FULL-STACK DEVELOPER

If you are looking forward to making a career in full-stack development, then this article will be worth your time. In this article, I have tried to simplify the skills that you need to have to become a Full Stack Developer. 

First, let us understand who a Full Stack Developer is?

A full-stack developer is a professional who comprehends and dominates the front-end (client-side), back-end (server-side), and web application databases. Being a Full-stack Developer authorizes a considerably immense range to upskill oneself because of its versatile role. However, to understand the role of a full stack developer, one must understand the entire web development and the two primary components of web development, the Front end and the Back-end development process.

The FRONT-END development

Front-end development is also comprehended as client-side

development. As per the name, it is the website’s visual appearance or application with which one can use or interact. It is simply the face of the web application, where the functions are visible for use by the end-user.  

The BACK-END development

Server-side development or Back end development is the

component that is not visual to the customers or clients. The visual appearance

and reliability of the application depend on the backbend’s maintenance and performance. Server-side development includes all the behind-the-scenes components needed to power a website or application, such as databases, APIs, back-end logic, and servers.

The FULL STACK DEVELOPERS are adept in both sides (front-end and back-end) of working. Indeed, they have an expansive variousness of skills that allow them to build, operate, and enhance server-side operating systems, databases, libraries, and frameworks, while also

understanding the UX design needs of a web or mobile application. They are skilled and experienced in moving flawlessly between the front and back end, making them highly treasured and in-demand tech experts.

After understanding the basics, we will dive into understanding the skills required for both the front-end and back-end. Although it might sound overwhelming, as they say, “With Much effort comes much prosperity,” and keeping this in mind, let us look into the skills required for front-end and back-end development. 

•  Firstly, let us see some of the essential front end development skills and important languages used by full-stack developers, including the following:

HTML. 

• The most beneficial and used language, HTML, which is the abbreviation of Hypertext Mark-up Language, is used to determine the structure of a webpage. HTML, in other words, is the language that helps a developer instruct the browser to allow the format and visuals of text and images on the website. HTML helps structure the web page and helps maintain and create a hierarchy of heading, body paragraph, body, pop-ups, alignment of texts, videos audios, and much more. A full-stack developer must know coding with HTML to give a website or application the desired user interface and make it easily navigable.   

• CSS

Cascading Style Sheets or CSS is a stylesheet language used to describe the display of a document written in HTML. It is used to style the website’s appearance and give a better user experience and feel. CSS is standardized across the web browsers and knowing the CSS is a must to become an excellent full stack developer. CSS confines aesthetic components of the web application like the colour, font, style, theme other style aspects. CSS helps beautify the website’s appearance and adds to the visual presentation’s consistency.

• React JS is React (React -JavaScript Library).

React JS is a vital library used by all developers. It is an open-source front-end JavaScript library utilised to construct user interfaces. As I already mentioned, it is an open-source JavaScript library; it is beneficial for Full-stack developers as it gives them the liberty to reuse any UI components. It is a time saviour while creating large web applications as it helps change data without reloading the page. 

• AJAX. (AJAX = Asynchronous JavaScript And XML)

AJAX uses a blend of:

A browser built-in XMLHttp Request object (to demand data from a web server)

JavaScript and HTML DOM (to depict or use the data)

AJAX helps retrieve information and execute updates in your apps or computer without disruption. Enables web applications to send and receive data from servers asynchronously.

• jQuery. 

jQuery is a JavaScript Library very useful as it simplifies JavaScript Programming. Again it is a must-have for the developers as it simplifies the tasks of HTML event handling, document traversing, and animation for Ajax. It’s frequently used by full-stack developers to preserve time. The developers can use their valuable time to focus on coding and development or improvement of the web application.

Further, I have also listed all essential back-end development skills or I can say platforms or languages used by full-stack developers, including the following:

Node.js. 

1. Js is single-threaded and thus primarily used for non-blocking, event-driven servers. Node.js is a platform where developers can run JavaScript code before deploying it to a web browser. It’s used for traditional websites and backend API services but was designed concerning real-time push-based architectures.

Ruby on Rails. 

Ruby on Rails is a powerful programming language. It is a model–view controller framework providing default structures for a database, web service, and web pages. It is often used to build online stores, social platforms, and SaaS. Ruby on Rails is an opinionated framework that guides a developer in doing things. No doubt, it promotes the best standards and practices of web development.

Python.

As a full-stack developer, you can use Python programming language to build websites and applications, automate, and conduct data analysis. Thus, full-stack developers must be fluent in Python.

SQL. 

SQL is a Structured Query Language used to extract and organise data in a relational data management system. It is used to help the server communicate with a database or vice versa. As a full-stack developer, you need to use SQL to create rules for storing, retrieving, or modifying server data.

Flask.

To work with Flask, one must hone the skills of Python language. Flask is a widely used, extensible web micro-framework for building web applications with Python. Flask is a collection of libraries and modules that enable you as a full stack developer to write applications without bothering about low-level elements such as protocol, thread management etc.

OTHER TECHNICAL SKILLS 

Web architecture. 

