To start with, full stack development refers to the end-to-end application software development, which includes the front end and the back end.
Sign up for Full Stack Web Developer Bootcamp can work wonders for your career as full stack development is one of the top skills recruiters look for nowadays.
The front end consists of the user interface while the back end takes care of business logic and application workflow.
A full-stack developer is a person who has the combined skills of front-end and back-end development. A full-stack developer has knowledge of an entire technology stack.
Looking for the steps to becoming a full stack web developer that’s sought after? This article is exactly what you need.
Let’s get right in!
What is a Full-stack Developer?
A full-stack developer is someone who can single-handedly develop both client and server software.
Full-stack developers are experts in both front-end and back-end development making them most sought after by companies.
A front-end developer is a software developer who deals with creating and designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of websites and web applications.
They’re saddled with the responsibility of creating user-friendly, visually appealing, and functionally efficient websites.
Back-end development on the other hand focuses on everything you can’t see on the website. Where front-end development is the tip of the iceberg, back-end is every other thing below the water surface.
Back-end developers must be familiar with many kinds of tools and frameworks, including languages such as Python, Java, and Ruby.
What Does a Full Stack Developer Do?
As a full-stack developer, you get to work on front-end software, back-end software, and everything in between
Also, a full-stack developer must be well-versed in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and be familiar with back-end technologies and database structures.
A full-stack developer is saddled with a lot of responsibilities, some of which are:
- Helping with the design and development of software
- Testing and debugging software to keep it optimized
- Writing clean code for the front and back end of the software
- Designing user interactions on the web application itself
- Researching industry trends and developments in digital technologies
Now to the gist…
How to Become a Full-Stack Developer
- Enroll in a course
- Learn the necessary programming language and tools
- Develop your skill set
- Learn the top necessary frameworks
- Build your portfolio
- Create your resume
- Practice daily
Enroll for a Course
The first and crucial step is knowing about full-stack development. The best way to kickstart your journey into the diverse field of full-stack development is to enroll and complete a course in Full Stack Development.
Learn the Necessary Programming Languages
The essential programming languages you’ll need to learn include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
HTML and CSS are where you should start your journey as it gives the true fundamentals of a developer workflow. Safe to say, learning HTML and CSS is a prerequisite.
JavaScript is one of the most popular and most used programming languages. JavaScript is a programming language that’s used in all modern browsers. Plus, it has a gigantic ecosystem!
Develop Your Skill Set
Your technical skills and soft skills are essential in your journey to becoming a full-stack developer.
Some of the essential technical skills you need:
- Git and GitHub
- Back-end development language (Python, PHP, Ruby, etc.)
- Web Architecture
- Database Management Systems
- Fundamentals of Design
- REST and SOAP
It is necessary to build your soft skills. You would be working with humans too. To have a better work environment and relationship, you need to be proficient in:
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Being patient
- Time management
- Paying attention to details
- Inquisition
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability, etc.
Learn the Top Necessary Frameworks
Full stack frameworks allow developers to focus on building valuable code and save them the stress of worrying about server configuration and system issues.
Full-stack developers are usually expected to have knowledge of the following frameworks:
Node.js
Node.js is a server-side JavaScript runtime environment that enables the use of JavaScript for backend development. It has a built-in package manager, which reduces the lines of code needed. It’s used for web applications that are demanding in nature.
React
React is a front-end JavaScript library used to build user interfaces. It’s employed for managing the presentation layer of web applications. React is fast and can increase performance greatly. One huge advantage of React is its reusable UI structures which help reduce the time used to code from the start.
Laravel
Laravel is an open-source PHP web application framework that is used for building scalable and secure web applications. Laravel boosts the speed of web development.
AngularJS
Angular is a front-end JavaScript framework used for building dynamic web applications. The development of the front and back end can be done at the same time with Angular. It is an excellent choice for big, complex projects.
Django
Django is a Python web framework that is used for building web applications quickly and efficiently. Django is exceptionally flexible and expandable. It also tends to use fewer code sentences.
Express
Express is a robust Node.js web application framework. It is used for building dynamic web applications. Express reduces coding time almost by half.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a backend framework, based on the language Ruby. It’s a reliable platform for users because it is constantly being updated. Ruby on Rails allows you to quickly model and construct web applications with little configuration.
Flask
Flask is a lightweight Python web framework that is used for building small and medium-sized web applications. It’s simple and effective, it doesn’t need special tools or libraries to function.
Build Your Portfolio
When you’re applying for a job as a full-stack developer, your portfolio is very important.
A portfolio is the quickest way to show your proficiency. It also helps recruiters determine if you’re the best fit for the role.
It’s important to note here that your portfolio needs to be understandable to everyone (technical or non-technical). You don’t want to give the recruiter a hard time.
Your portfolio should:
- have a consistent structure and a minimal design.
- quick load time
- Be concise and straight to the point
- Show your works, the ones relevant to the job
- include social proof, testimonials, and awards
- have your contact details.
Create Your Resume
Here’s a list of what you should note when creating your resume to make you stand out:
- Choose the right layout
- Categorize your skills.
- Certifications in some skills
- Highlight your best work history
- Focus on accomplishment
- A concise summary of your industry experience,
- Include a link to your portfolio
- Show how you can provide solutions
- Optimize readability, etc.
Do Coding Exercises Daily
Learning never stops. As you apply for jobs and wait to be called for an interview, don’t stop practicing. This would help you solidify your knowledge and boost your confidence.
How Much Can You Earn as a Full Stack Developer in Nigeria?
Full-stack developer salaries vary. The level you are in your career determines how well you’ll be paid.
According to Grabjobs;
The average salary for a Full Stack Developer is ₦131,006 per month in Nigeria.
For an entry-level full-stack developer position, it starts at ₦1,336,260 per year.
For an experienced senior full-stack developer position, you can get up to ₦1,807,884 per year.
FAQ
Q: How Long Does It Take To Become a Full-Stack Developer?
Becoming a full stack developer would take some time. How long it takes depends on the mode of learning too. Averagely, it would take between 9-18 months.
Q: Why choose a career as a Full Stack Developer?
Full stack developer has become the most sought-after job with changing technologies. It is an exciting, in-demand and rewarding career. A career in full-stack development is a highly versatile career that combines creativity with analysis.
Q: Do Full-Stack Developers Need To Know How To Code?
Yes. Recruiters might require that you are proficient in HTML, CSS, etc
Q: What is the Average Full-Stack Web Developer Salary in Nigeria?
The average salary for a full-stack developer in Nigeria is NGN 1,572,072 per year
In conclusion,
Fullstack development is more popular than ever even in Nigeria. So, if you’ve been considering going into tech, this is your time.
You also don’t necessarily need an extensive coding background to kickstart your web development career.
The courses on offer at Hagital Consulting were curated to help throughout your journey to being the most sought-after full-stack web developer.
