When you hear the word full-stack developer, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Maybe you imagine someone sitting in front of a computer screen, typing away lines of complex code. While this may be true to some extent, there is so much more to being a full-stack developer than just writing code.
Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, developers are expected to experience a job growth of 27 percent by 2024. It’s actually a fantastic time to start learning the skills needed for this field.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what full-stack developers actually do and why they are in high demand in the tech industry.
What Does a Full-Stack Developer Do?
While major businesses rely on the dynamic duo of frontend and backend developers to tackle diverse projects, startups know the value of having full-stack engineers who can do it all.
Full-stack developers possess the mighty power to conquer every layer of software development—juggling both the front end and the back end of websites and applications. They’re fluent in multiple languages, especially the web trio (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), and wield the tools of modern concepts and software development approaches to craft remarkable web/mobile apps.
When it comes to full-stack development, it’s important to have skills in various coding niches like databases, graphic design, and UI/UX management. It’s like being a versatile player, always ready to assist wherever needed in the software development process.
Let’s dive into what you can expect to find in a full-stack developer job description.
Education and Background
To be in web development, having a college degree in computer science or a related field might be the norm. But many developers have defied expectations and thrived sans four-year degrees! So, while it could give you a head start, a degree isn’t a must-have to become a full-stack developer.
Obtaining certification through an online program is a cost-effective way to gain the skills needed to excel in the industry. Plus, it takes a fraction of the time compared to a traditional college education.
Roles and Responsibilities
Since you will be doing both front-end and back-end development, your primary role will be to handle all projects independently. That means you will take care of every stage—planning, designing, developing, testing, and deployment.
To let you in on the responsibilities of a full-stack developer, here’s what you can find in a typical job description:
- Collaborate with teams to create overall web architecture.
- Stay up-to-date with programming languages and server apps.
- Develop dynamic and visually appealing front-end and back-end software products.
- Design a responsive user interface and experience.
- Utilize databases, APIs, version control systems, and third-party applications.
Qualifications and Skills
For some full-stack web development companies, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree in any IT-related field is the standard.
But for others, it’s more about having years of experience in the role of full-stack developer.
Of course, you still have to prove your mastery in web development skills to really stand out in the industry, such as:
- Proficient in web languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Hands-on experience with back-end technologies such as Ruby on Rails, Django, or Node.js
- Knowledge of database management and SQL
- Expertise with server-side languages such as Java or Python
- Proficiency with Git, GitHub, and other version control systems
In addition to these technical skills, soft skills are also essential. In full-stack development, you should also have:
- Adaptability to new technology, concepts, and environments
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Continuous learning and growth mindset
- Effective leadership and resource management
Front End vs. Back End vs. Full Stack Web Developers
If we were to put a front-end developer, a back-end developer, and a full-stack developer in a room together, you’d see that they all have their own unique strengths and abilities.
Well, you see, in many cases, there’s actually quite a bit of overlap between front-end and back-end developers. It’s like they meet in the middle, where full-stack development thrives.
Below, you will find the main differences between the three roles:
Front-end developers
Front-end developers specialize in designing and developing the visual and interactive elements of websites and applications. They focus on creating user-friendly interfaces using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
With a strong emphasis on aesthetics and user experience, they are responsible for crafting engaging and visually appealing web experiences. They also collaborate with designers to bring mockups and wireframes to life.
Back-end developers
Back-end developers are the ones who work behind the scenes, ensuring that websites run like a well-oiled machine. They hold the keys to the server and database, crafting the very foundation that empowers front-end development. Armed with programming languages like Python, Ruby, and PHP, they expertly store user information in the database.
Back-end development requires not only mastery of these languages but also a deep understanding of algorithms and the intricate dance of business logic. It’s the art of blending technology and innovation to create seamless digital experiences.
Full-stack developers
Full-stack developers are a creative bunch with a knack for graphic design expertise, technical proficiency, and meticulous attention to detail. They excel in both front-end and back-end web development. In addition to mastering coding languages, they also delve into MySQL, machine learning, and more.
A good full-stack developer takes responsibility for the entire user experience, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. Proficiency in areas like database design/management and DevOps is also crucial for success in this role.
