4 Reasons NOT to become a Full Stack Developer

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  • čas přidán 6. 04. 2022
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    Isn't full stack development better than frontend or backend? Nope. Not if you're a beginner trying to learn to code and get your first software developer job. It may seem backwards since many job listings ask for fullstack experience and lots of coding bootcamps teach fullstack courses. But there's a huge downside to this. In fact, trying to learn full stack development could actually hurt your ability to get hired as a new programmer and here's why...
    Let’s have a candid chat about becoming a full-stack developer, because it’s something I get asked about all the time, which suggests a lot of folks don’t really know what it means and what’s involved. It doesn’t help that a lot of job openings ask for full stack experience and a lot of coding bootcamps are selling full-stack programs.
    Is that what you’re also coming across in software developer job postings?
    Let’s start with clearing up the misunderstandings around front-end, back-end and full-stack development and then get into why you shouldn’t try to become a full-stack developer as someone who is trying to get into the industry.
    So what exactly is front-end development?
    What is back-end development?
    Or should you become a full stack developer? Let's chat.
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Komentáře • 447

  • @jamescross
    @jamescross  Před 2 lety +22

    If I were starting over: czcams.com/video/glgmavKWg3Y/video.html and some of my recommended resources for learning: czcams.com/video/FSDWhhFXQD8/video.html

    • @diedredavis8477
      @diedredavis8477 Před rokem +1

      I'm thinking about doing a Full-Stack Web Development with Co-op (it's a 2 year diploma program) . If I were to study this could I just focus on front end web development after?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před rokem +2

      @@diedredavis8477 you can specialize in whatever interests you. lots of opportunities out there.

    • @willybroseur
      @willybroseur Před rokem

      @@diedredavis8477 tu

    • @willybroseur
      @willybroseur Před rokem

      @@diedredavis8477 Mlle'

    • @willybroseur
      @willybroseur Před rokem

      @@diedredavis8477 Mlle'

  • @ericmyers1306
    @ericmyers1306 Před 2 lety +615

    Full-stack awareness... yes. Full stack expertise... NO. Don't be a "jack of all trades, master of none." Learn about every tier but specialize in what you enjoy building.

    • @xluats
      @xluats Před 2 lety +26

      This.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +43

      totally agree.

    • @alexnope769
      @alexnope769 Před 2 lety +105

      "Jack of all trades, master of none. But better than a master of one".

    • @micah9421
      @micah9421 Před 2 lety +18

      @@alexnope769 exactly, full stack web dev is great

    • @unicodefox
      @unicodefox Před 2 lety +13

      yeah but what if I enjoy building is different each day
      like one day I'm building react apps, and the next I'm writing a HTA for ie 6

  • @JasonLatouche
    @JasonLatouche Před 2 lety +157

    I do enjoyed my first full stack position. Yes, the projects wasn't that big, yes I did everything from CSS to databases and server management, and yes I was underpaid based on the amount of responsibility and value I was providing. But it was a great experience and now I have a better understanding in which areas I would like to focus.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +24

      There is a lot of value in having some breadth. What are you focused on now?

  • @GramKracker88
    @GramKracker88 Před 2 lety +82

    Coming from enterprise software engineering - I can tell you even our group, despite “looking for full stack” have a desire for either a strong java(backend) or strong front end candidate at any one point in time. The key is to be able to focus in an area and have the chops to handle other areas like devops, QA etc.. Interesting topic tho, a bit of a clickbait title, but hey got me to click I guess ;) A little trick, advertise yourself as “full stack” even if your mainly focused in one area, you’ll get more interviews and will likely find a good fit for your interests/skill sets eventually - that’s what 90+% of our Indian candidates do…

  • @emmaklein1066
    @emmaklein1066 Před 2 lety +77

    My favorite notion in this whole video (that I hope resonates with all the new devs on here)-- experienced devs learn from years worth of making mistakes and having to fix them. It's so easy to fall into the mental trap of "they're just so much smarter than I am, that's why I'm not able to foresee these crazy architecture problems before it's too late."
    Great content! Loved the concise explanations of front end, back end, and dev ops. And I love to see someone advocating against going full stack initially.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +2

      thanks for the feedback and thoughts!

    • @heathbruce9928
      @heathbruce9928 Před rokem +1

      While I agree against going full stack initially, when building your own projects, depending on depth, your going to need to know those skills. But it takes time to develop them. No pun intended.

  • @johnforde7735
    @johnforde7735 Před 2 lety +66

    I totally agree. A company should employ architects to design the architecture and then get specialist teams for front-end web, front-end mobile, data, cloud infrastructure, security, etc. If a company wants a full stack dev, they are probably going cheap and your life will be hell to support this stuff. As you mention, many mistakes could be made that compromise the system and leave it open to hackers.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +3

      Thanks for sharing your perspective!

  • @Tech_Publica
    @Tech_Publica Před 2 lety +56

    Some good thoughts here but... I think that the best course of action for an aspiring dev is first get a little bit of full stack practice and experience, just to know how it is, and also to take the "magic" away, because you always have to know what is going on in your application, even if you are not the one directly responsible for it. Then once you have an idea of how the front end and back end work is, you can make a well informed decision about where you prefer to specialise, and once you are really strong in an area then you are in the best position to decide whether you prefer to become a very specialised master or you prefer to work in a larger field.

