Sometimes, a client wants to develop an app or other project but is unsure what development is required. Therefore, in this article, we will briefly describe the most common types of development.

1. Front-end development covers buttons, text, images, and views. The main goal of a front-end developer is an easy-to-use, intuitive user interface. He has to work closely with the back-end developer to ensure the smooth running of the software product both in the user interface and back end. Unlike a user interface designer, a front-end developer must also be able to debug and ensure that an application or website works across browsers and devices. Front-end developer works with programming languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript. 

2. Back-end development is about the "inside" of the product or what the user doesn't see. The developer primarily works with the functionality of an application or website behind the scenes and performs the following tasks:

• Explores the context of the task. A back-end developer must delve deep into business processes to make them work through the software.
• Finds a solution. Based on experience, programming templates, and standards, the back-end developer offers the client the most effective solution.
• Chooses a language. The developer should choose a server language that will allow him to perform the task quickly, conveniently, and efficiently. Some of them are ASP.NET, Java, PHP, Python and Ruby.
• Selects tools. In addition to the language, the developer should also choose databases such as MySQL or MongoDB and frameworks such as Express.js. The framework includes code that can solve common tasks such as user identification.
• Writes the code. This is the most time-consuming task and requires collaboration with other developers and a version control system to revert to the previous code version if necessary.
  

3. A Full-Stack developer works on the user interface, server-side, databases, and debugging. This specialist must have good programming and problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Full-Stack developer sees the whole product picture from both the user side and the back end, so they work closely with other developers and is responsible for developing a complete programming product.

4. Desktop development means programming an app for a specific operating system, such as Windows or macOS. Businesses require desktop app development to run in the background, perform complex tasks, and access data without an internet connection. A developer can use tools such as Visual Studio, UWP, and other tools to program a Windows app, while Swift, Xcode, etc., can be used for the macOS operating system.

5. Web development is programming websites and apps that run in a browser. These pages and apps require an internet connection. A web developer typically uses PHP, Python, Angular, React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, other languages, and various frameworks, databases, and libraries.

6. Database development requires a thorough study of the business area. If the company has a large amount of data, developing a database will help organise them. To create a database, you need the following:

• determination of requirements;
• physical modelling;
• conceptual modelling;
• logical modelling.
  

Databases are managed in systems such as Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc. Some databases that a developer can create:

• personal database;
• centralised database;
• shared database;
• commercial database;
• end-user database;
• operational database;
• relational database;
• NoSQL database.
• graphic database;
• etc.

7. Mobile development involves programming apps for operating systems such as Android and iOS. Kotlin and Java are usually used for Android and Swift or Objective-C for iOS development. Flutter, a framework written in Dart, allows a single team of developers to work on an app instead of two teams (one for Android and one for iOS development). However, in terms of functionality, such an app is inferior to apps programmed in Java/Kotlin or Swift/Objective-C languages. Mobile development is divided into:

• Native development - development of an app for a specific mobile operating system;
• Cross-platform or hybrid development - programming an app compatible with all mobile operating systems;

8. Cloud computing - computer resources available on demand for a subscription fee and managed by cloud service providers. This can include data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. There are 3 types of cloud computing:

• Software as a Service (SaaS);
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS);
• Platform as a Service (PaaS).
  

9. DevOps helps bridge the gap between IT operations and software development. The DevOps engineer acts as a mediator, facilitating communication between the different departments working on software development and maintenance. Because this specialist collaborates with all departments, he can work on project management and planning, code improvement, server administration, tool prototyping, data security, testing, and other tasks.

10. Quality assurance (QA)  is a process of ensuring that a product or service meets the required standards of quality. It is not only about detecting bugs but helps improve the software development process so that the product or service performs as expected. The specific duties of a QA engineer may vary depending on the company but generally include the following:

• Creating test plans;
• Developing test cases (both manual and automated);
• Executing tests;
• Reporting results;
• Monitoring the quality of the product or service.

Often these types of development overlap, and several specialists may be needed.