Career Tracks

Full Stack Developer

101 What Is a Fullstack Developer?

Full Stack Web Developers build applications for both the visible front end that users interact with and the back end that powers the application using a server and database. The average salary of a web developer is $75,057.

Jump to a list of all Fullstack Developer Bootcamps

The Full Stack Developer

A Full Stack Developer has knowledge of both front end and back end technologies. The front end is the visible part of the application that users interact with. The back end includes the server, database, and applications that power the front end. You may think of a ‘stack,’ in the term full stack, as the layers of technology used to create a complete application. 

How to Become a Full Stack Developer

The three most popular ways of becoming a Full Stack Developer are attending a coding bootcamp, self-study, and earning a computer science degree

Coding Bootcamp

Coding Bootcamp is the fastest, most streamlined way to become a Full Stack Web Developer. Coding bootcamps typically teach both technical skills and career success skills which help more than 80% of graduates secure jobs after bootcamp. Before attending coding bootcamp, you’ll want to prepare for their admissions process by taking a prep course, self studying beforehand, and considering interview questions. Bootcamps run anywhere from 8-16 weeks and on average cost $14,780 USD. Many bootcamps now offer deferred tuition, Income Share Agreements, and financing options. 

Coding Bootcamp vs Self Study 

Some self-taught programmers have founded insanely successful startups, including Instagram and Tumblr! Learning to code on your own using online resources, books, and free or paid for resources can take anywhere from 8 weeks if you have experience or multiple years if you don’t. Self study requires discipline, putting together a curriculum for yourself, and you’ll need to weather the job search on your own. 

CS Degree vs Coding Bootcamp

Earning a Computer Science (CS) degree might be the longest route to Full Stack Developer and the most expensive. This route will provide you with theoretical knowledge, mathematics, and exposure to more low level programming than a coding bootcamp. Critics say a computer science degree will not provide as much practical experience or tailored career counseling as bootcamp. If cost is a factor, then bootcamps certainly win. While coding bootcamps cost an average of $13,584, the tuition at top CS programs can be triple or quadruple that in just one academic year. Carnegie Mellon undergraduate tuition and tuition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is about $60,000-70,000 per year. In the past, most jobs required a CS degree. Now that they do not, the return on investment of a degree is not as high as a bootcamp.

How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp

The best coding bootcamp for you depends on your own learning style, career goals, availability, etc. Here's our advice for choosing the best web  developer bootcamp:

  1. Narrow down your options – you can rule out some bootcamps based on location, cost, and time commitment.
  2. Examine the curriculum – the exact programming language you learn at a bootcamp isn't as important as you might think. Most bootcamps teach full stack JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, Java, Python, or C#/.NET. If the particular language is a deal-breaker for you, be sure the bootcamp includes it in their curriculum.
  3. Ask About Projects – at a quality full stack developer bootcamp, you'll build at least 2-3 projects to add to your portfolio. These should include front-end and back-end technologies to show that you can handle programming across the full stack.
  4. Meet the Instructors – do the bootcamp instructors have real-world coding experience? Did they work for reputable companies before teaching? Pro-Tip: Take an intro course or free workshop hosted by the bootcamp to really understand the teaching style.
  5. Ask About Outcomes – do past bootcamp graduates get jobs in web development? Ask the school directly for their CIRR report or job outcomes report, read bootcamp reviews, and even reach out to alumni on LinkedIn to ask questions.

Red Flags – instructors don't have real-world developer experience, the school can't tell you about past student career success, the school doesn't have dedicated career services, or the full-stack curriculum focuses too heavily on front-end languages.

Full Stack Developer Salary

Sales Job Average Salary
Coding Bootcamp Graduate $66,964
Full Stack Developer $75,057
Software Engineer $97,950

 

Full Stack Developer Jobs

From big tech companies to small startups, Full Stack Developer jobs are abundant and demand is growing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for software developers is expected to grow by 17%, “much faster than average” by 2024, which is about 200,000 more roles. The possibility to work in an office, work remotely, or freelance as a Full Stack Developer provides some of the most flexible and plentiful opportunities globally. But with so many different coding languages out there, it makes sense that each job description and job title is going to be unique. Common job responsibilities of Full Stack Developers include back end development, data engineering, mobile development, machine learning engineering, and/or front end web development. 

