In the modern world, a full-stack developer is one of the most sought-after positions in the technology domain. Instead of hiring back-end or front-end developers, each focusing on separate ends of the development process, companies prefer to hire full-stack developers who can handle an entire development process. Full-stack developers are able to do the work of two teams in one, which allows businesses to hire flexible workers in a smaller team, saving on costs while still producing better results.
The demand for multi-talented tech professionals has never been higher and is expected to increase in the near future significantly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 18,000 web development jobs being created every year over the next decade. So if you have your heart set on building a career in one of the most demanded IT fields, here we prepared a helpful guide for you to follow. This article will walk you through the basics of full-stack web development, what skills you need to learn, and how you can prepare yourself for a successful career.
Who is A Full Stack Developer?
As we already mentioned, full-stack developers possess knowledge and skills in both front-end and back-end development. The front end includes the visual elements of a website or app, in other words, everything that a client can see and interact with. By contrast, the back end refers to all the servers, databases, and other internal architecture that drives the website; the end-user never interacts with this realm. The job of a full-stack developer is to design and build dynamic data-driven applications and websites using a variety of technologies and techniques to serve both the end-user and the back-end infrastructure.
Depending on the project requirement, different kinds of stacks like MERN, MEAN, Ruby on Rails, LAMP, and many other stacks are used. A full-stack developer must have a good knowledge of a stack and work with all its components to ensure they work efficiently.
Everyday responsibilities of a full-stack developer typically include:
- Working with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with CSS preprocessors
- Managing servers and databases
- Coding servers and databases for functionality.
- Working alongside graphic designers for web design features
- Ensuring responsiveness of applications
- Designing and developing APIs
- Keeping up with emerging technology and current trends
What Are the Skills Required to Become a Full Stack Developer?
A full-stack developer role as aforementioned requires knowledge of multiple frameworks, databases, and programming languages. Diversity and flexibility are the keys to success in the profession of a full-stack developer. In terms of front-end development, full-stack developer skills include good knowledge of CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Angular, ReactJS, and jQuery. When it comes to back-end development knowledge, an engineer must be proficient in programming languages such as Java, PHP, Python, Ruby, and Node.js.
As for databases, a full-stack developer must have a good understanding of MySQL. Oracle Database. MongoDB, and SQL Server. And when it comes to DevOps, a developer must be very familiar and have practical skills in CI/CD and related tools such as GitLab and Jenkins.
Finally, to become a professional full-stack developer, you need to have a solid collection of soft skills such as efficient time management, attention to detail, and creativity. Moreover, full-stack developers are often the go-between of back-end and front-end developers. So you need to be an excellent communicator both in writing and verbal communication to keep everything cohesive.
How to Become a Full Stack Developer
Learn programming languages
It is almost impossible to learn all the coding languages considering the range of technology available today. But the trick is to learn a few important programming languages instead of trying to learn all the general-purpose languages. Currently, the most important languages for full-stack developers are Python, Node.js, C#., ASP.NET, and PHP. It’s predicted that the most common languages for full-stack developers in the future will be HTML/CSS, and some of the newer ones like Node.js, React.js, AngularJS, and so on. In addition, do not forget to learn the grammar of programming languages, as well as how to structure, design, and test them.
Begin building your portfolio
You need a portfolio to showcase your skills so that you can land a job where you can expose yourself as a better developer. As a full-stack developer, a good solid portfolio will set you apart from other candidates. If you have any projects you are particularly proud of, use your portfolio to showcase them to a potential employer.
Display your work by describing the technologies you used and your role in the project. As a full-stack developer, your experience should demonstrate an eye for design and excellent technical skills. Don’t be afraid to include projects that are currently in development and always list them first in your portfolio. They are good conversation starters.
Start the job search
Once you’ve mastered your coding skills and built a portfolio with two or more projects, you can start job hunting. Ensure you define your career goals ahead of time and tailor your resume and cover letter for the specific positions you are applying for. Visit online job sites, sign up for weekly job alerts, and reach out to companies directly. Don’t get discouraged if your email inbox fills with rejections. On average, it takes around nine weeks to get a job, according to Indeed.
If you struggle to find a job, you might seek professional help from tech recruitment agencies like Employa. Employa works with companies that are actively looking for tech professionals. You can check the available vacancies here and apply if you think you would want to become a part of our client’s team.