How to Become Full Stack Developer

What is Full Stack Development, Definition?

Full stack development refers to the development of both front end and back end portions of an application. This web development process involves all three layer- Presentation layer(front end part that deals with the user interface), Business Logic Layer(back end part that deals with data validation) and the database Layer. It takes care of all the steps from the conception of an idea to the actual finished product.

Having a specialist work on each of the different subsystems of web development process proves quite complex and expensive. Companies are demanding full stack developers who are proficient in working across multiple stacks.

‘Sounds interesting! Let’s see what is the skill set required to enter this upcoming field.’

 

 

Full Stack Web Developer definition:

A full stack developer has the functional knowledge and the ability to work on all aspects involved in building an application. He is proficient in

• Writing optimized front-end code in HTML, Java, JavaScript
• Creating and using APIs and writing backend code in Ruby, Python/Java
• Working with system infrastructure including hardware and OS
• Networking, Security
• Understanding, creating and querying databases
• Project management and Client coordination

Hence a full stack developer can develop strategies for every part of the web development process. He develops this deep knowledge of the systems through years of experience in working in this field. So a full stack developer is nothing less than a veteran who has high responsibilities. Such skills are difficult to gather and people who possess these skills are greatly in-demand in the industry.

Scroll down to Learn how to become full stack web developer!

Though experience makes one an expert in this field, there are various courses that one can do to start off the journey and become a full stack developer. Here we have listed down the 4 most popular courses in full stack. Read on to find out which course matches your capabilities and interests.

Full Stack Web Development Course:

Companies are looking at hiring web developers who are experts in all facets of the web development process. They are looking at people who can play different roles like a designer, developer, and database specialist. Specialist in single subsystems like only front-end or back end cannot understand the bigger picture of the entire system. Moreover, when multiple experts work on the development process it becomes complex and time consuming. Coordination and strategizing also become an issue. That is why Full stack developers are the most sought after by companies today. Though there are several courses that one can do to learn different technologies, these courses are only a few pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. Even after learning a few of these technologies one will not understand how these pieces fit in to complete the puzzle. With a full stack web development course, you can gain expertise in multiple technologies and also learn how they work in sync with each other. These courses provide a seamless transition from a simple developer to a full stack developer. The developer learns how to use different technologies to design, develop, and launch the website.

A full stack web development course will teach you how to design and develop complete websites from start to finish. You will learn how to work on different aspects of web development including front-end, back-end, databases, debugging, testing, version control and other essential technologies. You will go through each of these segments in a step by step manner and gain expertise in each of them. The courses cover both theory based learning as well as practical application. Live projects give hands on experience to work as a full stack developer.

Here are some of the most common technologies that you will develop expertise in, under each segment.

• Front end- HTML, HTML5, JavaScript, J Query, CSS3
• Backend- Ruby on Rails, PHP, Angular2, Node.js
• Database- MySQL, MongoDB, CouchDB
• Debugging/Version Control- GIT, Grunt, Xdebug, Subversion

So basically these courses begin with giving you a fundamental knowledge of front end development. You will learn how to use HTML5, CSS3 to create simple applications. 

Then you will go on to learn advanced concepts needed to create interactive and responsive designs. With knowledge of popular backend technologies like Node.js and Ruby on Rails you will become a master in developing and coding complex server side applications. You will also learn how to make powerful use of relational database and how to secure and configure the server and host applications. 

You will explore how to implement a number of advanced features like email notifications, user authentication and many more. Working with servers, performing database integrations and troubleshooting development issues will be a piece of cake for you.

Rich learning content including training videos, online resources, e-books, interactive quizzes, exercises will be provided to you to facilitate learning. 


You will be taught by top industry professionals who have ample experience of working in this field. Assignments, Case studies, and live projects help you to learn by doing it hands on. Effective feedback on the projects and personalized attention will make learning a very smooth process.

Once you learn how to design, develop and launch a website single-handedly you will have a bright career path ahead of you. Some training institutes also help you with placements in leading companies, so that you can get a head start in your career.

So if you are a graduate with basic knowledge of computers, OS, and basic coding skills you can hope for a bright career in web development after taking this course. If you are already in the development field with the only front end or only back end knowledge, you can advance your skills to the highest level by enrolling for a full stack web development course.
After all, the future scope of specialists in only one area is slowly fading away. You should be an expert in the entire process right from designing, development to deployment. Software development companies, Website development studios- all are looking for Full Stack web developers who are masters in all fields.

