Full Stack Developer vs Software Engineer

Full Stack Developer vs Software Engineer

To understand the difference between a full-stack developer and a software engineer, we have to learn first who they are, what they are doing, and how much they are earning. Full-stack developers are a subset of Software Engineers. A Full Stack Developer manages the frontend and backend parts of the web application or website. While  A Software Engineer focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. 

In this article, we are going to learn who is a full-stack developer, and software engineer, and their differences, and similarities.

Table of Contents

Who is a Full Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer is someone who can work on both the frontend and backend of a website or application. They can build and manage everything needed to make a website or app functional, from the User interface to the data handling part. If you want to become a full-stack developer, you need to learn programming languages like: HTML, CSS, and Javascript and Frameworks like React.js, Next.js, Node.js, and Django.

Who is a Software Engineer?

A software engineer is someone who can design, build, test, and maintain software to solve problems or perform specific tasks. They use programming languages like Java, Python, or C++ to build applications. They also make sure the software is reliable, efficient, and meets user needs. They collaborate with multiple teams to get a better clarity of the project requirements.

Full-Stack Mastery: From Frontend to Backend
Elevate Your Career with Our Comprehensive Full-Stack Development Insights
quiz-icon

Differences Between Full Stack Developers and Software Engineers

Here are the following differences between full-stack developers and software engineers:

AspectFull stack developerSoftware Engineer
Scope of WorkThey work on both frontend and backend parts of the application.They work on different fields like: designing, building, testing, and deploying the application.
InteractionThey interact with multiple teams like their own team members, and also with different team members.They can collaborate with front-end developers, back-end developers, and testers, to deliver software projects on time.
WorkThey manage both the client-side, and server-side development and work on database optimization, also they work on the API creation Phase.They make applications that run on different browsers, mobile phones, and computers.
SkillsThey have skills in Languages like HTML, CSS, Javascript, and frameworks like ReactJs, Node.js, PHP, etc.They must have skills like Data structure and algorithms, and languages like: C++, Java, Python, etc.
Learning PathThey must learn frontend development, backend development, database management, and API creation part.They have to learn computer fundamentals, Operating system, DBMS, Networking, etc.
SalaryThe salary of an entry-level full-stack developer is 9 LPA, and it totally depends on their skill set, location, and the organization.The salary of an entry-level software engineer is approx 6 LPA, also it depend on factors like skills, location, and the requirements of the project.

Skills Required for Full Stack Developers

There are the following skills that are required to become a full-stack developer:

There are the following skills that are required to become a full-stack developer:

  • Communication: They must have good communication skill so that they can share their idea with the team members and also with clients and stakeholders.
  • Frontend Development: they must have proficiency in frontend technologies and frameworks like: HTML, CSS, Javascript, Reactjs, Typscipt, Next.js, Node.js, etc.
  • Backend Development: they must have proficiency in backend technologies like Node.js, PHP, Django, Java, Ruby, etc.
  • Database Management: They must have in-depth knowledge of creating a database table, sending data to the database, and also extracting data from the database.
  • Git/Github: they must be familiar with Git to push their code on GitHub to keep track of their code.
  • Communication: They must have good communication skill so that they can share their idea with the team members and also with clients and stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities of Full Stack Developers

  • Here are the following roles and responsibilities of a full-stack developer:
  • Senior full-stack developers are also responsible for deploying the application built by junior developers.
  • They are responsible for writing clean, efficient, reusable, and readable code so that anybody can understand the code easily. And make the changes accordingly.
  • They collaborate with junior frontend or backend developers to build a better product.
  • Their roles include From frontend developer, backend developer to UI/UX developer.
  • Senior full-stack developers are also responsible for deploying the application built by junior developers.
Set New Standards in Web Development
Master Web Development with expert -led training
quiz-icon

Skills Required for Software Engineers

Here are the following skills that are required for becoming a software engineer:

1. Here are the following skills that are required for becoming a software engineer:

  • Communication: they must be good at communication to share their ideas with stakeholders and different team members.
  • Problem-Solving Abilities: they must be able to solve real-life problems.
  • Data Structures and Algorithms: they should have in-depth knowledge of Data structures like: arrays, Strings, Linked lists, graphs, etc, and algorithms like: searching, sorting, etc.
  • Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): they should be aware of all the phases of SDLC, like designing, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
  • Web Development Expertise: they should also have expertise in web development like: HTML, CSS, Javascript, ReactJs, etc. to build applications
  • Documentation: Sometimes full-stack developers need to write documentation of their code, API, and the system design of their application.
  • Communication: they must be good at communication to share their ideas with stakeholders and different team members.

Roles and Responsibilities of Software Engineer

Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of software engineers that they are doing in their day-to-day lives:

  • Software engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, designers, and testers.
  • They are responsible for writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code. They implement the designs and architectural guidelines using appropriate programming languages and frameworks. 
  • They design software architectures, components, and modules, ensuring they meet quality standards.
  • Software engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, designers, and testers.

Full Stack Developer Vs. Software Engineer: Which One Fits You? 

Here are the following factors that you must follow to define which one is right for you:

  • Area of Interest: first of all, try both fields and explore in which field your interest is inclined the most. You can learn these technologies by doing some courses; these courses help you to explore both fields in detail.
  • Career Growth: both full-stack developers and software engineers have extensive career growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of full-stack developers will increase by 13% in 2020-2030, and the employment of software engineers will increase by 25% in 2022-2032. 
  • Job Opportunities: Full-stack developers have more flexibility in their work; they can easily switch their jobs in multiple fields. After the evolution of AI, there are a lot of job opportunities coming into the market for software engineers.

Get 100% Hike!

Master Most in Demand Skills Now!

Conclusion

With the above discussion, we believe that you have learned the difference between full-stack developers and software engineers. You would have also understood the difference between their roles and responsibilities. So we can conclude that full-stack developers majorly focus on Web applications, while software engineers focus on web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps, etc.

If you’re looking to advance your career in full-stack development, consider enrolling in our Web development course to enhance your skills and knowledge.

About the Author

Senior Consultant Analytics & Data Science

Sahil Mattoo, a Senior Software Engineer at Eli Lilly and Company, is an accomplished professional with 14 years of experience in languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript. Sahil has a strong foundation in system architecture, database management, and API integration. 

Full Stack Development