website for a clinic in Kadıköy. The moment you land on the page, everything from the brand colors to the clickable WhatsApp chat window was carefully designed and coded by a frontend developer
They also handle responsiveness—how the site looks on your iPhone versus your grandma’s old laptop. And if you’ve ever seen those cool dark/light modes switch automatically? Yep, that’s frontend again
What Happens Behind the Curtain: Backend Development
Now we peek behind the curtain. Backend is where the data lives. It’s where passwords get checked, appointment times get saved, and your e-commerce cart remembers what you picked out last week
A backend developer works with servers, databases, and APIs. The tools of choice include languages like Python, PHP, Ruby, and frameworks like Django, Laravel, or Express.js. It’s less about visuals, more about logic
Let’s use a local example. You log into an Istanbul-based job portal. The backend is what checks if your username and password match, then pulls your job matches from a database. Without the backend, the whole system is just a pretty face with no brain
And yes—backend has a reputation for being more technical. But if you’re the type who likes solving puzzles, structuring systems, or dealing with data, you might just fall in love with it
What Do They Have in Common? A Lot More Than You Think
Although they seem like separate worlds, frontend and backend are deeply connected. They constantly exchange information. When a frontend form is submitted, the backend processes the data. When a user clicks a button, it often triggers a backend action
In the real world, most tech teams can’t afford the luxury of “you do this, I do that.” They need collaboration. Especially in smaller startups or boutique agencies in cities like Ankara or İzmir, developers often wear both hats. That’s where full-stack developers come into play
Oh, and let’s not forget testing. Both sides require careful testing to avoid bugs, delays, or security gaps. A broken backend can crash the site. A broken frontend? Users bounce within seconds. It’s a dance. Both have to stay in sync
Salary Talk: How Much Do They Earn in Turkey?
Let’s talk numbers, because this isn’t just about passion. It’s also about career planning
In Turkey, a junior frontend developer can expect to earn around 20,000 TL/month. With a few years of experience, that number easily rises above 35,000 TL. Backend developers, due to higher demand and lower supply, sometimes command slightly more—25,000 TL to 45,000 TL, depending on the company and skill set
Freelancers? Their world is a bit different. A freelance React developer in Istanbul might charge $30 to $70 per hour, especially if they work with international clients
And if you’re based in Dubai or considering remote work for UAE-based firms, salaries jump significantly. A mid-level frontend dev working remotely for a Dubai company often makes $3,500 to $5,000/month—sometimes more with niche frameworks or UX/UI skills
Which One Should You Learn First?
It depends on your style. If you like seeing instant results, frontend might suit you better. You’ll build interfaces, adjust designs, and make things look pretty right away
But if you enjoy building systems, solving logic puzzles, or working behind the scenes, backend could be your zone
A tip from our Too.ae editor: Start with JavaScript. It’s a bridge between both worlds. You can use it on the frontend (React, Vue) and the backend (Node.js). Once you’re comfortable, you can decide which side of the coin excites you more
Another local tip? Join communities. Türkiye’deki Kodluyoruz, Patika.dev gibi platformlar ücretsiz eğitimler sunuyor. Katıl, öğren, dene. Denemeden olmaz
It’s Not a War, It’s a Partnership
Forget the frontend vs backend rivalry. This isn’t Galatasaray vs Fenerbahçe. It’s more like Karadeniz ve Akdeniz: farklı ama birbirini tamamlayan yapılar
Every successful app or website needs both. And whether you build interfaces or databases, your role matters. You’re part of a bigger puzzle. So whatever you choose, know that you’re stepping into something valuable
One more thing—don’t get caught up in trendy frameworks too early. Master the basics first. HTML, CSS, JavaScript for frontend. Databases, APIs, and authentication for backend. The rest comes with time.