Here is a list of the most frequent full stack development job titles for bootcampers: 

  • Full Stack Engineer
  • Full Stack Web Developer
  • Full Stack Software Engineer
  • Full Stack Architect
  • Front End Developer
  • Back End Developer
  • Mobile Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Junior Developer
  • Associate Developer
  • Senior Developer
  • Web Development Apprentice
  • Web Development Instructor
  • Teacher Assistant

Full Stack Developer vs Software Engineer

Depending on the employer, Software Engineer and Full Stack Developer could mean exactly the same thing or two entirely different things. Some believe that Software Engineers are more concerned with back end development while Full Stack Developers work with every layer of a program. Others believe that Software Engineers work with computer programs that are not web applications or websites. Still, others believe that Software Engineers only do coding while Full Stack Developers are expected to do user experience research, front end design, and deployment in addition to writing code. 

Full Stack Developer Resume

The Full Stack Developer is a generalist. A Full Stack Developer’s resume should show knowledge of both front end and back end technologies as well as an understanding of the user experience and user interface design process. Developers should also demonstrate transferable skills from their experiences before bootcamp. Full Stack Developers will need to learn multiple languages to be successful. 

Here are some of the skills and technologies often taught in combination at Full Stack Web Development bootcamps: 

  • HTML - HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. It is a standardized markup language used for creating a webpage. These pages can include writing, links, pictures, sound, and video. HTML is used to denote these elements so that the web browser can display them correctly. 
  • CSS - CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. CSS is used alongside HTML and JavaScript to control the layout and presentation of a website.
  • JavaScript - JavaScript is the most popular language on the web. It is a scripting language used to enhance and manipulate web pages by adding interactivity.
  • NodeJS - Node was created to run JavaScript outside of the browser. This framework creates a bridge between the front end and the back end and the knowledge needed to execute code on a computer. 
  • Ruby on Rails - Ruby is a programming language. Rails is an open source web app framework written in Ruby. Ruby on Rails (RoR) is built for speed and adaptation.
  • Python - Python is a programming language with a cleaner syntax that is built with data manipulation, analytics, system administration, and scientific programming in mind. 
  • Django - Django is an open-source web app framework written in Python. It is a highly customizable option.
  • Java - Java is a general-purpose programming language and platform used for web development, Android development, and enterprise apps.
  • C# - C# is a general-purpose, multi-paradigm programming language developed by Microsoft that is used for developing desktop applications. 
  • .Net - .Net is a back end language.
  • Git - Git is a version control system that keeps track of changes made to projects over time.   
  • Object-Oriented Programming - Object orientation is a way to organize and structure code. Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Java, and C# are all object-oriented languages.
  • HTTP - HTTP is the protocol that allows servers to communicate with the front end. 
  • REST API - REST is the interface that allows the back end to understand the front end.
  • Soft Skills - Recruiters are looking for good communicators, team players, and critical thinkers. Most recruiters agree technical skills can be taught but soft skills cannot. 

A Full Stack Developer’s resume is not the only thing you’ll need to get a job. Fullstack Academy’s former Head of Career Success Ceren Depree says, “Anyone can build their own LinkedIn, resume, and Github.” Those three profiles are the most important things when it comes to the job hunt! For your LinkedIn profile, you’ll want to write a clear personal summary, feature any projects you’ve done at bootcamp, and dial in keywords to sprinkle throughout your profile. Your Github should feature all of your projects and you should follow any repositories you’re interested in.

Full Stack Developer Portfolio

Full Stack Developers must build and maintain an online portfolio. Showcase the projects you’ve built during bootcamp in your portfolio as well as on your resume. Here are some projects Developers built during bootcamp and added to their portfolios:

FEATURED SCHOOLS

Schools may compensate Course Report for featured placement.

