Full Stack Developer
Full Stack Developer
As the boundaries of software development are pushed further, technology has advanced and the web has become more complex. Developers need to keep up, and dual skills are highly advantageous in an increasingly competitive job market, and it’s logical to assume that employers would rather employ fewer Full Stack Developers, than multiple other front or back end-specific engineers.
A “Full Stack Developer” is a web developer or software engineer who works on both the front end and back end of a website or application, meaning they can tackle projects that involve databases, building user-facing websites or working with clients during the planning phase of projects.
The phrase “Full Stack Developer”, evolved from a technical descriptor meaning the full set of primary technologies that comprise a ‘complete’ technical solution. The back end or ‘server-side’ database and operating system, up and through the front end or ‘client-side’ user interface. So, the “full stack” refers to the collection of a series of technologies required to complete a project, and a “stack” refers to the collection of sub-modules.
Full Stack Development is ultimately a hybrid of both front and back end development that can apply to a web stack, mobile stack and native application stack (which is software programmes for specific devices). Typically a Full Stack Developer is familiar with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and one or more backend language like Ruby or Python (this is why you may see “Full Stack Python Developer” as a job title). To complete their ‘stack’, a Full Stack Developer might learn project management, visual design, web design or user experience skills.
Being a Full Stack Developer doesn’t always mean splitting your time equally across the front and back end of a website or application, but a Full Stack Developer will have the deep knowledge of the code across the entire stack that allows them to dive in anywhere if needed. Some Full Stack Developers do code entire websites, but normally only if they are the sole developer on a project or working freelance. Essentially, full stack development is any project where you might be building the front and back end simultaneously.
A “Full Stack Engineer” is a job title that refers to a senior level IT professional with the skills of a Full Stack Developer, but have demonstrable experience across project management, system administration, configuring, managing and maintaining computer networks and systems. A Full Stack Developer is likely to be a master of a few stacks, and comfortable with the rest.
There are many advantages to employing a Full Stack Developer. They can produce prototype designs rapidly, calling upon their industry experience and wide range of techniques. Full Stack also means they have a broader remit of views, a more encompassing perspective and active mindset. Full Stack Developers are more sensitive to techniques, tools and products, so they can be useful when guiding the direction of development and adopting best tools and practices for the job.
Successful Full Stack Developers are adept at ‘global thinking’, they have first-rate communication skills, creativity and time management. They are able to construct an encompassing overview of the application or website they are working on, without missing any of the intricate details.
If you are a Full Stack Developer at the beginning of your career, or an established IT professional looking for your next opportunity, get in touch with one of our specialist consultants today.
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