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What Is a Full Stack Developer?

full stack developer

There are a number of different titles developers can hold, like white-label developer, web developer, UX/UI dev., app dev., and more. So what is a full stack developer?

As you may be able to guess, a full stack developer is someone who can do it all. They can help with various stages of development and have the versatility and time management to assist all levels of the web development team. They are not someone who strictly handles back end or front end development – they handle both, hence the “Full stack” name!

In addition to mastering HTML and CSS, a full stack developer also knows how to:

  • Program a browser (like using JavaScript, jQuery, Angular, or Vue)

  • Program a server (like using PHP, ASP, Python, or Node)

  • Program a database (like using SQL, SQLite, or MongoDB)

Advantages of Being a Full Stack Developer

Being a full stack developer has a lot of advantages, if you have the time to master all of the skills and techniques involved!

When you’re a full stack developer , you can do all of the following:

  • Make a prototype very rapidly

  • Provide help to all the team members

  • Reduce the cost of the project

  • Reduce the time used for team communication

  • Switch between front and back end development based on requirements

  • Better understand all aspects of new and upcoming technologies

Disadvantages of Being a Full Stack Developer

With the many advantages, come a few disadvantages. For example, your skill may be relied on more than the rest of the team, especially when it comes to solving problems and debugging. This means you’ll be in charge of increasingly complex projects and expected to be the lead problem solver.

If that doesn't scare you away, then full stack development may be a good challenge for you.

The Responsibilities of a Full Stack Developer

Full stack developers have to have some skills in a wide variety of coding niches, from databases to graphic design and UI/UX management in order to do their job well.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a lot! Some of the responsibilities of a Full Stack Developer include:

  • Helping with the design and development

  • Testing and debugging

  • Writing clean code for the front and back end

  • Designing user interactions on the web application

  • Creating servers and databases for the software’s back end

  • Ensuring cross-platform compatibility and optimization

  • Testing and maintaining the responsive design of applications

  • Working with graphic designers to design new features

  • Developing APIs and RESTful services

  • Keeping up with technological advances to optimize their software

  • Communicating effectiveness of emerging technologies to decision makers

  • Considering security, maintenance, scalability, and more when developing

When Is a Full Stack Developer Needed?

You won’t always need a full stack developer on a project. If you’re looking to be hired for one, here’s what you need to know.

It all depends on the size and scalability of the software. For instance, a medium-sized independent company may only have the need to have one back end developer and one front end developer.

On the other hand, a smaller company might have one Full Stack Developer who handles the entire application.

Larger corporations likely have a full team of developers, including full stack devs to help oversee projects and fill in the gaps.

Education and Background to Become a Full Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers have trained through their education and years in related fields on the job force. These jobs are in high demand, but employers don’t want to trust their web development to just anyone. There are certain standards of education and work experience that Full Stack Developers have to meet to be hired.

Education

You’ll need an associate’s degree in computer science, computer programming, software programming, statistics, or a related field. You may not need more than an associate’s degree to qualify to apply for most jobs, but the higher your degree, the better chance you have of getting hired. If you really want to stand out among the competition, we recommend a Master’s Degree.

Work Experience

You will need a couple of years of experience under your belt first, but it can be done through school as well. We recommend at least 3+ years of experience before applying to full stack developer positions.

Some employers will require that you have at least three years of experience with certain coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and that you keep up with the latest advances.

If you’re interested in learning more about development, we post juicy tips and educational blogs like this one every single month. Check them all out here.