According to Gartner, the worldwide end-user spending on public cloud computing services is growing from $270 billion in 2020 to $332.3 billion in 2021. It’s poised to increase further to $397.5 billion in 2022. The 47% growth in 2 years is creating an unprecedented demand for cloud computing professionals, including full stack developers.
Cloud computing requires professionals and specialists with particular expertise, such as software engineers, software architects, development operations engineers, data engineers, system engineers, and data scientists. A full stack developer has more than one area of expertise and someone who knows how to build an application from scratch and also knows how to integrate these technologies with the server-side.
The spectrum of cloud computing has more than a dozen hot jobs Tech Republic researched – the top three are specialists like software engineers, software architects, and development operations engineers. The next most lucrative job is that of a full stack developer. Read on as we discuss what full stack developers are and how they compare with cloud computing.
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Full Stack Developer vs. Cloud Computing: The Key Difference
A full stack developer is an IT professional, usually with a computer science degree. They typically have hands-on experience dealing with all essential hardware, software, operating systems, business logic, programming languages, applications, and, more importantly, servers, databases, and networks.
Cloud computing isn’t a specific job or role. It’s the entire setup of IT solutions necessary to facilitate an array of services. These services include infrastructure, platform, software, business processes, application, management and security, system, and desktop.
| Full Stack Developer | Cloud Computing | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Expertise in both front-end and back-end development, bridging the user interface and server-side | Encompasses a wide array of IT services and solutions for various business needs |
| Skill Set | Proficient in UI/UX design, various programming languages, databases, server management, and security | Proficiency in virtualization, container technologies, automation, and provisioning |
| Role | Responsible for end-to-end application development, integration, and testing, ensuring seamless user experiences | Focuses on delivering scalable, reliable, and secure IT solutions and services |
Full Stack Developers vs. Cloud Computing Jobs
One of the most popular cloud computing jobs is that of a software engineer.
A software engineer develops programs. The program could be an operating system, an application, and even a video game.
The responsibilities of a software engineer or developer are limited to research, design, and writing the codes for the program or application.
Neither software engineers nor architects work on the entire front-end and back-end infrastructure spectrum, be it hardware, software, or other solutions. Many software engineers work only on a limited portion of the code required to run an operating system, game, or application.
Software architects have a broader role in upholding coding standards and ensuring compatibility with platforms and tools.
All other cloud computing professionals, such as data engineers, data scientists, system engineers, system administrators, or those who work with programming languages and different platforms, have specific roles in the larger scheme of things. Only a full stack developer straddles the entire ecosystem.
Two cloud computing jobs are somewhat similar to that of a full stack developer. These are front-end and back-end developers.
- A front-end developer works on all the solutions that are accessed by the end-users.
- A back-end developer works on the entire infrastructure necessary to facilitate the front-end services.
- A full stack developer works on both.
An Overview of Full Stack Development
Almost all IT solutions and indeed cloud computing services have two significant ends. The first is the server-side, also known as the back-end.
The second is client-side, also referred to as the user-end. However, this is a simplified explanation. The back-end has multiple levels or stacks, and so does the front-end.
Every IT system, process, or solution runs on stacks. A stack is an abstract data type within a more extensive setup. Any program based on PHP, Java, Ruby, or Python is a significant stack. HTTP-based communications are a different type of stack. Databases are also a kind of stack.
Multiple stacks work in synergy to run a process.
There are various stacks at the back-end, such as databases, servers, operating systems, business logic, architectures, and more. Some stacks connect the back-end and the front-end, such as an Application Programming Interface (API).
There are multiple front-end stacks, too, some of which are of the IT or cloud service provider, and the others are in the native application or interface being used by the client or customer. Full stack development covers everything in this enormous ecosystem.
Cloud computing and many other IT solutions can function uninterruptedly and as expected only when all the stacks are developed, managed, and operated flawlessly. While every department plays its part, the overall functioning and management rest with the full stack development team.
Front End Development within Full Stack Development:
Within the realm of the full stack development process, front end application development plays a pivotal role. Often referred to as client-side development, this facet is dedicated to shaping the user interface and experience that directly engages with end-users. Full stack developers proficient in front end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript craft visually captivating and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring seamless navigation, optimizing page loading speeds, and elevating overall user satisfaction. Their expertise in both front end and back end technologies allows them to bridge the gap between user interaction and server-side functionality, creating a cohesive and immersive experience within cloud computing environments and various IT solutions.
