How to Become a Full Stack Developer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a Full Stack Developer is an excellent way to establish a successful career in the tech industry. In this tutorial, I will provide you with all the necessary steps to becoming a Full Stack Developer.
What is a Full Stack Developer?
A Full Stack Developer is a specialized role in the Web Engineering field. In the past, there were separate Frontend Developers and Backend Developers, also known as Frontend Engineers and Backend Engineers.
A Frontend Developer typically focuses on CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular. On the other hand, a Backend Developer deals with the API, Database, and server-side tasks. In larger teams, DevOps professionals handle backend configuration, setup, and maintenance.
A Full Stack Developer occupies a unique position that involves expertise in technologies and procedures that overlap between frontend and backend development. Rather than specializing deeply in one area, Full Stack Developers have a broader range of knowledge across multiple domains.
While a Full Stack Developer may not have the same level of expertise in certain aspects, such as intricate CSS selection, they possess a wider skill set in various other fields. They can work on both the React application that powers a web application and develop the API and manage the database.
Is Full Stack Developer in Demand?
Definitely! Full Stack Developers, being generalists, are always in high demand. Companies look for individuals who can take ownership of different parts of the codebase. Generalists have a versatile skill set and are willing to learn and adapt to various technologies, increasing their value to their employers.
However, there is also a demand for specialists. Startups, for example, may prefer to hire generalists who can handle multiple tasks due to limited resources. On the other hand, larger companies often seek specialists to fill specific roles, relying on a team of experts in different areas. The hiring decision ultimately depends on each company’s objectives.
Full Stack Developers as Makers and Indie Hackers
I come from a background of indie hacking, where I developed applications and products on my own. In this scenario, you automatically become a Full Stack Developer as you build an application from scratch, take it to launch, and handle its maintenance.
For startups and small companies, indie hackers with this type of experience are highly valuable. Their knowledge spans across different topics, including design, UX, marketing, and more.
Essential Skills for Full Stack Developers
The specific skills required to become a Full Stack Developer vary depending on individuals and their preferred tech stacks. Various definitions of Full Stack Development exist, such as proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Rails, Ember, Laravel, Vue.js, React, and Node.js.
In my definition, a Full Stack Developer should possess knowledge in networking fundamentals, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, working with the DOM, web platform APIs, Node.js, Express, and React. Click on the provided links to explore each topic in-depth.
Feel free to substitute Express with any other Node.js server framework and React with any frontend framework that suits your preferences.
How to Become a Full Stack Developer
Becoming a Full Stack Developer requires a combination of time and hard work. Start by learning the necessary technologies. Download the ebooks I have written and enroll in online courses to enhance your knowledge.
However, the most crucial aspect is to practice extensively what you have learned. I highly recommend participating in the “100 days of code” challenge, which involves coding for at least one hour every day and creating small projects along the way. As you progress, increase the complexity of your projects.
Alternatively, you can embark on your own project – the big app you plan to launch next year. A key factor is maintaining motivation, and having the goal of completing a significant project can contribute to your progress.
Tags: Full Stack Developer, Web Engineering, Frontend Developer, Backend Developer, Generalists, Specialists, Indie Hacking, Networking, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, DOM, Web Platform APIs, Node.js, Express, React