What is a full stack web developer?
Although there are some differences between front end and back end development, the distinctions can be a bit blurry. That’s because many front end developers have to learn some back end skills, and vice versa, to succeed in the web design industry. And, with the economy and job market so up-and-down, some find it best to be a jack of all trades. That’s where the full stack web developer comes in to play!
WHAT DOES A FULL STACK WEB DEVELOPER DO FOR A LIVING?
The title “full stack web developer” was made popular by Facebook engineers about four years ago. It came about as the social media giant was looking for ways to create cross-functioning developers. The particular developer they wanted to craft was experienced with an entire “stack” of both front end and back end technology. In other words, a full stack developer has a full package to offer employers and clients.
Being able to work on both the client side and server side of a site opens up so many more professional opportunities for someone wishing to pursue a career in the web development industry. However, mastering two sides of anything can be quite challenging. For example, an architect may be good at designing houses. That same architect may even have past experience with physically building homes. But, to master both designing and building… that’s a different story.
So, what does this specialty web developer do? In short, the full stack web developer does just about everything… from the front end to the back end.
THE SKILLS AND TOOLS NEEDED TO BECOME A FULL STACK WEB DEVELOPER
A full stack developer is fluent with front end languages. So, this professional controls the look of the webpages, which are seen by users. However, this developer goes a step further and also works on the web programming needed to communicate with the back end, the server side. This makes these savvy web developers jacks-of-all-trades.
Full stack developers need to be experienced in every level of creating and maintaining websites and web apps, including:
- Setup & configuring Linux servers
- Writing APIs for the server-side
- Tweaking JavaScript powering client-side apps
- Creating dynamic look and feel using CSS
HOW TO BECOME A FULL STACK DEVELOPER
The bottom line is, a full stack developer is in charge of the entire flow of the user experience, including things like your experience with this blog post. From the time it takes to load, to the look and feel of the layout, to the structural workings and “interactiveness”, this web developer must have well-rounded skills to succeed in the competitive web design industry.
A WEB DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL TO HELP YOU SUCCEED!
One of the best ways to learn web development is by attending a local school, such as F.I.R.S.T. Institute of Florida. F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s Graphic Design and Web Development Program will set you on the right course to becoming a front end developer. From a faculty made up of experienced design industry professionals to a broad spectrum of courses and a dedicated Career Development department, we give students access to everything they need to succeed in the web development industry, both in class and on the job.
If you’d like to know more about our Graphic Design and Web Development program, please give us a call or send us an email! Our admissions team are standing by to answer any questions you might have.
