Is a Full-Stack Developer a Good Career Choice?

Companies worldwide have an online presence to interact with their ideal audience and grow their customer base. With this, the demand for web development in the tech industry is surging. 

Because efficient web development helps businesses manage their online presence, they seek skilled full-stack developers to handle front and backend operations.

So while the rise in demand is one thing, is full-stack developer a good career choice? Fresh graduates and those willing to take up a suitable role to gain exposure in the tech industry wonder if full-stack development makes up for an appealing career. 

A look into its key aspects, from advantages to salary and job titles, will reveal more.

Full-Stack Developer Career Path 

Full-stack developers are familiar with all layers of a website or an application. The layers are collections of multiple technologies required to complete a specific task. 

• Front-end. Also termed the presentation layer, it involves everything that the end user accesses. Full-stack developers typically create a front-end layer using CSS, HTML, jQuery, JavaScript, and several JavaScript libraries like Backbone, React JS, Foundation, and more. 

• Back-end. Also termed the logic layer, it includes everything that happens behind the lens. It’s all about the logic that makes everything work for an application. Full-stack developers use languages like Ruby, Python, PHP, and Java to conduct back-end operations. 

• Data. It is often regarded as the sub-group of the back-end layer. It handles how the data is developed, read, upgraded, or removed with databases like SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.

Different Routes 

Because different projects require different skills, no two full-stack developers have the same skillset. Each company seeks specific skills in a developer depending on their needs and preferences. 

If you seek to enter a full-stack developer career path, you can go for a full-time salaried position within a company or become a freelancer. 

The former path requires you to collaborate with programmers, product development teams, and design teams working for a company. 

This route offers more opportunities as you communicate with company stakeholders and seniors from different tech backgrounds. Hence, it naturally opens up new career possibilities. 

If you prefer being your own boss and value the freedom freelancing offers, you can go the freelancing route. However, if gaining exposure is your primary goal, a full-time position with a reliable company would be in your best interests.

Why Choose Full-Stack Development? 

Although a full-stack developer role appears intimidating, given its diverse responsibilities, the prospects it offers developers are manifold, from getting high pay to expanding your skillset. 

Further, the ever-evolving tech industry requires professionals to keep up with the latest trends. So, you can expect a developer to be familiar with the latest technologies and how they can add to a company’s growth. 

This is something every business prefers to stand out from the crowd and outpace its competitors in the industry. 

Here are a few convincing reasons why a full-stack developer makes up for an attractive career path.

Great Exposure

Full-stack developers handle both sides of the web development process. This allows them to keep the entire design structure in mind and present relevant solutions. They aim to offer a solution that works well on both the software's front and back ends. 

This requires them to work closely with design teams, product management teams, company decision-makers, and clients. Active communication and involvement enable them to gain more exposure and learn from industry experts.

Always Learning 

Technology changes abruptly. So, full-stack developers must stay on top of new development software, programming languages, and trends. 

Even experts with advanced skills and extensive knowledge must upskill consistently to work in the industry and gain recognition. The best way to explore new learning opportunities is to take professional courses, read blogs, and attend webinars. 

Full-stack developers are more aware of the changing trends than front or back-end developers. It’s because the latter roles focus on a single side of the application (either client or server-side).

Well-Rounded Solutions 

Someone knowledgeable in all tiers can develop well-rounded solutions with minimal errors and higher efficiency. This makes product testing and code debugging relatively easier. All the factors combined have a beneficial effect on the results of solution development. 

This allows companies to earn recognition in the market. Eventually, they consider full-stack developers an asset for the company - which means more value for you.

More Flexibility

Being versed in multiple development topics provides greater flexibility in the work environment. You can resolve problems more efficiently than other developers in the company. 

As such, you have more control over the product you’re working on. The company gives you the authority to offer unique solutions and use your creative knowledge for a positive outcome.

Higher Productivity 

Whether a company wants to construct its database or add graphics to a web page, a full-stack developer does it all. The ability to see the bigger picture and make technical decisions quickly adds to a company’s overall productivity. 

Higher project control and creative freedom allow you to enhance an organisation’s performance and save time.

Increasing Demand

The ability to work on three stages of the project: display, logic, and database, make them highly sought-after professionals. 

Employers today seek multi-talented individuals who can stay abreast of the market trends and complete various tasks on the go. 

Companies entrust full-stack developers with several projects that they wouldn’t generally assign to another person in the business. The higher dependence on full-stack developers speaks for the spike in demand.

Jobs and Roles In Full-Stack Development 

Small and large companies alike offer full-stack developer jobs. 

However, multiple companies offering full-stack developer roles make it a competitive career. The more skills and technologies you learn, the more opportunities you’ll have in the industry. 

Depending on your preferences, you can choose a general full-stack developer position or a specialised role.

Junior Full Stack Developer 

A junior role in the industry requires 1-3 years of hands-on experience in software development using different frameworks. 

You must be familiar with multiple front and backend languages and libraries, including CSS, HTML, JavaScript, C#, Python, Java, and more. Besides, familiarity with databases like MySQL and MongoDB, UI/UX design, and web servers is expected.

Senior Full-Stack Developer 

A senior position requires 5+ years of experience (this may vary depending on the firm). You must have solid experience with SQL, PHP, Jira, JavaScript, and more. 

Any related certifications are always welcome. Besides, team player skills are necessary to help and guide junior full-stack developers in the team.

Python Full-Stack Developer 

As a Python Full-stack developer, a company expects you to specialise in Python programming language, frameworks, tools, and technologies.

MEAN Full-Stack Developer 

This role requires web development specialisation using MEAN stack. So, you must have experience working with Express, Angular, MongoDB, and Node.js.

Full-Stack WordPress Developer 

Full-stack WordPress developers are responsible for handling both front and back-end development. This may include developing WordPress plugins and themes. You must have relevant programming skills, from HTML5 to PHP, JavaScript, and more.

Full-Stack PHP Developer 

This role also combines front-end and back-end development skills. However, a strong command of PHP and related technologies is preferred.

Remote Positions

You can also land a remote full-stack developer position with a company. The firm may or may not have fixed work hours. 

Alternatively, you can join platforms like Upwork to get your clients and full-stack development projects to work from the comfort of your home. 

FAQs

What Are the Skills Required for Full-Stack Developers?

Full-stack developers require multiple front and backend frameworks and language skills. This may include HTML, JavaScript, CSS, C++, Node JS, Express JS., etc. Besides, strong collaboration and communication skills are a must to contribute positively to a company and grow your career.

Conclusion

Aspiring candidates looking for a reliable position in the tech industry often question, “Is full-stack developer a good career choice?” 

A full-stack developer career is worthwhile, given the rise of technology and business reliance on technological advancements. More companies today seek experts with grips in front-end and back-end development and are willing to pay a high salary. 

You can brush up on your existing skill set and familiarise yourself with the latest trends by taking a Full-Stack Software Development Course at UCD Professional Academy. 

The course will equip you with front and back-end development languages, technologies, and platforms to land a suitable job and level up your career.