What Is the Difference Between Full Stack and Web Development?

Full stack development and web development are understandably confusing terms. A Full stack developer can be a web developer. However, there’s a fine line between both roles. 

Full stack developers are experienced in several web development aspects, from software architecture to design and coding. Contrarily, web developers focus on designing and coding the front end of websites. 

If you plan to pick either role for your career, you’d naturally wonder, “What is the difference between Full stack and web development?” 

This guide will address everything about Full stack and web developers to eliminate confusion surrounding both titles.

Who are Full stack Developers?

Full stack developers have an extensive set of responsibilities. They must be proficient in creating websites with powerful architectures and building user-friendly interfaces for clients. 

This requires them to be versed in several programming languages, including HTML, JavaScript, CSS, C++, Python, and more. 

The developers typically work through the initial planning of production until its final creation. This allows them to address technical issues that may arise at any developmental stage.

They begin by brainstorming technologies, frameworks, and platforms with graphic design teams. In addition, they also review prototypes before translating them into codes. 

The nature of Full stack development requires these professionals to stay abreast of the existing industry trends and learn the emerging technologies to meet client needs.

Who are Web Developers?

A web developer is essentially responsible for creating websites. Although their primary role is to ensure a website is interactive and engaging, their responsibilities may extend to ensuring website performance. 

Web developers must write and review websites' code, generally JavaScript, HTML, and XML. They are also responsible for collaboration with developers, designers, and the company’s stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome. 

In addition, other primary duties include incorporating multimedia content onto a website and testing an app’s functionality. 

An efficient web developer is also expected to troubleshoot user experience and performance limitations.

Full stack Developer Vs. Web Developer: What’s the difference?

Web development is a rather broad term that includes the process of designing and developing websites using languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. 

It is the most popular type of development and entails several things. For instance, it may include web development, design, programming, and more. 

On the flip side, Full stack development focuses on development that includes the client and server side of the website. Therefore, it is more specific than the former type. 

A look into the skills and responsibilities of both roles will unfold more.

Skills 

Stack refers to a particular combination of technologies used by web or software app developers. These may include the LAMP platform, PHP server-side scripting, Apache web server, etc. 

Full stack developers are familiar with front-end and back-end languages and database systems. Plus, they are proficient in web server administration and server operating systems. 

Contrarily, web developers typically focus on one or more programming languages, unlike Full stack developers who know the drill of web applications and their technical aspects. Generally, they are responsible for building an app from scratch. 

As such, they have extensive knowledge of several technologies like XML, JavaScript libraries, JSON, NodeJs, etc. 

Responsibilities 

Web developers generally work on websites. On the other hand, Full stack developers handle the entire software stack, including everything from the front to the backend. They create software, websites, databases, and applications. 

These professionals ensure that all software works together seamlessly. They also check if the software is reliable and secure. Web developers, however, only focus on building the website and aren’t responsible for ensuring software security and reliability. 

Salary 

The average salary of web developers in Ireland is €44,958 annually. The data is driven from a few anonymously submitted salaries to Indeed. 

On the other hand, Full stack developers can expect to make around €67,775 yearly. This means Full stack developers are paid better, given their extensive skill set and programming abilities.

Full stack Development Vs. Web Development: Which route is better?

Your area of interest will define the best route. 

Generally speaking, both roles are different in the initial stages of web development. However, the line between both is getting blurred with each passing day, bringing Full stack developers to the limelight. 

That said, companies accepting projects that have to do with multiple aspects of a website prefer Full stack developers. It’s because these professionals primarily dedicate themselves to the front and back end of the project. 

Besides, a high earning potential is another perk associated with a Full stack developer role. 

Overall, both roles are highly valued in the tech industry, and you can pick either after determining your qualifications, educational background, and preferences. 

Many prefer starting their careers as web developers. This allows them to focus on a single route - the website. Later they expanded their skills to front-end and back-end development, moving to the position of Full stack developers.

FAQs

Do Full stack Developers have a future?

With rapid advancements in technology and software, the role of Full stack developers is here to stay. As companies seek to boost their online presence and build brand reputation globally, the demand for Full stack developers is only expected to rise in the future. 

What are the most popular Full stack Developer languages?

The most popular Full stack developer languages include Node.js, ASP.NET, Python, C#, and PHP. Experts believe that HTML and CSS will be more popular in the coming future, and a few newer languages like Node and AngularJS will also be widely used.

Conclusion

Hopefully, that answers the question about the difference between Full stack and web development.

A web developer specialises in developing the world wide web using the client-server model. 

On the other hand, Full stack developers focus on the entire stack, from front-end to back-end, with a comprehensive understanding of design, languages, web architecture, databases, and more. 

You can take a Full stack Software Development Course at UCD Professional Academy to gain experience and hone your skills.