The Benefits and Challenges of Being a Full Stack Developer
Full-stack development is becoming an increasingly crucial ability to have in the modern era of ever-growing and continuously changing technology. Therefore, before going into deep let's first understand that actually “what is a full stack developer”.
A full stack developer is a software developer who has the skills and knowledge to work on all aspects of web application development. This includes the front-end, back-end, and database layers of a web application. In other words, a full stack developer can work on both the client-side and server-side of a web application.
Front-end development involves working on the user interface, or what the user sees and interacts with, using languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Back-end development involves working on the server-side of a web application, which includes server-side programming languages such as Java, PHP, Ruby, Python, and JavaScript. Database management involves working with data storage and retrieval, such as SQL and NoSQL databases.
Full stack developers are proficient in multiple programming languages and technologies and have a strong understanding of how all these technologies work together to build a functional web application. They are able to work on all parts of the development process, from planning and designing to deployment and maintenance. Full-stack developers are highly valued in the industry due to their ability to work on multiple aspects of a project and are often in high demand from employers. Although it can be considered a reasonable standpoint in certain aspects. Nevertheless, there are several strong reasons to avoid pursuing a career as a full-stack developer. Therefore, before deciding to pursue the education and training required for a full-stack developer role, it is important to carefully evaluate the advantages and challenges of becoming a full stake developer.
Benefits of Being a Full Stack Developer
High Demand Job: Becoming a full-stack developer can lead to significant career growth opportunities, as indicated by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts a surge in job availability from 135,000 to over 853,000 by 2024. Full stack developers possess exceptional skills that allow them to seamlessly engage with various aspects of the development process at any stage. Additionally, companies are increasingly choosing to hire multi-talented developers instead of multiple developers for the same project, as it is more cost-effective and speeds up development, further driving the demand for full stack developers worldwide.
High Salary Range: In the field of information technology, all professions offer favorable earnings prospects, and full-stack developers are no exception. Our recent study indicates that individuals pursuing this occupation can earn an annual average of over $100,000. Although fresh graduates may initially receive lower salaries, their earnings increase with time as they gain more experience and hone their skills. A full-stack developer's income is largely influenced by their efficiency and work capacity, and after three to five years in the field, most can earn up to $122,645 annually.
Multiple Growth Options: Limiting yourself to either front-end development or back-end programming can restrict your potential for career growth. On the other hand, pursuing a full-stack developer career will break away from the conventional, narrow path and offer a wide range of opportunities. Moreover, possessing sought-after full-stack developer skills will increase your versatility across various web and app development environments, enhancing your likelihood of being recruited with a generous salary package (details to follow).
Challenges of Being a Full Stack Developer
Heavy Workload: As a full-stack developer, you will have to handle a multitude of tasks on a daily basis, and the resulting workload can cause many to experience prolonged stress and depression. It is crucial to manage your work and rest schedule effectively to prevent any negative health consequences related to work-related stress.
Multitasking: Full-stack developers must learn and become proficient in a greater number of tools and technologies, necessitating more effort to stay up to date with the ever-evolving software development landscape. As a full-stack developer, you should anticipate dedicating more time to researching new tools and contributing to project planning. While some individuals may thrive on constant change, others who prefer to specialize in one area and excel in it may not be the best fit for full-stack development.
Expectations Are Based on Assumptions: Many recruiters in the tech industry prefer candidates who possess skills in both front-end and back-end development, but this may not always be necessary. Full-stack developers can either specialize in both areas and specialize in one with some knowledge in the other. When evaluating a candidate's profile, it is important to clearly identify the necessary skill set and have practical expectations. Additionally, allow candidates to discuss their approach to managing the development process in alignment with your company's objectives and vision.
Conclusion
Becoming a full-stack developer offers a myriad of benefits, including lucrative earning opportunities, increased versatility, and access to a wide range of career paths. Full-stack developers have the ability to take on various development aspects at any stage of the process, making them valuable assets to companies seeking to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. However, being a full-stack developer also presents several challenges, such as the need to continuously learn and adapt to new tools and technologies, manage stress and workload, and balance work and personal life. Overall, the decision to pursue a career as a full-stack developer depends on an individual's strengths, interests, and personal goals, but those who possess the required skills and determination can expect to excel in this dynamic and rewarding field. You can start your career in Full Stack Development with Beingcert Certified Full Stack Developer Certification. Learn More