What is the meaning of a full-stack developer, and what do they do on a day-to-day basis? Full-stack itself refers to programming languages used to develop the front and back ends of websites, meaning that full-stack web development refers to software development of both the front and back end of websites and apps. 

This means that full-stack developers deal with the client interface as well as the server software, working with programming languages and a range of tools to complete a project. When viewed through this lens, the meaning of a full-stack developer is actually quite simple, especially if you already have some experience as a front-end developer.

Answering the question ‘What is full-stack development?’ can be simple enough, and it’s not tricky to define full-stack as a concept, but what does a full-stack developer day-to-day actually entail? Generally, a full-stack developer’s day will consist of going through code to ensure there are no bugs or that sites are running at full strength, as well as implementing optimisations, designing API and ensuring full site or app functionality. 

Those working in front-end development with some experience in back-end development may wonder whether they can call themselves a full-stack developer. 

A full-stack developer will jump between different types of development, both front-end and back-end. With this in mind, the two types of programming a full-stack developer will need to know to excel in their role include:

Full-stack development requires skills in programming languages and web development. Having a bachelor’s degree in IT, web development, web design, software engineering, computer science, or software development is a great advantage in this field and can help you find employment in full-stack development. 

A diploma in one of these areas can also help you secure a job, but getting further experience or qualifications will be necessary unless you are highly experienced.

Full-stack development is a part of web development, and therefore online web development and programming courses are a great way to learn the skills you need and gain a recognised qualification. Learn how to develop web pages and web applications through professional tutorials, and learners can build up a portfolio of experience throughout by completing assignments. 

You can study a full-stack developer course or specific courses in back-end technologies or fundamental web development, so it is ideal whether you are new to front-end web development and back-end web development or have some knowledge but want to gain a certified full-stack development qualification. 

You can increase your skills and knowledge in other key areas of IT, such as programming, which are essential to full-stack development too. When you enrol in programming courses, you can learn how to configure operating systems as well as learn how to use different programming languages to create computer programs. 

You can even study specific courses in different programming languages to enhance your skills, such as Python courses, and learn highly transferable IT skills, which are key to being a full-stack developer.

Having a degree in computer science can be handy for those who want to begin a career in full-stack development, but this isn’t the only path. An in-depth full-stack developer course can give you all of the skills you need to begin a professional career in this area. Having a strong skill set and experience in back-end programming languages, combined with a few soft skills, like problem-solving and being able to react to new challenges can be all you need to move forward in this career.

For those who are aiming to become a full-stack developer through a university education, it can take around three years to build the skills you’ll need to move forward in a career in this area. 

However, those who already have some knowledge in this area or wish to develop from a front-end developer into a full-stack developer can complete a full-stack developer course in as little as three months or between six and 12 months for those studying part-time.

Full-stack developers need a wide range of hard and soft skills in order to carry out their role, including knowledge of specific programming tools. This is one reason why gaining a qualification is key to demonstrating to clients that you have the skillset necessary to carry out full-stack development projects. 

Some of the full-stack development skills you will need to succeed in this career include:

If you are applying for a job or internship for full stack development, be prepared for interview questions which assess your knowledge and skills in these areas. Make sure to express your passion and knowledge of the full-stack development process.

Experience in programming, web architecture and coding are all needed for this position, and therefore employers favour candidates with some work experience or evidence of their skills. 

If you have a relevant degree or have studied a full-stack development course, then you will already have some practical IT and web development experience under your belt. However, having some experience working in an IT or web development environment will broaden your job opportunities.

Working in IT, especially a web development role, is excellent work experience which will help develop your skills and expand job opportunities. However, suppose you can find a position or an apprenticeship which is centred around programming, coding, web architecture or full-stack development. In that case, this can put you ahead of other candidates when it comes to finding a job as a full-stack developer.

Full-stack developers have fantastic career prospects and can go on to specialise in areas of stack development such as coding or web design or use their full-stack development knowledge to thrive in this lucrative role as a full-stack developer.  

You will likely begin your full-stack development career as a junior full-stack developer and then move on to in-demand full-stack developer jobs such as full-stack engineer, full-stack developer, programming consultant and front-end or back-end web developer.

There are also several opportunities in other IT roles, as you will have experience and knowledge in programming languages, coding and web development. Therefore, you can explore jobs as a software developer, web development, coding and IT support. Showing off your full-stack developer skills on your LinkedIn or CV will demonstrate to employers that you have the know-how needed to succeed in an entry-level job or higher.

Full-stack development encompasses a wide range of IT skills, from coding and programming to web design and project management. Develop these key skills through online courses and work experience, and you can land yourself a fantastic career with an abundance of job opportunities as the IT sector promises many full-stack developer positions with a high full-stack developer salary, excellent career development and plenty of job roles available worldwide.