  • @future_teknokrat7585
    @future_teknokrat7585 Před 2 lety +27

    This is probably why there's a small faction who tells new and potential devs to just do data analysis to start and then move to development later. The data is what's most important and a company is slow to hire a full fledged developer without experience

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      Interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.

  • @coreykuehl8519
    @coreykuehl8519 Před 2 lety +7

    I've been a dev for almost 4 years now. I started as a Junior and I'm about to be two levels up from where I started. The biggest thing that slowed me down was trying to learn and use too many different technologies. I would recommend picking an ecosystem and specializing in that instead of just one part of the stack. If you're a Java person, pick up spring boot and maybe hibernate, then add on a front end framework that isn't too dense like a svelte. .NET already has a pretty verbose ecosystem that has a healthy community around it to be jumped into. Whatever field that seems interesting, find a popular ecosystem that the field uses and make projects with it through tutorials. Being comfortable with an ecosystem makes you very marketable and is more valuable. API integration is also a very important thing to learn, so add that into the project through tutorials of that ecosystem, and you'll be making bank in no time 👍

  • @TheJacklwilliams
    @TheJacklwilliams Před 2 lety +10

    Got my sub. I've been in this business for too many years and the things you see/hear are phenomenal. I'm workin web dev as a focus/tech change and currently on front end, CSS, getting ready to start into javascript. I did some app/web dev back in the late 90's / early 2000's and wow, that was interesting. Anyhow, great presentation. I intend to work through the stack as I progress, for two reasons. The first, figuring out where I intend to land/specialize. Second, ultimately my goal is to run my own gig, choose and build my own stack, and create customer solutions from that stack. However, at the end of the day, I intend to have a team of five people and each will specialize in a piece of that stack and will be relied upon to provide the level of service / knowledge that such a specialist brings to the table. Lastly, my specialization, will be uncovered as I proceed. I'm thoroughly enjoying the front-end and all the amazing tools to create in that space but I also have a small history with the back-end and enjoy that as well so, we'll see.
    I despise mis-leading material. Learn X in 21 days, blahblahblah. If this field were that simple the pay would be 10 bucks an hour. Not what it is. Job req - Looking for a junior full stack developer. Really? That exists? Isn't that an oxymoron?
    Great presentation. Thank you.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +2

      Sounds like you have a great plan! Yeah it's an industry that has great potential for high salaries, but it takes a lot of work and takes time to get there.

  • @moltenlava1877
    @moltenlava1877 Před rokem +2

    Thank you
    I was getting overwhelmed by many Techs and langs
    Wanted to do FStack, But was more comfortable with front end. Ur pathway makes sense

  • @CharlieAligaen
    @CharlieAligaen Před 2 lety +6

    This is one of several videos I've watched so far recommending front-end first before expanding to full-stack. Great advice. Thanks!

  • @Fridayy.Blessed
    @Fridayy.Blessed Před 2 lety +29

    For me I think it's better to learn Front end and the MERN stack
    But to specialize more on the Front end

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +10

      nice thing about that stack is having a single main programming language across it.

    • @Fridayy.Blessed
      @Fridayy.Blessed Před 2 lety +7

      @@jamescross I couldn't agree more

  • @JpDubbed
    @JpDubbed Před 8 měsíci +1

    Thank you SO much! It's crazy how many videos out there for "beginners" assume that we already know what the difference is between front end and back end. Like yeah, I can imagine what it is, but technically, I had no clue.
    I saw another vid saying you were a laborer before software engineering..I've been a laborer my whole life, so your story is really inspiring and I'm gonna have to dig through your videos quite a bit more.
    Currently enrolled in an MIT intro to CS course..which yes, does offer a cert after completion lol even if it is for vanity metrics :p I'm hoping it looks good on paper.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Best wishes on your programming journey!

  • @marvinjayson5031
    @marvinjayson5031 Před 2 lety +54

    I definitely agree with this. I'm on my 8th year of full stack development and I'm now just shifting to just doing front-end development. I wanna restart my career, sort of. I think what's very important also is the company you work for and what experience you will be gaining from them. My experience is being exhausted all the time and being worked to the bone, but doing almost the same things every project, and always having tight deadlines, and having corporate admin stuff you have to comply with. Now, I'm just playing catch-up with all the front-end technologies that are out there. Ah, if I could just start over...

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +6

      thanks for sharing you experience Marvin! Yeah companies do play a big role in a good or bad experience for sure.

    • @MehediHasan-lu5qt
      @MehediHasan-lu5qt Před 2 lety

      What should we learn? As a beginner

    • @gabeastone8793
      @gabeastone8793 Před rokem +1

      What would you do if you could start over

    • @thanudamsara8204
      @thanudamsara8204 Před 8 měsíci

      What would you do if you could start over?

  • @Ebenenstil
    @Ebenenstil Před 2 lety +4

    nice summary. Very helpful. The main reason companies look for FullStack is probably often the desire to save money. Hire one person and thus cover 2-3 jobs. It's everywhere, but in the programming world it has felt extremely increased. In times when data and its security is one of the most important tasks in a company, people save money and prefer to look for a person who is either overwhelmed with the task or who is grossly underpaid because they do everything.

  • @nicopicchio
    @nicopicchio Před 2 lety +3

    Great video that helps to understand the key differences between front and back without a lot of technical jargon. From an editing point of view I found the type of music to be very distracting.

