Front-end development is a UX issue

Front-end development is about more than translating designs into working websites, it’s about more than “beautiful” code, and yes, its about more than technical expertise. Front-end development is about harnessing technical expertise, creative thinking, and problem solving on behalf of users. After all, without users there is little demand for front-enders.

Front-end development encompasses a broad spectrum. The breadth and level of skillset mastery varies with the developer as does the numerous contexts and projects in which they may work. What front-end developers definitely have in common is this: the quality of our work and our code ultimately impacts users.

Front-end developers build websites/products that will be used by users. We put systems into place (i.e. content management systems) that will be used by those responsible for site maintenance and updates. We write code that will be used by other ffont-end developers or even our future selves.

When truly embraced, the implications of remembering users will have a deep impact on the way a front-end developer approaches their work. One of my favorite programming books The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master puts it this way:

“We who cut mere stones must always be envisioning cathedrals.”
—Quarry worker’s creed.