What is a Full Stack Developer? Skills to become a full-stack

A full stack developer is a web developer who works with both the front-ends and back-ends of a Web or application. This mean they can tackle projects that involve databases, building user-facing websites, or even work with clients during the planning phase of projects.

Full stack web developers:

• Some full stack developers especially in 2019 also learn either project management, visual design, web design, or user experience skills.
• Most full stack developers specialize in a particular back end programming language, like Ruby or PHP or Python.
• Are familiar with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and one or more back end languages.

Many full stack web developers spend the majority of their time in either the front or back end code of a site. And some full stack developers do code entire websites, including both the front and back ends, but usually only if they are working freelance or are the only developer working on a project.

But the point is that they know enough about the code across the entire stack that they can dive in anywhere if needed. Now, contrary to what a lot of people think, “full stack” doesn’t necessarily mean a developer is writing all of a site’s code themselves.

What does a full stack developer salary look like?

We currently list over 25,000 front end positions and an average salary of $104,708. According to Indeed, the average full stack developer salary is $109,508 per year. Meanwhile, Indeed says that on average full stack engineers make between $107,000-$145,000.

It’s important to note, though, that while a site like Indeed lists over 16,000 full stack web developer jobs — meaning you’re not limiting your options by focusing on front end skills to start with.

The difference between a full stack developer and full stack engineer

A full stack engineer is a senior level role for someone with the skills of a full stack developer, but with project management experience in things like systems administration.

We usually focus more on developer-level positions, but full stack engineer jobs are the kind of roles you can look forward to after spending some time in the industry. If you look at the examples of full stack engineer jobs listed on sites like Indeed, you’ll see that these positions typically ask for at least 3–5 years of full stack web development experience.

What skills do I need to become a full stack developer

You’ll typically see a mix of front and back end skills listed on full stack web developer job listings, including:

• Version control.
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Knowledge of security concerns and best practices.
• Programming languages and libraries like Ruby, PHP, Python.
• Ideally, one or more third-party library like ReactJS or Angular.
• Experience with databases.

Should I become a full stack developer?

Being a full stack developer means you can work on both the front & back ends of the web development process. General web development jobs, especially front end web developer jobs, pay well — and there are plenty to go around (see Section #5 below).

If you’re looking to transition back into the workforce after time away, or you want to start a part-time side hustle on top of your day job, you probably don’t need to learn full stack development.

The main point here is simply not letting the pressure to learn everything at once keep you paralyzed from getting started. This isn’t to say you can’t learn back end languages and get closer to a full stack skill set as you progress with your tech career.