Front End Software Application

The term User Interface (UI), whether it is graphical or not, is usually referred to as a “Front End”. The purpose of a Front End is to allow a user to function with the software itself. It provides a means where a user can select a function to perform an action for example add, update and delete. An example of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) would be Microsoft Windows which is an operating system (OS) that provides the ability to copying files, set schedules and perform various other tasks.

Sample User Interfaces

Image 1 – Sample User Interfaces

The opposite of a Front End Software Applicaiton would be a Back End Software Applications. The Back End contains a Single to Multi Tier Layer of code that performs all the required processing requested by the Front End (UI). Typically designers do their best to keep these purposes separated however smaller simpler solutions combine both Front End and Back End into one for simplicity and ease given the need.

Many systems existing today already have functionality which for the most part performs all the tasks required for its defined purpose. However, given the following basic reasons listed below is where a UI developer would come in and provide the required user interface.

  • Existing Legacy System needs a better user friendly user interface
  • Update or replace existing user interface to better provide information, address processing and work flow or add new features
  • Add access to existing solutions

Front End refers to any User Interface presented to a user such as and are not limited to the following:

  • Website public facing pages
  • Website back end pages
  • Windows Application Forms
  • Windows Service Forms
  • Application Tools
  • Application Custom Controls
  • Web Service Pages (asmx)
  • Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) Service Contracts
  • Flash Applications
  • Flash Movies
  • Flash Banners
  • Microsoft Silverlight Application
  • Microsoft Silverlight Movies
  • Microsoft Access Forms and Reports
  • Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets

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