Full stack developers: what do they do?

Experts in full stack development are becoming more and more sought after by companies. This is not surprising considering that they are such complete professional figures: these developers are able to work on both front end and back end areas. In other words, a full stack developer is capable of managing both the part of the app or software which the user will interact with, and all that lies behind that, allowing the operational mechanisms to be controlled.

Which languages must a full stack developer know?

When considering the skills of experts in full stack development, it is important to remember that these figures must master various different languages and frameworks. However, they do not need to know all of them. The ideal approach places the focus on continual updating so that they remain well-informed about the main technologies required by the market.

In addition to their technological knowledge, it is essential that they are familiar with the logics which govern the front end and back end of applications and software. Thanks to this extensive knowledge, 63.7% of developers are able to operate effectively in both areas (statistic from Developer Survey 2017).

A more detailed look can identify some technologies which a full stack developer must master without fail. In this category, we can include the HTML language but also the basics of CSS, which are essential for building the bones of a web page.

A knowledge of JavaScript is also very important, as it is one of the most widely used programming languages both for front end and back end. Familiarity with some popular JS development frameworks such as Angular and React is also desirable.

Back end technologies:  which are the most indispensable?

When it comes to full stack development, it can be difficult to define which back end technology is the best one to master. It is also essential to be familiar with development logics, without forgetting important technologies such as SQL, Java, Python and PHP.

To complete the essential skill set of a full stack developer, we must also include databases, both relational and otherwise, designed for storing data (in particular SQL and MongoDB).

Non-technical skills are also worth mentioning, such as the ability to think laterally, communication skills, creativity, curiosity, and the ability to manage one’s own time effectively.

How much can a full stack developer earn?

Professionals working in the field of full stack development can earn a lot. In the USA, this kind of professional figure can bring home as much as 100,000 dollars per year. In Europe, especially in the UK, full stack developers can reach 50,000/60,0000 pounds per year. However, the situation is quite different in the Eastern European countries where a full stack development expert struggles to reach more than 25,000 Euros gross annual pay.

In Italy, we can estimate that a full stack developer with a reasonable amount of experience will earn approximately 1,800 Euros net per month. Of course, this is an average starting salary, which may vary from one city to another or according to whether the professional is an employee or freelance.

It is safe to say that the professional full stack development expert is a complete and well-paid role. It should not be assumed however that this figure can replace the front end and back end developers. In many firms, in fact, we can observe all three of these professional figures collaborating day by day on a range of projects.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith