According to BuiltIn, “full stack developers are the future of software engineering.” The tech publication explains that while software teams once relied on developers who specialized in either front-end or back-end development, today, adaptability is critical—and no role embodies this shift more than full-stack engineering.
Stack Overflow’s 2024 Developer Survey reinforces this trend, with 31% of developers identifying as full-stack engineers—the largest share of any engineering role. As demand grows, let’s take a step back and define what full-stack engineers do, why they’re so valuable, and how you can train for this rewarding career.
What does “full stack” mean?
To understand the role of a full-stack software engineer, it helps to define “full stack,” which represents the combination of front-end and back-end development.
Front End:
The front end includes everything a user sees and interacts with on a website or application, including text, images, buttons, videos, and more.
For example, when you log into Facebook, your feed displays posts from friends, videos, and notifications. This is the front end. Front-end developers use technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create engaging user experiences.
Back End:
The back end is the behind-the-scenes engine that powers a website or application. It handles data storage, authentication, algorithms, and more, all ensuring things function properly.
In the Facebook example, the back end processes your login credentials, provides your personalized feed, and manages interactive elements like comments, likes, and more.
Front End + Back End = Full Stack
A full-stack software engineer works on both the front end and back end, managing the entire development process.
What does a full-stack software engineer do?
A full-stack software engineer is responsible for the end-to-end development of a software application or website. This includes designing, coding, testing, and deploying software. Their broad skill set allows them to work across multiple layers of a project. With a deep understanding of user experience, databases, and system architecture, full-stack engineers are crucial for building scalable, high-performing websites and applications.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with software teams to plan and scope projects
- Design and develop software applications
- Write and review front-end and back-end code
- Troubleshoot and debug issues
- Optimize performance for seamless user experiences
- Guide UX/UI design to enhance usability
Every project is different, so full-stack engineers must be adaptable, creative, and strategic in their problem-solving.
Ready to become a full-stack software engineer?
As the demand for full-stack engineers grows, now is a great time to train for this dynamic career. Hack Reactor equips students with the technical skills and real-world experience needed to thrive as full-stack engineers. If you’re ready to take the next step, apply today and start your journey toward a future in software engineering.