Information technology is one such industry that constantly booms with evolving new technologies. That often demands multi-talented developers having diverse skills to develop web applications efficiently.
Full-stack development is getting popular as it can provide end-to-end solutions and accelerate the entire web development cycle. Since full-stack involves developing both the front-end and back-end, full-stack developers need to handle the client and server-side.
Before the full-stack development, we had front-end developers, back-end developers, database engineers, software test engineers, and others to work on Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
But, now, with the rise of multiple frameworks, tools, and libraries, developers can handle end to end software application development, including testing, building, and deploying applications.
Full-stack development is more familiar now as the demand for diverse technology needs and complexities increases. Full-stack developers are known for their multifaceted nature and their involvement in all aspects of web development.
Now, let’s dive in to understand what exactly is full-stack and full-stack development. This blog will act as a handy guide and a quick reference for full-stack development. Let’s get started.
What is Full-Stack?
Any software development project involves developing two parts, namely the front-end and the back-end. Full-stack is a term that denotes both the front and back end part of software development.
The front-end comprises all visible components of an app or website. A user interacts with the front-end of the app or website while the back-end is invisible. The back-end includes all server-side processes that function in the background. Full-stack is the combination of both front-end and back-end.
What is Full-Stack Development?
Full-stack development refers to the process of developing both the front-end and back-end of the web application or website. The development process involves the developers working on the front-end, back-end, server, database, and Application Programming Interface (API). Hence, a full-stack developer should be proficient in various front-end and back-end technologies and have in-depth knowledge of web architecture.
Today, web developers rely on more than one technology to develop responsive and scalable web apps. Nevertheless, full-stack development involves developing applications right from UI design to development and deployment. Thus, full-stack development is becoming the trend, and full-stack developers are in demand as they work on multiple technologies and tools.
Technology Relevant to Full-Stack Development
Full-stack development demands the knowledge of various technologies as it involves both front-end and back-end development.
1. Front-end
It is the part that the users can see on a website or web application. Thus, the front-end determines the look and feel; and responsiveness of the website or app. In other words, it plays a vital role in the user experience. Of course, no one likes to linger on a website/app that does not look good or user-friendly.
Front-end Languages
Below are some prevalent front-end languages that you can leverage to develop the front end portion:
- HTML: Front-end developers use HTML (HyperText Markup Language) to design the front-end portion of web pages using a markup language. Since HTML combines both Hypertext and Markup language, it defines the link between the web pages. Using the markup language, one can determine the text documentation within the tag that gives the web page structure.
- CSS: CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a design language used to simplify the web page design process and make web pages look attractive. With CSS, designers can style elegant web pages. CSS allows you to design web pages independent of the HTML that makes up every web page.
- JavaScript: JavaScript is a scripting language that you can use to give that magic touch and make the webpage interactive to the users. Plus, Javascript enhances the overall website functionality.
Front-end Frameworks and Libraries
Following are some popular front-end frameworks and libraries:
- AngularJS: Angular JS is a popular JavaScript open-source front-end framework that you can leverage to develop single-page web applications (SPAs). AngularJs is one such framework that is constantly growing, allowing effective web application development. It converts static HTML to dynamic HTML. Moreover, it is an open-source framework that developers can use for free. It extends HTML attributes with directives and other HTML data.
- ReactJS: ReactJs is a free and open-source front-end JavaScript library from Facebook to build user interfaces or UI components. React is a declarative, efficient, and flexible library, which allows you to compose complex UIs. Developers can use isolated code pieces called components to instruct React what they want to see on the screen.
- Bootstrap: Bootstrap is a free and open-source toolkit hosted on GitHub for building web pages and web applications. It is a collection of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript framework that enables you to create responsive and mobile-friendly websites.
- jQuery: jQuery is a lightweight, feature-rich, and open-source JavaScript library that enables HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, animation, and Ajax much easier with a handy API that works across multiple browsers. jQuery has transformed the way developers write JavaScript with its versatility and extensibility.
- SASS: SASS (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets) is the most reliable and robust scripting language that extends the functionality of an existing CSS of a site, including everything from variables, inheritance, and nesting. In short, SASS adds new features and tools to basic CSS, enabling you to make faster, easier, and more elegant stylesheets.
Other Libraries and Frameworks: Other than the above-said libraries and frameworks, Semantic-UI, Foundation, Materialize, Backbone.js, Express.js, Ember.js are some libraries and frameworks that are common.
Some Tips and Tricks
- Work with text editors to use shortcuts and their facilities like Visual Studio, Atom, Sublime, and more.
- Use a grid system while creating UI.
- Leverage git and git commands like init, add, commit, and more for version control.
- You can use other tools like npm and Yarn package managers, Sass CSS preprocessor, browser DevTools, and more.
- Gain knowledge using HTTP, JSON, GraphQL APIs to fetch data using Axios or other tools.
- Develop your design skills to create a better layout and look and feel good.
2. Back-end
Back-end refers to the server-side of a website or web application. It handles the website functionality and is responsible for how the website works. Back-end manages the database through various queries and APIs with client-side commands.
Below are some libraries, frameworks, and languages that you can use to develop the back-end portion.