 

Showing 376 - 400 of 630

  1. 2
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Codemaster Institute is a 12-week full stack web development bootcamp based in Perth, Australia. The face-to-face bootcamp covers front end and back end topi... Read More

  2. San José State University offers part-time, online bootcamps in cybersecurity (26 weeks), software development (26 weeks), and product management (25 weeks) ... Read More

    Jason Lammers

    5Graduate - Course: Coding (Part-Time) - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: The Best Decision I've Ever Made

    This course changed my life and empowered me to be a software engineer.  I was extremely lucky to have had such a fantastic instructor, Preston Wallace, and men ... Read More
  3. code-logo

    CODE

    5.0
    2
    Reviews
    3
    Courses

    CODE offers full-time, year-long programs in software engineering, interaction design, and product management in Berlin, Germany. Students will have the abil... Read More

    Saidusmon

    5Student - Course: Product Management - Berlin

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: CODE student

    Probably I was in your shoes. Feel free to reach out to me https://www.linkedin.com/in/saidusmon  ... Read More
  4. 2
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Carolina Code School offers a full-time, 12-week coding bootcamp in Greenville, South Carolina. Students will learn front end and back end technologies to bu... Read More

    Gordon

    5Graduate - Course: Web Development Immersive - Greenville

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Grateful for this course.

    I came in with a little knowledge of what software engineering was and now I know exaclty what it is! I recieved quality instruction that challenged me in su ... Read More
  5. 2
    Reviews
    2
    Courses

    Inventive Academy offers a part-time, 26-week, full stack coding bootcamp in Austin, Texas. Students will learn full stack JavaScript through a series of rea... Read More

    Zach

    5Student - Course: Full Stack Immersive In-Person (with Node) - Austin

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Current Student

    When I signed up for Inventive Academy about two months ago there were no reviews on Course Report because the bootcamp had only just been registered (under its ... Read More

  6. San Diego Global Knowledge University offers a 6-month, online, part-time Full Stack Web Development course that is fully accredited. The program covers HTML... Read More

    Shamus Cerny

    5Graduate - Course: Online Full Stack Coding Program - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Best Coding Bootcamp!

    I was amazed by how knowledgeable and helpful the staff was, anything I had questions about they had answers even if my question went over the scope of the cour ... Read More
  7. 2
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    AltCampus offers a 6-month, online programming bootcamp in Dharamshala, India, with a focus on recent college graduates, professionals looking to switch care... Read More

    Gemhar Rafi

    5Applicant - Course: Full Stack Web Development - Dharamshala

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: It is more than a regular Bootcamp, it's a tech community.

    It is more than a regular Bootcamp, it's a tech community. I have completed the whole program and I also got a place in a reputed startup with a good salary. ... Read More
  8. 2
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Codevity is a 12-week, part-time, full-stack JavaScript coding bootcamp located in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Codevity aims to empower people of all ages to learn ... Read More
  9. 2
    Reviews
    1
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    BBK Bootcamp is an intensive, 12-week, full-time full stack software development program in Bilbao, Spain. This face-to-face program teaches the following co... Read More

  10. Cornerstone International Community College of Canada offers 24-month Web and Mobile App Development and Network & Systems Solutions bootcamps and a 12-m... Read More

    Talatcan

    5Student - Course: Web Development Courses Co-op Diploma - Vancouver

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Super practical diploma programs

    When I was a student, we were participating many projects right after finishing any web and mobile development topics. Especially, my teacher, Ali(he is still t ... Read More
  11. 2
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    1
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    Emerging Digital Academy is an immersive 20-week Full Stack Engineering bootcamp in Fargo, North Dakota. The first 6 weeks of this bootcamp are held online a... Read More
  12. 2
    Reviews
    1
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    The Moose Academy offers a full time 12-week Full Stack Web Development bootcamp as well as a 2-year Industry-Based Software Engineering program in Selangor,... Read More

    Ahmad Faiz

    5

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Real World Job Skill Development

    If you get the chance to enter this bootcamp, consider yourself extremely lucky as they will groom you to have job ready skills. I have learnt a lot from this p ... Read More
  13. 2
    Reviews
    10
    Courses

