Web developer vs. Web designer

As purists would have you believe, web designs and web developers are NOT the same. So one is a designer and the other a programmer? Yes, and there is more. But first, a cool infograph to brighten your day.

On a serious note, in addition to the commonality of being afraid of women, I believe that both web developer and web designer should be well-versed with HTML (xHTML, if you like), CSS and Web Usability. A decent knowhow of Search Engine Optimization is always a plus.

What should a web developer know?

• Client-side language: Typically, JavaScript because the others are kind of dead and seldom used.
• Server-side language / technology: Take your pick from PHP, Perl, Ruby, Python, ASP, Coldfusion, ASP, .NET etc.
• Database: A good working knowledge of SQL is very important. Basic SQL commands work on all common databases like MySQL, MsSQL, Oracle etc.
• XML
• AJAX
• Flash development (ActionScript): This is actually optional.

What a web designer should know?

• Photoshop: The industry standard image manipulation program.
• Web accessibility and Web standards
• Color theory
• Typography
• Adobe Illustrator or an equivalent vector graphics editor
• Flash: for basic animations

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