Full-stack developers work with the user interface, the database, and the operating system of a website or application. There are different opinions on whether a full-stack developing approach is better than a traditional one, and these opinions usually differ depending on dozens of factors.
We at Clearmove have recently switched to this system and consider ourselves faithful followers of the full-stack approach. We gathered the opinions of our senior developers and VPs to share their thoughts on the reasons for that.
Why full-stack at Clearmove
Maksym Dudkin, our VP of Engineering, says that switching was a strategic decision:
“In the beginning we used a usual system where back-end and front-end developers worked separately on their tasks, using different languages. When an urgent piece of work arrived we divided the chores between “fronts” and “backs” to do their tasks simultaneously. In this case “fronts” wrote their codes using mocked data instead of a real back-end code. “Backs” usually finish earlier and start other tasks, but when “fronts” start integrating back-end codes there are bugs that need to be fixed, so they come again to the “backs” and ask them for help. Each fixing later needs to be tested and approved, and meanwhile “fronts” are just waiting. Imagine if one out of two back-end developers gets sick – the whole project suffers. We started to realize that this way is not the most efficient. We are a start-up and we don’t have all of the time in the world for constant fixing and waiting.”
Nearly half a year ago it was decided to switch to a full-stack approach and rewrite the existing code to one language – TypeScript. It became way easier to communicate between departments and avoid misunderstandings.
Andrii Ivaniv, our Senior Software Engineer, says: “The full stack development reduces the cost of the project because it reduces the time used for team communication. All team members can help each other and every developer can switch between front-end and back-end tasks based on requirements.”
Another Senior Software Engineer, Viktor Loktionov, sees difficulties regarding the switch. He says: “It is extremely hard to be good at everything, especially in the beginning. The lack of experience can lead to mistakes in the code during this transition period. We need time to readjust.”
Viktor’s point shows the importance of training and constant development. At Clearmove we are ready to invest time and effort into our people. So we are helping staff readjust to this change for the benefit of our efficiency, staff, and clients.
Vitalii Yehorov, VP of Engineering Operations, is very optimistic and believes that this new approach will help not only the company to become more efficient, but the developers to become more professional:
“Switching to full-stack allows us to work in one field where everyone understands each other and to have all the information needed. It boosts our team’s speed and saves from unneeded communication. Our developers are now able to make the whole feature by themselves, which improves their confidence and a sense of ownership.”
While Viktor raises an understandable concern, by adopting a full-stack approach, eventually, developers do grow and gain needed experience. Besides, as Vitalii said, the company will achieve better efficiency and our staff will become more experienced. Every implemented change needs time to come to fruition.
Top 4 benefits of full-stack for developers:
- A better understanding of the complete workflow of a project. If you nail it, you’ll be in tune with back-end programming technologies (Node JS, NestJS, etc), database systems (PostgreSQL), and front-end technologies (TypeScript, CSS, JavaScript, React, React Native, etc). This set of skills covers every layer of the software development process so you’ll be very well positioned in the global IT market.
- Diverse growth options: you don’t need to narrow down your growth potential. You can try both developing paths to choose your favorite later. Having all in-demand skills will make you extremely adaptable to various web and app development ecosystems.
- Sense of ownership. You can take full responsibility for a project and claim the entire credit for its success. This is something that can never happen to a front-end or back-end developer.
- Superb employment opportunities, as full-stack developers are top-of-the-line engineers, who have a unique ability to solve problems at any stage of the process. Therefore, they are one of the highest-paid professionals today.
Full-stack Juniors at Clearmove
We believe in young professionals’ potential and give them a chance to try being full-stack developers from day one. Real tasks and interesting complex challenges – this is what awaits you if you decide to become our team member. With the obvious advantages of becoming a complex master, you will grow and develop your skills and will be mentored by the highly skilled professionals that we mentioned before.
Working with us means constantly growing and learning. Are you ready for this?