[rpcorb]

I'd argue that front end development tools are complex and varied because the craft itself is complex and varied. Try to strike the optimal balance between usability and fine control. It's not easy. How to welcome newbie developers with intuitive tools while not frustrating experienced ones with blunt instruments. Imagine all the schools of thought for how to best achieve this delicate balance. Not to mention beauty and elegance in design.

[kbart]

Front-end is not fundamentally complex at all, the only complexity comes from ever changing tools and techniques. I occasionally create websites (approx. one or two per year) for my own or family/friends use and every time I have to learn everything anew, because the tools I used a year or even several months back are no longer around or have changed beyond recognition.

[romaniv]

This is what J2EE developers said back in the day.