Frontend development involves creating the visible components of a website or application that users interact with directly, such as layouts, buttons, and forms. It focuses on enhancing user experience and interface design using technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Backend development, on the other hand, deals with the server-side logic and database management that powers the application behind the scenes. It includes tasks such as data storage, authentication, and server configuration, often implemented using programming languages like Python, Java, or Node.js. In essence, frontend development caters to user interaction, while backend development handles data processing and server operations.