Full Stack Development/Developer explained!
If you are reading this article then chances are that you are aware of some things about the world of programming and software development. If you are not, that ok, we are going to tell you exactly what it means to be a Full Stack Developer. We at Pegasus One provide Full Stack development services across various platforms for truly enjoying the benefits of a full stack developer.
Everyone defines this title a little different from others. We are going to stick to the most basic version of the same, and a few alternates for your liking of course:
1. A developer specialized in front-end to back-end, and everything in-between.
2. A developer who has general information about all the steps from concept to finished product.
3. A fictional figure with a virtually unattainable skill set.
The last definition might defeat the purpose of this article altogether, but it’s true to some extent, although not entirely. Full-stack die-hards would consider a full-stack developer to have specialized knowledge in all stages of software development. So, to be a full stack developer, you need to be proficient (if not an expert) in the following:
Server, network, and hosting environment
Connecting the virtual worlds through APIs
Quality assurance
Design: User interface and user experience
Security
Databases
Requirement Analysis
So, are you a full stack developer? Then surely you know all this!
The world of software development has tremendously blown out of proportions given the advent of smartphones, mobile communication and a new generation web technologies taking over the globe. Many argue that such diverse aspects of development make it virtually impossible for anyone to be a full-stack developer, not to mention the impracticality of it all.
Although the above-given criteria do indeed make a person a superman, or, a Full Stack developer so to say, not everyone is of the same opinion:
A full-stack developer may be someone who is familiar with all the layers in computer software development. They may not be experts at everything, simply have the functional knowledge of all the steps involved. Such people make building software much easier, they are around for any problem at any stage. This might be the most reliable definition of what a full-stack developer is.
Where do such men crop up from!
Start-Ups, like may other things, are responsible for this incredible breed of programmers. A start-up needs the best talent to succeed. What better than making a person versatile in every sphere and letting him get things done. In other words, Full Stack developers are the back bone of the start-up industry, helping them minimize costs on multiple jobs. Clearly, it takes years of work experience in different languages, roles, and industries to reach this level of qualification. Because of this, full stack developers are few and far between, making those who exist very employable and in-demand.
Full Stack developers are in more demand and earn higher average salaries.
Full Stack developers should also have :
1. Ability to write quality unit tests. By the way, even JavaScript can have unit tests these days.
2. Understanding of repeatable automated processes for building the application, testing it, documenting it, and deploying it at scale.
3. An awareness of security concerns is important, as each layer presents its own possible vulnerabilities.
Closing Thoughts:
It is very bad practice to tightly couple code to a specific implementation (library, OS, hardware, etc). Just because a full stack developer understands the entire spectrum doesn’t mean they have license to take shortcuts. Well, actually they do if it is a build and throw away prototype. Technology start-ups need full stack developers, although they can even be the breeding ground for many! As an organization matures, it needs more and more focused skills. Full stack goes beyond a ‘senior engineer’, note that only a few of the points above involve coding skills.