  • @stimepyc3523
    @stimepyc3523 Před 2 lety +10

    I concur. Having done both front end and backend they really can be different worlds... And often a specialized person is more important then the "I know everything" person. Full stack is fine, and you will probably do it all at some point, but just know it's takes time and effort to understand all the fun "nuances" of each area.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      thanks for sharing your thoughts on this

  • @user-hk6qv9bp5n
    @user-hk6qv9bp5n Před 8 měsíci +1

    I'm currently studying to be a Full Stack Developer, when I apply for jobs it will just be for front-end developer positions. I'm also spending more time learning front vs. back end, but once I'm comfortable, I will do a deeper dive into back in development. I just like learning and want to know how everything works from all perspectives. I also think that even though I will be applying to front-end positions, being able to put Full Stack training/experience, (even if it's entry-level) will look better on my resume. And maybe it would lead to more training with more access to learning with that company.

  • @davidademola3770
    @davidademola3770 Před rokem +16

    I think it's a good idea to learn both front end and back end, but specialise in one.

  • @SylvanEvergreen
    @SylvanEvergreen Před 2 lety +15

    Great points, and I enjoyed the insight into what backend devs do. Thanks for the excellent and concise content!

  • @mikebreeden6071
    @mikebreeden6071 Před 2 lety +12

    Having started doing development back when we were using TurboAssembly for spiffy front ends, I think you are completely correct, if understating some of the problems. In my last position I was fine with doing very sophisticated windows services as well as AJAX based web applications. They then also wanted us to become experts at cloud development and heavy DevOps. It's just not practical and we got no support from the company. In my opinion, the company is asking too much... I was fine until I got to the advanced YAML. You can't even really test that.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      yikes. it can get out of hand fast when getting sucked into devops.

  • @BigPoleTightHole
    @BigPoleTightHole Před 2 lety +52

    When a project is small enough, a full-stack dev might make sense. In my experience, full-stack developers are rarely awesome at the front and back-end.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +4

      true

    • @boukhadc
      @boukhadc Před 2 lety +8

      Depends on the experience. It takes time to master one skill, so it’s kinda logic that’s it’s even more difficult to master 2 skills… but clearly not impossible if your memory works well, you just need to learn and practice, make personal projects, use the package manager from the language you are using to easily share it between project. Then once it is part of yourself, and if you get paid, you are all happy to work with it.

    • @ElonHusky
      @ElonHusky Před rokem +2

      But small projects means small company and less pay

    • @BigPoleTightHole
      @BigPoleTightHole Před rokem +1

      @@ElonHusky - I agree, the pay will sometimes be a bit less with a smaller company. In my experience, it also comes with a little bit more laid back mentality and it's not as demanding.

  • @teoiancu6269
    @teoiancu6269 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for the inspiring videos James!
    Couldn’t help but notice the Trance music background in your videos, love it 👊🏻

  • @Selbstzensur
    @Selbstzensur Před 2 lety +6

    *I am a fullstack dev* , artist, musician, producer! And i love it! yes, u r never specialized in a field. There are always details that u don't know. So i use learning cards all the time! In the latest project i was not able to design a complex algorithm in linear time. It was slow as hell. A new cto joined the team and solved it. I was like what i am missing? So i get deeper in algo and data and bought a course on udemy from two google enginneers, i am still in and what should i say - i did not know anything about memoization and tableuization. This is what i love most as fullstack dev, there is tones of stuff to learn!

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +2

      thanks for sharing your perspective. there is lots to learn which is something i enjoy too.

  • @DevlogBill
    @DevlogBill Před rokem +1

    I qm focused on full stack but I am open minded enough to go the front end route. At the moment I think I have the front end covered. Only downside is I don't have enough projects, I only know the useState for React and I need to upgrade my CV. On the up side my JavaScript skills as a beginner are not too bad. Been focusing lots on functions and OPP. Started applying lots for the past 3 weeks now. I don't think I'm ready, I don't have enough projects. But I plan on contuing to learn and grow and apply.

  • @danigui8573
    @danigui8573 Před 2 lety +11

    Full stack developer is just a backend developer who knows to use bootstrap to make the frontend.

  • @caiomoura9637
    @caiomoura9637 Před 2 lety +5

    Man you are really upgrading the video quality with this editing

  • @adrianderose2727
    @adrianderose2727 Před 2 lety +4

    Another great video! Been thinking about this before starting my job search

  • @odysseynoone3831
    @odysseynoone3831 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Man! Extremely valuable information, the setup, the video, the commiunication, engrossing. I didn't want to watch this video cause I was committed to the full stack path, but it was worth it.

  • @michaelolz
    @michaelolz Před 9 měsíci +1

    This has helped me sooooo much. Big time thank you for posting this video!

  • @SuperCyberStriker
    @SuperCyberStriker Před 2 lety +6

    Great Advice, always watch ur channel, quality stuff, and video editing is top-notch. really gives me the motivation to continue my learning curve to change the profession

  • @mynameisjeff830
    @mynameisjeff830 Před rokem +3

    I'm currently taking a course for frontend and I was wondering if I should try full stack and now that I've watched this video, I'm just going to stick with front end

  • @Trust679
    @Trust679 Před 7 měsíci

    I really like your Background and generally the way youake the video enjoyable

  • @ArmandoRodriguez-rs5gx
    @ArmandoRodriguez-rs5gx Před 2 lety +11

    FullStack means “I know a little bit of everything” and you never really master the stack

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +2

      that's how i felt when i was doing more full stack stuff. Too much to master.

