Product development requires a large workforce, several tasks that must be carried out consistently, and a perfect result. All programmers execute the task that is managed by the project manager. These are typically two categories of experts: front and back developers. One more, though, is the Full-Stack developer.
A developer that participates in all phases of web application development is known as a full-stack developer. He is knowledgeable in both the front end and the back end of building applications. Front-end development covers the visible, user-interactive part of the project (the user interface).
The actual magic takes place on the backend. This section contains the business logic (the way the system works and the way data flows through a set of tasks), the way data is stored, and the location where the solution is put into action. A developer can do practically everything themselves and knows everything, according to full-stack theory.
Years of custom software development experience are necessary to become a Full-Stack Developer. These programmers are knowledgeable about each component of the technological stack used to build software products. Understanding every aspect of development helps them understand the procedure more thoroughly, perceive the work’s direction more clearly, and assist other team members as they progress.
Top skills a full-stack developer must have
Think about the developer’s skills when recruiting. You will not need simply a qualified back-end developer, but a great addition to the dedicated software development team. He needs to be knowledgeable about several different programming languages. A full-stack developer should have experience with the following technologies in their CV.
HTML/CSS
a technique for making contemporary online apps that include everything the user sees, including video, audio, animation, and other “complex” elements. CSS enables platform independence, speedy productivity, and control over HTML page look. Changes are automatically pushed to other pages.
JavaScript
a programming language that, from every perspective, is essential for the creation of websites. Popularity is determined by global rankings based on inquiries in specialized forums, search engine queries, and employment agencies supported by all widely used browsers; fully integrated with HTML, CSS layout, and server-side; decreases server load; and saves time and traffic.
GitHub and Git
A version control system (VCS) is a tool that helps programmers in keeping track of changes to their code over time.
Backend languages
- Popular programming language PHP is the primary application that runs on the web server and is used to create dynamic, interactive websites. gained popularity as a result of CMS’s widespread use of this language: (WordPress, Prestashop, Magento, Joomla, MODX). It’s flexible and strong.
- Microsoft’s C# (C Sharp), a version of the C language, is universal in its way and may be used to write software that runs on a wide range of hardware and operating systems.
- Java is a programming language used to create server applications that receive data from one server, process it, and transmit it to other servers as well as frontend and backend code for Android mobile applications and game development.
- Python is utilized in a variety of fields, including web development, development operations, machine learning, data analysis, and even game creation.
Web architecture
A full-stack developer needs to be familiar with the theoretical foundations of the modern web. The architecture of a web application essentially depicts the connections and interactions between various parts, including databases, user interfaces, and transaction processing monitors. He must comprehend how to arrange everything so that each component works perfectly.
REST and HTTP
Additionally, he needs to be familiar with HTTP and REST, which control how users and the network interact. This is a set of guidelines for programmers to follow when structuring a server application’s code so that data may be easily exchanged between all systems and the application can grow.
Database
The information must be kept someplace from which it can subsequently be accessed. All of these databases—MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB—have a wide range of tools, and each is ideal in a particular situation. A developer who can select the finest storage system is required for the product to operate as well as possible.
UX/UI expertise
The creative component of the project should ideally “fit” the complete structure, satisfy the client, communicate the project’s key message, and be as practical to use as possible. You need someone who can analyze the design and understand how it will work with the other system elements. This will make the entire process faster and require fewer edits in the future.
Full-stack developer types
Different technology stacks are used by full-stack developers in their work. A stack is a collection of technologies utilized in the development of a product. They are unique, and each is appropriate for a certain use.
The specific needs of your company will have a big impact on the technologies you choose for a project. It’s important to understand the differences between the main groups of technologies used to build software before hiring full-stack developers.
The basic types to be distinguished are listed below. They are given acronym names based on the technology they contain.
MEAN
This set of technologies is used for online stores, large corporate websites, or educational platforms.
- M – MongoDB, a NoSQL database used for storing and processing data;
- E – Express, a package of frameworks for Node JS;
- A – Angular, a framework responsible for the front-end part of the product;
- N – Node, backend framework.
A framework is a framework for software solutions that makes it easier to write code.
MEAN has two valuable benefits. It is scalable and uses JavaScript for both the backend and front end. Thus, when hiring a full-stack MEAN developer, it is necessary to test his or her knowledge of JS.
MERN
By and large, a variety of MEAN:
- M – MongoDB;
- E – for Express;
- R – React, a Javascript library (Angular.js has been replaced by React.js);
- N – Node.js.
MEVN
Another variation is called MEVN, where VueJS is used instead of Angular.js or React.js. So in this case:
- M – for MongoDB;
- E – Express;
- V – VueJS, an open source JavaScript framework;
- N is for Node.js.
VueJS is very popular among programmers as it combines the best components from the world of AngularJS and ReactJS and can work well for most development projects.
LAMP
- L stands for Linux, an open source operating system;
- Apache is a cross-platform web server;
- MySQL, an open source database;
- PHP / Python / Perl – programming languages.
This system is unmatched in the development and implementation of web applications and servers. LAMP has been used for many years to develop enterprise-grade web applications that require more customization and flexibility.
What questions should you ask potential full-stack developers?
It’s difficult to find full-stack developers, especially if you have no programming experience. Connect to the choice of a person who is knowledgeable in at least some of the technology the candidate will use to help with this assignment.
You should be able to determine the developer’s talents and suitability for working on a certain project based on the interview results, taking into account the developer’s skill set and stack. Asking applicants the following questions will help you determine the type of developer you need when the scope of work has already been outlined in broad terms.
- What programming languages do you know?
- What technical stack do you work with?
- What software products have you already developed?
- What APIs have you worked with?
Do not forget about soft skills and project management skills – your full-stack developer must skillfully interact with the team. Over years of work, we have seen that this is no less important than hard skills.
If you do not want to look for such a programmer yourself, you can always contact an agency that already has such IT experts.