Ever wondered how some developers can switch between UI design and building the server that powers it? This is where full-stack developers come into play.
You may have already heard of front-end and back-end developers. As the name suggests, they handle either the front or the back end of an application’s development. However, a full-stack developer is a versatile tech professional who can handle an app’s front and back ends. Full-stack developers are multipurpose solutions for your web and mobile development needs.
But what is a full-stack developer, and how do they vary? This blog will explain the types of full-stack developers and their unique benefits. Ever wondered what makes these developers so important? Read on to know why.
Who is a full-stack developer?
Before we get into who a full-stack developer is, let’s go over the basics of the web development process and break it down into super simple components.
Every software application comprises three key elements: the user interface, server-side processing, and data storage.
Think of it this way:
- The front end is the user interface, and is what users directly interact with. It focuses on both usability and visual design. Front-end development typically involves languages like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and sometimes XML.
- The back end is the part that users can’t see. It uses many frameworks and languages, like Node, C++, Java, Django, PHP, and Python, and the database stores user information.
So now you know that a full-stack developer is well-versed in both front-end and back-end programming. Now, how can this professional benefit your team?
Let’s understand that below.
6 Common types of full-stack developers and their key benefits
Full-stack developers come in various types, each offering unique advantages for your project:
1. MEAN stack developers
Many consider MEAN stack developers to be ideal for mobile app development. What does that mean?
Well, MEAN stack uses free, open-source JavaScript technologies. It stands for MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, and Node.js – the technologies that drive it. JavaScript is used by MEAN stack developers for front-end and back-end, making it easier to switch between server and client development.
They also typically use Angular for front-end development and Node.js for the server side, while MongoDB serves as the database.
Key benefits
The MEAN stack enables quick iteration and prototyping, allowing developers to rapidly build and adjust applications based on user feedback. Developers can create cross-platform apps using a single codebase, which will save them time and money.
2. MERN stack developers
Similar to MEAN, MERN uses JavaScript for web app development. It stands for MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js, where each has a specific function.
MongoDB is a document-oriented database and stores key data in JSON format. On the other hand, Express, a web framework, is used to speed up app development.
React is a front-end JavaScript library that contains a large user interface toolkit. Node.js runs JavaScript and coordinates communication between front-end and back-end components. This combination provides developers with a powerful full-stack framework.
So, what do you get with this kind of stack?
Key benefits
Choosing MERN stack developers gives you a features-packed JavaScript ecosystem. They deliver a scalable, unified, and open-source experience that spans the entire development lifecycle and accommodates coders at various skill levels.
MERN Stack lets developers build both ends of their apps with one language and a single toolset, reducing development time and complexity.
As an open-source framework, MERN stack development company enjoys an engaged, supportive community for knowledge sharing.
3. LAMP stack developers
LAMP stack is an open-source platform for building dynamic websites. It combines Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP technologies. It is simple to use and understand and is a better alternative for those with no programming experience.
It also provides many resources for customizing your server. With LAMP, developers have a better handle on caching, authentication, and content management.
Key Benefits
LAMP offers strong security features like user authentication and access control, ensuring applications are secure. It excels at handling dynamic content, making it suitable for blogs and online stores.
4. Ruby on Rails developer
Ruby on Rails is an MVC-based web development framework. Web frameworks are typically built on a specific programming language.
For instance, AngularJS uses JavaScript, so its libraries are JavaScript-based.
Likewise, Rails is built on the Ruby language. If you hire Ruby on Rails developers, they’d easily solve it without the programmer needing to create a new line of code.
Key Benefits
There has been a rapid growth in the popularity of Ruby on Rails as a framework. Why?
Well, in a way, Ruby developers have it easy, thanks to the framework’s simplicity and existing tools, reducing time and effort in developing a web application.
This framework emphasizes convention over configuration, easing project maintenance and scalability.
5. Python stack developer
These developers use Python’s frameworks for both front-end and back-end. They often employ Django, which offers pre-built components to streamline development.
For data storage, they typically choose PostgreSQL or MySQL.
Key Benefits
Python’s syntax is straightforward and accessible, even for newcomers. Python makes coding quicker with tools like Django and Flask. It works well for both small and big projects.
As your app gets bigger and has more users or data, Python can handle it well. This makes it a good choice for apps that might grow a lot.
And don’t be fooled by the simplicity – some of the world’s biggest platforms, like Instagram and Spotify, rely on Python!
6. Java stack developer
A Java stack developer uses Java as the primary language to build applications. They use frameworks such as Spring and Hibernate. These developers do both front-end and back-end work within the Java ecosystem.
Java has been around for decades, and developers use it in enterprise-level applications for its reliability, performance, and scalability. Finance, healthcare, and e-commerce firms often rely on Java stack developers to build efficient systems. Why is that?
Key Benefits
Java thrives on its high performance. It compiles to bytecode, which runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This makes it fast and able to handle complex, resource-intensive tasks.
Java also streamlines development, reducing coding effort. Lastly, it helps developers focus on the core functionality of the application.
What kind of stack developer do you need?
Full-stack developers are like a multipurpose key to the tech world. These versatile pros work with popular stacks like MEAN, MERN, and even Java, bringing a wide range of skills.
Their big picture view and multi-layer app skills are invaluable. They help businesses speed up development and finish projects faster. If you want to hire a full-stack development company, the benefits are clear: efficiency, versatility, and the ability to adapt to many project needs.
Today, all of these are more important than ever. Get started with full-stack development today!
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