Full Stack Web App Development Course:

Full stack web app development courses are meant for people who wish to be an expert in developing web applications. This course will familiarize you with each layer of the software technology including data base technology, web server environment, network protocols and user interface. 
Here you will learn all the fundamental concepts that you need to develop, test and deploy your own full-stack web app from start to finish. As you learn the theoretical concepts you will actually build a full stack web app along with the course so that you gain first hand working experience. You will also learn how to include features like user authentication and user accounts. 
A basic understanding of HTML, CSS and Javascript is a prerequisite for this course.

Full Stack Digital Marketing Course:

Whether you are a business owner looking to increase traffic to your website or an aspiring digital marketing expert, this course will help you to master the strategic marketing concepts and understand the tools needed to create a brand image in the digital world. Here you will learn about the various aspects of digital marketing including Search engine optimization, social media marketing, email marketing, Facebook Marketing, Twitter marketing, Youtube marketing, Copywriting, WordPress, Google Analytics and Adwords.  You will learn how to develop strategies and use these techniques to increase traffic, generate leads and grow any type of business.

Career as a Full stack web developer:

Well, by now you must have realized that it isn’t quite easy. Becoming a master in so many different technologies will take a lot of time and patience. So is it worth the efforts?

Yes, it definitely is. Newly set up companies and start-ups are increasingly on the lookout for such experts who can help them achieve the same results in a lesser budget. So rather than having a front end, back end and database expert, hiring one full stack developer who can do the job of all 3 individuals prove to be cost effective. Moreover, the full stack developer understands the bigger picture and can provide a seamless integration of various subsystems in the development process. So if you learn all the aspects of web development you surely have a bright future ahead of you. According to the job trends of the popular website Indeed, the no. of job openings for full stack web developers has increased 8 folds since 2012.

Full Stack Developer Salary in India, USA:

In India, the average salary of a full stack developer ranges between 3.9 lakhs to 7 lakhs depending on the number of experience in the field. Major IT companies like Wipro, SAP, TCS, Deloitte, and HCL hire full stack developers who are a jack of all trades.

In USA, the average pay of a full stack developer is $76,000. Wells Fargo, HP, Walt Disney, Expedia are some of the major employers of full stack developers.

Hence a versatile full stack web developer will have tremendous opportunities for growth, and will never have to worry about job security.

Bottom Line:

Full Stack web development is an upcoming field that will continue to grow in the future. With ample job openings, lucrative pay-scale and opportunities for advancement considering a career as a full stack developer is a wise decision.

So if you are all set to ride the information technology wave as a full stack developer take one of the courses in full stack development and be an expert in the field. Various courses mentioned above will make you an expert in front end technologies, back end technologies and databases. With knowledge of programming languages, servers, databases, networks and hosting environments you will know how to link the different pieces of the puzzle to create perfect web solutions.

Just one small tip in the end- It is not just about learning different technologies, but also experience in working on real projects that will help you achieve mastery in all the areas. So the more you practice, the sooner you will achieve success.

How to Become a Full Stack Web Developer -The detailed Guide?

Start-ups and newly set up companies usually have limited budgets. Even big businesses are finding ways and means to reduce their costs to survive the cut throat competition in the market. In such a scenario the ability to get a work done by a single individual instead of three can be nothing less than a god sent a gift.  A full stack developer is a person who can handle front end, back end and database aspects of a web development project. So instead of hiring a front end expert, a back end developer, and a database specialist, companies are increasingly demanding a full stack developer who is a jack of all trades.

If you become a full stack developer you will have ample job opportunities waiting for you with open hands. Your skills set will give you an edge to command a higher salary than other developers.

Full Stack developer Vs Software Engineer:

So if you are a software engineer ready to upgrade your skills and take on the challenge lets first see what is the prime difference between a software engineer and a full web stack developer. What is it that you need to know to stand out from the rest?

A full stack web developer is someone who has both front end as well as backend knowledge. They are well versed with programming languages needed for client side development. They know how to write back end applications and APIs that power the website. They can work with databases, operating systems and they can also handle project management activities. Basically, they are comfortable working on all tiers of application development.

A software engineer –On the other hand, is a computer programmer who develops software applications that run on a computer. They write the code using a programming language and test it rigorously to ensure that the software runs without errors and achieves the desired objective. They are specialists in only one tier of the application development.

If you are a software engineer you must have done some development courses to expand your skill set. Let’s find out how a full stack web development course differs from other development courses.

