How to Become a Full-Stack Developer?

The role of full stack developers is one of the trendiest jobs in the technology industry, and they can be named as a highly versatile jack of all trades and undeniably a master at what they accomplish. They are the backbone behind the designing and developing of websites and web/mobile applications that we use daily. Full stack development entails building, designing, and deploying a product by going through all the engineering stages of application/software development single-handedly. It can be said with 100% certainty that the demand for full-stack developers is not going to diminish at any time in the future as the world’s dependence on apps and technology is rocketing sky-high. If you are aspiring to become a Full Stack Developer, then knowing what the role entails and the roles and responsibilities that come with the job will give you a comprehensive idea about the skills you need to acquire and the learning path you need to follow to land your dream job.

What is a full-stack developer?

Full-stack developers are web developers who are well-versed in the numerous technologies and skill sets needed to deal with all the levels (or “full stack”) of an application development process, including the front-end and backend. The term “stack” refers to these layers, which are collections of many technologies needed to develop a fully functional online or mobile application from beginning to end. A full-stack developer is essentially a web programmer who constructs websites and web apps from the ground up.

The visual design and all the components that the end-user has direct access to are developed as part of the front-end development. The front-end operational components of all applications interact directly with the user interface. The development of website functions other than the user interface falls within the purview of backend development and is also in charge of guaranteeing the smooth running of data storage, server-side features, security, etc.

How to become a full stack developer?

The steps listed below will help you understand the learning path one must take to become a full stack developer:

1.   Meet the Full stack eligibility/educational requirements

A full stack developer role often calls for a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. Hence, you can either go for a bachelor of engineering or bachelor of technology degree in computer science or related areas. However, some businesses tend to favor candidates with master’s degrees. Therefore, earning a master’s degree can demonstrate your skills and competency in front of the recruiters. Most full stack engineers have substantial experience in either software engineering or web development. A high level of technical skill in both front-end and backend web development is required by full stack engineers. Full stack engineers also need to be strong team players and effective communicators.

2.    Understand what the role of a full stack developer entails

The following are the roles and responsibilities of a full stack developer:

 • Develop dynamic, interactive user interfaces using a variety of front-end technologies.

• Create an effective backend architecture that utilizes a variety of technologies to connect to servers and retrieve data.

• The ability to build and use dependable servers and databases.

• Create a whole software development lifecycle for a web or mobile application, from design to deployment.

• Managing and supervising the deployment of software and applications

• Making software cross-platform compatible by ensuring that it runs on several operating systems.

• Throughout the development phase, supervise automated testing and provide recommendations or adjustments for upgrades.

• Investigating and assessing upgrades to programs and websites.

• Keep abreast of novel development techniques, procedures, and architecture. 

3.   Build proficiency in programming languages and master the critical skills

Given the breadth of one’s skill set and professional expertise required to fit into the role of a full stack developer, the journey towards becoming one may seem treacherous and long. However, the path is straightforward. As long as you devise a learning strategy and master the pivotal front-end and backend skills, you can be assured that the time taken to become a full stack developer can be considerably reduced.

Full stack engineers must be familiar with the technologies involved in the front-end development and frameworks, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. Furthermore, familiarity with other JavaScript libraries like as React JS, Foundation, Backbone, AngularJS, and Ember.js is highly desirable. Additionally, you also need to know about web designing, testing, debugging, tools of browsing developers, etc.

Once you develop proficiency in front-end tools, it is time to hone your backend development skills. Since backend optimization directly affects an application’s success, backend development is one of the most crucial aspects of the web development process. Backend developers should be proficient in programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, and.Net. Additionally, knowledge of SQL, Git, Ruby, and other programming languages is required. 

4.   Learn about databases

Along with front-end and backend, you must learn about databases. The database layer is the heart of an application and is frequently referred to as a sub-group of the logic layer. The data layer is responsible for critical database management procedures such as data extraction, creation, updating, and deletion. As a result, you must be proficient in the use of database management tools and software such as Oracle, MongoDB, SQL, and MySQL.

5.   Develop web hosting skills

Web hosting knowledge is necessary to understand how to master full stack programming. By hosting services on the cloud platforms or the internet, users can access the website or application that you have created. The well-known servers Heroku, Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure are a few that you ought to get to know. 

6.   Learn to use version control methods

Every program passes through several iterations before being released. Git is the most used version control system and is renowned for its speed, adaptability, and merging ability. A full-stack developer needs to learn about GitHub, which is another platform built on top of Git. The management of code changes, effective teamwork, and project history are all made possible by version control systems (VCS), which are crucial tools in full-stack development. Using version control, the development team can contribute code to the ongoing project without worrying about overwriting the source code. Mercurial, Bitbucket, and Subversion are also other version control methods. 

7.    Build skills in alignment with industry requirements

It is important for aspiring full-stack developers to review the skills they possess at present, given the constant advancements in new technologies. Thus, it is vital to conduct market research and make a list of the skills you need to learn to become a skilled full stack developer and choose a learning format that can help you gain the necessary skillset. Following are some of the learning formats that you can choose from based on the style that suits you:

a. Self-guided courses

The internet is a great resource for learning materials like books, YouTube tutorials, podcasts, instructor-led self-led virtual courses, and at-home practice exercises that are perfect for self-learners. These resources provide far more flexibility and a lesser cost than boot camp- some are even free.

b. Bootcamps

Coding boot camps are short-term, intensive training programs that give a well-structured curriculum and equip you with the job-ready abilities required to become a full-fledged developer. Coding bootcamps can include employment assistance, interview preparation, assistance in developing an outstanding portfolio, and assistance in developing network connections. In comparison to earning a formal degree, most bootcamp programs may be finished in three to six months and offer greater flexibility; many of them provide alternatives for part-time, full-time, virtual, and in-person instruction.

c. Degree programs

For prospective developers, four-year degree programs are the mainstream learning route. If you wish to grasp development theory and practice in-depth, college may be the ideal option. Students can choose a major in computer science or web development that will equip them for full stack development. However, compared to bootcamp programs, regular degree programs are more expensive and might not be accessible to everyone.

d. Certification programs

Certification programs are an industry-recognized program that validates your expertise and knowledge. Certificate programs offer flexibility and structure for those who need it, whether you are trying to get started from scratch or brush up on a few skills.