Full Stack Engineer

What is a Full Stack Engineer?

Full Stack Engineers are highly skilled software engineers that can design both the front-end (i.e. the user end) and the back-end of a website, as well as the underlying architecture and databases that makes up the “full stack” of a website

A ‘Full Stack’ refers to all the layers of a website or application, and includes all the hidden architecture, databases, and servers that the end user can’t see.

Full Stack Engineer job description

As Full Stack Engineers are responsible for both the front-end and back-end design of websites, as well as the underlying architecture and databases required, they are highly competent and highly trained. This means they have a broad set of responsibilities that may change depending on the current needs of the team or client with whom they work.

However, in general, it is their responsibility to:

Work with the client to define project requirements and objectives

Design and build system architecture, data structures, and design patterns

Write high- and low-level code

Design and maintain internal software tools

Debug and troubleshoot

Optimise website and software efficiency

Write and maintain technical documents

What skills and qualifications should a Full Stack Engineer have?

Because Full Stack Engineers straddle the line between designer and coder. As such, they need to have a good understanding of both web development and design practices.

While a tertiary education in computer science or software development is recommended, it is not necessary. Instead, Full Stack Engineers should be able to demonstrate:

Familiarity with WC3 standards

Advanced knowledge of front-end languages: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, and any related frameworks

Advanced knowledge of back-end languages: Python, Ruby, Java, PHP and .net, and any related frameworks

Experience working with and building databases; SQL/NoSQL, Oracle, MongoDB

Previous experience as a Full Stack Developer or Engineer

Advanced troubleshooting skills

Soft skills should include:

Customer service

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Creativity

Communication

Project management

The ability to translate complex ideas for non-tech staff/customers

What’s the difference between a Full Stack Developer and a Full Stack Engineer?

While many people use the terms Full Stack Developer and Full Stack Engineer interchangeably, there’s a small difference between the two.

Full Stack Engineers have more responsibility than Full Stack Developers, and often have much more in-depth knowledge. They must have full knowledge of the architecture and design of a website, and should be able to build and design both hardware and software solutions should the project require it.

Many Full Stack Developers have this knowledge too, but they are usually just required to develop code.

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