Most development courses focus on a particular layer of application development. Some focus on the front end development. In these courses, one learns languages like HTML and CSS that deal with the front look of the website which the user sees and experiences. These enable the developer to create engaging content that provides an impressive user experience. Some other courses deal with the back end aspects of server, application, and database. In contrast, a full stack web development course offers a complete package of front-end, back end and database knowledge. These courses prepare the learners to work cross functionally on the full stack of technology.

Full Stack Web Development Guide:

Follow this guide and give wings to your dream of becoming a full stack developer.

There are some essential technologies that you must learn in order to call yourself a full stack developer. Here is a quick guide to what technologies you must learn.

HTML and CSS- 

To begin your career in web development you must have the fundamental knowledge of HTML and CSS. They are the basic building blocks of web that enable you to add content and styles to your webpages. So start your journey of becoming a full stack developer by gaining a sound understanding of these front end concepts.

JavaScript-

The fact that JavaScript can be used both in front end and back end development makes it very popular. It is one of the hottest technologies in the market where continuous innovations take place. With new tools and frameworks getting released every year, one needs a sound knowledge in this area. Knowledge of JS frameworks like AngularJS and ReactJS would help one to write long codes with ease. A solid understanding of jQuery would be an added advantage.

Backend programming languages–

After gaining a strong foothold in the front end arena next comes backend languages like Ruby, Python, PHP etc. which handle application logic, user authentication, and data operations. Start with a language which is easier to learn. Whatever language you choose, just make sure you are thorough with its nuances. You may learn NodeJS which is based on JavaScript that you would have already learned before reaching this point.

Database& Web Storage-

In order to design and develop dynamic websites, one should surely know how database driven websites store and access data. Learn the benefits of relational database management system like SQL. Understand how to connect a backend language with a database. Gain knowledge about web storage so that you know how to store cookies, sessions and cached data in the browser.

HTTP and REST-

You must gain insights into HTTP- that is the protocol required to facilitate communication between the client and server. You must also know how REST is important to HTTP protocol and web applications. Knowledge of Chrome DevTools and SSL certificates would be advantageous.

Additional skills set to adopt as full stack developer are as follows.

Application Architecture-

Developing complex applications would require a deep knowledge of how the code should be structured, how the data needs to be structured in the database, how to separate files, where to perform computational tasks and where to host large media files. So a full stack web developer surely needs a deep knowledge of web application architecture.

Version control system-

A full stack web developer needs to be well versed with a version control system. An understanding of GIT will help you keep track of any changes that you make to the codebase.

The best way to begin your journey is to take up an online course in full stack web development that will not only help you build on your theoretical concepts but also give you practical insights. Let us explore some good tutorials available online.

Full Stack Developer Tutorials:

Coursera:

One can master the skills of a full stack web developer by joining a Specialization course with Coursera. Through a series of rigorous courses taught by top instructors using a step by step approach, these courses provide a wonderful resource for learning. Recorded video lectures, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums and hands on projects based on real business challenges make Coursera a wonderful training institute.

Udacity:

Through its Nanodegree programs, Udacity aims at imparting real skills in Web development. One can get a 360 degree view of the entire web development process, learn about industry best practices and gain confidence to tackle real life challenges. Udacity has a very focused approach, it imparts those skills that you need to gain a strong foothold in the industry. It involves the learner in real projects from the start and teaches by examples. The best part about learning with Udacity is that one develops a very good professional network here.

Udemy:

A global marketplace for online learning, Udemy also has very well constructed and comprehensive courses in full stack web development, that combine theory, demonstrations, and assignments.

Lynda:

Lynda has an extensive library of engaging top quality courses taught by the industry experts. The quality and clarity of these courses are what sets Lynda apart from other online courses.

Get hands-on Experience:

Remember learning about various technologies is just one side of the coin. Courses, books, blogs can only prepare you till a certain level. So once you have the foundation knowledge the next step is to put it to practice. Create something of your own to gain expertise.

Start by building simple and easy applications and put your front end as well as back end skills to use. Only when you do an actual project, will you understand the nuances of the job. Moreover, an employer wants to see more than just the certification courses on your resume. They want proof that you know how to create a tangible product. They want to see whether you can solve their problems. A list of projects that you have worked on will help in winning their trust.

Acquiring expertise in so many technologies and becoming an expert in all the layers of web development may seem like a daunting task in the beginning. But take my word, things get easier with time. You just need to have an urge of learning new things. Be persistent and don’t lose focus. As you gain experience in one technology learning the second one becomes a lot easier. Also, the experience will teach you how everything you learn fits in to create the big picture.

We wish you luck as you embark on your journey to become a Full Stack  Web Developer!

Author : Sandeep Kumar Jha

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