Full Stack Developers have a unique advantage: theoretically, they know the same essential tools as Front End Developers, and have mastered all the skills required for Back End Developers. In short, they can do both jobs.

While this might seem like an unfair advantage, nothing could be further from the truth. Some tech pros prefer to work on front end development only, whereas others choose to specialize in back end development. An employee in a small firm might be required to learn front and back end development on the job, saving the company from paying for two workers.

So why do it? Here are three top considerations:

  1. In a word, you’re more hireable. Any company hiring a Full Stack Developer knows what they’re getting. Although there’s nothing wrong with becoming a Front End or Back End Developer, a company with a Full Stack Developer on staff knows they can handle either area of expertise.
  2. You’re also in demand. Yes, there are available development positions of all kinds, but you’re likely going to be more valuable on the salary scale if you can develop front end and back end. As a Full Stack Developer, you can expect to do both, even in the case where a company hires you initially for a front end or back end role.
  3. You have greater flexibility in the job market. It might seem obvious, but you can apply for a position as a Front End Developer, Back End Developer, or Full Stack Developer. Whatever the scenario, your credentials will make it clear you can be utilized in a full stack role.

The Many Paths Open to Full Stack Web Developers

If you’ve always thought everyone who trains in full stack development wants that specific role, you may be surprised to learn how many avenues are open to these tech pros. The following is a list of potential titles for those with full stack training:

  • Web Developer
  • Full Stack Developer
  • .NET/React Full Stack Developer
  • Java Full Stack Developer
  • Full Stack PHP Developer
  • Front End Developer
  • Back End Developer
  • Software Engineer

This list is by no means comprehensive, but the diversity of roles shows the demand for Full Stack Developers in different fields. Note the emphasis on full stack in cases like the PHP development position, while the Java and .NET/React roles emphasize the need for expertise in specific frameworks or platforms.

In terms of salaries, full stack development roles generally pay well. Salary.com estimates a range around $84,000 to $111,000 annually, although factors like location and sector will influence where in that range a position fits.

Where to Start

Now that you know more about full stack development roles, consider how to begin learning. Self-study won’t take you too far, though you can research different positions to see whether they appeal to you. Here are some popular paths to becoming a Full Stack Developer:

Part-time/Contract/Internship Work

Many organizations need interns, part-timers, or contract employees with coding skills. If you’re a web development novice, working a few hours a week in a temporary or contract role, or a paid or even free internship, might be the best way to get started.

Individual Classes

While a short seminar or workshop won’t train you to qualify for a specific position, it can offer valuable insight into what areas in full stack web development you prefer. Noble Desktop, which hosts this search tool, offers an Intro to HTML & CSS, as well as a JavaScript for Front End course appropriate for students with more advanced HTML/CSS knowledge.

College or University

A college or university can provide comprehensive training over a prolonged period, but degrees in Computer Science or Computer Engineering don’t necessarily prepare you for specific development roles. Some schools offer Bachelor of Science programs in Mobile App Development or Web Design, but you may need additional training for these as well. The time and expense can also be prohibitive for many students.

Bootcamp/Certificate Programs

Midway between a one- or two-day class and a four-year degree program, bootcamps and certificates have become increasingly popular for tech students at all levels—especially in web development.

Noble Desktop’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate takes students from beginner to master, in 12 weeks full-time or nine months part-time. The program combines intensive bootcamps in subjects like HTML/CSS, JavaScript, MongoDB, Express.js, and Node.js. It also provides six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, including job support.

Other programs open to front end development students include a separate JavaScript Development Certificate, Front End Web Development Certificate, and Software Engineering Certificate.

Top Languages, Libraries & Frameworks

  • HTML - Originally developed by WHATWG, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a basic building block on the web. Developers at all levels should master it.
  • CSS - Typically paired with HTML, Cascading Style Sheets is a style sheet language developed by W3C, the World Wide Web Consortium. Also essential for design and development pros.
  • JavaScript - The ubiquitous JavaScript language and its libraries and frameworks are often abbreviated as .js or JS. Nearly 100% of existing websites include JavaScript.
  • MEAN - MEAN is an acronym for MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js. The MEAN stack of frameworks is a favorite among Full Stack Developers, based on JavaScript and JSON.
  • Python - The Python language, along with the Django REST framework, is essential for Web Developers as well as Data Scientists and Analysts. Back end development in particular often relies on Django REST.
  • JSX - A syntax extension, JavaScript XML is used to add HTML elements to React. It’s easy to learn for those with HTML experience and can be a great timesaver for Web Developers.

Do Full Stack Developers Need Certifications?

Once you have completed training and started work as a Full Stack Developer, the short answer is no: you don’t necessarily need additional certifications to hold a full stack position.

Still, Full Stack Developers in certain industries or roles can benefit from a select few certifications from household-name companies. Consider whether the following are appropriate for your position or sector:

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Amazon offers a number of certification programs for development, cloud computing, and machine learning (ML) professionals. 
  • Microsoft - For some development pros, Microsoft Azure or Power Platform certification might be required. You can check out all MS certificate offerings here.
  • Oracle - Oracle certified professionals include software, cloud services, and applications. These types of certifications can be appropriate for a variety of technical roles, including web and app development.

You might also consider additional designations, like Certified Web Professional, Java Development Certified Professional, or CIW Web Development Professional. Whichever role you ultimately choose, ongoing education and professional development can make you stand out from the crowd in this engaging, ever-growing field.