How To Become A Full-Stack Developer In 7 Steps (And Skills)

Updated 15 September 2023

A full-stack developer is a technology career that involves designing and developing websites and web applications. These developers handle the frontend and backend development of websites. If you have an interest in becoming a full-stack developer, knowing what the role entails and its key responsibilities can help in making an informed decision. In this article, we discuss what a full-stack developer is, review how to become a full-stack developer and learn the skills required to become one.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is A Full-Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer is a web programmer who creates websites and web applications from scratch. These professionals can focus on both backend and frontend web development and require proficiency in programming tools and languages to develop a complete website. Backend development includes developing databases and infrastructure that power a website and frontend development include developing visual and usable parts of a website.

Though the backend of a website is not usually visible to users, it ensures that every website works properly. When designing the frontend and backend of an application, these developers ensure efficiency, reliability and other crucial features. These professionals have in-depth skills in languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript. They often lead web development teams that design new websites and update the existing ones. When working as a consultant, these developers advise and complete various tasks related to web-based programming.

How To Become A Full-Stack Developer

To understand how to become a full-stack developer, use these steps:

1. Complete your education in computer science

The first step toward becoming a full-stack developer is completing a degree in computer science or related areas. You can complete a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology in computer science. Some companies might prefer hiring candidates with a Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in computer science. Completing your graduation can help convince hiring managers that you have the fundamental and advanced coding skills. You can even pursue a post-graduate degree to further your career and show hiring managers you have the desired skills.

2. Learn the basic programming languages

As a full-stack developer, you are likely to use different programming languages like JavaScript, SQL and Python based on the project requirement. Knowledge of these frontend applications can help you create websites with different patterns and concepts. Proficiency in languages like HTML and CSS can help you build a strong foundation. You can learn these languages by enrolling in a beginner course, creating programs using templates and watching instructional videos on social media websites.

3. Gain knowledge of the development frameworks and tools

Apart from the aesthetics and layout of a website or web application, it is essential for developers to understand development frameworks and tools. Often, hiring managers prefer candidates who have an in-depth understanding of how frameworks and libraries call the code into action. It primarily helps in backend and frontend development. A basic understanding of AngularJS, JQuery and REACT is desirable for this role.

4. Learn database and caching

Every website or web application requires a database that stores the data. A firm grasp and proficiency in using different databases, such as SQL and MongoDB are desirable for the job. The database you use depends on the project you are completing because every database has its pros and cons. Often, a programming language might have accompanying databases that help optimise the programming code.

5. Practice coding

You can refine your programming and database skills by writing codes for basic websites and designing and accessing them from different devices. The more you practice, the more design and deployment understanding you gain. It can help in building your knowledge and help you develop interactive and visually appealing websites and web applications. You can practice using a free online platform and improve your coding skills.

6. Gain relevant experience

Internships and entry-level positions can provide you with valuable on-the-job training and experience. When you work as an entry-level developer, you gain relevant experience that can help you further in your career. You can consider joining a paid or unpaid internship to improve your skills and understand the job responsibilities. This can assist you in improving your coding skills, which might help you apply for a full-time full-stack developer. Look for jobs on various job websites and portals to get hired for a suitable full-stack development position.

7. Update your resume

You can represent your skills and abilities using a well-crafted resume. Focus on highlighting your knowledge of full-stack development through your resume. Use your resume to list your relevant skills and abilities and show hiring managers why you are a suitable candidate for the job. Showing your ability to work within a team can show managers your ability to work in a team. You can even share a link to your portfolio on your resume. Focus on listing your job experience and educational qualification to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

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Skills Of A Full-Stack Developer

Here are a few essential skills required by a full-stack developer:

Frontend design ability

It primarily combines creative design elements to display specific website aesthetics to users. Typically, frontend developers have in-depth knowledge and understanding of developing frontend design frameworks. These professionals ensure they make a visually appealing and interesting website. Often, they use frontend frameworks like AngularJS and REACT. Hiring managers expect these professionals to have proficiency in UI, UX, design, scalability and prototypes. Knowing frontend design is critical to making websites look visually appealing and attractive. Typically, a website with a neat and clean design resonates with the audience and the audience is likely to spend more time using it.

Teamwork skills

Apart from the ability to use various languages and databases, these professionals work in a highly collaborative team. This can help complete large-scale projects and ensure project timeline adherence. Often, hiring managers prefer hiring candidates who can lead a group, follow directions and recognise team members' specialised abilities to achieve production expectations. These skills can help a full-stack developer create better web designing applications. The ability to work in a small and large team is essential for this job.

Verbal and written communication skills

Creating code for backend and frontend requires both technical writing and business writing skills. You require excellent verbal communication skills to communicate with other developers and project stakeholders. Often, hiring managers prefer candidates who can effectively communicate their abilities while showcasing their portfolio of previous work completed.

Attention to detail

The amount of code and variety of tools and technologies required by full-stack developers can easily cause errors. This can hamper the performance of the website or web application. Hiring managers often prefer candidates who can identify mistakes and areas where frontend and backend are failing to communicate.

Time management

As a full-stack developer, you might complete various jobs and responsibilities simultaneously. Managing your time efficiently can help you handle multiple projects and ensure you deliver results on time. The ability to manage and organise your time is essential for this role.

Analytical skills

You might analyse code, scripts and style sheets when developing applications or websites. This can help you identify design and coding needs. Learning new programs and understanding how a particular code might behave can help you make your code interactive and useable.

Willingness to learn and upskill

Web development is constantly developing and hiring managers prefer candidates who are willing to learn and upskill their knowledge with time. Showing flexibility in learning new skills and upskilling your technical information can help you become a successful full-stack developer. You can subscribe to technology magazines to know which full-stack technology is in use.

Creativity

Design and development require creativity to write codes and create designs described by business users. When creating a new application, you often think creatively to execute a customer's requirement into a web application or website. The ability to write codes and develop intuitive and user-friendly websites is desirable for this role.