When you work with an application, who do you normally think is responsible for it? I’m sure you would think about a web developer. Although you’re partially right, a Full Stack developer is the umbrella term for the people who develop full-fledged applications.
Full Stack
With the increased use of technology in every aspect of life, websites have become an important element. An attractive website that functions in a user-friendly manner has become the need of the hour.
However, the development of an efficient and effective website is not an easy task and requires specific skills. These skills are possessed by professionals called web developers who develop the client side as well as the server side of a website. This is known as full stack.
In other words, full stack refers to the front end i.e., the parts of the website that users can see and use, and the back end i.e., the software, data processing and other activities and elements that make the working of a website possible.
Full Stack Web Development
Full stack web development refers to the process of developing both the front end as well as the back end of any website or web application.
The task of full stack web development is usually carried out by full stack developers who are people with the requisite skills to achieve this task.
Full Stack Developer
Full-stack technology refers to the entire depth of a computer system application, and full stack web developers are those who are capable of developing both the front end and the back end of web development.
All of the features that are visible to the client, or the viewer of the site, are included in the front end.
Programming a browser (By using JavaScript, jQuery, Angular, or Vue)
Programming a server (By using PHP, ASP, Python, or Node)
Let’s say you’re using your Instagram application. Every time you refresh, new content is loaded on your screen. You can like a picture, add new ones, search for profiles and do so much more.
Although it provides a seamless user experience, there’s a lot that goes on in the backend. HTTP requests are made to the Instagram servers to retrieve and load information. This is facilitated with the help of backend frameworks.
Typically every application consists of the front-end, the backend, and the database.
A Full Stack Developer is associated with the creation of an application from its start to finish. He designs the front-end and the backend of an application while ensuring its efficiency, reliability, and other crucial features.
Responsibilities of a Full Stack Developer
- Development of front-end: With the help of HTML/CSS and JavaScript frameworks and libraries, the developer must be able to build interactive user interfaces.
- Design the backend of the application: He must be able to build a robust backend architecture to fetch data from the servers.
- Creating databases and servers: These systems must be resilient to outages and must function endlessly.
- Ensuring Cross Platform compatibility: Applications must run smoothly on all operating systems like Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
- API development: Depending on the application architecture, the developer is responsible for API creation. These APIs perform crucial tasks like fetching data from the server.
- Meet all technical and consumer requirements: The developer must be able to build responsive applications that meet customer requirements and keep them engaged.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Full Stack
Advantages
- You can master all of the approaches required in a development project.
- A prototype can be created quickly.
- You can cut the project’s costs.
- Depending on your needs, you can swap between front and back-end development.
- You can have a better understanding of all elements of new and emerging technology.
Disadvantages
- Sometimes the solution selected may not be suitable for the project.
- The solution used may be determined by the developer’s abilities.
- The solution may pose a key person risk.
- Being a full-stack developer is becoming more difficult.
Qualifications and Skills of Full Stack Developer
Qualifications
The following are the prerequisites for being considered for the post of Full Stack Developer:
- A Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, or a related subject, or both industry experience and a relevant degree.
- Recommended is a master’s degree in a related field.
- Previously working as a web developer or web designer for at least five years.
- Knowing several front end and back end languages.
Skills
The following are the required skills for a full stack developer:
HTML/CSS: HTML is used to add web content, and CSS is used to alter a website’s look and feel. The appearance and feel of a website are determined by HTML and CSS, which eventually plays a significant role in luring potential clients.
Full Stack Developers must deal with HTML for using markup to define the structure of web pages. HTML elements and CSS are both valuable for Full stack development.
Full Stack Developers must be well-versed in these programming languages to create an interactive, user-friendly, and captivating frontend for applications.
JavaScript: JavaScript is a necessary Full Stack Developer skill in web and software development. Object-oriented programming is necessary to add actions to HTML. This language is frequently used for writing front- and back end server programming.
In addition, JavaScript is the only programming language that can be used on the server and in a browser natively. A java angular full stack developer job description provides details about the role and the job role you would have to fulfill.
AJAX: Ajax allows online applications to receive and transmit data asynchronously from servers. Ajax is responsible for programs on your phone or computer network that run in the background, retrieving information and updating without disruption.
GitHub and Git: Everyone who is a developer or who aspires to be one has heard of Git. It is an “open-source distributed version control system” that can accommodate your development needs.
Developers can simply track all changes made to programs and apps, codes, websites, papers, and other related materials using Git. Professional developers typically have GitHub profiles, which are required if they are part of a team.
Git allows Full Stack Developers to trace every modification made to the application codebase. Git offers unique security, productivity, and management advantages for Full Stack Developers. When working on the same project with other programmers and developers, Full Stack Developers familiar with Git can collaborate more successfully.
jQuery: jQuery Document traversal, HTML event handling, and Ajax animation are all made simpler with jQuery.
Normally, many of these common web development jobs would take a long time to code, but developers may focus on more challenging coding and web development challenges thanks to jQuery. It is commonly used by full stack developers to save time.
Website Architecture: The masters of software development are full stack developers. They are highly skilled in both frontend and backend development.
