12 most in-demand full-stack developer skills to master

As the tech stack continues to get a lot more diverse, catering to a wider range of solutions, companies need the right professionals. Over the years, it would seem that this role is often and readily fulfilled by the full-stack developer. So much so that the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates there to be over 853,000 job opportunities for full-stack developers by 2024. That’s not all, these developers are so highly valued that the job compensates quite well. The average income is USD 90,214/year and in India, this amount stands at around Rs.12 lakh a year. 

In hindsight, this makes perfect sense considering that these developers are masters of both front-and-back-end developments. Their proficiencies make them an asset to all tech teams, delivering value at all stages of the development pipeline. But, due to the rapid progression of the IT landscape across the globe, these developers have their work cut out for them. Full-stack developer skills and responsibilities are changing quickly and to stay competitive, developers must commit to continuous skill improvement. 

This is true for both ends of the spectrum. It isn’t enough to simply master the technical, as the non-technical aspects of being a professional are just as important in a modern workforce. Here’s an overview of the most in-demand full-stack developer skills needed by companies to help you focus your efforts and excel in this multifaceted role.

Technical skills

Below are some technical full-stack developer skills needed to grow in your career.

Front-end technologies

Beyond the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, full-stack developers will likely have to absorb much of the responsibility of a front-end developer. As such, it is best to prepare for building, designing, and developing applications or websites. Here, JavaScript is a must for full-stack developers. It is the only dynamic programming language that runs in the client as well as the server-side. Other front-end skills that a full-stack developer should master include AJAX, React JS, and JQuery.

Back-end languages

Similarly, and with equal importance, as a full-stack developer, you will be expected to understand the nuances of backend programming languages, frameworks, and platforms. This includes Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, and .Net. To truly stand out and become an indispensable part of any workforce, knowledge of Node.JS, SQL, IOS, and flask can help. Remember, backend development is crucial in the modern world, where bugs are costly, and error-free development is a ticket to success.

Web architecture

You should have a basic command over web architecture that includes understanding the data structure, code structure, file categorization, and computational tasks. With a wide range of skills to handle front and backend development, it is well worth the effort to understand planning as well. Additionally, being able to contribute to the development of structural and user interface elements can help you diversify and become a specialist. Knowing the ins and outs of web structure will help build server-side structures to meet the needs of the clients.

Git and Github

Version control is a common must-have across most development job profiles and is often non-negotiable in a high-efficiency workspace. Knowing to work with the open-source control system to streamline development is a crucial skill, and it may be most important for a full-stack developer. This is particularly because it allows you to work on or manage several projects simultaneously. With seamless collaboration tools and cloud-enabled benefits, being proficient with Github lends itself to other areas of your skillset too! It can improve your non-technical skills such as team management, cooperation, and efficiency.

Designing skills

Apart from being good at coding, a full-stack developer should have a strong understanding of user interaction with a website or application. While many settle with the basics of UI and UX design, going the extra steps can be hugely beneficial for your career. Most web solutions today prioritize the visual and aim to deliver an immersive experience at every stage of the journey. Naturally, having an eye for design and the know-how to implement it will make you an asset. 

NPM

NPM is designed for Node.js and helps in installing and managing dependencies for different JavaScript packages. The software aids the node in managing conflicts. As a full-stack developer, you can use it in the installation, development, discovery, and publishing of node programs. This highly configurable software can be used for many applications. This is one of the technical full-stack developer skills needed by software companies.

Non-technical Or soft skills

Like with any other profession, the intangibles are just as important to be a worthwhile candidate. Below are some soft skills you should develop.

Problem-solving

It is often believed that much of software development links back to problem-solving. The software solves a range of real-world problems and so, as a software developer, you should have the ability or interest to do so. On one end, every aspect of software development is to provide a solution for the end-user. On the other, bridging gaps and innovating solutions is a key part of the job too. 

Analytical skills

A full-stack developer should have analytical skills. The job requires you to have a comprehensive outlook of software development. As you understand both the server-side and client-side of it, the analytical skills help you craft a roadmap to successfully complete projects within the stipulated period. These skills also help you analyze any problems or shortcomings in the stages of software development.

Communication

A full-stack developer tends to take on more responsibilities and often has to collaborate with stakeholders more than front-end and back-end developers. As they are experts in both front-end and back-end developers, they usually take the role of supervisor, project lead, or team head. This requires them to have good communication skills to collaborate with the team, members of other teams, managers, and clients.

Attention to detail

Handling both frontend and backend development is not an easy task. The technology stack used by full-stack developers is often much larger in size, requiring you to be proficient across platforms. As such, paying attention to detail is crucial as even the slightest errors can be quite problematic.

Team player

Software developers often work in teams, especially with agile software development being a common practice. Effective collaboration ensures projects run on time, with specified specifications, and within the allocated budget. Being able to collaborate well with the team and other stakeholders is one of the most in-demand full-stack developer skills as you may be expected to assume a leadership role.

Creativity

A full-stack developer must be creative and have patience. With the immense knowledge of both frontend and backend technologies, you should know how to put it to use and create value out of it. Companies look for young talent who can contribute creatively. After all, creativity breeds innovation, which is needed in today’s world. 

By developing these full-stack developer skills, 2022 can be the year that you take your career to new heights. Oftentimes, good developers need to address just a few underdeveloped aspects of their skillset and this list should help you assess your current standing. Address areas in which you lack and ensure that you are always putting your best foot forward. An effective way to achieve this is to sign up on Talent500. The platform helps you leverage your skillset best, positioning you for success at high-impact companies across the world. 

In fact, our unique algorithms identify opportunities that can best utilize your skills and enable you to contribute to the technological advancements of tomorrow. So, sign up and stay two steps ahead, all while shaping the tomorrow you want for yourself!