
How to Become a Full-Stack Developer
Learning to work on both the front-end and back-end portions of an application
Get used to looking at code
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re seeing all those random-looking strings of words and numbers on your computer screen, but a few quick tutorials are enough to develop a basic understanding.
Front-end first: learn HTML and CSS
You’ll take to this naturally if you like to design things! HTML and CSS decide the appearance of a website. TIP: try making a layout first before going straight code.
Work on lots of side projects
Programming languages take some time to sink in. To be ultra-productive, work on personal projects that you can put in your CV. In no time, you’ll be a front-end pro!
Tackle the back-end: learning databases
The backend handles most of the functionality of a website or web application via a database. You can go for classic (SQL) or opt for something less traditional (MongoDB).
Get comfortable with Github
Start off storing all of your code in Github. Once you’re working as a paid developer, you’ll be using Git anyway to coordinate with other developers, so might as well get familiar with it right away!
Don’t be afraid to go for an internship
While it’s natural to feel like your skills aren’t up to par, a lot of education in tech works by learning on the job. An internship will help prep you for that full-stack job!
Code every day (or make it a habit)
As the old saying goes, if you don’t use it, you lose it! The easiest way to see progress is to practice coding every day. You’ll eventually gain confidence and your portfolio will get rounded out as a bonus.
<sources>
- https://medium.com/@preslavrachev/the-role-of-the-full-stack-developer-in-large-projects-a368e18485d5
- https://medium.freecodecamp.com/full-stack-between-reality-and-wishful-thinking-43110005f2a2
Ready to get started on your journey to becoming a Full-Stack Developer?
Check out these links to online training resources – many are free!
- 14 of The Best Places to Improve Your Technology Skills for Free
- 5 Websites for Software Developers That You Need to Know About
- 5 Websites for Software Architects That You Need to Know About
- How to Stay Current on UX Design – 16 Websites You Need See
- The 14 Best Coding Websites for Kids
- More Resources