Who is a Full Stack Developer?
A Full Stack Developer is a specialist with skills increating both the frontend layer (user interface) and the backend layer (serverlogic and databases) of an application. This includes knowledge of technologiessuch as:
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, and usuallyone of the most popular frontend frameworks today: React, Angular, or Vue
• a backend language, e.g., Python, Java, or C#
• Often, though not always, such professionalsalso have knowledge in the area of DevOps: CI/CD, cloud, containerization.
At Higson,in backend development I work with programming languages such as Java andKotlin, using popular frameworks like Spring and Hibernate. On the frontendside, I use Angular supported by TypeScript. I also leverage containerizationwith Docker, and for CI/CD I use Jenkins, where I both create and modify jobs.
Humorously called a one-man army in IT jargon, this is notjust “a person who does everything,” but rather a specialist who canefficiently navigate many technological areas and integrate them into acoherent whole.
Why is a Full Stack Developer anoptimization?
Development teams are usually divided into backend andfrontend. Such teams tend to be fairly large, and the larger the team, the moreinternal project coordination is required. A Full Stack Developer can take fullresponsibility for delivering an entire functionality — from the interface tothe server logic, data handling, and production deployment.
Example:
When an end user reports a bugin the application, it’s often not immediately clear which layer of theapplication the problem relates to. If the issue is assigned to the backenddeveloper, and after analysis they determine that the problem is actually onthe frontend (because necessary data was not provided), the task is handed overto the frontend developer. It may also happen that the frontend developer findsthat incorrect data came from the backend at an earlier stage, and the task issent back to the backend. This generates additional time and costs for theproject.
A Full Stack Developer,however, can analyze and resolve such an issue independently, regardless ofwhich layer it pertains to.
Key advantages of a Full StackDeveloper for a project:
• Smaller teams
Since a Full Stack Developer combines a wide range of skills and is able tocomplete any task, there is no need to maintain a large team with manyspecialized roles.
• Flexibility
Having someone on board who can take on any task is very convenient for theproduct owner, as it eliminates the risk of bottlenecks in deliveringfunctionality.
• Faster delivery ofPoC (Proof of Concept)
When a client requests a quick prototype or PoC with a frontend layer, a FullStack Developer can prepare it independently and efficiently. This does notrequire involving additional people, defining interfaces, or planningcollaboration at such an early stage.
Full Stack Developer in Higson Project
As a FullStack Developer in the Higson project, I am responsible for implementing tasksacross both the backend and frontend. On the server side, I build solutions in Javaand Kotlin (Spring, Hibernate), while on the frontend I develop theapplication in Angular and TypeScript. By leveraging Docker and Jenkins,I can efficiently deploy changes and automate processes. An example task isadding a new data filtering feature – from implementing business logic on thebackend, through creating a frontend component, to fully deploying theready-to-use solution.
My Tips:
Build skills across theentire stack – don’t limit yourself only to backend or frontend. Knowingboth layers allows you to deliver features faster and solve problems withoutunnecessary task handovers.
Think about the entire process – as a Full StackDeveloper, you are responsible not only for code but also for integration,deployment, and maintenance. That’s why it’s important to grow in areas such asCI/CD and containerization.
Optimize communication within the project – yourrole often involves reducing the need for excessive coordination betweenseparate teams. In practice, this means you can help avoid delays and conflictsbetween different layers of the application.
Focus on flexibility – learn tools andframeworks that increase your independence (e.g., Jenkins, Docker, cloudplatforms). This enables you to respond faster to client needs and deliver PoCsor new features without additional support.
Practice end-to-end debugging – issues in anapplication are not always clearly frontend or backend related. The ability toanalyze the entire flow (from UI through the database to server logic) is amajor advantage for a Full Stack Developer.
Maintainbalance – a FullStack Developer does not replace a full-scale team, especially in complexprojects. It’s crucial to know when to act independently and when to delegateresponsibility to specialists.
Summary
A Full Stack Developer is a very versatile role in the ITworld. Thanks to combining a broad range of skills, such a specialist cansignificantly simplify and accelerate project delivery.
It’s worth keeping in mind that a Full Stack Developer doesnot replace entire teams in large, complex projects. Their role is best suitedwhere speed, efficiency, and process optimization are key. They areparticularly effective in projects where one of the application layers does notrequire frequent changes, making it unnecessary to maintain two separatespecialists with different skill sets.