We’ve talked a lot about very niche technical jobs that required highly specialized, focused skills. But one tech expert is extremely well-rounded, contributing to the development of both back-end (coding) and front-end (design) pieces of websites. Meet the full-stack developer. Is this the person who develops huge piles of pancakes? No, but their work can be very, very tasty.

 

What they do

Full-stack developers do it all. They build out websites and apps from scratch, creating the framework on which the site sits, determining the navigation paths, and choosing the mechanisms for how data is processed. They focus on how data is collected and stored as well as instituting and maintaining solid security.

 

Contrary to the black-and-white skills involved in the back-end, full-stack developers also use their creative know-how to make the front end (the side the customer sees) pleasing to look at, and intuitive enough for new users to grasp. They also troubleshoot issues and fix bugs, all in an effort to keep improving their product.

 

How they can help

They help you every day without you even knowing they exist! An easy navigable website that you enjoy visiting, is easy to search, and holds your data securely was probably created by a very skilled full-stack developer—who also happens to make the updates that improve your experience release after release!

 

What tools they can use

As you can imagine with such a spectrum of necessary skills, full-stack developers rely on a lot of different tools.

 

• Back-end tools: These are mostly server-side programming languages like Python, PHP, Ruby on Rails, and CakePHP. Math and engineering nerds rejoice: If you’re with algorithms and cloud computing, you’re halfway there!
• Front-end tools: Think creative design here. Coding that drives dropdown menus, colors, and layouts as well as HTML, CSS, and scripting languages like JAVA, and graphic tools like Photoshop are in the front-end development toolbox.
• Database Management: Because every site has some data collection and storage elements, knowing how to create, manage, and manipulate data is critical.

 

How they got there

While most full-stack developers have a bachelor’s degree (most in computer science or computer engineering), if you have the right type of mind, this could be a great fit. If you have some computer savvy, are creative, and have a real attention to detail, that’s a great start. Solidifying your foundation interning or taking an entry level position with a software development firm will give you a taste for the job as you pick up some certificates that will make you more employable.

 

Where you can start

Start building a portfolio. Employers will want to see that you can code, but also that you have a designer’s eye (not every coder does!). You can take some classes in Photoshop and Canva, beef up your coding skills, or put all the pieces together by getting your Microsoft Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate.