Front-end development focuses on the client side of applications, dealing with the visual aspects and user interactions, primarily through technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It encompasses designing how elements appear and how users engage with them. In contrast, back-end development handles server-side logic, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs) that support front-end functionality. Understanding the distinction between these two roles is crucial for successful web development projects, as both aspects must be integrated to create a seamless user experience.