In the past decade, the term "Full-Stack developer" has become popular, referring to a programmer skilled in handling all aspects of modern web pro...
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I can see where you're coming from. But after building so many solo full stack projects, I feel very adpet at both. I'm def not a UI/UX designer, but I can make a site look pretty (example: my official blog). But working on so my solo full stack projects, I feel like I have a deeper understanding than a niche front end or back end developer.
For example, a backend developer will often modularize the backend to fit the sql data structure. So they'll return item x in one end point, item y in another endpoint and item z in another. But the thing is that you need x, y and z all on one page, so you have to make 3 async api calls and monitor waterfall state management. When I believe it's much better to combine these into one endpoint that's build for that page specifically!
That way, you get one endpoint to return everything you need for a page. Making front end life a lot easier. I didn't invent this method, and there can be some drawbacks depending on the size of the response, but building the backend in a way that's efficient for the front in can be very benifical in a lot of scenarios!
In so many meetings, the front end and back end fight on how to do things. When the backend doesn't understand they way they are doing something is creating unnecessary complexity for the front end. And the front end also needs to understand backend well so they can make good suggestions as well. However the front end doesn't effect the backend as much as the backend effects the front end.
So even if you're not going to be a full stack expert, even if you're going to have a specialization, understanding the other side is very important to having good relationships with other teams and building a more efficient product for the end user. :)
You have a good base of knowledge about software development, and you apply that knowledge to both sides. I appreciate your positive view on full-stack development and having a comprehensive vision for a project. I want to write about this in the next article.
Thanks for sharing your comments
Can't wait to read it! 😁
You're right, I think backend devs often think they're making an API to their DB, but they're also making an API for the front end. And the back end / front end cut is the one that is most restricted in latency of them all, if the frontend is running locally in the browser.
I think this isn't necessarily true, it stems from what we individually think comes first. And honestly, you can definitely develop front first. Then the front-end is what affects the backend choices and primarily what kind of API it has to offer.
I see your point, but in my experience there is often a UI/UX team that's building out the designs for the pages before any developer touches it. So usually you don't have the front end making decisions on what data goes where, that's ironed out before either team touches the code base. Front end is usually only consulted for a final layer of feedback and technical considerations.
True, in the end what's right is to sit together and discuss the api between front and backend. But things and disorganization sadly happen anyway
Yup! XD Or you bring up legitimate points and concerns and they just don't care and make your life complicated because they wanna feel smart and clever :p
These days, it has become Full Stack AI Developer :)
When I started my career the most consistent advice given was "don't be a generalist choose a specific field and strive to be the best at it"
So I felt lucky when I picked front end and focused on vanilla JS. Companies hired hinting at the need for NodeJS fluent front end devs. Even as I repeat my imposter syndrome claiming only the skills related to Front-End, they assured me that they only wanted some willing to learn while working.
This obviously resulted in so many train wrecks as everyone stated knowing JavaScript meant writing server side code was no different than implementing it on the FE.
And when AWS was introduced, you couldn't find a JD that didn't mention both FE/BE roles but requiring "AWS" skill like it was a single monolith provider that did not consist of 100+ services.
So my experience is that it never should have been common to work across the entire stack. But when companies pile multiple roles in a single dev that fears termination if mentioning the need of new hires, nobody corrects the assumption made without sincere discussions between the devs who actually know if their specific position can handle that type of work load.
This is all my experience and opinion.
Good comments!
I appreciate your insights on the Full-Stack Developer concept. It’s true that while the demand for versatile developers is growing, achieving mastery in both front-end and back-end skills can be challenging. Most developers tend to specialize in one area, which can lead to gaps in expertise. However, the ability to understand and navigate both sides fosters better communication and collaboration within teams. With the rise of AI tools and modern frameworks, the landscape is evolving, making it easier for developers to adapt and tackle a broader range of tasks. I’m in my final year of university, and managing all my coursework can get overwhelming. I had an important essay due and wasn’t sure how to approach it, so I tried Academized’s academized.com/pay-for-essay pay-for-essay service. The essay I received was clear, thoughtful, and exactly what I needed to meet my deadline. It’s a great option for students who need a little extra help.