Is It “Frontend” or “Front-End” or “Front End”?
by @markupninja@hachyderm.io on , tagged guest-posts, terminology (toot this?)
When delving into the world of web development, the question sometimes comes up whether to use “frontend,” “front-end,” or “front end.” All three terms are widely used to describe the same concept: the client-facing portion of a website or application that users interact with directly. This linguistic ambiguity can be a little confusing for beginners seeking clarity in terminology.
Grammatically, “front end” as two words is a compound noun. In this form, “front” functions as an adjective modifying the noun “end.” This usage aligns with traditional English conventions for descriptive phrases. For example, phrases like “front door” and “front row” follow a similar structure, making “front end” grammatically logical. When treated as two words, “front end” often appears in formal contexts, such as technical documentation or academic papers. A variation of this, “front-end,” is commonly used as a hyphenated form, particularly when the term functions as an adjective (e.g., “front-end developer”).
Conversely, “frontend” as one word reflects the trend of compounding in technical jargon. Over time, terms frequently used in specialized fields tend to merge into a single word for convenience and consistency. Examples of this include “backlog” from “back log” or “website” from “web site.” The tech industry, with its preference for brevity and efficiency, has widely adopted “frontend” in informal writing, blogs, and even job titles like “Frontend Developer.”
From a practical perspective, the choice between “frontend,” “front-end,” or “front end” often depends on context and audience. For instance, “front end” may feel more appropriate in formal writing or when addressing non-technical readers. The hyphenated “front-end” can be particularly useful for clarity in compound adjectives, while “frontend” is becoming the dominant form in casual or technical discussions, particularly within developer communities. A Google search supports this trend: “frontend” yields approximately 137 million results compared to 133 million for “front end.” This slight edge suggests a gradual shift towards the one-word variant.
Ultimately, the debate among “frontend,” “front-end,” and “front end” is unlikely to significantly impact communication in the web development community. All forms are widely understood and used interchangeably. However, for those striving for alignment with industry trends, “frontend” appears to be gaining favor. Whether one opts for “frontend,” “front-end,” or “front end,” the core focus should remain on creating great user experiences. For brevity, clarity, and consistency, “frontend” seems to emerge as the preferred spelling in modern usage.
(Disclaimer: No, Frontend Dogma didn’t ask me to arrive at that conclusion 🙂)
(Frontend Dogma accepts guest posts as long as they aren’t AI-generated or promotional. Although guest posts are being reviewed, Frontend Dogma cannot and does not vouch for their accuracy, and does not endorse recommendations made in them.)