Front end vs. back end — What is the difference and how does no-code help with development?

Front end and back end — the visible experience and invisible power of every web application. Learn how to create professional applications with no-code tools like WeWeb and Xano without any programming knowledge.

Posted on
November 11, 2024
Frontend vs. back end — What's the difference

Web applications are the backbone of modern companies — they combine customer experiences with data-driven processes behind the scenes. Fronte nd and back end play two completely different roles: One ensures an appealing, user-friendly experience, the other ensures smooth functioning and secure flow of information in the background. But what exactly makes up these two areas, and how can no-code tools such as WeWeb and Xano also make them accessible to non-programmers?

In this blog, we'll take a look at how front end and back end work together and show you how you can with no-code platforms how build complete applications without complex code.

What is the front end?

The front end is everything that users can see and interact with directly on a website or app. It's the visual interface they have on their screen—layouts, colors, fonts, buttons, and the entire user interface. Design and usability are often the focus here, as a clear, intuitive interface is decisive for the user experience.

Front end technologies: Traditionally, the front end is developed using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. However, in recent years, many no-code tools have developed that allow user interfaces to be created without programming knowledge. With these tools, users can create appealing and interactive front ends through simple visual editors.

No-code solutions for the front end: Platforms such as WeWeb and Softr offer an ideal way to design front ends without code. These no-code tools make possible to visually create an app user interface using features such as data binding and integrations with back end systems. In this way, the front end can be seamlessly connected to the back end without programming effort, which is a quick and cost-effective solution, especially for small companies and start-ups.

Source: WeWeb

What is the back end?

The backend is the part of a web application that users don't see. It is the core that controls data processing, storage and the entire logic behind the scenes. In the back end, front end requests are processed, and necessary data is retrieved or stored from the database.

Back end technologies: The back end is usually developed with programming languages and database management systems that require complex architecture and comprehensive programming. Data management, processing and API creation are the central tasks of a back end.

No-code solution for the back end: Tools such as Xano enable the development of powerful back ends without programming knowledge. Xano offers a “serverless” backend that integrates data storage, API creation, and business logics—completely without code. Users can easily manage their database and generate API endpoints that can easily connect to front-end platforms such as WeWeb. This makes back end development accessible and efficient, even for non-developers inside (Blinno, 2024).

Source: Xano

Front end and back end: How they work together

Imagine a web application like a restaurant: The front end is the area that guests see — the menu, the tables, the service. The back end is the kitchen, where the food is prepared. The service (front end) receives orders, which are then prepared in the kitchen (back end) and delivered to the guests.

These two areas communicate via so-called APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The front end sends requests to the back end, which retrieves the required data from the database, processes it and returns it to the frontend. For example, the product list in an online shop is loaded from the database and displayed on the front end.

Note: Learn more about API integrations over here
Source: Blinno

How the database works in this system

A database is the central storage location for information that the back end accesses. It stores all relevant data that is necessary for the functionality of an application — from user information to product data to orders.

To continue the restaurant example: The database corresponds to the warehouse where all ingredients are stored. When ordering, the kitchen accesses the warehouse to pick up the required ingredients. The back end in an app also retrieves the necessary data from the database in order to display it in the front end.

With Xano, you can build and structure your database without programming knowledge. The platform provides an intuitive interface that allows you to create tables and relationships between data. You can then retrieve this data via API endpoints and display it on the front end, e.g. with WeWeb. Xano ensures that your database is managed securely and efficiently so that your app easily scales even as demand increases.

How you can build your back end and front end with no-code

With no-code tools like WeWeb and Xano, you can build complete web applications without programming knowledge. These tools give you all the options you need to quickly and easily design an individual back end and an appealing front end. Xano allows you to build a powerful database and create API endpoints, while WeWeb gives you a user-friendly interface for your front end that is easy to connect to your back end.

If you need assistance or want to get even more out of your tools, experts like the Blinno team are here to help. Our no-code professionals will help you implement your project optimally — from the initial idea to the finished application.

Hinweis: Mehr über die perfekte Kombination von WeWeb und Xano findest du in unserem ausführlichen Blogbeitrag auf der Blinno-Website.

Use cases for front-end and back-end development with no-code

The combination of front end and back end development with no-code tools is ideal for a wide range of applications. Here are a few specific examples that make it clear which role the front end and which the backend plays:

◦ Customer portal for billing and support

A customer portal for billing and support can be optimally implemented with WeWeb and Xano. In front end WeWeb provides an intuitive dashboard that allows customers to view invoices, review payment histories, and submit support requests.

In back end Xano manages customer data, invoices and support requests. Every request is recorded there, provided with a support ticket and processed. Using APIs, Xano ensures that all information is provided to the front end so that customers can view the status of their inquiries and billing details at any time. This seamless connection makes for an efficient customer experience.

◦ Ticket system

A ticketing system is an ideal application for combining WeWeb and Xano. In front end, designed with WeWeb, users find an intuitive dashboard where they can create support tickets, track the status of their requests, and communicate with the support team. The interface provides simple forms and clear status indicators, so users always know how far their request has been processed.

The back end manages Xano where tickets are captured, categorized, and prioritized. Each ticket receives a unique ID and is connected to the front end via APIs, so users always see up-to-date information. This combination ensures transparent, efficient processing and keeps users informed about the progress of their inquiries.

Conclusion

Front end and backend are two fundamental components of every web application. While the front end designs the user experience, the back end ensures that all requests and data processing run smoothly in the background. No-code tools such as WeWeb and Xano simplify this process and enable you to build complex applications even without previous technical knowledge. The combination of WeWeb and Xano is ideal for companies and start-ups looking for a quick and powerful solution to implement their ideas.

With No-Code, you can build a full-fledged application in no time, significantly reducing technical challenges and development effort.

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