FULL STACK DEVELOPER

A Full Stack Developer is a versatile IT professional responsible for an interface (websites or mobile applications). At times, they work as a Front-end Developer when dealing with the visible part of a site or application, and as a Back-end Developer when managing the invisible part. With this dual role, a Full Stack Developer possesses diverse skills in user interface design thanks to their knowledge in graphics, development and coding.

The job description of a Full Stack Developer includes the following tasks:

• analysing project requirements and suitable technical solutions to draft the specifications that will guide the project;
• designing the visual and technical architecture of the website or application, integrating user interfaces with back-end systems using appropriate frameworks* and technologies;
• writing code for all parts of the site;
• ensuring the performance, security and scalability of the developed applications;
• ensuring compliance with current data protection legislation, such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

*Frameworks can be defined as a set of software components used to structure an entire software package. They can be visualised as the skeleton of a software package.

Being a Full Stack Developer requires solid and varied technical skills such as:

• mastering front-end programming languages (like HTML, CSS and JavaScript), as well as back-end languages (such as Python, PHP and Java);
• being able to use front-end frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js) and back-end frameworks (Node.js, Django, Laravel);
• knowledge of database management services (MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL).

Lastly, collaboration with other team members is essential. In a company, the Full Stack Developer is typically managed by a Product Owner or a Scrum Master and works closely with SEO specialists and graphic designers. In smaller structures like startups, the Full Stack Developer also performs the functions of a Lead Developer or technical project manager.

Several levels of training are available to become a Full Stack Developer.
You can achieve a Bac+2 level (two years of university or similar) through a professional degree as an IT architect/application integrator or via a BTS SIO/CIEL, and ideally continue to Bac+3 level with a degree in computer science or a bachelor's from a computer engineering school.

To further your training and specialise in certain technologies or programming languages, you can continue to Bac+5 level with specialised master’s degrees at universities or engineering schools.

Finally, to stand out to recruiters, it is advisable to gain professional experience through internships or work-study programmes and to undertake training in new technologies throughout your career.

In their role, a Full Stack Developer can specialise in specific industries like banking, insurance, video games or e-marketing. With experience and a substantial project portfolio, a Full Stack Developer can become a Lead Developer, technical project manager, IT Architect, or even go freelance and start their own business.

During a typical day, a Full Stack Developer participates in meetings to review projects’ progress and necessary adjustments for each one. They plan the development of new features, review code and solve bug issues to optimise web performance. They continuously collaborate with UX/UI Designers to ensure the seamless integration of various features and the proper application of the graphic charter.

The average salary for a Full Stack Developer varies according to their experience, geographic location, the industry of the company they work for and the technologies they handle. In France, for example, a junior Full Stack Developer can earn between €36,000 and €38,000 per year, while a highly experienced senior Full Stack Developer can earn up to €55,000 per year.