Everybody is online these days, which in turn has caused an increased demand for new web applications. These apps don’t write themselves, so we need more web developers to fulfill the demand. Full-stack developers are the most versatile application creators in the industry since they can handle every design process aspect.
Let’s take a closer look at full-stack web developer careers, what they are, what they do, and the best path for becoming one. If you’re interested in a profession that challenges you, tests your problem-solving skills, and compensates you well for your hard work, then a full-stack development career may be the right thing for you! It’s incredible how simple it is to embark on this rewarding path.
What Makes a Full Stack Web Developer Career?
To best answer this question, we must explain what full-stack development is. Most applications consist of three parts, or tiers—the front-end, which the user interacts with; the back-end, which provides the nuts and bolts for running the application; and the database, which holds all of the application’s needed information.
The IT job market has its share of front-end developers and back-end developers’ positions, each dedicated to the design, construction, and implementation of their respective tier. But a full-stack developer handles every part of the app’s design: the front-end, back-end, database, and system development software and tools.
While it’s undoubtedly useful to specialize (e.g., a front-end developer), comeone who pursues a full stack developer career brings a versatility level that the more narrowly defined professionals cannot. There has been a marked increase in full stack developer demand over the last few years, and it won’t ease up any time soon.
Responsibilities of Someone in a Full Stack Web Developer Career
The previous section gave us a short, simple answer to what a full stack developer does. They do everything needed to design and launch an application, of course. But what does that entail? Here is a detailed breakdown of what a full-stack developer does:
- Design user interfaces
- Write code for the front-end and back-end
- Build necessary databases
- Work with the rest of the design team to create and launch new features and updates
- Configure servers to run both the back-end and the database
- Maintain the code’s integrity and organization in an ongoing capacity
- Optimize web applications for enhanced cross-platform compatibility on laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones
- Troubleshoot issues and solve problems that arise in any of the three tiers
Full-stack developers may also be required to oversee a product development team and manage a project from start-to-finish or be expected to do the entire project by themselves. The position also requires an understanding of the business’s mission and procedures. Since no application is created in a vacuum, full stack developers must communicate effectively with product managers, UX designers, and clients—ensuring that the application’s final iteration is exactly what the organization and customers want.
The Best Path to a Full Stack Web Developer Career
Your ideal path to becoming a full stack web developer depends on what skills and experience you already have under your belt. If you’re already a front or back-end developer, or a database engineer, you’re already well on your way.
If, however, you’re a newly graduated computer science major or a junior programmer, your path will be a bit more elaborate. Don’t worry–there are countless resources available to complete your education. It boils down to ensuring that your learning path teaches you all the skills you don’t currently have but need for a full stack web developer career.
Let’s break up our path into two distinct branches: the neophyte and the professional.
The Way of the Neophyte
Suppose you’re entering the field of web development for the first time. In that case, whether it’s because you’ve just graduated with a degree in computer science or you’re currently in a different field, you are going to need professional, hands-on experience. This process entails taking on a role as an assistant to a full stack web developer or gaining an internship.
While you’re working, avail yourself of educational resources that can teach you the skills and tools you will need to take your place as a full stack developer someday. We will explore later which tools you need.
So, to sum it up:
- Graduate with a degree in computer science
- Gain real-life experience in full stack web development by working or interning with an established professional
- Take online courses that teach the skills and tools needed for the position
The Way of the Professional
For the professionals who are already working with databases or application development, your path is more straightforward. It would help if you had between one- and three-years of experience working as a web developer. You then supplement that experience with courses and programs designed to teach the necessary skills.
Remember that no matter what your background is, you must have a degree in computer science. You will also need project management and communication skills and good attention to detail.
Tools and Technologies Required for a Full Stack Developer Career
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced developer, there are certain technologies and tools you will need to be a useful web app design professional.
First and foremost, you must know JavaScript. According to the Stack Overflow Survey of 2019, 69.7 percent of professional developers prefer working with JavaScript. JavaScript is found everywhere in the development process and is responsible for the explosive growth in full stack web developers.
Next, make sure you’re acquainted with the tools that each tier uses. In addition to JavaScript, front-ends use HTML, CSS, Angular, and TypeScript. These tools are necessary for the user interface and rendering the application’s web pages. The back-end needs tools that control data access, and application logic and services. These tools include Hibernate, JDBC, JSP, REST, and SQL.
There are other tools needed for creating a full web stack. Spring Framework provides structures that bind the tiers into a single web application. You should learn DevOps technologies and methods to help you manage the tasks of building, deploying, and maintaining full web stacks. These technologies include Docker, Git, GitHub, Jenkins, and Kubernetes, to name a few.
Finally, the disciplines of agile and scrum are ideal for accelerating the development process while keeping functionality in sync with what the customer requires.
Don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged by the volume of needed skills, tools, and technologies. By acquiring them in an organized, gradual learning path, you will gain all the knowledge you need to succeed in your full stack web developer career.
How to Get Critical Full Stack Web Development Career Skills
Simplilearn offers a wide range of online instruction that fits any skill level. If you already have application development experience and want to complete your transition to a full stack developer, check out the Full Stack Java Developer Master’s Program. The program gives you an understanding of front-end, middleware, and back-end Java web developer technologies. You will learn to build an end-to-end application, test and deploy code, store data using MongoDB, and more.
Experienced developers may also wish to check out the Full Stack Developer in India. The program provides extensive training in front-end, middleware, and back-end software development technologies, including testing and quality assurance.
For the less experienced, Simplilearn has a good variety of programs that will bring you up to speed before hitting the master’s programs. Check out the DevOps Certification to get acquainted with this new and exciting development methodology, Java Certification Training to establish a good foundation in Java, Node.Js Certification Training for practice working with JavaScript, and the React.js Training Course to teach you about the React web framework.
Full stack web developers can earn an annual average of USD 112,727, according to Glassdoor. Check out Simplilearn’s training courses and get started on a challenging new career today!