    Virginia Tech Bootcamps offer full-time and part-time online training programs in in AI & machine learning, coding, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data ... Read More

    Rob Garcia

    5Graduate - Course: Coding (Part-Time) - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Challenged and Supported Throughout

    I recently accepted a job offer as Software Engineer after graduating from Fullstack Academy's Web Development Bootcamp. Throughout my bootcamp and job search e ... Read More
  14. 2
    Reviews
    6
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    AwakeLab offers several remote online bootcamp options: Python Full Stack Development (16 weeks), Java Full Stack Development (16 weeks), UX/UI Design (14 we... Read More
  15. 2
    Reviews
    1
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    01 Founders is an in-person, 104 week Full Stack Developer bootcamp with optional specializations in London, England.  01 Founders bootcamp learning is gamif... Read More

  16. The University of Western Australia Boot Camps offer 24-week, part-time web development, data analytics, and cybersecurity programs. The full stack curriculu... Read More

    Christian Gennaro Alteri

    5Student - Course: Full Stack Web Development - Part-Time - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: A most valuable experience

    The bootcamp experience exceeded all my expectations. The dedicated and knowledgeable staff played a pivotal role in making this journey truly exceptional. From ... Read More
  17. 2
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    2
    Courses

    Heicoders Academy offers an 8-week, live online bootcamp based in Singapore. Students can choose between courses that teach AI or full stack web development.... Read More
  18. 2
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    7
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    UT Dallas Tech Bootcamps offer full-time and part-time online training programs in coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, DevOps, or product management. Thes... Read More

    Jose Perez

    5 - Course: Cybersecurity (Part-Time) - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Graduate

    This has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I did not expect this to go so well. I had completed 2 previous bootcamps with other schools years ago with mixed ... Read More
  19. 2
    Reviews
    1
    Course

    Macro offers a Web3 fellowship for senior web engineers. Students will learn about smart contract security, a new programming language (Solidity), and learn ... Read More

    Alex Sumner

    5Graduate - Course: Web3 Fellowship - Online

    Verified Via GitHub

    Says: Macro was a great experience!

    With the help of the Macro Fellowship, I was able to transition from being a senior engineer at a large Web2 company to working at a blockchain defi startup. I ... Read More
  20. 2
    Reviews
    5
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    Sparka Academy offers part-time Digital Marketing (4 weeks) and UI/UX Design (5 weeks) bootcamps with multiple locations in Hong Kong. Bootcamp instructors h... Read More
  21. 2
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    1
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    Coding Summit is a 10-week, immersive online Full Stack Software Development bootcamp. Students will meet for five hours of class each weekday during the boo... Read More

    Chien Yu

    5Student - Course: Full Stack Software Development - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: Amazing Bootcamp Experience

    I took this bootcamp (3 months) course last year. Coding Summit taught both python & JavaScript along with how to use both languages to create web applications. ... Read More
  22. 2
    Reviews
    3
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    Colorado State University Tech Bootcamps offer full-time and part-time online training programs in coding, cybersecurity, DevOps, or product management. Thes... Read More

    Claire

    5Applicant - Course: Coding (Part-Time) - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: A+++

    I really think enthusiasm and a positive environment are the best catalysts for learning and Brendan provided just that. Learning how to code this quickly can b ... Read More
  23. 2
    Reviews
    0
    Courses

    Coder Vox aims to give their graduates the skills needed to be proficient and independent coders. If you are a non-technical person who is interested in prog... Read More

  24. NC State Digital Skills Bootcamps are online, technical provider offering programs in in Cybersecurity and Software Development. The bootcamps prioritize han... Read More

    Chad John Roberts

    4Student - Course: Cybersecurity Bootcamp - Online

    Verified Via LinkedIn

    Says: This bootcamp have a few flaws to be improved, but good through

    My overall experience with this bootcamp, is that it gives me more information about computer science (indirectly) and well cybersecurity in a less than year lo ... Read More
  25. 2
    Reviews
    4
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    The Alliance For Digital Employability provides 12 or 24-week, full-time full stack coding bootcamps in Athens, Greece. Alliance For Digital Employability (A... Read More

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