A “full stack” developer or “engineer” is someone who can create both the front and back ends of a website. Front-end developers focus on the aspects of a website that are visible to and interacted with by visitors, whereas back-end developers deal with the data storage and processing that happens behind the scenes. Because they are engaged in everything from design to testing, full-stack developers need to be well-versed in both.
A full-stack developer may work independently or for a company that creates applications, websites, and other digital products for other companies.
What does a full-stack developer do?
Web and app design and development for several platforms is the specialty of “full stack” developers. Examples of duties for a full-stack developer could be:
- Develop and maintain web services and interfaces
- Contribute to front-end and back-end development processes
- Build new product features or APIs
- Perform tests, troubleshoot software, and fix bugs
- Collaborate with other departments on projects and sprints
There is a lot of room for growth in the field of full-stack development, and the capabilities of a full-stack developer are always being tested by the emergence of new and innovative technologies. One of the most interesting things about being a full-stack developer is learning about and applying the latest innovations in the area.
LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report identifies these sectors as those most in need of full-stack developers:
- Computer software
- Information technology and services
- Internet
- Financial services
- Higher education
Full-stack developer skills
It’s possible that full-stack engineers are imaginative, visual thinkers who are also sophisticated in the ways of the web and the latest technologies, with an eye for the finer points. If you want to work as a full-stack developer, you need become proficient in the following areas:
- Front-end development interface design is the act of making a website’s user interface. Coding specifics like drop-down menus, fonts, colors, and page layouts is required. When it comes to making websites and applications visually appealing, full-stack developers should also be proficient in front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, and scripting languages like JavaScript. A Professional Certificate in front-end development from a recognized provider like Meta can be helpful if you’re coming from a background in back-end programming and want to make the leap to full-stack development.
Meta Front-End Developer
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, UI/UX design, React, JavaScript, Web Development Tools, User Interface, Front-End Web Development, HTML and CSS, Responsive Web Design, Test-Driven Development, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Linux, Web Development, Bash (Unix Shell), Github, Version Control, Debugging, React (Web Framework), Web Application, Application development, Unit Testing, Web Design, User Experience (UX), Accessibility, Pseudocode, Algorithms, Communication, Data Structure, Computer Science
- Back-end development knowledge of algorithms and business logic, as well as experience with back-end programming languages like Python, PHP, Ruby on Rails, and CakePHP, are required. Meta’s Back-End Developer Professional Certificate will help you hone your back-end development abilities in preparation for a full-stack developer position.
Meta Back-End Developer
Launch your career as a back-end developer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 8 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you’ll build:
Cloud Hosting, Application Programming Interfaces (API), Python Programming, Computer Programming, Django (Web Framework), Linux, Web Development, Bash (Unix Shell), Github, Version Control, MySQL, Database (DBMS), database administration, Build a data model, Design a web application, Debugging, Authentication and authorization, REST APIs, Filtering and ordering, Serializers and deserializers, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, Production environments, JavaScript, API endpoints, Pseudocode, Algorithms, Communication, Data Structure, Computer Science
- Web design includes producing visual content using tools like Photoshop. If you want to make decent menus, backdrops, and media players, you should know the fundamentals of user interface (UI) design.
- Database management skills are required for full-stack developers, though it is part of the skills needed for back-end web development. A full-stack developer should be able to design, understand, and manipulate database queries and web storage.
As a full-stack developer, you may need to know your way around some of the following programming languages and tools:
- Angular JS
- Apache HTTP Server
- AWS
- CSS
- Ember.js
- JavaScript
- jQuery
- Laravel
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MySQL
- Nginx
- Node.js
- PHP
- Polymer
- React
- Ruby on Rails
- Vue.js
Why pursue a career in full-stack development?
Full-stack developers use both their imagination and analytical skills on the job. Working as a full-stack developer will provide you with many openings to study and apply cutting-edge methods.
How to become a full-stack developer
Consider earning a degree.
The majority of software developers (72%) have bachelor’s degrees, while this is not required. Most full-stack developers earn degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related subject. Earning a degree can help a person develop the technical and professional abilities needed to succeed as a full-stack engineer.
Research entry-level roles.
Complete stack developers can work at a variety of levels. Look for internship postings or entry-level jobs online to get a feel for the kinds of experience and knowledge employers value.
Develop your coding skills.
If you want to succeed as a full-stack developer, you need to learn the appropriate programming languages and keep learning more about them. Think about enrolling in a program to learn useful languages like Python, HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
Build a portfolio.
Without practical experience, it might be difficult to highlight your skills on a resume. By showcasing your greatest work in a portfolio, you may demonstrate your skills to prospective employers. Compile examples of work you’ve done for school or work. Describe the technology you used and your role in each, and provide screenshots if applicable.
Practice technical interview questions.
Interviews for tech-related roles often include a technical portion. During this part of the interview, you may be asked to complete a live coding exercise, design challenge, or take-home assessment.
Glossary of full-stack developer terms
Full-stack development is full of unique terms. Below you will find a few of the frequent ones:
Angular JS: An open-source web application framework that Google maintains
API: Software that allows two applications to exchange information, short for Application Programming Interface
Bootstrap: An open-source collection of front-end tools to create websites and apps
Flask: A micro-web application framework, written in Python
Framework: A layered structure that provides a foundation for developing software applications
MEAN stack: A free, open-source JavaScript software stack to build websites and apps
Open-source software (OSS): Software that has a source code that can be modified, distributed, or integrated into other projects freely
PHP: Short for Hypertext Preprocessor, a server-side (back-end) scripting language for web development
Python: A general-purpose, high-level programming language
Stack: A set of tools and technologies that developers use to do their jobs