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Imagine you have gone to a restaurant to dine out with your family.
Let’s say all those aspects of this restaurant that you directly interact with, like the ambience, menu, interior decor, and friendly demeanour of the servers, are top-notch. All these ensure a pleasant dining experience for you and your family.
But in this same restaurant, the ‘behind-the-scene’ elements like the kitchen, cooking, the staff managing the inventory, and the storage are disappointing.
What will your immediate reaction be?
‘Fancy store, bland fare!’
Right?
Of course, these two aspects of the restaurant fall under different departments.
As a result, it requires proper synchronisation and communication. Moreover, it requires that both departments have the same vision of what they want their end product to be. The end-product here is ‘how the restaurant is perceived in the market’.
Now imagine what would happen if both aspects were looked after by the same set of people. The result would have been a perfect alignment between the visible and behind-the-scene factors, accompanied by a reduction in time and budget. Thus, efficiency would be enhanced.
It is precisely what full stack developers ensure. The platform here isn’t a restaurant but a web application.
A Full Stack Developer is a professional who has expertise in both the front-end and back-end development of web applications. They possess a comprehensive understanding of the various technologies and tools required to develop both the client-side and server-side components of the software.
Full Stack Development is one of the most in-demand skills in the tech industry. According to a popular survey, recruiters worldwide stated that the most demanded IT roles for 2023 are backend developers and full stack developers.
Full Stack Developers are highly versatile and can work on various projects and technologies. They can switch between frontend and backend development as needed, making them valuable assets for companies seeking flexibility and adaptability in their development teams.
If you are a beginner who aspires to become one, this guide will help you get started by helping you understand what full stack development is, the skills required, job prospects, and more.
So, let’s get started!
Full stack development refers to the practise of building and maintaining both the front-end and back-end components of a software application.
It involves working on all layers of the application stack, from the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to the server-side logic, database management, and system infrastructure.
Front end development focuses on creating the user-facing part of a website or application. It involves designing and implementing the visual and interactive elements that users directly interact with.
Front-end developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to structure the content, apply styles, and add functionality to web pages. They work with front-end frameworks and libraries to enhance productivity and ensure responsiveness across different devices.
The goal of front-end development is to create visually appealing, user-friendly interfaces that provide a seamless and engaging user experience.
Backend development involves the creation and management of the server-side components that power a software application.
Backend developers focus on writing code that handles the logic, data storage, and communication between the user interface and the server.
They use server-side programming languages like Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, or Node.js, along with frameworks and libraries, to build the backbone of an application.
Frontend development pertains to crafting the visual and interactive elements that users see and interact with on a website or application. On the other hand, backend development centres on behind-the-scenes operations, encompassing server-side functionalities, database management, and overall infrastructure.
Full stack development combines both front end and back end skills, allowing developers to work on all layers of an application.
Full stack developers can handle UI design, server logic, database management, and deployment. They provide end-to-end solutions and effectively collaborate with front end and back end teams. They are versatile and have a comprehensive understanding of the technologies and tools needed for the development process.
A full stack developer possesses a diverse range of skills to effectively work on both the frontend and backend aspects of a software application. These skills include:
Database Management Systems (DBMS) are an essential component of full stack development. They are responsible for storing, organising, and managing the data used by applications. Here are some popular DBMS technologies that full stack developers often work with:
VCS allows developers to track and manage changes to their codebase, enabling collaboration, version history, and seamless deployment.
Commonly used VCS systems include Git, Mercurial, and Subversion.
Full stack developers should be proficient in testing their code and debugging issues.
This includes writing unit tests, performing integration testing, and using debugging tools to identify and fix bugs.
Knowledge of test-driven development (TDD) and debugging techniques is crucial for maintaining code quality.
A stack is a combination of independent components that work together to facilitate the execution of an application. The components can include an operating system, architectural layers, protocols, runtime environments, databases, and functional calls. All these are stacked on top of each other, forming a hierarchy.
Here are some popular technology stacks that full stack developers commonly use:
The choice of a stack often depends on project requirements, team expertise, scalability needs, and the personal preferences of the developers involved.
The Full Stack Development process involves the step-by-step approach that developers follow to create a complete web application or software solution.
It encompasses all the stages, from project planning to deployment and maintenance.
Let's break down each stage:
In this initial phase, developers work closely with stakeholders to understand the project's objectives, requirements, and scope.
They identify the target audience and user needs, considering the application's purpose and features.
Project planning includes creating a roadmap and timeline, setting milestones, and estimating the resources required for the development.
Front end development focuses on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the application.
Developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the client-side of the application. They design the visual layout and interactions, ensuring the application is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Responsive design techniques are employed to ensure the application functions well on various devices, such as desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
The back end development involves setting up the server infrastructure and writing server-side logic to handle data processing and application logic.
Developers use languages like Node.js, Python, or Ruby to build the back end. They create APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to enable communication between the front-end and back-end, allowing data exchange and functionality.
External APIs may also be integrated to access additional features or data from other services.
In this stage, developers analyse the data requirements of the application and design the database schema.
They choose the appropriate database system based on the project's needs, such as SQL for structured data or NoSQL for unstructured data. Developers create and configure the database, defining tables and relationships between them.
They write queries to retrieve, modify, and manage data within the database.
Testing is a crucial phase to ensure the application works as intended and is free from bugs and errors.
