Full-stack web development consists of both front end and back end part of the application. It combines three layers under one umbrella. The presentation layer (front end), business logic layer (back end), and the database layer. From idea to the finished product, all of these layers play an important role.

Hiring a niche-specific web developer for each category is not just difficult; it’s also expensive, which is why companies are demanding full stack developers who can handle multiple stacks without the support of anyone else. Additionally, hiring just one person who can manage a team is better than hiring 2-3 individuals that will do the same job.

A full-stack developer is responsible for the entire flow of the website. From back hand-coding, that includes saving data in the database to front end presentation of the site, which includes load time, layout, and structure of the website.

Benefits of Full Stack development

• Full-stack development will help you to keep the system running smoothly.
• A full-stack developer can help both the front end and the back end developer reducing time, communication, and technical costs.
• Troubleshooting problems in the code is made easy with quick problem resolution.
• You need to hire one full-stack developer that can control the front-end and back-end code which makes it budget-friendly.
• Project ownership is transferred to just one person. No one will question anything from other people because it is the full-stack developer that will handle the internal communication and project operation.
• If one person can fulfill multiple job roles, it will save operational cost and infrastructure of the company. Mostly, a professional website design & development agency prefer hiring full-stack developers instead of front-end or back-end developers.

Must-Know Skills for Full Stack Web Development

Front-end Development

A full-stack developer must master front-end development technologies like CSS3, JavaScript, and HTML5. Additionally, learning about libraries like LESS, React, Angular, and jQuery are a must.

Development languages

The minimum requirement of a full stack developer is to learn a few languages that include: Java, Python, Ruby, and .Net.

Database & Cache

As a full-stack developer, it is necessary to learn MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle, SQLServer, and how various caching mechanisms work. These include varnish, Memcached, and Redis.

Basic Design Knowledge

Since full-stack development contains both Front end and back end development so its necessary to gain knowledge about UX/UI design.

Server

A little bit of exposure on how to handle Apache or Nginx servers is a must. Background knowledge of Linux helps in administering servers.

Version control system (VCS)

A VCS system allows the full stack developer to know precisely when there were changes made in the code. The knowledge helps the developer get an update on the most recent code, update that particular part, and alter the code without affecting or breaking any other code.

Working with API (REST & SOAP)

A full-stack developer should also know the API of various web services. Additional knowledge of SOAP and REST is a bonus.

Full-Stack website engineer Myths

Myth: A full stack developer can write every type of code.

Reality: A full-stack developer is only bound to learn various technologies but writing each code themselves.

Myth: The job of a full stack developer can write both frontend and backend codes.

Reality: At times, freelance full stack developers code entire websites, both front end, and back end, but it’s quite rare.

In reality, full-stack developers have a stronghold on both front end and back end, which gives them the ability to edit the code rapidly. Their perspective on design and architecture is quite impressive.

Myth: If you work freelance for a company, you automatically become a full stack developer.

Reality: This is not a position; it’s a mindset. Being a full-stack developer means getting a hold on a combination of technical knowledge.

Essential steps on how to become a Full-Stack developer

Stick to one language: As a full-stack developer, you must know a little bit of every language, but master one language. Be it Ruby, PHP, or Python. Grow your skills in that language.

Know Thy Stuff: A full-stack developer is someone with a stronghold on both front-end and back-end. That’s why it is necessary to be clear about servers, programming, database, algorithms, and data structure. If you’re weak in any area, polish that skill.

Take a course: If you’re new to this, take an online course: CodeAcademy, Udemy. These resources will help you to kickstart your career in Full-Stack development career.

Join a community: Don’t wait for inspiration to come to you. If you’re stuck, join a community. Join Slashrocket community and build your network with other developers.

Make something on your own: A full-stack developer knows everything. That’s why it’s necessary that you develop something on your own and understand every aspect of full-stack development.

Wrapping it up

Just like every other field, being a professional full-stack developer will take some time. The goal is to stay updated with front-end and back-end technologies. Get a firm grasp on both of these technologies in detail. You’ll need much patience to start from scratch and reach the level of mastery. Learning never stops if the website developer is passionate enough to grow every day and learn new things.