Full Stack Developers must be knowledgeable with the specifics of web architecture. Their primary responsibility is to design complex software systems from scratch; thus, they must be able to classify files, databases, organize data and do the necessary computational tasks.
Backend Languages: The following are the required backend languages:
Node.js: Before releasing Javascript code to a web browser, developers can execute it on the Node.js platform.
Rails on Ruby: Ruby on Rails is a strong programming language and framework that is regularly used to develop social networks, online stores, and software as a service, such as Shopify, Instacart, Zendesk, and SoundCloud.
It is known regarded as “opinionated” software since it may foretell the needs of a developer while they work on a project, which can increase productivity.
Python: Python is a type of programming language that is mainly used in the development of websites and apps, automation, and data analysis.
Python is a general-purpose language that is used for a wide range of activities; hence proficiency in it is essential for full stack developers.
SQL: In a relational data management system, data extraction and structuring are done using the programming language SQL.
Full stack developers utilize SQL to build rules for saving, altering, or receiving server data to make backend components like the server or database communicate with one another.
Database Storage: Every web application depends on data kept in a backend database. Efficient database storage allows websites and apps to obtain information quickly and conveniently.
Full stack developers must be familiar with relational and non-relational data, NoSQL platforms, and storage options like MongoDB since they construct the bridges that link the client-side and server-side of a program.
NPM: The package manager specifically made for Node.js is called NPM. It assists in installing various programs. Additionally, it provides innovative answers for a range of dependencies.
It enables developers to place modules in the best possible locations so that the node can locate them and handle dependency issues appropriately. NPM is making it suitable for various tasks, including creating, distributing, discovering, and installing node programs.
Design Basics: Full stack developers are placed in the exceptional position of building user-facing interfaces and managing backend architecture.
As a result, full stack developers require knowledge of design fundamentals. A solid grasp of how people interact with a website or application must ensure that every layer of the development stack serves the end user.
Soft Skills Expected From a Full Stack Developer
Be it a Java full stack job description or Python FSD job description, the soft skills needed for FSD remain the same; as below:
- Analytical Skills
- Problem-solving Approach
- Zeal to Learn and Improve
- Leadership
- Resource Management
- Adaptability to Emerging Technologies and Tools
- Inclination toward Web Development
- Basic Understanding of Databases, Frameworks, Design, Algorithms, etc.
- Communication and Management skills
Becoming a Full Stack Developer
There are a few things you need to know if you want to become a Full Stack Web Development. First, you need to have a solid understanding of the different types of technologies that are used to create web applications.
These include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, and PHP. Second, you need to be able to use these technologies to create a functioning web application. And third, you need to be able to deploy and maintain your web applications.
If you have these three things down, then you’re well on your way to becoming a full stack developer. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components so you can start building your skills.
Experience Required to Become a Full Stack Developer
It takes a lot of experience to become a Full Stack developer. Some people might argue that you need a college degree in computer science or a related field. However, there are many developers who have become extremely successful without a four-year college education.
So, while a degree may give you a leg up, it’s not necessary to become a Full Stack developer. In fact, earning your certification in an accredited online program can be a more cost-efficient way to learn the skills necessary to succeed in this field.
It can also be completed in a fraction of the time compared to completing a college education.
In order to become a Full Stack developer, you need to have a strong understanding of both back-end and front-end development. This means that you need to be able to not only build websites and applications, but also understand how they work behind the scenes.
You need to be comfortable working with different programming languages, databases, and frameworks. And, you need to be able to quickly learn new technologies as they emerge.
Of course, becoming a Full Stack developer doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of experience and continuous learning to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field.
But if you’re passionate about web development and are willing to put in the hard work, it’s definitely achievable.
Most Popular Tech Stacks Full Stack Developers Can Choose From
1. MEAN Stack
One of the advantages of using a MEAN stack is that it makes use of a single language, which is JavaScript. It is a well-known stack and consists of the following:
- MongoDB (database)
- Express.js (back end web framework)
- Angular.js (front end web framework)
- Node.js (server side JavaScript)
The name MEAN stack comes from these very elements of the stack. Each component in the MEAN stack has a unique function.
The Angular.js front-end web framework is responsible for accepting requests from the user and displaying the end results to them. Node.js is responsible for handling both client-side and server-side requests.
Express.js sends the requests to the database (MongoDB) and the acquired data back to Node.js. MongoDB stores and retrieves data as per requests by the user.
2. MERN Stack
A MERN stack is highly similar to a MEAN stack, the only difference being that React.js replace Angular.js as a front-end web framework.
The architecture of the MERN stack works in a three-tier system, with React.js occupying the top tier. After that, Node.js and Express.js are at the next level, and finally, the database server, MongoDB.
3. MEVN Stack
MEVN is yet another variation of the MEAN stack where the Angular.js front-end web framework is replaced by Vue.js. Vue.js is a front-end tool that was released in 2014.
4. LAMP
LAMP is one of the most cost-effective and efficient stacks available, making it ideal for industry use. It consists of the following layers:
- Linux
- Apache
- MySQL
- PHP
The stack layers available in LAMP are all open-source and free, which adds to the advantage of using a LAMP stack. This stack is both flexible and functional, but it supports only LINUX OS. Moreover, sometimes, Apache can encounter performance issues under a heavy workload.
