what is a full stack developer?
As a full stack developer, you work with the entire tech stack of a computer system application, from the front end to the back end. Since you straddle both domains of web development, you understand the programming languages used for both the front-end and back-end development of a website.
When handling the front end of an application, you design web pages to improve user experience. You create the layout and add artistic features to improve the website's usability. Apart from enhancing the appearance of websites, you ensure they are responsive to various devices and have optimal speeds for the users.
Your job also focuses on creating a back end that allows the front-end website to exist. You refine the code communicating with databases, servers and application programming interfaces (APIs). Hence, you should learn to code in back-end programming languages and manage databases.
Most companies rely on full stack developers to spot errors affecting a website's front and back-end sides. Your versatility is crucial in incorporating new technologies into web development since you can point out the impact on the technical side and the layout of an application.
Would working as a full stack developer suit your interest in technology and good programming skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a full stack developer role.
full stack developer jobsaverage full stack developer salary
According to Job Bank, full stack developers earn a salary of $122,415 per year or $62.78 an hour. Earnings fluctuate based on experience and qualifications. If you recently graduated as a full stack developer, you start with a salary of $97,226 annually. When you have over five years of experience, you lead a team of developers and work as a senior full stack developer. Hence, your salary is over $155,138 per year.
The salary of full stack developers also fluctuates based on location. Some regions or provinces pay a higher salary compared to others. For instance, in New Brunswick, you earn an average salary of $149,126 per year due to the high demand for full stack developers. Other high-paying regions include Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Working in urban areas improves your earnings because of the higher demand for developers in tech hubs and innovation centres.
You can increase your salary as a full stack developer by working on complex projects. For instance, working in a large company that handles diverse projects improves your earning potential due to a large number of available resources. While small companies and start-ups have lower salary ranges, they offer you a great opportunity to grow your skills and expertise.
types of full stack developers
As a full stack developer, you can specialize in the following types of web development:
- front-end developer: as a full stack developer in charge of the front-end design, you improve the web layout and enhance user experience. Since you focus on the client side, you use your artistic creativity to boost appearance and functionality. It is also essential to optimize the speed of the website.
- back-end developer: your job is to build the code that runs the website and enables the front-end functionality. You also connect the website to the databases to ensure data flows properly and functions are processed accurately.
working as a full stack developer
Are you intrigued by website designs and would like to be part of the development process? Check out the duties and responsibilities associated with becoming a full stack developer.
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what does a full stack developer do?
While the responsibilities depend on the employer, some of the everyday tasks of full stack developers include:
- developing software components and applications: as a full stack developer, you brainstorm with other team members on the features of a website or application. Once you know what the application should look like, you can start coding. Your job is to organize the system’s logic and build the underlying architecture and framework necessary to develop the website.
- incorporating new website features: continually monitoring websites and software for bugs is crucial. Your job is to integrate new features to improve the website's functionality. You also check the user interface, continuously optimizing it for speed and enhancing user experience.
- developing functional databases and servers: every application or website needs databases and servers to process and store data. As a full stack developer, you incorporate functional databases and other tools that improve site interaction and functionality.
- keeping up with emerging technology: as a full stack developer, keeping up with emerging technologies helps ensure the back-end and front-end of applications serve the users' needs. You should also test the websites regularly to ensure cross-platform compatibility and maintain responsive designs.
- communicating emerging technologies and features to decision-makers: knowing the best time to scale your employer's website to meet business needs is important. Your job is to create proposals and inform management on ways to improve security and scale the website's performance.
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work environment of a full stack developer
Full stack developers work in diverse industries that require the creation of applications and websites. You can work in technology companies, game development industries and consultancy businesses. As a full stack developer, you spend most of your time surrounded by computers in an office environment. The job doesn't involve frequent travel unless you attend conferences or workshops. When you work in a technology consultancy firm, you meet clients to discuss the features they need for their websites.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues might include software developers, web developers and software engineers. When working on large-scale projects, you are likely to work with Scrum Masters and project managers who guide teams of developers.
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full stack developer work schedule
As a full stack developer, your weekly work schedule is between 35 and 40 hours. You work the standard full-time office hours, typically between 9 am and 5 pm. Sometimes, you work longer hours to complete a project. If you are actively developing a website, you may have to work evenings and weekends. Part-time positions are available, and you can also work remotely as a freelancer. Some full stack developer opportunities are available on short-term contracts or project basis.
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career opportunities as a full stack developer
Full stack developers are in demand for their breadth of experience across various technology platforms. Aside from specializing as a front-end or back-end developer, you can also improve your skills to progress in your career. For instance, becoming a software engineer or a lead programmer with additional qualifications is possible. Since you handle both aspects of web development, you can become the project leader for various software development projects. Alternatively, move to other information technology (IT) fields like systems analytics and IT administration. Some full stack developers become consultants or college lecturers.
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advantages of finding a job as a full stack developer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
full stack developer skills and education
If you want to become a full stack developer, you need the following educational requirements:
- bachelor’s degree: to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a full stack developer, you require a bachelor's degree in computer programming or computer science. Other relevant courses in the role include web development and software engineering. Alternatively, pursue a college program in computer science or another related field to gain the knowledge necessary for computer programming.
- professional certification: while you don't need professional certification to become a full stack developer, it helps to have additional training in programming. Attend programming boot camps to improve your skills in Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Python and Java.
competencies and characteristics of full stack developers
Master the following skills to advance your career as a full stack developer:
- coding skills: a full stack developer needs exceptional coding skills to develop website frameworks and incorporate various functions. For instance, it is important to be conversant with HTML to create user interfaces and determine how a web page can be displayed.
- web architecture: as a full stack developer, you should be an expert in web architecture and understand the code structure to help you build a server-side that meets users' needs. With skills in web architecture, you can separate your files and perform computational tasks.
- attention to detail: as a developer, paying attention to the code you create is critical. Being detail-oriented ensures you build functional applications and websites. You can also save time by avoiding errors and creating clean websites.
- creative thinking: as a front-end developer, you should design a visually pleasing website and add functionality. Creativity also helps you develop a responsive website that people enjoy using.
- problem-solving skills: you face many obstacles and challenges as a full stack developer. Sometimes, you hit a snag in the coding phase and need problem-solving skills to resolve the issue and work efficiently.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a full stack developer.
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are full stack developers in demand?
The demand for full stack developers in Canada is soaring due to their expertise in both front-end and back-end development. While developers of all stripes are in demand, your combined knowledge of front-end and back-end programming improves your career prospects. Your expertise in multiple programming languages increases your career growth opportunities.
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how much do full stack developers make in Canada?
As a full stack developer, your earnings depend on your experience and qualifications. In an entry-level position, you start with a lower salary of $97,226 per year. As you improve your expertise in programming languages and development skills, your earnings gradually increase, and you can take home over $155,138 annually. Working in big cities or innovation hubs with a high demand for full stack developers also increases your salary expectations.
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how do I become a full stack developer?
To become a full stack developer, complete a degree in computer science or software engineering. A college diploma in computer programming equips you with the technical skills necessary for the role.
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what is the general job of a full stack developer?
As a full stack developer, you create or design both the front-end and back-end of an application or website. You rely on your programming and design skills to create an interactive front end for the user. Behind the scenes, you build data storage systems and maintain back-end components. You also troubleshoot software to fix bugs and other issues.
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is full stack developer a stressful career?
Like other tech careers, a full stack developer role is sometimes stressful. You are expected to solve problems in the development process, as well as work under pressure to meet tight deadlines. However, with the right skills, you can reduce your stress levels.
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how do I find a job as a full stack developer?
Finding a job near you as a full stack developer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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