Job Profile Full Stack Developer: What are the tasks of a Full Stack Developer?
Software developer equals software developer? Wrong idea! Not all developers have the same tasks. While some are responsible for backend technologies, others work on the frontend. And then there are the all-rounders among the developers, the full stack developers. But what is a full stack developer and what are their tasks? We answer these and other important questions today! So stay tuned, it's worth it!
What is a full stack developer?
Hardly any other job in the IT industry is as exciting as that of a full stack developer. A full stack developer, also known as an all-round developer, is proficient in both front-end and back-end programming.
But what is front-end and what is back-end? The front end of a software comprises everything that the user sees and interacts with, such as the user interface of a website or app. The back-end, on the other hand, takes care of everything that runs in the background, such as databases, servers and the logic that works behind the scenes.
A full stack developer ensures that these two worlds are seamlessly connected so that the application works optimally for both end users and administrators. With their broad knowledge and ability to coordinate complex systems, they play a central role in application development.
What does a full stack developer do?
What are the tasks of a full stack developer? As a Full Stack Developer, you play a key role in the implementation of various web and software projects. You are responsible for the entire project management and coordinate the tasks of specialists such as front-end developers, back-end programmers and web designers. You will always maintain an overview, ensure efficient workflows and make sure that all project goals are achieved on time.
Your typical tasks will include
Creating and monitoring project plans: you set the roadmap for new web projects, such as the development of a homepage or software solution, and ensure that all milestones are reached on time.
Coordination and control: You organize and delegate tasks, keep an eye on progress and ensure quality assurance in all areas.
Organization of usability tests: You coordinate the implementation of usability tests for the software and derive the necessary optimizations to continuously improve the user experience.
Participation in web development: Whether back-end or front-end. You are not just a manager, but also get involved by actively working on the development of software.
Monitoring data security and data protection: You are responsible for ensuring that all security standards and data protection regulations are adhered to when using the software.
As you can see, in your role as a Full Stack Developer, you take on a responsible and versatile function in which you are involved in both strategic planning and the practical implementation of solutions. Your broad expertise makes you the link between the different areas of software development.
You should have these requirements as a Full Stack Developer
Would you like to get started as a Full Stack Developer? Then let's take a look at what skills you should have! An IT degree such as computer science, business informatics or IT management can make it easier to start your career, but is not essential. There are many ways to become successful in this profession - even a lateral entry is possible as long as you have the necessary skills.
Hard skills: Technical skills that you should master
As a full stack developer, you should have a sound knowledge of common markup and programming languages. In particular, this includes HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript and Python for web applications. For the development of desktop software, knowledge of C++ and Java is also an advantage.
Although you do not need to be an absolute specialist in all areas, basic knowledge of these technologies is essential. In addition, you should be able to create task descriptions, analyze error messages and think logically to solve problems efficiently.
Frontend development:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript: These basics are the foundation for any appealing and functional user interface.
Frameworks: You should have experience working with modern frontend frameworks such as React, Angular, Stencil or Vue.js to create dynamic and user-friendly interfaces.
Backend development:
Programming languages: You are proficient in one or more common programming languages such as Node.js, Python, Java, Ruby or PHP to efficiently develop the logic behind applications.
Frameworks: Experience with backend frameworks such as Express, Django or Spring is an advantage in order to build scalable and robust systems.
Databases:
Relational databases: you are adept at working with databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL and can design complex database queries efficiently.
NoSQL databases: Knowledge of MongoDB or Redis enables you to deal with non-relational databases and their scaling.
Versioning and deployment:
Git, Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes: you have experience in using tools such as Git for version control, Docker and Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration, and Jenkins for continuous integration.
Additional technical skills:
Network technologies: You have a good understanding of HTTP, REST and WebSocket to ensure stable communication between frontend and backend.
Server administration: Basic knowledge of working with Linux/Unix commands is also required to be able to make the necessary adjustments on servers.
If you have these hard skills, you are ideally prepared to take off as a full stack developer and make a significant contribution to the development of innovative software solutions.
Soft skills: These are the qualities that set you apart
As a Full Stack Developer, you will also take on a leadership role in many respects and should therefore not only be technically convincing, but also interpersonal. Organizational talent and communication skills are just as important as technical knowledge.
In your job, you will work with various colleagues and freelancers, so it is crucial how well you can coordinate tasks, create a productive working atmosphere and maintain clear, respectful communication. Your strengths should also include the ability to accept and give constructive feedback.
How do I become a full stack developer?
As a full stack developer, you should generally have a sound education or degree in the field of computer science. For example, you can train as an IT specialist or complete a degree in computer science at a university or university of applied sciences. Both paths provide you with the necessary foundation to be successful in software development and to master the diverse requirements of a full stack developer.
For those who have already chosen a different career path, there is also the option of entering the profession as a career changer. If you continue to train intensively in programming languages and gain practical experience, you can also find your way into full stack development.
As software programming is a constantly changing field, it is crucial that you are always up to date. Continuing education and training are therefore essential to further develop your skills and meet the demands of the market.
Conclusion
As a full stack developer, you are the all-rounder in software development. You are confronted with new, exciting and varied tasks every day. With your skills, you are the link between different team members and make sure that everything fits together perfectly. Sounds like an exciting job? We think so too! Take a look at our job vacancies. We're sure you'll find an exciting position as a Full Stack Developer!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the job as a full stack developer
A full stack developer masters both front-end and back-end development and combines user interfaces, databases and server logic to create a functional software solution.
This includes: design and implementation of user interfaces (HTML, CSS, JavaScript / TypeScript), development of server and logic components, connection of data storage (relational and NoSQL databases), design of APIs and ensuring performance, security and usability.
Important knowledge includes front-end languages and frameworks (e.g. React, Angular, Vue.js), back-end languages and frameworks (e.g. Node.js, Java / Spring, Python / Django), databases (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB), version control (Git) and deployment technologies such as containerization and CI/CD.
In addition to technical know-how, communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving skills and self-organization are important. The willingness to continuously develop and adapt to new technologies is also important.
Entry is often based on training or a degree in computer science/IT and initial development experience. With increasing professional experience, roles such as senior full stack developer, team leader or architect are possible. Further training and specialization open up further prospects.
Full stack developers work in various areas: Web and software development, start-ups, medium-sized companies and corporations - wherever end-to-end projects (frontend to backend) are realized.
A frontend developer focuses on user interfaces, while a backend developer is responsible for logic, databases and interfaces. A full stack developer takes on both areas and ensures that the frontend and backend work together smoothly in terms of technology and content.