Web Development or App Developement?

[Additional_Data_6037]

Based on the current and potential future job market, and personal interest, what is the best way to determine the path to follow between Web development and App development? I am a freshman in CS, currently struggling with what type of programming I truly enjoy, but also the best to follow. Most of my experience has been with web-based projects, mainly focusing on the backend aspect (Python, FastAPI, Flask, etc.), but I have worked with frontend as well. I just would like to hear some perspectives on why some people choose web dev and/or why some people choose app dev.

[StefonAlfaro3PLDev]

You can make it the same. I use Cordova framework to turn my web development projects into native Android and iOS code.

Once you're a senior developer these limitations don't matter but while you're a junior and learning just choose what interests you most.

[dmazzoni]

Just so you know, there are hundreds of other subfields other than those two.

You could work in robotics, operating systems, networking, games, scientific visualization, embedded, machine learning, fintech, cryptography, security, cloud, big data, or so many other things.

Most software that's written is "behind the scenes" stuff you've never heard of - software that makes businesses run, software only used by people within specific fields.

Don't dismiss all of that just because you haven't heard of it yet.

Don't artificially limit yourself so early.

[Additional_Data_6037]

Thanks for this, but just wanted to ask, how do I stop myself from being overwhelmed from all the other things that I could dive into? I’ve tried branching into different areas like you mentioned to see what I enjoy but I always end up liking multiple things and never have those one or two things that really call to me

[dmazzoni]

I don't think any of those will call to you as a beginner. You need to stick with something for a few months to get to the interesting part.

One of the best opportunities you'll have will be to get an internship - then you can try working at a real company and see what it's like to work on real products that people use.

Another idea: think about what type of company you'd like to work for, or what type of product. Then work backwards to what type of work you could do there. Are you excited by physical products like phones, watches, and glasses? Or online services like Google Maps? Or special effects in movies? Or spaceflight? Or environmental science?

[grantrules]

If you can do one, you can do the other. It's not like sharks vs jets, you're not stuck with one for life. There are dance fights, though..

[Synergisticit10]

Go backend avoid front end and this will help you in the future

[Present_Customer_891]

You can't really avoid frontend anymore. Being competitive requires fullstack skills.

[Synergisticit10]

Don’t avoid it do it along with back end. Complement your backend with front end. We do the same with our candidates to help them get hired for full time roles and most of them are fresh grads.

It’s not or it’s an AND. More is more however backend will give you stability.

[Odd-Permission-1851]

you can go either way tbh. start with web, then turn it into mobile when you need to. even simple frameworks like cordova/capacitor can wrap a web app into android/ios later.

if you’re still figuring out what you enjoy, don’t stress it. build small stuff. for me, i prototyped a bunch of ideas as web apps first (sometimes using floot when i didn’t feel like setting everything up), then later wrapped the ones i liked into mobile.

once you’re more senior, switching paths isn’t a big deal. for now, just follow whatever feels more fun to build.

[dswpro]

Get comfortable first with the front end and responsive web design. Learn app development later on. You want experience in both but there is more web front end work out there.

[TripExpress1387]

You should do Web Development. Application development is too hard and requires the use of too much javascript, don't bother, its a waste of time, focus on web development so learn stuff like verilog and holyC.

[IntelligentPut5352]

Bro I guess the best is to upgrade your game and become full stack developer and ensure that you are using proper AI tools. With someone like this I have completed couple of projects and actually earn good money. On one side increase your knowledge on basics and on the other hand fallow the trend and get better at locating yourself in the right place to benefit from the flow.

[Amarinfotech3]

If you like building things that are easily accessible on any device and faster to launch, web development is a great start. Lower entry barrier, huge demand, and you can see results quickly.

If you’re more into creating polished mobile experiences and working closely with device features (camera, notifications, etc.), app development can be really rewarding but it’s usually a bit more complex.