What is a Full Stack Developer? And Advice on Becoming One

Working as a full-stack developer can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy devising creative solutions to meaningful challenges. This career path demands continuous learning, as it never ceases to change, and a devotion to chasing mastery in a number of development disciplines. 

If that’s what you’re after, you've come to the right place.

A full-stack developer is a professional with the skills and knowledge to handle front-end (browser or client-side) and back-end development (server-side) tasks. These developers create and maintain all parts of a web application, from the user interface and experience to the server-side logic and database management. Since full-stack developers often navigate multiple layers of development, they can build comprehensive solutions independently and integrate various components created by others.

To land a job, professionals must become proficient in various programming languages and understand web servers, APIs, and database systems.

Keep reading to learn more about what full-stack developers do and how to become one.

On a day-to-day basis, a full-stack developer may work on a variety of tasks that encompass both front-end and back-end development.

For instance, they may work on end-user-facing apps or websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to ensure people have a responsive, intuitive, and dynamic online experience. Additionally, they may also use languages like Python, Ruby, Java, or PHP to develop APIs that enable communication between the front-end and back-end.

Often, they create and manage databases using SQL or MongoDB, writing queries to store and retrieve data. They also set up and manage web servers, such as Apache or Nginx, configuring them to handle traffic and ensure security.

Regardless of front-end or back-end, these skills are also core to the job: troubleshooting and debugging, time and project management, and collaboration.

These developers must create and connect applications to databases, guaranteeing everything works. But doing so often means partnering with other developers and non-developers to progress projects.

They often integrate various components with other developers, designers, and product managers. This includes using version control systems like Git to manage code commits and facilitate teamwork.

The combination of these tasks showcases the versatility and comprehensive skill set that full-stack developers bring to their teams.

A well-rounded skill set allows full-stack developers to handle various aspects of web development. This versatility enables them to step into any part of a project.

Being proficient in both front-end and back-end means they can understand and optimize the entire development process, improving efficiency and collaboration within a team.

To excel as a full stack developer, one must be proficient in various programming languages and frameworks, like these:

Front-End Languages and Frameworks

• HTML/CSS - The foundational languages for creating the structure and styling of web pages.
• JavaScript - A versatile language for adding interactivity and dynamic elements to web pages.
• React.js - A popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, particularly single-page applications.
• Angular - A TypeScript-based framework by Google for building robust web applications.
• Vue.js - A progressive JavaScript framework that is easy to integrate into projects and build complex applications.

Back-End Languages and Frameworks

• Node.js - A JavaScript runtime that enables server-side scripting, allowing developers to use JavaScript for both front-end and back-end development.
• Python - Known for its simplicity and readability, commonly used with frameworks like Django and Flask.
• Ruby - Often paired with the Rails framework, Ruby is known for its productivity.
• Java - A powerful, object-oriented language commonly used with frameworks like Spring for creating enterprise-level applications.
• PHP - Widely used for server-side scripting, often paired with frameworks like Laravel for web development.

Database Technologies

• SQL - The standard language for relational database management and manipulation.
• MongoDB - A NoSQL database known for its flexibility and scalability.

Other Essential Tools

• Git - A version control system that helps manage code changes and collaboration within development teams.
• Nginx/Apache - Web servers used for serving applications and ensuring they run smoothly and securely.
• Docker - A platform for containerizing applications, enhancing consistency, and simplifying deployment across different environments.

Read Next: The 7 Skills Every Full-Stack Developer Needs - Skillsoft

Working as a full-stack developer comes with many benefits. Due to their versatility and demand for these skills, they are highly sought after in the job market — which often means generous pay.

According to Indeed, full-stack developers in the United States can make anywhere between $80,000 and nearly $200,000 annually. The average is around $125,000. Other sources, like ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor, corroborate this.

But there's far more to the job than a generous salary.

For Josh Saunders, a full stack developer at Skillsoft, his favorite part of the job has to do with the problems he's tasked to solve and with whom he solves them.

"I'm someone who loves solving problems and puzzles and coding/developing is something that allows me to make a living doing so. Not only that, but there are often multiple ways to solve said challenges and finding the best way for the situation is often another puzzle itself," he said. "And because you're working in both the front and back ends of an application or a system, each task you're working on tends to be something new and different. This can help keep things fresh and different and keep your day-to-day work life from becoming monotonous."