Developers conduct unit testing to verify the functionality of individual components. Integration testing is performed to ensure smooth interactions between different modules of the application.
Any bugs or issues identified during testing are addressed and fixed to optimise the application's performance and usability.
Once the application is thoroughly tested and deemed ready for production, it is deployed on servers or cloud platforms to make it accessible to users.
Developers monitor the application's performance and functionality in the live environment, addressing any issues that may arise. Regular maintenance is performed to implement updates, security patches, and new features as needed, ensuring the application remains up-to-date and reliable.
If you feel overwhelmed by this long list of skills and responsibilities and are thus still contemplating whether becoming a full stack developer is worth the effort, it's important to consider the benefits.
Some of the advantages of being a full stack developer are:
As full stack developers have command of both front end and back end skills, they can juggle several responsibilities. They can work both on the client-side and server-side, resulting in flexibility in their work.
Moreover, there are a huge number of opportunities as more and more companies go for these versatile individuals, ranging from globally renowned end-to-end business solutions to start-ups.
With a comprehensive understanding of multiple technologies, Full Stack Developers often have better career prospects. They can move into roles like project manager, tech lead, or even start their own tech company.
Full stack developers know multiple technologies and multiple aspects of development. This enables them to take technical decisions faster and see the bigger picture. Thus, they can implement their vision faster.
Full stack developers are in high demand in the job market due to their versatile skill set and ability to work on both frontend and backend development.
According to a report, the demand for full stack web developers is projected to increase by 23% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Since Full Stack Developers can handle various parts of a project, they're often rewarded with higher salaries compared to specialists in one area.
As per Payscale, the average salary of a Full Stack Developer in India is around INR 6,25,000 per year, and it can go much higher with experience and expertise.
As a full stack developer, you need to be well-versed in both front end and back end technologies.
It means you need to have a firm grip on a wide range of programming languages and frameworks.
The challenge here is that they are constantly evolving, and it can be overwhelming to stay abreast of all the new developments.
If you are not sure where to start, start with Java, Python, and Javascript.
They will give you a strong foundation on which to build your career.
Owing to their possession of both front end and back end skills, they are usually the leaders of both teams.
The challenge here is to manage both teams because they will have different members working on them.
It’s the job of the leaders to ensure that coordination exists among everyone working collectively towards achieving the same goal.
This can be a daunting task, but it is crucial for the success of the project.
Though it is the most important part of a developer’s role, it can be challenging for a full stack developer since they have to test and debug the code both on the front end and back end.
This can be time-consuming, but it is equally mandatory to test the code and ensure that it is bug-free before it goes live.
For a beginner, the approach to starting a career in this dynamic field determines our perception and interpretation of this profession.
It might seem like a labyrinth, but if a structured process is followed, the process can be simplified along with the achievement of a vision of how we want our learning journey to turn out.
Here are some tips to start out on your towards embarking on a career in this field:
For a fresher starting a career as a full stack developer, it is important to begin by mastering the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Exploring popular frontend frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js and backend programming languages such as Python or Node.js is crucial.
Building industry-relevant projects and creating a portfolio to showcase your work will help demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies and trends are essential. Seeking internships or comprehensive online training can provide valuable hands-on experience and industry exposure.
It's important to stay curious, embrace learning opportunities, and actively seek growth. Starting a career as a full stack developer requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to continuously improve. With a solid foundation, practical experience, and a passion for learning, you can establish yourself as a capable full stack developer in the industry.
In conclusion, becoming a full stack developer can open up a world of opportunities in the fast-paced tech industry. By choosing to embark on this career path, you are positioning yourself as a valuable asset to companies looking for individuals who can handle end-to-end development projects.
To get started on your journey towards becoming a full stack developer, consider choosing NxtWave’s Full Stack Developer program. It offers a structured learning path and covers all the essential skills and technologies with a focus on practical experience.
With us, you can learn directly from the alumni of IITs and professionals from top MNCs such as Microsoft and Amazon, work on real-time industry projects, and get doubt clarification from 9 AM - 9 PM everyday. Regardless of your educational background, you can embark upon a high-paying web development job within eight months of the commencement of the program.
More than 1500 companies, from fast-growing startups to Fortune 500 giants such as Google, Amazon, Deloitte, Bosch, and Jio, have hired NxtWave learners.
Don’t just believe our words; check out our students’ success stories for yourself.
Full stack developers require a combination of technical skills, including proficiency in front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as back-end technologies such as programming languages like Python, Ruby, Java, Node.js, and databases. They also need problem-solving, communication, and project-management skills.
The responsibilities of a full stack developer typically include designing and developing user interfaces, implementing server-side logic, managing databases, handling API integrations, ensuring application security, performing testing and debugging, and deploying applications. They may also collaborate with designers, other developers, and stakeholders.
Full Stack Developers differ from other developers in that they have a broad range of skills and can work on both the front-end and back-end of web development. They have a comprehensive understanding of the entire development process, allowing them to work independently or collaborate with different teams effectively.
To become a full stack developer, you can start by learning front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then progress to back-end technologies and databases. Online courses, tutorials, boot camps, and self-study resources can help you acquire the necessary skills. Practise building projects and gaining hands-on experience to strengthen your abilities.
Successful full stack developers possess strong problem-solving skills, a continuous learning mindset, versatility and adaptability, collaboration and communication skills, attention to detail, and effective time management and organisation.