  • @richardumaru1682
    @richardumaru1682 Před 2 lety +2

    amazing video as always,thanks for the info

  • @a6893_
    @a6893_ Před rokem +1

    Its like going to school and picking a subject you like.
    Good understanding for a beginner.

  • @GarlandKey
    @GarlandKey Před 2 lety +7

    3 reasons to become a full stack developer. It has the highest demand of all software engineering positions, pays very well and has the lowest barrier of entry.

  • @davidd680
    @davidd680 Před rokem +3

    I fully agree. When starting out it is best to focus just on one side. You should not be a full stack developer until you are at least a couple years in. My first job was a full stack and it took me a while to actually be useful because there was so much to learn on everything. It will slow down your potential doing full stack because there is just to much to learn. I am 10 years in now and still doing full stack and I am still learning almost everyday.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před rokem +2

      thanks for sharing your experience!

  • @natel6706
    @natel6706 Před 2 lety +9

    I'm essentially doing full stack work. Not only are you doing front and back end coding, but you're managing the full stack, including Apache configuration... it's doable, but I do feel that your expertise gets stretched. Hard to get great at any single thing when you're doing something different every day.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      thanks for sharing your experience!

  • @ladybuginc.4189
    @ladybuginc.4189 Před rokem

    Thank you for your perspective!!

  • @vamostimow
    @vamostimow Před rokem

    you are a gem james, which field would you recommend for a newbie going into a tech bootcamp please ? not just coding but everything tech related including cybersecurity etc..thanks

  • @sweealamak628
    @sweealamak628 Před 2 lety +30

    Full Stack is a myth. No human being can be a master at backend database, security, connectivity, processing, GUI layout and aesthetics all at the same time.

  • @trommelbiel
    @trommelbiel Před rokem +1

    Great insight. I will concentrate on frontend.

  • @Wanderer2035
    @Wanderer2035 Před rokem +1

    I agree. It’s just too much information as a Junior Dev before you even start your first job. Or if you do manage to learn it all you may end up spreading your self too thin in these different technologies, and you won’t be as good as you could be in the fundamentals.

  • @leanmac6613
    @leanmac6613 Před 2 lety +1

    I'm not sure if you have addressed this, but I am having a hard time finding a bootcamp that focuses on front end. Most of them seem to try to teach way too many things at once, and they either make you do 90 hours per week, or they barely hold your hand at all. What is the best way, especially if I don't have a ton of self-discipline, to practice MERN to proficiency in a somewhat structured environment? You are confirming everything I have thought about how to enter the industry. I just want to get proficient at the MERN stack essentially, and focus on the front end. I just wish there was a bootcamp that wasn't so damn intense, still held me accountable, and focused on front end, forcing me to do 5 projects with the same tech rather than 1 project per different stack.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      It can be hard. I would look into some online courses focused on frontend. I plan to do a video on resources, but it will probably be a couple of weeks out. When you start, I would look into leveraging existing apis or firebase if you want to customize your data. You can even hard code fake data into your app as json files and them fetch them to get started until you are ready to hook up to something like firebase. I think some bootcamps go really wide to try to justify higher prices rather than focus on skill development.

  • @VickelLeung
    @VickelLeung Před 2 lety +28

    Totally agree, I remember when I graduated at university. I decided to focus primarily on full stack thinking it will be more valuable and make more money in the long run. Boy was I wrong, I was hired by a small company that wanted me to do everything. While I knew some friends that focused on either front or back end and they made the same or more than my salary. Now I focus primarily on UI/UX and front-end developer instead of being a jack of all trades.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +2

      thanks for sharing your experience!

    • @GarlandKey
      @GarlandKey Před 2 lety +3

      It wasn't the position that was the problem, it was your ability to negotiate your salary well and see red flags when they arise. If they want someone who can do everything, they need to pay you very well for it.

    • @SueroNetwork
      @SueroNetwork Před 2 lety +9

      @@GarlandKey Reading his paragraph he said he was fresh out of college you can try and make a deal all you want but like the most of us I'm pretty sure getting some experience and a real job was more important, however later on once you know what your capable of then it's good to negotiate for a higher salary if you are already at a company and this happens ask for a raise if not dip outta there find something else.... this coming from a college grad that went through the same thing also this part...👉((It wasn't the position that was the problem,)) dude how would you know that ? he just said he was working at a small company, it's pretty common that they work the hell out of new devs, did you read what he said at all lol((Context clues)) read my friend

    • @chisangamumba2961
      @chisangamumba2961 Před rokem +1

      Focus on Fullstack? That's not a focus.

    • @edgardevelops
      @edgardevelops Před rokem +1

      It is good to excel taijutsu and ninjutsu at the same time.

  • @XxSgtSkittlesxX
    @XxSgtSkittlesxX Před 2 lety +2

    Just subscribed, I'm looking into a career switch and need all the resources I can get since I'm not sure where to start. Thank you!