As Josh described, full-stack developers must tap into both sides of their brain to solve problems creatively, working independently and as a part of a collective to solve a puzzle. The latter is an element that he enjoys about this line of work.

"I belong to a squad that I can collaborate with or bounce ideas and problems off," he said. "It really feels like you're part of a team that is trying to collectively reach a goal together, and I love that."

There are several paths to train as a full-stack developer, each catering to different learning styles and preferences.

One common route is through traditional education. Earning a degree in computer science or a related field provides a strong foundation in programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and software design. These programs often include practical projects and internships, offering real-world experience. Today, many job listings also require a bachelor's in an area like computer science — but not all.

In lieu of a college degree, some organizations look for candidates who can prove their experience and have the necessary skills. If you're not at the start of your professional journey and deciding on a college degree, you may find solace in knowing that a degree isn't the end-all-be-all. Instead, consider these alternative options:

Career Paths

Codecademy offers a Full-Stack Engineer Career Path that curates an extensive curriculum for aspiring developers. The path offers a number of projects, some history and theory, and the brass tacks of this line of work. In the end, Codecademy awards you with a certificate of completion (which you should celebrate). As those who have completed the path would attest, one of the best parts of this option is that you start coding immediately, now with AI assistance.

From day one, you get the background you need to put key to board, and start developing a styled, responsive website. Progressing onward, you delve deeper to focus on the back-end. Then, you prepare for the next step in your career and professional interviews.

Bootcamps, On-Demand and Live Courses

Another popular method is attending bootcamps. These intensive, short-term programs focus on full-stack development, teaching both front-end and back-end technologies through hands-on projects and teamwork. Many bootcamps also help with job placement, making them a good option for career changers or quick entry into tech.

Like bootcamps, live training courses provide hands-on instruction that's tailored to the individual. Self-directed learning is another option. This approach lets learners progress at their own pace with interactive tutorials and projects to apply their knowledge.

Interning, Freelancing and Networking 

Gaining practical experience through internships, freelancing, or contributing to open-source projects can be invaluable.

"Do you have a fun idea for a game, website, or application? Research how you can make it happen (even rudimentarily), attempt to code it, and struggle through it," Josh said. "It's cliché, but like anything else, the more you practice development, the better and more natural it will come to you."

Real-world projects provide insight into the challenges and workflows of full-stack development, helping to reinforce and expand on theoretical knowledge. Certainly, employers value this experience.

Codecademy's Career Center is a great resource to start with because it provides materials to close skill gaps, prepare for interviews through simulations, and check your job readiness.

While it won't happen overnight, committing to this line of work has several benefits that will challenge you to push yourself and support those around you. And remember, you don't have to do it alone. Working with organizations like Codecademy, Skillsoft, or Global Knowledge, you can build the skills.

Rahul Ankit works at Skillsoft, supporting the ongoing development of Percipio. Like Josh, he enjoys solving problems creatively and bringing ideas to life from start to finish. "It's incredibly rewarding to tackle challenges across the entire stack, from crafting intuitive user interfaces to optimizing database queries," he says. "This role allows me to continuously learn and grow, which keeps me motivated and excited."

In his day-to-day, he's constantly learning and pushing himself. Since the work varies, it helps challenge his thinking and forces him to adapt. This is true for his co-workers as well, who collectively all motivate one another to strive for better results. 

All in all, Rahul loves what being a full-stack developer entails. And here's his advice to all those out there who are thinking about this career path:

If you're interested in becoming a full-stack developer, my advice would be to start with a solid foundation in both front-end and back-end technologies. Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development, and delve into languages like Python, Java, or Node.js for back-end development. It's also crucial to understand databases and how they interact with your applications. 

Practice building projects that integrate both front-end and back-end components to get hands-on experience. Take advantage of online tutorials, courses, and open-source projects to deepen your understanding and stay updated with industry trends. 

Additionally, cultivate a problem-solving mindset. Full stack development often involves troubleshooting and optimizing various parts of an application. Being able to approach challenges creatively and systematically will set you apart. 

Lastly, seek out mentorship and communities of other developers. Learning from experienced developers and networking with peers can provide invaluable insights and support along your journey.