what is a full stack developer?
A full stack developer works with the entire depth of a computer system application from the front-end to the back-end of an application. Since you will straddle both domains of web development, you need to understand the programming languages used in the front-end and back-end sides of a website.
As a full stack developer handling the front end of an application, your job is to design web pages to improve user experience. You create the layout and add artistic features to improve the website's usability. Apart from enhancing the appearance of websites, you ensure they are responsive to various devices and have optimal speeds for the users.
what does a full stack developer do?
Your job also focuses on creating a back end that allows the front-end website to exist. You refine the code that communicates with databases, servers and application programming interfaces. Hence, you need to learn how to code in back-end programming languages and manage databases.
Most companies rely on full stack developers to spot errors affecting a website's front and back-end sides. Your versatility is crucial in incorporating new technologies into web development since you can point out the impact on the technical side and the layout of an application.
Would a career in IT be something for you? Would working as a full stack developer suit your interest in coding and technology skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a full stack developer role.
average salary of a full stack developer
According to National Careers, the earnings of a full stack developer start at £20,000 annually. Experienced full stack developers receive an average salary of £50,000 per year. Aside from the basic salary, full stack developers also receive various allowances and non-monetary benefits. For instance, you will receive medical allowances, overtime pay for long hours and paid vacation time. Some companies also pay bonuses at the end of the year and other incentives.
what factors affect the salary of a full stack developer?
As a full stack developer, your salary mainly depends on the project you are working on and your expertise. While you don't need formal training to excel in your role, proficiency in programming languages improves your prospects and compensation package. Having a few years of experience and formal educational qualifications also improves your earnings due to the transferrable skills you have.
The company size also influences your earnings. For instance, when creating a web application for a small-scale business, the work involved is straightforward. Large companies incorporate various functions to their sites; hence the work involved is complex, and they are willing to pay more for the additional work involved.
types of full stack developers
As a full stack developer, you can specialise in the following types of web development:
- front-end developer: as a full stack developer in charge of the front-end design, you improve the web layout and enhance user experience. Since your focus is on the client-side, you use your artistic creativity to boost appearance and functionality. It is also essential to optimise the speed of the website.
- back-end developer: your job is to build the code that runs the website and enables the front-end functionality. You also connect the website to the databases to ensure data flows properly and functions are processed accurately.
working as a full stack developer
When you love coding, you will enjoy working as a full stack developer. Let's explore your duties, responsibilities and work environment.
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full stack developer job description
While the responsibilities depend on the employer, some of the everyday tasks include:
- developing software components and applications: as a full stack developer, you brainstorm with other team members on the features of a website or an application. Once you have an idea of what the application should look like, you can start coding. Your job is to organise the logic of a system and build the underlying architecture and framework necessary to develop the website.
- incorporating new features to websites: a full stack developer continually monitors websites and software for bugs. Your job is to integrate new features to improve the websites' functionality. You also check the user interface, continuously optimise for speed and enhance user experience.
- developing functional databases and servers: every application or website needs databases and a server to process and store data. As a full stack developer, you incorporate functional databases and other tools that improve site interaction and functionality of the website.
- keeping up with the emerging technology: as a full stack developer, you need to keep up with emerging technologies to ensure the back-end and front-end of applications serve the users' needs. You should also test the websites regularly to ensure cross-platform compatibility and maintain responsive designs.
- communicating emerging technologies and features to decision-makers: it is important to know the best time to scale your employer's website to meet business needs. Your job is to create a proposal and keep the management informed on improving security and scaling the website performance.
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work environment
As a full stack developer, you spend most of your time surrounded by computers in the office. The job doesn't involve travelling unless you attend a conference or a workshop. When you work in a technology consultancy firm, you have to meet clients to discuss the features they need for their websites.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your will work alongside software engineers, back-end developers and front-end developers. You can also work with developers, mobile developers and web developers, ux designers post, cloud engineers, as well as other specialists that could include project managers, cloud engineers, programmers and IT specialists.
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work schedule
As a full stack developer, your work schedule is between 35 and 40 hours a week. You work the standard office hours between 9 am and 5 pm full-time. Sometimes, you work long hours to complete a project. If you have to develop a website, you will work evenings and over the weekend. Part-time positions are also available, or you can work as a freelancer. Some opportunities are available on short-term contracts or project basis.
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job outlook
A full stack developer has various skills in web development, increasing their career prospects. Aside from specialising as a front-end or back-end developer, you can also improve your skills to progress in your career. For instance, it is possible to become a software engineer or the lead programmer with additional qualifications. Since you handle both aspects of web development, you have the option of becoming the project leader for various software development projects. Alternatively, move to other IT fields like systems analytics and IT administration. Some full stack developers become consultants or college lecturers.
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advantages of finding a full stack developer job through randstad
Finding your full stack developer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a full stack developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes for becoming a full stack developer include:
- university course: to become a full stack developer, you should study a foundation degree or a bachelor's in web design and development or other related fields. A degree in computer science, software engineering and digital media development can also land you a position as a full stack developer. You need 1 or 2 A Levels to qualify for a foundational degree, while an undergraduate requires 2 to 3 A Levels.
- college: a college course can get you a full stack developer position if you have exceptional coding skills. Some of the courses include Level 3 Diploma in web design, T Level courses in design and development and Level 4 Diploma in software development.
- apprenticeship: if you are a good programmer and have basic coding skills, you can join an apprenticeship and become a trainee developer.
skills and competencies
You need the following skills to advance your career as a full stack developer:
- programming skills: a full stack developer needs exceptional coding to develop website frameworks and incorporate various functions. For instance, it is important to be conversant with Hypertext Markup Language used to create user interfaces and determine how a web page can be displayed.
- web architecture: as a full stack developer, you should be an expert in web architecture and understand the code structure to help you build a server-side that meets users needs. With skills in web architecture, you can separate your files and perform computational tasks.
- attention to details: as a developer, it is vital to pay attention to the code you are creating. Being detail-oriented ensures you create a functional application and website. You can also save time by avoiding errors and creating a perfect website.
- creative thinking: as a front-end developer, you need to design a visually pleasing website and add functionality. Creativity also helps you develop a responsive website that users will enjoy using.
- problem-solving skills: you will face obstacles and challenges as a full stack developer. Sometimes, you hit a snag in the coding phase. You need problem-solving skills to resolve the issue and work efficiently.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a full stack developer
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what is a full stack developer?
A full stack developer works on web development and uses their knowledge of the back-end and front-end of an application to create a seamless user experience.
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is a full stack developer a good career?
Being a full stack developer is a promising career since the role gives you a bigger perspective of the software development process. It is an exciting career with interesting prospects.
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is it hard to be a full stack developer?
Becoming a full stack developer can be challenging since you develop a website from scratch. It helps to have exceptional skills to make your work easier.
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what should I study to become a full stack developer?
You need exceptional programming skills and training in web development and design. Want to learn more about working as a full stack developer?
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how do I apply for a full stack developer vacancy?
Applying for a full stack developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
