A Web Developer focuses on building websites and web applications that run in browsers. They work with technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React or Angular, primarily creating the front-end (user interface) and sometimes back-end using tools like Node.js or PHP.
A Software Developer, on the other hand, creates software applications that may run on various platforms—desktop, mobile, or embedded systems. They often use programming languages like Java, Python, C++, or C# and may work on everything from operating systems to mobile apps.
Key Differences:
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Scope: Web Developers specialize in web-based solutions; Software Developers have a broader range, including web, mobile, and desktop.
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Tools & Languages: Web Developers use web-centric tools; Software Developers may use a wider variety.
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End Product: Web Developers create websites/web apps; Software Developers build full-fledged software applications.
Both roles require problem-solving and programming skills, but the platforms and tools they use differ significantly.