Why Are Full-Stack Developers in High Demand?
In today’s tech-driven world, businesses want to stay ahead of the competition by creating innovative and dynamic websites and applications.
According to Indeed’s 2023 annual ranking of the “best jobs,” full-stack developers are particularly sought after in the job market. Their comprehensive knowledge and skills in various programming languages and frameworks make them valuable assets to any development team.
As software development technology keeps pushing boundaries, the hunt for adaptable full-stack developers is set to skyrocket, opening a world of possibilities for those with this expertise.
How to Become a Full-Stack Developer?
Mastering full-stack developer skills cannot happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and plenty of practice. As long as you are passionate and willing to put in the effort, becoming a full-stack developer is within reach.
Here is how you get started on your journey:
Pursue a relative degree
According to Statista’s worldwide survey in 2023, around 41% of software developers had bachelor’s degrees, but it’s not always a strict requirement. Typically, full-stack developers study computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Getting a degree can sharpen those technical and workplace skills you need to be an effective full-stack engineer.
Find entry-level roles
Everybody starts somewhere, and becoming a full-stack developer is no different. Entry-level roles in web development will give you hands-on experience that school just can’t provide. These roles may include front-end or backend development positions. Still, your goal should always be to broaden your knowledge base and skills.
Enhance your coding skills
To become a kickass full-stack developer, it’s important to keep building and upgrading your programming language skills. Think about taking some courses in languages like Python, HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Online courses, coding boot camps, and coding communities are great ways to develop your skills.
Create an impressive portfolio
A strong portfolio can land you a spot on development teams, even without a formal computer science degree. It showcases your skills and projects, so keep it well-organized and updated. Show potential employers what you’re capable of by highlighting your best work, including completed projects, screenshots, technologies used, and your role in each.
Be ready for full-stack developer interview questions
When it comes to tech interviews, being well-prepared for the technical portion is key. Get ready to tackle challenges like live coding exercises, design puzzles, or take-home assessments. These hands-on tasks let employers see your coding skills and problem-solving skills.
Salary Range of a Full-Stack Developer
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, website development and maintenance is one of the critical areas for businesses. With full-stack developers being able to handle both front-end and back-end development, their knowledge and skills are increasingly valuable.
According to PayScale.com, a Full-Stack Developer’s average salary in the US is $75,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on various factors like location, company size, experience level, and more.
In Australia, full-stack developer jobs offer an exciting salary range, with average annual earnings spanning from $110,000 to $130,000.
Aside from a lucrative salary, a full-stack engineer can also negotiate workplace flexibility, remote work options, and additional benefits. As the demand for full-stack developers continues to grow, so do their salaries and benefits.
So, if you’re looking for a career that offers growth potential and an attractive compensation package, becoming a full-stack developer is worth considering.
What Does the Future Look Like for Full-Stack Developers?
Full-stack developers are versatile IT enthusiasts with a passion for continuous learning and creativity. They specialize in designing and coding web applications, showcasing a diverse skill set. Their T-shaped knowledge makes them all-rounders and valuable team members. As team players knowledgeable in various areas, full-stack developers contribute to building happier and more productive teams.
And here’s the kicker: the future of full-stack developers looks super bright! They have knowledge of every layer of development – from presentation to business logic and database. But this role also means you have to keep up with a bunch of technologies and frameworks and be really good at more than one language/framework.
Hire Full-Stack Developers from StarTechUP!
Hiring a full-stack developer this 2023 can bring immense value to both startups and large enterprises. These all-rounders can replace a team, making them cost-effective for startups and small enterprises. Moreover, full-stack roles are preferred by large enterprises for their versatility, ability, and rich experience.
At StarTechUP, we offer customized web development solutions that help businesses achieve their goals. Our team of experienced and talented full-stack developers can design and build user-friendly, scalable websites using cutting-edge technology.
Let us help you elevate your digital presence and bring your vision to life. Contact us today!
We are also hiring full-stack developers who are passionate about their work and ready to join our dynamic team. Visit our Career page to learn more about available positions and how you can become a part of StarTechUP!
