What does "front-end" refer to in web development?

In web development, "front-end" specifically refers to the part of a website that users interact with directly. This includes everything that users see and engage with in their web browsers, such as the layout, design, text, images, buttons, and navigation. The front-end is created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which work together to build a visually appealing and functional user interface.

The focus of front-end development is on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, ensuring that users can navigate the site easily and enjoyably. This aspect of web development is crucial because it directly affects how users perceive and interact with a website, which can significantly impact user retention and satisfaction.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different components of web applications. The server-side component or background processes involve the back-end, which handles data storage, retrieval, and processing. Similarly, databases store information serverside and are vital for functionality but are not considered front-end elements. Thus, understanding the distinction between front-end and back-end is foundational in web development.