Introduction

Fullstack developers possess a comprehensive skill set that allows them to handle all aspects of the development process. They are proficient in both front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as back-end technologies like Node.js, Python, or Ruby. This versatility makes them valuable assets to companies looking for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

However, supply and demand poses a challenge for companies looking to hire full stack developers, with the demand for qualified, experienced full stack engineers outweighing the domestic supply within the US. Businesses often amplify this challenge by restricting their search to local tech talent; however, in recent years, the rise of remote, global work has begun to solve this issue.

What is Fullstack Development?

Full stack development is the process of creating both the front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) of a web application. A full stack developer is proficient in all layers of a system, including the user interface (front-end) and the server, database, and internal logic (back-end). This means they can work on an application from start to finish, integrating the visual and interactive parts with the behind-the-scenes data and functionality.

What does a Full Stack developer do?

A full stack developer builds and maintains both the front-end and the back-end of a website or application. Their work involves writing code, testing and debugging, designing user interactions, and managing databases, servers, and deployment. Essentially, they are involved in all aspects of a project, from initial design to final maintenance.

Full Stack Development Skills and Qualifications

Full stack developers will often hold a degree in computer science or similar, though this is not essential. When hiring a full stack developer, it’s most important to look for strong experience in both front-end and back-end technologies.

There are also many certifications and qualifications that a full stack developer may have. Popular certifications include:

• IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate
• Microsoft Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate
• Certified Full Stack Developer (CFSD)
• Full Stack Application Development Capstone Project
• Google Developers Certification
• ISQI Certified Professional in Full Stack Development (CP-FSD)
• HarvardX Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Web Programming

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are vital when choosing your full stack developer. Problem-solving is crucial, aiding with troubleshooting and continuous learning. Communication is also essential when looking for any new team member, particularly in facilitating clear and open communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Popular Languages for Full Stack Development

As Full Stack development encompasses both front-end and back-end development, full stack developers must be proficient in a range of front-end and back-end technologies. Some of the most popular include:

• Python: One of the most popular languages for back-end development.
• JavaScript: A high-level programming language popular for front-end development, allowing developers to create interactive elements on sites.
• R: Developers working in data science are likely to encounter R, a go-to language for data analysis and statistical computing.
• C/C++/C#: Python is frequently integrated with C/C++/C# to optimize performance, allowing Python developers to write extensions or work with system-level tasks more easily.

What are Full Stack development frameworks?

Frameworks are collections of reusable code, templates and tools that provide a foundational structure for building applications effectively and efficiently. Some of the most popular Full Stack development frameworks include:

• Rails: A full-stack framework that facilitates both frontend and backend development that facilitates everything from routing and controllers to views and database migrations, as well as numerous gems (libraries) to extend its functionality.
• Django: A high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid full-stack development, providing almost everything developers might need, especially for machine learning, data analysis, and other complex tasks.
• Spring Boot: An extension of the Spring framework, aimed at simplifying the initial setup and development process for full-stack development.
• Laravel: A PHP web application framework that offers a clean, intelligent syntax that focuses on making full-stack web development tasks easier and faster.

What are some popular stacks in Full Stack development?

A stack is a bundle of several distinct software technologies that a full-stack developer can use concurrently for rapid application development. Common stacks for full-stack development include:

• LAMP: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
• MEAN: MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js; a stack based on Java technologies.
• LEMP: Linux, Nginx, MySQL, and PHP; four open-source technologies.
• MERN: MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.
• PERN: PostgreSQL, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.

What are the benefits of Full Stack development?

Full Stack development is beneficial as it promotes flexibility, speed, and a holistic approach to development.

• Efficiency: Full-stack developers are adept at handling multiple aspects of a project, from user interface design to server-side scripting and database management, allowing for more efficient resource utilization.
• Streamlined workforce: Since a full-stack developer can manage all aspects of a project, this will typically correlate to needing fewer developers in total, as well as more seamless coordination between front-end and back-end development.
• Agility & speed: The ability to develop the frontend and backend of an application simultaneously reduces time to market and allows for faster iteration.
• Problem-solving: A full-stack developer’s comprehensive understanding of the system architecture and multiple coding languages deployed in a project enables them to identify bottlenecks, conflicts, or inefficiencies that specialist developers might miss.

How much does it cost to hire a Full Stack developer?

When hiring traditionally in the US for a local, mid-level Full Stack developer, the average annual compensation is $178,935, with a range of $80,000 to $300,000 according to Built In. However, even by just expanding to other parts of the United States, salaries can be reduced significantly.

On average, companies hiring Full Stack developers with HireDevelopers can expect to save between 50% and 80% on salaries and hiring costs, with exact salaries varying based on location and experience. The greatest savings can be found by hiring in Africa and Asia, while companies looking for aligned time zones and a closer cultural match can hire from our extensive pool of Latin American developers.

How to hire Full Stack developers

The first step to hiring a Full Stack developer is to decide on a hiring method. Traditional hiring methods include local job adverts, LinkedIn job posts and using your professional network to identify potential candidates.

However, these methods are often time consuming and can be expensive. The median time to hire a developer is around 41 days, with the slowest 10% taking up to 82 days and 38% of companies reporting project delays due to recruitment problems, according to the Linux Foundation’s 2024 State of Tech Talent Report.

Alternatively, many companies are now turning to services like HireDevelopers to cut costs and speed up the hiring process. With HireDevelopers, you can hire Full Stack developers from anywhere in the world, at any price point, in just 24 hours.

When putting together a job description or job interview for a Full Stack developer, prioritize technical skills, like familiarity with key frameworks and libraries.

You should also consider using coding challenges alongside a traditional interview during the hiring process – if you’re using a pre-vetted talent pool like HireDevelopers, this has already been done for you. Coding challenges allow you to assess problem-solving skills and coding expertise in a realistic, real-time environment.

If you need help putting together a Full Stack job description or conducting a Full Stack job interview, you can check out our helpful and comprehensive guides below. Alternatively, to cut your time-to-hire by 90% and unlock savings of up to 80%, get in touch and book your free HireDevelopers consultation today.

Why hire Full Stack developers with HireDevelopers?

Hiring the right Full Stack developer for your team is a huge undertaking, and the process can be intimidating, especially for startups and small businesses.

At HireDevelopers, our pre-vetted, global tech talent marketplace streamlines your hiring journey and cuts time-to-hire by over 90% without compromising on quality or stretching your budget. Receive a custom shortlist of top Full Stack developers at any seniority level, at any price point and located anywhere in the world within just 24 hours of your consultation.

Plus, we’ll handle all payroll, legal compliance and HR completely for free, giving you more time to start building with your new Full Stack dev.

Get in touch today and start hiring top-notch Full Stack developers in just 24 hours.