  • @wheytomuchforher
    @wheytomuchforher Před 2 lety +3

    I've had this thought for a long long time. Also, this kind of attitude exists in larger companies. Currently in this situation. It's just a cost saving measure

  • @davidodaudu5932
    @davidodaudu5932 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for this video. Much needed

  • @EternalDarknessAboveTheBlueSky

    Does a full-stack developer need to be good with Photoshop (or Gimp)? Also, do they need to be good at telling you when chartreuse might be a better color choice than lavender (or vice versa)?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      those skills can help and there may be some companies where you have to do some of that. But in general at most decent size companies, there will be dedicated designers who will provide the mocks for you and they will be the ones determining colors and user experience.

  • @Greatscott24
    @Greatscott24 Před 2 lety +12

    This video gives me PTSD flashbacks from my attempts at full stack development. I lasted two months and haven’t been in development ever since. There were so many things to know, and not enough problem solving skills to keep up with the team, especially during sprints. While I was trying to learn a new framework, the project stalled and there was no hope. They always say that all developers experience problems and failures, but what they don’t tell you is that those same people are also extremely smart. Average joes fail at a much higher rate than high level problem solvers. I wish I could get back the years I spent trying to get into this field.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +4

      thanks for sharing your experience. sorry to hear it didn't work out.

    • @Greatscott24
      @Greatscott24 Před 2 lety +12

      @Andai I'm not currently employed. I've been out of work for about 10 months. My resume has taken a big hit in the past 2 to 3 years while I tried to make it in web development. In short, I never "made it" in any professional sense of the word. I got good at doing side projects, but nothing resulted in an actual job after I failed out on my first two. The $13k spent on the coding bootcamp turned out to be a complete waste, and that's on top of my $80k in student loan debt from my actual bachelor's degree. Fortunately, my wife is the breadwinner, so I've been afforded some level of leniency that many don't have the luxury of having. I have applied to hundreds upon hundreds of jobs without even a callback. Everyone tells you not to give up, but those people have food on their plates when they say that. Sometimes I think you really do need to give up on certain paths to pursue more realistic ones.

    • @GramKracker88
      @GramKracker88 Před 2 lety +3

      I’d be curious to know more - I’ve been in enterprise software engineering for the last 6 years, with 10-12 years of web dev prior to that. Self taught, started in high school etc.. I’ve trained tons of folks fresh out of college - some folks really struggled and eventually left, but to me, it didn’t seem like a lack of IQ, but rather a lack of passion or interest. Early on when you get started I think you need a considerable amount of interest to really get going. Do you think that sounds more accurate for your circumstance than you not being smart enough? I don’t consider myself super smart either, but I myself will spend countless hours of trial and error to figure out cause I don’t like feeling defeated and treat it as a challenge.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      @@GramKracker88 totally agree with this.

    • @Greatscott24
      @Greatscott24 Před 2 lety +2

      @@GramKracker88 The biggest issue is that my first job was realistically more of a mid-level full stack position. Had I jumped in at the bottom, I may have lasted long enough to continue the career path. My biggest issue now is that my resume is a major red flag for anyone looking at hiring me for that role. I'm also far enough removed from my formal training now that I've lost some of the knowledge and skills due to the lack of day-to-day exposure. There are only so many hours in a day, and one to two hours of practice and studying each night isn't enough for me to feel like I'm making enough headway to jump in head first again.
      Looking back at my failures at the full stack job I had, it felt a lot less about problem solving as it did lack of IQ. They straight up told me that I needed to spend less time trying to figure things out and more time producing results. They lost patience with my noobness because they still had hard deadlines to honor. For the project they had me working on, they could have given me two years rather than two months; the result would have been the same. It was simply way too over my head to even grasp what was going on. It's a shame because I still have a passion for development. I just don't feel like it'll ever be anything more than a hobby to me now.
      This was just my experience, and I'm sure others may have wildly different stories to tell. I wish I had that story. My family's life would be significantly better than where I'm at now in life.

  • @Rettson
    @Rettson Před 2 lety +1

    I thought this was going to be a video saying it's impossible to become a full stack developer which is something I've seen people say before. This was really interesting though, I've been a developer for 6 years now and have only ever worked in small teams so right from the beginning I was forced to be a full stack developer, or at least get to full stack very quickly 😅. Can't complain though as I really enjoy it but I do worry that I'm not very specialised and I sort of know a bit about everything but don't feel like I've mastered anything yet which is something I'm quite self conscious of. Definitely something I need to work on! Great video 😄

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks. Whatever way you go, it's still nice to have some good breadth of experience.

  • @truestory818
    @truestory818 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you my friend, I like you advise, I'll get real good at front end and get my way up to where I want...

  • @alastairbarker1840
    @alastairbarker1840 Před 2 lety +2

    A really thorough and true explanation. Good job.

  • @B1Happy
    @B1Happy Před 2 lety +1

    GOD!!! Thank you so much for the honesty. I’ve been at it 3 years and have always felt exactly like this.

  • @pm71241
    @pm71241 Před 2 lety +6

    I'm a backend guy ... and I agree... I can't really imagine how one should be able to keep up with everything in the _full_ stack.
    I like poking into HTML/CSS/DOM/Javascript ... but I simply haven't got the time to achieve the same level of expertise as I have with backend stuff.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      I feel that way too, but from the frontend. Though there are days I'm tempted to make the switch to backend.

    • @pm71241
      @pm71241 Před 2 lety +3

      @@jamescross well... I'm sorta happy I haven't had to deal with frontend during all the time where you hadn't got grid and flexbox. The few times I've had to try to do layout with float and clear I went positively insane

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      I hear you on floats. to the pain.

