Full Stack Developer Or Software Engineer: Which One To Choose As Career?

Full-stack developer and Software engineer/developer? Who are they? What’s the difference? Who gets better pay? What’s the difference in their job roles? Should I become a full-stack developer or apply for software engineer jobs? These common questions surround many of the newbies. If you’re one of them, then don’t worry! The article highlights a list of differences between these two fields.

Let’s get started!

Difference between Full Stack Developer and Software Engineer

Full-stack web developers work across all the layers of web development. They work with a stack of technologies for various facets of front-end and back-end development. Typically, they possess vast knowledge of multiple technologies and are involved in the entire process of building apps & websites.

Software development/engineering is a broad term. Software engineers are the professionals responsible for creating, maintaining and managing software products, developing computer games and running network control systems. They generally know how to architect a system. Software developers have different sets of technical expertise and they focus on a particular aspect of software development.

• Skills

Full Stack Web Developers are the jack of all trades - database familiarity, usage of development frameworks, third-party libraries, server management, front-end and back-end technologies, essential design ability and more. It is expected that they should be familiar with front end development languages, including HTML, CSS, Javascript, Angular JS and more. It is along with back-end languages such as PHP and Python.

Software Engineers are experts in multiple programming languages and their language expertise is selected based on the project’s requirement. They develop applications for operating systems. A programmer is expected to be familiar with some popular software development languages, including C, C++, C#, Java, Python and more.

• Advantages and Disadvantages of a Full Stack Developer

Advantages

A full-stack web developer plays a vital role in IT and development companies. And as they possess diverse skills to work on different projects, they can work on several tasks.

By hiring a full stack web developer, each project’s cost can be minimized as they possess the ability to work on various tasks.

They are adaptable and can work on both – client-side and server-side projects as and when required.

Disadvantages

A full-stack developer tends to work on different processes and skills. So, it can be challenging for them to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

At times, they get confused about their responsibilities in a complex project.

• Advantages and Disadvantages of a Software Engineer

Advantages

Software Engineer’s pay is comparatively higher in most countries.

It helps you learn many initiatives, like programming languages and software tools.

You get a chance to work on cutting edge technologies and always remain updated with new technologies and inventions.

Disadvantages

Technology is driving change almost daily. So, a software engineer must continuously stay abreast and brush on new skill sets.

Sometimes it can become mentally exhausting.

• Salary

According to the glass door, the average salary of a full stack developer in India is 9.2 lakhs per annum. It can range between 4.6 to 9.2 LPA. With industry experience and mastery of more skills, you can expect a substantial rise to your salary. Whereas, a software engineer in India gets an average salary of 5.1 lakhs INR per annum.

Final Thoughts

There’s enormous demand for both full stack developers and software engineers. So choosing amongst the two might seem tricky. To make it easy for you, take a look at your areas of interest. Think about what intrigues you more - websites or applications and then decide accordingly.

Don't miss out to check on the top full-stack web development training program, which is designed for working professionals and offers four months of rigorous training.

Hello everyone, I am anannya Agrawal. I have 3.5 years of experience in the field of application development. I am a professional trainer for mobile and web application development.