One of the most in-demand jobs right now is a Full-Stack Java developer. In fact, according to LinkedIn, it was the 4th fastest-growing job in 2020.
This role covers a multitude of coding languages. At the front-end, a Full Stack Java developer uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. At the back-end, they will use PHP and Python.
A Full-Stack engineer encompasses such a variety of languages, it can be confusing for developers to know exactly what the employer is looking for.
In our blog, we take a look at the most essential skills of a Full-Stack Java Developer.
Who are Full Stack Developers?
The simplest way to define a full-stack developer is “a candidate who can develop both client and server software”.
As a full-stack developer, you will immerse yourself in coding the server-side API, programming languages for back-end development, executing the client-side of the application using JavaScript, querying databases, and version control systems as well.
Therefore, if a developer works on ‘full-stack’, it implies that they are performing all the tasks across the Front-end, Back-end, database, and deployment.
Full Stack Front-End Java Fundamental Tech
So what tools are essential for a Full-Stack Front-end Java Developer to have in their locker?
In order to stay ahead of the competition, a full-stack developer will need to master these common tools.
Languages
- HTML
- CSS
- SQL
You need to have a thorough working knowledge of HTML, and CSS or SQL. These are the building blocks of web development. They give developers the ability to design web pages and add and style content to create an effective web presence.
Frameworks
- Bootstrap – an open-source toolkit for developing responsive, mobile first projects. It uses HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
- AngularJS – A structural framework for dynamic web apps. The JavaScript-based open-source web framework.
- ReactJS – is optimal for fetching fast-changing data that needs to be recorded. It is used for building user interfaces for single page applications.
Extra Fundamentals
- Python – a general purpose language which connects to databases to read and manipulate files. It can also be used in a procedural, object-oriented or functional way.
- PHP – is the most popular scripting language, and can be embedded into HTML. It is used to collect form data and send or receive cookies amongst other functions.
Full-Stack Back-End Java Fundamental Tech
At the back-end, a Full Stack Java developer will require the following;
Frameworks
- Express – can be used for apps that are based on servers that will listen for connection requests from clients. It can be used for single-page, multi-page, and hybrid web applications.
- NodeJS – open-source and cross-platform running across various platforms. It is a JavaScript runtime environment that executes JavaScript outside a browser.
- Django – a high-level Python web framework. Django follows model-template-view architecture. It is used to simplify the creation of complex, database-driven websites.
- MySQL, SQLite, Postgres- All these frameworks use SQL and are Relational Database management systems. These are good for storing business data in table-like schemes.
- Ruby on Rails – a server-side web application framework based on the Ruby language. It provides default structures for databases, web services and web pages. It uses model-view-controller architecture.
- MongoDB, Cassandra, Apache storm, Sphinx – NoSQL databases. Their only commonality is that they do not use a relational database scheme.
- VoltDB and MemSQL – the NewSQL database. They follow the relational scheme as other databases, but instead of disks, they use memory.
- .Net and asp.net frameworks- these frameworks are used to build both web and server based applications. .Net roadmap is vital for industry standards. Asp.net is a subset of .net and is used for simplifying dynamic pages on a website while the roadmap is equally important in front-end and back-end development.
What are employers looking for from a Full Stack Java Developer?
Employers understand that having full and complete knowledge of all aspects of programming and web/app development is often unrealistic and there is no such thing as a “perfect candidate”. However, a Java Full-Stack developer/engineer must have knowledge of both ends of web/app development.
Before you prepare for your Java Full Stack Developer interview, it is a good idea to ask yourself the following questions…
- Do I have the ability to fire up a server, install software, patch it and minor logfiles?
- Should we go with Rackspace or AWS? Could you answer that?
- Should MySQL be put on a dedicated server for security reasons or is a Cloud server good enough?
- Should we stay with PHP or switch to NodeJS?
Do you know enough about development that you can research the pros and cons of these questions, then present a valid and objective answer?
So what makes a great Full Stack Developer?
Understanding every aspect of programming isn’t what makes a great Full Stack Java Developer. For example, you may be a strong backend programmer but struggle a little with HTML.
Colleagues will come to you for answers. Knowing enough and having the drive and industry knowledge to fix problems as they occur is the skillset of a successful Full Stack Engineer.
Does your skill set match that of a Java Engineer? See our vacancy for a Full Stack Software Engineer – Enterprise Java.
Perhaps you have skills beyond Java. Our progressive and industry-leading clients are seeking software developers across the entire programming spectrum.
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