Back End Development within Full Stack Development:
Complementing the front end expertise, back end development holds a crucial role within the domain of full stack development. Often referred to as server-side development, this facet delves into creating the intricate infrastructure that powers the user interface. Full stack developers skilled in back end technologies such as Node.js, Python, SQL, and more, architect and manage databases, servers, and business logic. By seamlessly connecting the front end with the back end through technologies like APIs, full stack developers ensure that cloud computing ecosystems and other IT solutions operate seamlessly. Their comprehensive grasp of both ends of the spectrum allows them to orchestrate a harmonious synergy, enabling robust and efficient functionality across the entire IT landscape.
Key Responsibilities of a Full Stack Developer
These developers work with databases, web servers, architectures and frameworks, various types of hardware and software, network infrastructure, programming libraries, desktop & mobile applications, API, and UI/UX design. Full stack developers or engineers have more key responsibilities.
The comprehensive role of a full stack developer requires an eligible professional to be familiar with a combination of the following:
- Front end – Javascript, Typescript, Elm, XML, React, GraphQL, Boostrap, Angular, Gulp, Grunt
- Back end (aka server side) – Javascript, Ruby, Python, Scala, Go, Node.js, Express.js, SQL, Java, PHP, C#
These developers play a fundamental role in setting up, testing, improving, managing, functioning, and troubleshooting everything in the back-end, connecting interfaces, and the front-end of a cloud computing ecosystem.
Full stack developers usually test hardware and software, troubleshoot and upgrade them, work on data protection and security, coordinate with other teams to improve all back-end & front-end systems, and write the technical documents for all the systems.
Career Prospects for a Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers are once again in demand these days, not only in cloud computing environments. All IT-dependent sectors need full stack developers and engineers, from banking to e-commerce, social media to manufacturing.
Eligible professionals can explore jobs in Verizon, Samsung, Deloitte, Spotify, and Starbucks, among countless other organizations.
Salary.com reports that full stack developers earn between $82,430 and $109,156 per year BUT once you reach a Lead or Principal level compensation really jumps. According to Indeed.com, full stack developers or engineers with three to five years of experience make around $128,585. The latter is at par with the salaries reported on Indeed.com of software architects and senior software engineers.
Two Key Jobs in Cloud Computing
A Cloud Architect bring a unique perspective to the mix. As specialists in designing and managing cloud infrastructures, they envision and create the frameworks on which applications and services run. Cloud Architects work alongside both Full Stack Developers and DevOps Engineers to ensure the seamless migration of applications to cloud environments. Their expertise extends to optimizing cloud resources, enhancing security protocols, and fostering cost-efficient solutions. A collaborative approach involving Cloud Architects, Full Stack Developers, and DevOps Engineers guarantees the alignment of application development with cutting-edge cloud technologies.
- DevOps Engineers: DevOps Engineers should possess a deep understanding of software development, automation tools, and the intricacies of CI/CD pipelines. Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Bash), version control systems (Git), containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is vital. Collaboration, communication, and the ability to optimize processes are key qualities for success.
- Cloud Architects: Cloud Architects need a robust grasp of cloud platforms, architecture patterns, and infrastructure as code (IaC) principles. Expertise in cloud providers (AWS, Azure, etc.), networking, security protocols, and familiarity with serverless computing are crucial. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills are essential, as Cloud Architects design scalable and reliable cloud environments.
How Cloud Computing and Full Stack Come Together
Full Stack Developers excel in constructing comprehensive applications, navigating both front-end and back-end territories. Their proficiency in diverse programming languages and technologies empowers them to create seamless user experiences. Enter the DevOps Engineers – the orchestrators of streamlined development and deployment processes. DevOps Engineers collaborate closely with Full Stack Developers to automate workflows, ensure rapid and reliable releases, and enhance system scalability. Their focus on continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) bridges the development and operational aspects, aligning seamlessly with Full Stack Developers’ goals of holistic application development.
Full Stack Developers, DevOps Engineers, and Cloud Architects form an integrated ecosystem that drives modern IT innovation. Their collaboration ensures the seamless development, deployment, and optimization of applications within advanced cloud infrastructures. As technology continues to evolve, these roles will remain at the forefront, adapting and embracing new challenges to propel organizations towards digital excellence.
Final Thoughts
A full stack developer or engineer serves as an active facilitator to ensure all departments of cloud computing or an IT environment work in tandem. It is an all-inclusive process, but the developers or engineers aren’t solely responsible for everything. Most companies have teams of similar developers.
Want to learn more skills to become a full stack developer? Check out our list of data and software training resources.
Additionally, you can check out our cloud resources for training and boost your technical skills for a wide range of cloud computing careers.