  • @ElonHusky
    @ElonHusky Před rokem +2

    I am a Lead frontend developer , Once company hired a FS (Not really he just said he knew Reactjs in interview)
    he's expert in backend, Initially company put him in frontend team and he struggled a lot finally ,I called the manager and asked him to remove that guy from frontend and assign him backend tasks only otherwise it will be a waste of time for both parties

  • @Silver-Clouds
    @Silver-Clouds Před rokem +2

    You are absolutely right, thanks for this amazing vidio. I was thinking to become a full stack developer. But i felt it is really difficult and was thinking to just focus on front-end. I gonna learn full stack development to have an idea about it. But when I apply for a job I will focus on front-end until I feel confident that I am perfect in it. After that can be switched to backend for an year or more then next step to full stack developer. ❤️❤️❤️

  • @khumbomunsaka716
    @khumbomunsaka716 Před 2 lety +4

    I think I will take your advice. Get good at front end and then start doing backend.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      Wishing you the best on your journey!

  • @planktonfun1
    @planktonfun1 Před 2 lety +20

    The lesson to be learned here is if your efficient at your job you're not going to be rewarded instead your gonna be punished with even more work

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +3

      Not really the point of this video. More like being really good at something is valuable. That said, what you say is true for a lot of places. It's important to also be mindful of working overtime and not setting exaggerated expectations of what you can do in a given time.

    • @user-fi8ju5qk5g
      @user-fi8ju5qk5g Před 2 lety +2

      Haha, that's a fact.

  • @_Code.Pilot_
    @_Code.Pilot_ Před 2 lety +3

    Can someone please tell me what that is @5:40 (on the desk, to the left of the keyboard)?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +4

      3Dconnexion Space Mouse controller for animation

    • @_Code.Pilot_
      @_Code.Pilot_ Před 2 lety +1

      @@jamescross Thanks!

  • @asitpurohit_108
    @asitpurohit_108 Před 2 lety +4

    I want to develop my tech company so I learned full stack ...but i love front end ....
    I follow the pricinple, Something about everything everything about something ....it's better to have full knowledge but expert in one thing ...that better then just expert in one thing ...like MBBS doctor , they know wholesome about our bodily system ...but specialize in one thing like orthopedic or dentist etc....because in emergency we can help the patient .....so learn everything be expert in one thing you love

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      yup. that's what i was getting at about the T shaped developer at the end of the video. It's a great approach.

  • @ubertcoolie8694
    @ubertcoolie8694 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the video.

  • @lonewolfcoding5208
    @lonewolfcoding5208 Před 2 lety +4

    pls tell us about efficiency of a webserver when there is multiple concurrent connection in realtime and tell us about load balancers threads mvcs what linux os is linux server enough in hosting?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      will add it to my video idea list

  • @MetaVizions
    @MetaVizions Před 2 lety +1

    5:42 What is that mouse or controller pad on the Left?? What is it called and does it do? Necessary?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      that was a stock clip so i don't own it. I don't remember what it's called. I looked it up for someone else so if you skim the comments you should find it. It's for animation work.

    • @MetaVizions
      @MetaVizions Před 2 lety +1

      @@jamescross Thank you for taking the time & engaging back, means alot !

  • @BG-vg5jd
    @BG-vg5jd Před 2 lety +1

    On the last 2 companies i've worked for, the user stories are all vertical slices, that means your story have frontend, backend and sometimes database to it.

  • @bharat_thapa_
    @bharat_thapa_ Před rokem +2

    Specializing in one area is a good thing and can lead to very successful career but the down side is that even companies are emphasizing the full stack developers.
    So, can't really help but go for fullstack development skills!!!
    My experience:
    I am a backend developer and currently I am slowly transitioning to full stack dev (but still my primary skill is backend dev.)

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před rokem +2

      thanks for sharing your thoughts

  • @luiggymacias5735
    @luiggymacias5735 Před 2 lety +3

    I just got my first developer role as a backend developer, I hope i don't mess up the data as you said

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +3

      if you do, it's a learning experience. congrats on the new job! that's awesome!

    • @luiggymacias5735
      @luiggymacias5735 Před 2 lety +4

      @@jamescross thank you I appreciate it

  • @The_Corner_Of
    @The_Corner_Of Před rokem +1

    Thanks for pointing that out. I'm just starting to learn. I'm dangerous at this point. 😁

  • @Deix25
    @Deix25 Před 2 lety +1

    Dude I love your music in your videos! Do you have a playlist that you can share?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      I don't. I get my music from artlist.

  • @SupremeCrusader
    @SupremeCrusader Před 2 lety +5

    Wow, I really needed to hear this, thank you. I've been trying to land my first role for a while now. I've done mostly front-end projects but recently delved into Node on the back-end. I figured I needed to at least have a working understanding of back-end in order to be even considered for a junior role. But you're saying I should just focus on front-end for now? That's a relief because I've been having a tough time grasping back-end. Would you still say I should learn a little back-end to get my first role or do you think I should just focus all on front-end for now?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +3

      Having some understanding of the backend will be helpful. I would choose to specialize in and area so you can stay focused and develop some solid skills to help with marketability. Eventually you'll want to become a t-shaped developer which means get a good understanding of the full stack, but still be really good in one area or the other. For some people, frontend just wont click and in that case they might consider specializing in the backend. What I shared is guidance, not a hard this is the only way.

