A front end may refer to any of the following:

  1. A front end is the graphical user interface of a computer that makes it easier to use. For example, Microsoft Windows 3.11 was a front end for the MS-DOS command line. Before Windows, the user had to memorize multiple commands to perform tasks on the command line that made computers difficult for most users.

With Windows, once a user learns how to use the mouse for navigation, interactions between the user and computer become easier. However, they still have all the same functionality of MS-DOS.

  • How to use a computer mouse.

Should I use “front end” or “front-end” in my writing?

When used as a noun, “front end” should not use a hyphen. When used as an adjective “front-end” should be hyphenated.

  1. In programming and development, front-end is a term that describes someone who designs and develops the UI (user interface). For example, a website front-end developer handles the visual aspects of how the web page looks and responds to the visitor. A back-end developer handles how the server sends the information to the visitor and handles any scripts that process background information or perform tasks.

  2. The front-end is the front side of a computer or computer component.

  • What jobs are available in the computer industry?
  • HTML and web design help and support.

Back-end, End, Front-end processor, GUI, Programming terms, Software terms