You may wonder if a full-stack developer is considered to be a web developer? And the answer is of course yes. Full-stack and web developers have a similar range of tasks and responsibilities. However, you can meet both of these types of developers within one development team, meaning they are both in demand for various projects and purposes.
So what are the main differences between these types of devs? Which one type of developer is more valuable in today's job market?
Read our post further to find out the answers to these questions on full stack vs front or back end developers.
Front End Developer
Front-end developers are web developers who are responsible for the visual part of the software product that is visible for website users. Front-enders should master HTML, Javascript, and CSS code. Among the key responsibilities of front-end developers we would like to highlight:
• basis knowledge of web design meaning the structure of the website layouts and mockups;
• visualization of future website meaning the location of each button, image, page content, navigation, menu, etc. to provide a great user experience;
• testing the visual part of the product to reveal its weak sides and fix errors;
• ensuring that a website looks appropriate on different devices, screen sizes, and browsers.
All in all, front-end developers are tasked to create a user-friendly and convenient appearance of a website that further can be performed by back-end developers.
Back-End Developer
Back-end developers remain behind the scenes. Back-enders are responsible for developing the server-side of the software project, meaning to fulfill the front-end part of the product. The back-end developer is tasked to make every button and link on a website working and interactive.
The back-end part of the web development solution usually consists of:
Web Development Languages
Among the programming languages, back-end developers have to be proficient in PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, .Net, and others.
Database
The next core responsibility of back-end developers is mastering in:
• DBMS technology - among which are Oracle, MySQL, SQLServer, MongoDB, and others;
• caching, its different types and structure.
Server
To highlight the servers back-end developers work in, they are Nginx, IIS servers, Microsoft IIS, etc.
API
Being proficient in API and defining differences between different types is a must for back-end developers.
Full-Stack Developer
A full-stack developer is a universal soldier whose skills require the ability to work for both parts of the software project - front-end and back-end. Generally, the work of full-stack developers implies converting the project prototype into MVP with no additional help from other types of developers. Normally, full-stack developers master a particular stack of technologies that are in cooperation with one another. Among the most frequently used are:
• LAMP stack: JavaScript - Linux - Apache - MySQL - PHP
• LEMP stack: JavaScript - Linux - Nginx - MySQL - PHP
• MEAN stack: JavaScript - MongoDB - Express - AngularJS - Node.js
• Django stack: JavaScript - Python - Django - MySQL
• Ruby on Rails: JavaScript - Ruby - SQLite - Rails
Full-stack developers should also master the basics of web design to know how the application will actually work and interact with users.
To highlight the main tasks full-stack developer is responsible for:
• interpreting the client's app requirements into the list of required technologies;
• managing the full development lifecycle and keep the client informed;
• writing back-end ( Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, Javascript) and front-end (HTML,C#, CSS3) parts of the software solution;
• providing the testing process and ensure that the final result correspond with client's expectations and demands;
• experience working with frameworks like Bootstrap, Angular.js, React.js, Vue.js;
• aware of the legal requirements for software development, particularly data privacy, and data security;
• basic knowledge of UI/UX;
• understand the fundamentals of Scrum or other methodologies.
Web Dev Or Full-Stack?
So the last question is - which area is considered to be better - web developer, front-end or back-end, or full-stack developers?
The choice mostly depends on the skills of a particular specialist, personal preferences, and desires. This day the difference is not really considerable.
However, full-stack advantage makes sense. There is no need to look for and hire back-end and front-end developers separately. Full-stack developers surpass front-end and back-end developers by the following options:
• choosing and hiring a specialist to develop a software product is a responsible task as it is important to hold proper research and ensure about developers skills, experience, portfolio, technical expertise, etc.;
• the development flow duration decreases as one full-stack developer build the whole project from scratch and doesn’t need to explain to someone else about the project specifications;
• the full-stack developer also requires less budgeting and payrolls, especially when the software project is not large-scale and has a limited budget.
Still, there is no right answer to the question of what type of developers are more valuable and productive. The choice depends on the size of the software project, client preferences, company size, and project budget. Additionally, clients tend to pay more attention to proven experience in different types of software projects, meaning diverse sizes, levels of complexity, duration, industry, etc. All in all, if your development skills are high rated and qualified, it doesn't really matter what type of developer you are as anyway you will be appreciated and in demand.
Developer Details Conclusion
Taking everything into account, it is not a big deal which type of software developer you are going to become. Along with experience in developing different types of software and being proficient in the latest programming language, soft skills also play a great part in your future career development. It is vital to provide a creative and individual approach to each software project you are engaged in.
Hard and soft skills altogether create the general picture of you as a professional developer. However, you should never stop improving your skills, learn the latest technology trends and apply them into your working experience as a pro dev.