- PHP: PHP is a server-side scripting language used specifically for web development.
- C++: It is a general-purpose programming language used exclusively in competitive programming recently. It is also a popularly known back-end language.
- Java: Java is the most widely used programming language as it is highly scalable. Moreover, Java components are readily available.
- Python: Python is another robust programming language that enables you to work faster and integrate systems effortlessly.
- Java Script: You can use Javascript as both front-end and back-end programming languages.
- Node.js: It is a JavaScript-based web development technology that handles the entire backend development environment. Node.js is a cross-platform and open-source run time environment specifically for JavaScript-based applications.
In other words, Node.js provides an environment that enables the deployment and execution of JavaScript apps. Node.js is known for its scalability, speed, and product attributes. It uses JavaScript for both front-end and back-end coding.
- Other Frameworks: The list of back-end frameworks includes Express, Django, Rails, Laravel, Spring, etc.
- Other Back-end Program/Scripting Languages: C#, Ruby, REST, Go, and more.
Some Tips and Tricks
- Data security is crucial.
- Handle request-response of APIs for storing and retrieving data.
- Structure the data efficiently.
- JavaScript is essential for all stacks, as it is a popular technology on the web.
3. Database
The database is a collection of structured information that helps in efficient retrieval, insertion, and deletion of data from the database and organizes the data as tables, views, schemas, reports, etc. Thus, one can access, manage, modify, update and organize the data effectively.
- Oracle: Oracle database is ideal for enterprise grid computing. It is the most flexible database that allows you to manage information and applications cost-effectively. It creates several industry-standard, modular storage, and servers.
- MongoDB: MongoDB is the most dynamic and scalable NoSQL database. The term NoSQL means non-relational. MongoDB does not store the data into columns and rows like a traditional database. Instead, it saves the data objects as separate documents inside a collection.
- SQL: Structured Query Language is a standard database language used to create, maintain and retrieve the relational database.
4. Popular Full-Stack Technology Stacks
Since full-stack development involves different dimensions of web development, many technologies play a vital role in it. Also, as it comprises both front-end and back-end development, figuring a tech stack will give you that complete control. The two popular tech stacks, MEAN, and MERN are widely in use for full-stack development.
MEAN Stack
MEAN is a tech stack comprising four major technologies like MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js. MEAN is the most popular tech stack that can help you develop varied web applications. Many modern businesses today prefer MEAN stack development for developing web applications. MEAN tech stack includes technologies that help developers work on both the front-end and back-end parts of web applications providing a dynamic solution.
Advantages of MEAN Stack Development
- Open-source
- Time-saving
- Cost-effective
- Flexible
- Ideal for real-time web applications
- Easy to switch between client and server.
MERN Stack
Apart from a similar spelling, there are few more similarities between MEAN and MERN. Instead of the angular framework in MEAN Stack, MERN Stack consists of React.js. Hence, MERN comprises MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js technologies. MERN Stack enables excellent full-stack development possibilities. React uses Virtual DOM and JavaScript XML that work and apply changes flawlessly. Many businesses choose MERN Stack for their web development services for its performance-oriented approach and flexibility.
Advantages of MERN Stack Development
- Open-source
- Cost-effective
- UI rendering and performance
- Easy to switch between client and server.
Of course, both MEAN and MERN have their pros and cons. It’s up to businesses to pick the most appropriate tech stack for their web application development.
Why Should you go for Full-stack Development?
Now, why should you go for full-stack development? Here are some benefits that businesses can enjoy with full-stack:
Versatility
Full-stack development enables developers to be versatile in both technologies and skills. Thus, a full-stack developer can work on diverse front-end and back-end technologies and has multiple skill sets. Often, a front-end developer uses frameworks like AngularJS, ReactJS to develop website UIs and a back-end developer works with databases, connects websites with CMS, and sets up a back-end environment. But, a full-stack developer can do both front-end and back-end operations perfectly.
Prompt Delivery
When you develop the front-end and back-end separately, often there will be a coordination mismatch. Both the front-end and back-end developers need to be on the same page for effective web development. But, the entire web development process is hassle-free in full-stack development as it involves developing both front-end and back-end. There is no room for confusion and miscommunication. Clients can get their projects done on time.
Unique Codes
In general, the front-end developer creates some code while the back-end developer creates some code. They need to coordinate and travel together to create a feasible web application. That could be time-consuming and challenging for developers from both sides. However, a full-stack developer will have complete knowledge of both front-end and back-end technologies and create unique codes that work smoothly in all aspects.
Wrapping Up
Full-stack covers the complete web development, and the full-stack developer has expertise in diverse technologies. Businesses can get their entire web application done from a full-stack web development company as they handle every aspect of web application right from the front-end to the back-end. It is hassle-free as you need not worry about the coordination between front-end and back-end developers, and you can get your web application done on time.
Now that you have more than enough reasons to go for full-stack web development, all you need is a reputed software development company to handle your website and web application development services.
At Cypherox Technologies, we have experienced full-stack developers with diverse skills to manage your complete web development services. Feel free to reach us for efficient and prompt full-stack web development services.
