What Is a Full Stack Web Developer and How to Become One

Full stack web developers develop the front end and back end of web applications. Your job duties include building web projects from scratch, testing and debugging software, and maintaining and improving existing web applications. Your frontend work includes creating an intuitive user interface, while your backend work involves server-side processes and database systems. As a web developer, you work with a team of other developers to evaluate each other’s work, ensuring that errors are caught and processes are smooth before going live in applications.

Full stack web developers have the ability to create both the front and back ends of web projects. Because this requires a broad set of skills, there are fewer applicants in the job market for these positions, which means more opportunities for qualified candidates. To begin a career as a full stack developer, you need a solid understanding of web development technologies and strong computer programming skills. You can get those skills several ways: online training and certification, a computer programming bootcamp, an associate degree in web programming, or a bachelor’s degree in computer science. You need skills with web developer tools like JavaScript, jQuery, CSS, HTML5, PHP, Java, and SQL. As you gain experience, you can advance from entry-level full stack developer jobs to mid-level and senior-level full stack web developer jobs.