Hiring web designers for your business can be a daunting task. Designers literally shape your website, making the right team essential for online success. While recruitment platforms and professional agencies can aid in the process, the ultimate choice rests with you.
When searching for candidates, you’ll encounter various specialized roles within web development. Among these, the full stack developer is a key position worth understanding and considering for your team.
What is a Full Stack Developer?
A full stack developer is proficient in both the front end (the user interface) and back end (the server-side operations) of a website or web application. They possess a comprehensive understanding of the technologies that make up an online system, enabling them to design, implement, and troubleshoot web projects effectively.
To grasp what a full stack developer does, let’s first explore the roles of front end and back end developers.
What Does a Front End Developer Do?
A front end developer focuses on the “front end” of a website or application—the part that users see and interact with. They ensure that visitors can absorb information, engage with page elements, and submit their data seamlessly.
To build the front end, developers typically use three primary languages:
- HTML: This language structures and organizes all the content on a page, including text, images, links, and buttons. It is fundamental to every web page.
- CSS: This language styles the visual elements of a page, from colors and fonts to layouts. CSS works closely with HTML to create visually appealing websites.
- JavaScript: This language adds interactivity to web pages. While HTML and CSS can create a static website, JavaScript is essential for dynamic features like forms and animations.
These languages run in the user’s browser, which is why they are referred to as “client-side” languages. Front end developers, as well as full stack developers, are well-versed in these technologies. They may also have backgrounds in user experience design or graphic design to enhance the front end.
While you only need HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a basic functional site, more complex tasks require robust back-end support.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Back End Developer?
The back end refers to the parts of a website that visitors cannot see. A back end developer writes code that runs on the web server to handle tasks such as storing and delivering content and communicating with other applications via APIs.
Back end developers typically specialize in one or more server-side programming languages, such as PHP, Python, or Java (distinct from JavaScript). They may also create and manage databases to store all site data, which requires knowledge of database languages like SQL and MongoDB.
Many websites, including those using content management systems (CMS), combine client-side languages with at least one server-side language. For example, WordPress sites operate on PHP and store data in SQL databases, requiring developers who specialize in these technologies.
What Does a Full Stack Developer Do?
A full stack developer bridges the gap between front end and back end development. They contribute to all aspects of the web development process, from designing user interfaces to programming server-side functionalities. A full stack developer is knowledgeable in client-side languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and at least one server-side programming language.
The term “stack” refers to a set of technologies that handle different functionalities within a website or application (e.g., user interface, data storage, server configuration). Therefore, developers who can program both front-end and back-end technologies are said to know the “full stack.”
While full stack developers may not specialize in every technology, they often focus on a specific technology stack. For example, a full stack developer might work within the popular LAMP stack, which includes:
- Linux: The operating system.
- Apache: A software for running web servers.
- MySQL: A database management system.
- PHP/Python/Perl: Server-side languages that facilitate communication between the browser and the web server.
A full stack developer can code in all the languages within their stack and also understands related technologies, even if they are not proficient in every language.
Having a full stack developer on your team can be invaluable. Their broad knowledge helps optimize performance, identify issues early, and connect team members to different aspects of your web service through their technical communication skills.
How to Find and Work with a Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers often accumulate years of experience across various roles to build the diverse skill set required for this complex position, making them highly sought after in the tech industry.
If you believe your team needs a full stack developer, you can start your search on platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor, but you may also benefit from specialized tech recruiting sites that focus on quality candidates. Consider platforms like Toptal and Scalable Path, which connect businesses with skilled freelancers.
In addition to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, full stack developers typically specialize in at least one server-side language and a specific technology stack. Be sure to mention the stack and languages your project requires in your job posting to attract suitable candidates.
Keep in mind that full stack developers don’t usually code entire websites on their own, even if they possess the necessary knowledge. In most companies, they primarily focus on either front-end or back-end development but can assist in other areas when needed.
However, in smaller organizations or startups with limited resources, a full stack developer may take on the entire site development process. It’s essential to clarify this aspect when considering candidates.
Besides their development expertise, full stack developers may have skills in areas such as project management and design, providing a more comprehensive perspective on the website creation process.
A Changing Tech Landscape
Another reason to consider hiring a full stack developer is that web technologies are continuously evolving. This evolution means that your website’s structure will likely need to adapt over time. As front-end and back-end technologies become more intertwined, it’s increasingly important to employ developers with a strong understanding of the entire tech stack.
Full stack developers understand how the various components fit together and can quickly adapt to new technologies that enhance the web experience. Finding the right full stack developer may be a challenge, but their skills will help keep your online presence relevant and effective.
