Back-end

This is a generalized term used in reference to the functionality of a website that is ‘transparent’ or unseen (back-end) by a visitor versus what a user sees when they access a web page (front-end). The purpose of the front end is to transmit information to users and/or provide functionality for making purchases or transmitting other content between the site and the user.

The “back-end” of a system or website is used by the creator/owner, content managers or administrators. Standard users or viewers are unable to access the back-end, and thus cannot make changes to a computer network, website, or email newsletter managed in-house or by a service provider. In the back-end of a content management system or mass email system, the administrator can log-in, create, edit, and/or manage content that is viewed on the front-end. Here, administrators can update information, change layouts and texts and generally manage the site, newsletter, or campaigns. Administrators can also give other users back-end permissions in order to add content, review information collected from the front-end, and implement this for future newsletter or offer mailings.