Full-stack development involves working on both the front-end and back-end of a web application, while front-end development is focused on creating the user interface and back-end development is focused on the server-side of a web application. Front-end developers work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design the look and feel of a website, while back-end developers work with databases, servers, and APIs to develop and manage the underlying logic of a website using Java and Springboot.