As a full-stack developer, you need to handle the process of

designing, creating and implementing an internet-based computer program. Thus knowing the end to end details of the web architecture to build structures is required. From understanding code structure, data structure, the location of computational tasks, file categorization, and application logic between the client and the server, you as a full stack developer need to master them all.

Git and GitHub. 

Git is a version control tool (software) to monitor the modifications in the source code. GitHub is a web-based cloud service to host your source code (Git libraries). It is a centralized system. Git doesn’t require GitHub but GitHub requires Git. It equips a cloud repository for source code, facilitates the iteration process, and fosters collaboration with performance control. Git is software for tracking changes in any set of files, while GitHub is a web-based interface that permits multiple people to make respective changes to a file simultaneously.

HTTP and REST. 

Although I have mentioned them under the same heading, REST and HTTP are not interchangeable. While HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, it is an application-layer protocol for transmitting hypermedia documents, such as HTML. It enables web interactions such as loading webpages, streaming video, and other forms of communication between web browsers and web servers. Representational State Transfer is majorly the translator between the frontend and backend. As a full-stack developer, you deal with both and thus, mastering REST is the key to successful development.

Database storage.

Data storage designates that files and documents are registered digitally and saved in a storage system for future use. Always the web applications rely on information stored in a backend database. Storage systems may depend on electromagnetic, optical or other media to preserve and restore the data.

Further, efficient database storage enables websites and apps to retrieve information when needed quickly. Full-stack developers need to know about relational and non-relational data, NoSQL databases, and storage solutions such as MongoDB.

• Database storage helps in the following:
• Reliable data protection
• Data continuity and accessibility
• More rapid and more manageable data recovery
• Adjustable price points and capability options
• Good security for protected files

• Design fundamentals. 

Managing and creating the front end of the web application requires one to know design fundamentals. Being in the position of full-stack development, you will be required to be creative and design the best-looking interface for the users. You need to understand the colour psychology and the user-friendliness of the features of your application.

• NPM. 

NPM is Node Package Manager. NPM software manages dependencies for JavaScript packets. Any JavaScript project can utilise NPM to drag in packages of existing code. NPM tool can be installed on your computer to develop, publish, discover, and install node programs. So the knowledge of this tool will save a lot of your time as a developer.

SOFT SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE A FULL STACK DEVELPOER 

• Problem-Solving Skills:

When it comes to full-stack development, you will surely get coding errors and bugs frequently. Having problem-solving skills will allow you to solve those problems efficiently. Being a full-stack developer, you may be requested to brainstorm and implement any challenging idea or have to solve the issues of applications in the process. Whatever the situation, your problem-solving skills will save your day.

Be it any problem; these steps would help you tackle them efficiently.

1. Recognize and define the problem.
2. Come up with possible solutions.
3. Assess the options.
4. Select the best solution.
5. Enforce the solution.
6. Evaluate the outcome.

• Time Management:

Managing time is an art and being in a multitasking role like a full stack developer, you have to hone this skill. Businesses run with strict deadlines and schedules, so working as a full-stack developer, you must know to be on the second quadrant of time management, which is the quadrant of quality. You have to master the skill of organizing, prioritizing, and consistently delegating to keep projects on track.

• Attention to detail

Being a coder needs you to be detail-oriented to detect rogue

queues of code, recognise errors produced within a framework and pinpoint where the front and backend fail to communicate. You have to deal with voluminous code and various tools & technologies, which makes you prone to errors. So having the skills of attention to detail will help you save time and avoid significant mistakes.

• Patience and Mindfulness: 

As a full-stack developer, you will spend most of your time coding. Without a doubt, trial and error is an innate component of the coding process. Coding takes time and effort and many trials to get the desired results. Thus, being positive, consistent and patient will make you the best coder or full-stack developer. On the other hand, when we talk about mindfulness, it is particularly conscious of what you’re perceiving and considering at the moment, without interpretation or judgment. So being mindful and attentive can help you gain the best productivity.

• Creativity: 

Creativity is a must-have skill whether you are a front-end developer or a back-end developer. As a full-stack developer, you need to build the best client-side development. Thus, you have to be creative to win the client and beat the competition. Creativity comes with inspiration, so the more you view similar projects and works, the more inspiration you will get. You are responsible for managing the website’s look, feel, and usability, which requires a creative mind-set.

• Communication: 

Whether you are working on a large scale or a small scale

organization, you need to communicate within your team, with peers and clients. Communication helps in a better and more comfortable working environment. If you can share technical issues or problems instantly, you will find a resolution quickly. Being a full-stack developer, you are needed to be an explicit communicator who can ensure everyone is on the same page.

• Multitasking

Multitasking comes with excellent time management and focus. As of now, you know that your role needs you to switch back and forth between and, at the same time, perform different tasks rapidly as per the schedules and priorities, so the quality of multitasking is a must-have skill. Undoubtedly, you must be able to manage numerous duties at once by concentrating on one task while holding track of others.

Conclusion : 

There are certain prerequisites of becoming a Full-Stack developer. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field will give you the foundation. Further, you can get international certification for FULL STACK DEVELOPMENT. The Global Skill Development Council (GSDC) is an independent, vendor-neutral, international credentialing and certification organization for emerging technologies.

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