In software development, a full stack web developer is the jack of all trades because they run both the front and back ends of a website or software.
The front end encompasses what a client can see, while the back end refers to the databases, servers, and other supporting technologies behind the scenes.
Are you looking to become a full-stack web developer? If your answer is yes, we’ve covered everything you need to know about the role, skill requirements, and how to apply for a job.
Read on!
New to the IT Industry?
Web development is one of the best jobs in the IT industry. The industry is expected to receive an 8 percent growth rate by 2029. Whether you have an IT background or not, you can still achieve a fulfilling career as a full-stack web developer. Full-stack developers are highly sought after due to their skill in software’s frontend and backend. The career is notable for its highly competitive process for new entrants.
If you are new in IT, full-stack web development can be likened to having guests (web visitors). You set out your tables with plates and glasses (front end) to serve them. On the other side, you also have to manage the kitchen (server/back-end) to prepare them a meal (web page).
If you have the skills to handle the front end of a website or application, you can quickly shift to become a full-stack developer. Back-end developers can also shift to become full-stack developers. The most important requirements are a strong interest in the field and passion for learning.
You can also leverage primary computer programming languages as a DevOps engineer to learn the operations of software’s back, and front ends. If you’re not familiar with any programming basics, don’t worry. You can always enroll for a degree, join coding camps, or even teach yourself with whatever resources you can find.
Duties and Responsibilities
An excellent full stack web developer should be in a position to handle a project from conceptualization to actualization. Here is a breakdown of the duties and responsibilities of a developer.
- Ensuring mobile optimization
- Confirming app responsiveness
- Ensuring functionality by creating databases and servers
- Developing APIs
- Web design
- Enhancing user experience
- Developing back end coding solutions
- Understanding critical developments in the web application and programming languages
Full Stack Web Developer’s Day to Day
A typical day for a web developer involves coding, fixing bugs, and ensuring synchronization between the front and the back end. The developer also works with the graphic designer to give users a better experience in visuals. A day may not end without a meeting with the rest of the IT department.
It’s essential to work in sync with other teams, such as the operations. You should have the knowledge and schema to explain how a specific program works from start to end. Additionally, your skills in explaining to non-IT members must be top-notch and avoids the usage of jargon.
Skills and Expertise
The skill level needed to engineer full-stack solutions is high. Luckily, Software engineers work with robust frameworks and libraries that help them develop anything.
Here are the skills you need to excel in this career.
- Javascript: Javascript is a dynamic programming language that works for front-end and back-end development. A developer should have deep knowledge of CSS and HTML integration with Javascript. If you want to grow in this career, you need total awareness of the capabilities of the language.
- HTML and CSS: Hypertext markup language enables developers to create a remarkable user experience. The language is responsible for visual structuring and arranging headings, paragraphs, and sentences on a website.
Cascading sheet styles (CSS) languages come in handy when developers want to change any element in the HTML language. For instance, CSS is your go-to tool if you want to personalize your headings and paragraphs with different colors.
- Git and GitHub: Git is a control system that helps full-stack engineers to track the development process. Having hands-on skills with Git helps with tracking and solving errors.
GitHub uses Git features to create a platform where developers can simultaneously code and manage different projects.
Backend Development Languages
Here are some of the back-end technologies that full stack web developers should know.
- Java: Java is ideal for web applications, mobile apps, and desktop applications. Every developer should know how to interact with this language.
- PHP: As one of the most used programming languages for the back-end, PHP works with different operating systems.
- Ruby: Ruby is your best bet if you want to work with simplified yet efficient code. The language gives users a variety of approaches for problem-solving.
- Technology Stacks: Different organizations prefer specific technology stacks over others for web application development. After joining a company, you need to know what they use. Some of the most common stacks are Django and LAMP.
- REST and SOAP: Full-stack developers need to have deep knowledge of application program interfaces (APIs) such as REST and SOAP. These two APIs are ideal for data sharing between systems, thus making communication easier.
- Database Management Systems: As a full-stack engineer, you need to understand database management systems such as MYSQL, SQLite, and Oracle. These systems aid in the management of all databases.
Full Stack Web Developer’s Salary
A full-stack developer earns an average of $79,521 annually. Other related roles, such as a software engineer, earn an average of $88,363 per year, according to Payscale. The role of a full-stack developer also comes with other perks such as cash bonuses, paid vacations, and medical insurance. The salaries and other perks vary from company to company.
Directions for Applying
The right skills and a great portfolio are essential prerequisites in job searching. The first step to applying for jobs is creating a cover letter detailing your goals and achievements. Then, you want to ensure that your CV is customized to suit each position you apply for.
With your CV and cover letter ready, apply for all jobs that match your expertise. You can use a quick search on the internet or use platforms like Linkedin. Career fairs can also be a great start to connect you with potential employers.
Application Requisites for a Full Stack Web Developer
Other than the CV and cover letter, you also want to ensure that you have a portfolio showcasing your previous developments. An employer is more likely to give you a job if you have a track record of performance.
You can create a portfolio on a platform like GitHub, which will help you show your code, past projects, and those under development. Building your portfolio on a repository is also a way of showing an employer that you have skills interacting with different technologies.
If you find the guide helpful, you can check out even more tips about Full Stack Web Developing by heading over to our candidate services page at our eleven recruiting website.
