What does a full stack developer do?

A full stack developer is an IT professional equipped to handle both the user-facing (front-end) and server-side (back-end) aspects of a website or application. They typically take full ownership of development tasks, working with a range of programming languages, frameworks and tools to meet stakeholder goals. On the front end, they often build user interfaces and ensure a smooth user experience. On the back end, they may create APIs, manage databases and handle server logic. Their broad technical skill set enables them to troubleshoot issues across the full development stack, making them a vital member of any software development team.

Full stack developers may work full-time for a single organisation, for an agency managing multiple client projects or as freelancers on contract for specific projects. They often work closely with Graphic Designers or UX Designers to ensure that functionality aligns with the visual design and that the overall user experience is intuitive and efficient. In many cases, Full stack developers oversee entire projects from start to finish and may provide ongoing maintenance and updates. Given the rapid pace of technological change, staying up to date with emerging tools, languages and best practices is essential in this role.

Full stack developer skills and qualifications

While technical skills are at the core of a full stack developer’s role, strong soft skills are equally valuable in a collaborative development environment. Below is a combination of important hard and soft skills, along with examples of relevant technologies:

• Proficiency in front-end languages and frameworks (e.g. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Vue)
• Experience with back-end development (e.g. Node.js, Python, Ruby, Java, PHP)
• Familiarity with database technologies (e.g. MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL)
• Knowledge of RESTful APIs and web services
• Understanding of version control systems such as Git
• Strong problem-solving and debugging abilities
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team
• Patience and perseverance when handling complex tasks or shifting project scopes
• Effective time management and the ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously
• A commitment to continuous learning and staying up to date with evolving technologies

Full stack developer experience requirements

The role of a full stack developer is specialised, and many employers prefer candidates with solid hands-on experience. However, smaller or less complex projects may be suitable for professionals who are new to the field, including those whose experience is limited to internships or personal projects. Candidates with a background in other areas of computer science may also possess transferable skills that align with this role. When defining experience requirements, it’s important to consider the size and complexity of your project and your available budget. If you’re looking for a highly skilled full stack developer, seek candidates with a portfolio or work history that demonstrates a strong mix of front-end and back-end development, ideally with experience working in collaborative or agile teams.

Full stack developer education and training requirements

Many full stack developers have a degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field, but a formal qualification is not essential for success in this profession. A growing number of developers are self-taught, and there is a wide range of quality online learning resources, from structured courses to intensive bootcamps. Self-taught candidates may hold certifications in cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and front-end frameworks or programming languages can also support a candidate’s application. You can also look for evidence of their professional development through GitHub activity or contributions to technical blogs. Even when candidates do have a university degree, it’s still worth looking for additional certifications and signs of active engagement in the programming community, as these indicate a commitment to learning and keeping up with industry trends.

Full stack developer salary expectations

According to data on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing, the average salary for a Full Stack Developer is £52,758 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a full stack developer job description does not quite match your specific requirements, similar positions include:

• Front end developer
• Software developer
• Software engineer

Full stack developer job description FAQs

How can I make my full stack developer job description stand out?

To attract top talent, you can mention the specific technologies and tools your company uses and the kind of projects the team will work on. You could also highlight opportunities for learning or innovation. Flexibility, remote and hybrid working options are particularly sought after in this field.

Can full stack developers work remotely?

Yes. Full stack development is well suited to hybrid or remote working or even non-traditional hours, as most tasks can be completed independently online. However, these professionals typically need to work as part of a larger team, so using robust communication tools and processes, and implementing a hybrid model rather than full-time remote work is advisable for facilitating remote collaboration.

How do I assess a full stack developer’s coding ability?

Given the complex nature of the role, it may be a good idea to prepare a series of technical interview questions for a full stack developer, along with coding tests or reviewing GitHub projects. A multistage interview process, where structured conversations alternate with candidate tests, is common in the programming field.