  • @gihanpunarji6192
    @gihanpunarji6192 Před rokem

    background music is crushing this 💜

  • @sarthakjoshi9824
    @sarthakjoshi9824 Před 2 lety +3

    I am working as full stack laravel vue devloper . I have recently started enjoying both . Laravel is easy for me . Vue is challenging and very fascinating how powerful it is!!!.

  • @chrismurff1815
    @chrismurff1815 Před 2 lety +1

    5:40 Why is your right hand so far over on the left side of the keyboard? Just curious, is this your normal typing method?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      that clip is not of me, so you're guess is as good as mine. maybe using some shortcuts or something. that is not how i normally type.

    • @chrismurff1815
      @chrismurff1815 Před 2 lety +1

      @@jamescross lmao i didnt even notice. the black hat and black hair were enough to convince me as i was trying to figure out what was going on, on the keyboard lol

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      i never noticed his hand position. i am curious now that you brought it up.

  • @marvinasas2060
    @marvinasas2060 Před 2 lety +4

    So I am a mechanical engineer with some knowledge in python (no flask, no Django or anything else related to web development). And for some reason I got hired as a full stack developer. Honestly it turned out pretty good. I feel like I am learning sooo much at such a fast pase and I am pretty flexible. Got a 10% salary increase after half a year already. Not even a year in the job, but I feel like I could fill full frontend and full backend position at this point. I mean of course not a Senior position. Still not that long on the job. with some advices by a senior backend dev about security, ci/cd I am confident that I could handle a complex app all by myself. At least with the architecture and frameworks that I already know. I was actually thinking about focosung on one stack. But actually, why would I? I love to be flexible and be able to do anything. Just a bit more experience I could potentially quit my job tomorrow and found an own company without hiring dozens of people right away. I like that opportunity. And also it is a lot of fun to jump around and basically work on the entire app.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for sharing your experience. A lot of people enjoy that path. It's awesome you found what you enjoy!

    • @TheMrVogue
      @TheMrVogue Před 2 lety +3

      Specialization often correlates to higher pay. However, I recommend being a Swiss army knife with one particularly nice knife. Be valuable on multiple fronts, but be really high valuable in one or a few domains.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      Agree. That's the T-shaped developer I mention later in the video. There are some times where you have to jump into the other side of things. There have also been times where I've worked with more junior backend devs and I have to be more involved in helping mentor them. It's good to have some breadth.

    • @chisangamumba2961
      @chisangamumba2961 Před rokem

      Why would you leave Mechanical engineering for Web development?

    • @marvinasas2060
      @marvinasas2060 Před rokem +1

      @@chisangamumba2961 why not? I was just tired of engineering. It is interesting, but I really couldn't imagine working as an engineer. Late into my studies I got into coding quite randomly and really enjoyed it. I never planned to become a web developer. I honestly didn't even know what it was about. But I was specifically looking for jobs where I had to program a lot. And in my current position I am developing apps that are used by engineers only to develop cars. So my degree is still at least a little bit useful. And after all, on averaged the salary is more or less the same.

  • @flexclan20
    @flexclan20 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for creating this very informative video. I'm actually on the hunt to become a full stack developer by registering with my local college.
    Do you think having a bachelor degree as a full stack developer will help my cause by landing a job? Instead of being self-taught?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před rokem

      If I could go back in time, I would get a computer science degree.

  • @isakawilliam
    @isakawilliam Před 2 lety +2

    just a few months into learning full stack development...i have an interview with 2 companies this week one for rails and another for react, and for sure I can say I wish they were both rails, its hard to do both tbh

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      thanks for sharing. best of luck on your interviews!

  • @kwadwoowusu2157
    @kwadwoowusu2157 Před 2 lety

    what editting software do you use man ?

  • @yancoder20
    @yancoder20 Před rokem +2

    I can't deal with the back-end and database. I've been there and this was overwhelming doing full stack BootCamp for beginners

  • @onurvardal3458
    @onurvardal3458 Před rokem

    Hey man, I just came to ask about the background music lol, where can I find it? :)

  • @maw_prgrmmng
    @maw_prgrmmng Před 2 lety +1

    I am a first year college and having a hard time which frontend library/ framework should I start with? should I go with react because it's popular? or those framework that is less popular and have low competition?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      Pros and cons to both. I lean more toward what will be competitive going forward. Maybe try out both and see which one you enjoy working with.

    • @maw_prgrmmng
      @maw_prgrmmng Před 2 lety +2

      @@jamescross thank you for your response! I subbed because I saw you are really into helping us, your viewers , I appreciate you so much for replying to every single comment thank you sir!

    • @maw_prgrmmng
      @maw_prgrmmng Před 2 lety +1

      And also, I hope you keep reading/replying to every single comment as much as you can even you reach more and more subs!

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      @@maw_prgrmmng I will do my best.

  • @dasunniroshan3940
    @dasunniroshan3940 Před 2 lety +1

    thank you for the guidence

  • @TheCountryCoder
    @TheCountryCoder Před 2 lety +6

    Im a full-stack developer and it’s true that it hard to become an expert in one area. Unless you put the time and effort. But even that it’s going to take you longer.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +6

      Yup. But what's important is if that's what interests you. I know plenty of people who love to have their hands in everything. They're really happy with their decision to be full-stack.

    • @TheCountryCoder
      @TheCountryCoder Před 2 lety +3

      @@jamescross agree, best wishes!

  • @bhavyajain638
    @bhavyajain638 Před 2 lety +1

    I'm learning MERN stack. I did frontend for 6 months and I continue to learn more frontend, but focused on backend for now.
    Is my approach correct? I am a 1st year college student. I still don't know if I wanna be a web developer, but I enjoy it.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      there are a lot of paths. i share my recommended path in this video, but that doesn't mean you have to follow it. you're in college so you have some time to explore and your experience will be different than self-taught. i would focus on finding your interests while in school. you'll have an easier time getting interviews so long as you keep up your grades in your cs program.

    • @bhavyajain638
      @bhavyajain638 Před 2 lety +1

      @@jamescross thankyou for replying. Good advice.

  • @bhargavkumar
    @bhargavkumar Před 2 lety +8

    A video on how you learnt how to code..like which recourses you used and how you got your first job....this kind of things will be hugely appreciated. BTW awesome video 👍🏻

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +6

      Thanks. It's on my list to make a video on courses I would recommend in 2022. Courses I used would be outdated now. I do touch on some course recommendations in this video: czcams.com/video/FSDWhhFXQD8/video.html and here is my advice on getting your first dev job czcams.com/video/CJ_YTVRAHe0/video.html and I talk more in depth on my jobs in this playlist: czcams.com/video/Nhx67D8OoTo/video.html

  • @mrfsrf
    @mrfsrf Před 2 lety +1

    great video. Can you say what music is in the background

  • @kotk05
    @kotk05 Před 2 lety +2

    When my last job was interviewing me for frontend, they kept asking if I would be willing to learn backend. I said yes thinking if I said no, they'll go with someone else.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +2

      did then end up actually having you do any backend?

    • @kotk05
      @kotk05 Před 2 lety +3

      @@jamescross Yes, but lightly. If anything it was mostly middleware stuff.

  • @Prince_515
    @Prince_515 Před 2 lety +6

    You deserve a lot more recognition

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      thanks! appreciate the feedback!

  • @ahmedmusawir
    @ahmedmusawir Před rokem +1

    Can I be called a full-stack developer if 1) I use CMS as my backend 2) I use a ready-made API like the CZcams API or something from the RapidAPI site -- 2 questions that no one could find me the answer to ... so plz ... help me out here

  • @bruno-bnvm
    @bruno-bnvm Před 2 lety +2

    This was helpful thanks

  • @SumitSingh-xm2sc
    @SumitSingh-xm2sc Před 7 měsíci

    Hello I'm from India plz tell me
    Should i do full stack developer or do one particular language ... Nd which language should i do ...

  • @SH13LD
    @SH13LD Před rokem +1

    Love the background music and the colour theme

  • @munawirulhadi2864
    @munawirulhadi2864 Před 2 lety +21

    I love backend, but there's not a lot of work available for backend. Most job portal they are looking for frontend. Even when I joined a startup they gave test to build an api but I ended up working as a frontend.

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      It happens.

    • @jermainemyrn19
      @jermainemyrn19 Před 2 lety +3

      So companies lie?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety

      @@jermainemyrn19 Some might lie, but most times it's that the hr team or recruiters who might not be super technical are the ones posting what they think the company wants. They might copy and paste from a previous listing... etc.

    • @lukeet331
      @lukeet331 Před 2 lety

      @@jermainemyrn19 alot of companies don't even know if they need a front-end or backend developer they just know they need something built lol

    • @theirtheyrethere7946
      @theirtheyrethere7946 Před rokem +1

      @@lukeet331 oh my god i cant even imagine working for a company who doesnt even know what they want.

  • @kintsugittv2537
    @kintsugittv2537 Před rokem +2

    I mean you can say that, but I promise you most hiring are looking for a fullstack, even if your responsibility isn't a fullstack position.. My friend hires people for his job, coding interviews, etc, and he said the same thing. They look for fullstacks, but yet half the time the person isn't even working fullstack.

  • @gjermundification
    @gjermundification Před 2 lety +1

    I believe it's better to be able to recognise the Pareto principle( a k a the 80 / 20 principle ) than to say don't do full stack development. After all Photoshop is still coming out in new iterations. The way front end is done these days - how can you tell it apart from U / X?

  • @expattrading
    @expattrading Před rokem +1

    I'm learning a full stack course just so I understand the bigger picture. will specialize later.

  • @Jessyco
    @Jessyco Před 2 lety +1

    Are you guys looking for a Senior Front-End developer based in Canada? This is great for people trying to learn how IT dev shops work, great work in the production of the video (p.s. noticed the Satisfactory power sound effect, niiice.)

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +1

      There's a site with all the listings. Not sure what's available or where.

  • @yshterev
    @yshterev Před 2 lety +1

    Damn.. something I have been trying to explain to people for years! Good job!

  • @pebbleblue6623
    @pebbleblue6623 Před 2 lety +2

    I want to be a front end web dev but most coding bootcamps teach full-stack. Should I complete a full-stack bootcamp but just go after front-end jobs? Does anyone know any front end only bootcamps?

    • @jamescross
      @jamescross  Před 2 lety +2

      There is still value in being familiar with the whole stack. Eventually it it good to become a t shaped developer. Some breadth across the stack and deep in an area of specialization.