If you're hiring developers for your project, you may be confused between a full-stack developer vs. a specialized developer.
Full-stack developers are suitable for roles with broad skills, while specialized programmers are an ideal choice for specific tasks. As both options are better in their own criteria, it's challenging to find the right one.
But don't worry! In this blog, we will explore factors, as well as pros & cons, that will help you make the right decisions between Full-stack or specialized software engineers.
Full-Stack Developers Vs. Specialized Developers: Overview
Full-stack developers are software engineers who are experts in both front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side) development. From design to development to database management, they can handle all phases of development. If you need programmers for small projects, hiring full-stack engineers would be a great choice.
The demand for full-stack developers is booming continuously, and there is no sign of slowing down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a massive increase in full-stack developers' jobs, with positions jumping from 135,000 to a predicted 853,000 by 2024.
On the other hand, specialized developers are software development experts who focus on a specific area of expertise. It could be front-end development using a framework like React, back-end development specializing in a language like Python, or even mobile app development for a specific platform like iOS or Android.
Full-Stack Developers Vs. Specialized Developers: Key Differences
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between full stack and specialized engineers:
Aspects | Full Stack Developers | Specialized Developers |
Skills | Front-end & back-end | Deep expertise in a specific area |
Suitability | Smallar projects | Complex, and high-performance projects |
Benefits |
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Drawbacks | Limited expertise in specific areas |
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Examples |
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Full-Stack Engineers Vs. Specialized Developers: Skill Sets
Specialized Developers Skill Sets:
Specialized engineers may focus on front-end, back-end, mobile app development, machine learning, or DevOps.
Here are a few of specialized developers' skill sets:
Technical Skills:
- Frontend Development (e.g., React, NodeJs, Angular)
- Backend Development (e.g., Python, Java)
- Mobile Development (Android or iOS)
- Machine Learning
- DevOps
- UI/UX Design
Full Stack Developers Skillsets:
The skillset of full stack developers includes:
Technical Skills:
- Frontend Development (Vue.js, Angular, HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Backend Development (PHP, Python, Java, Ruby, Node.js)
- Databases (SQL, NoSQL, MySQL, Firebase MongoDB, and PostgreSQL)
- APIs (application programming interfaces)
- Version Control Systems (Git and GitHub)
- Web Architecture (HTTP and REST)
- Essential Design Skill (NPM)
- Project Management Methodologies & UI/UX Design
- Software Testing (Selenium and Katalon Studio)
- Good Knowledge of Servers, Networks, and Web Hosting
Full-Stack Engineers Vs. Specialized Engineers: Pros & Cons
Full-Stack Engineers: Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Broad skills | Complexity |
Cost effective | Time management |
Efficiency | Knowledge overload |
Project versatility |
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Problem solving |
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Specialized Engineers: Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Deep expertise | Limited scope |
High efficiency | Low adaptability |
High quality |
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Ideal for complex projects |
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Factors to Consider When Hire Full Stack Developers or Specialized Developers
Factor #1 - Project Complexity
Full-stack developers are the best choice if you have a limited number of tasks and clear functionality.
Complex projects include a lot of tasks. So, it would be better to hire specialized developers who can provide better solutions.
Factor #2 - Project Size
The project's size helps you hire experienced developers for your projects.
If you're a startup with a small project, hiring full-stack engineers is an ideal choice. Being a small-scale business owner, you may have limited resources and a wide range of technologies and tasks.
For mid-sized & complex projects, it would be beneficial to hire full-stack developers. They can follow the documentation process and implement the appropriate tools and technologies.
Factor #3 - High Quality Work
Focused developers with in-depth knowledge (specialized developers) can deliver superior projects due to their expertise in specific areas. The rise of affordable tools for monitoring trends allows such programmers to stay on top of the latest advancements and use existing technologies in innovative ways.
Factor #4 - Time Management
Full-stack developers have an advantage in time management for small projects.
Specialized developers contribute to innovation and efficiency for larger projects, even if initial coordination might take some time.
Factor #5 - Hiring Costs
On average, the cost to hire a full-stack developer can range from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size. Due to their versatility, full-stack developers demand higher salaries than specialized programmers.
The cost to hire specialized programmers can range from $60,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their specialization, experience, and location.
Factor #6 - Project Flexibility
A full-stack developer is ideal for projects that need to be defined clearly and may change frequently. They can quickly switch between tasks and multitasks, as well as adapt to these periodic changes.
But, it is easier to change requirements if there are several specialists on your team. If your Project has a particular need, you should hire a dedicated mobile app development company.
Full-Stack Developers Vs. Specialized Developers: Which One Should You Hire?
Choose a Full-Stack Developer to Hire If:
- You're working on a simple project
- You have limited financial resources
- You have a tight deadline to meet
- You're a startup owner or running a small business
Choose a Specialized Developer to Hire If:
- You're building a secure e-commerce platform
- You want to develop a real-time multiplayer game
- You're integrating machine learning into your app
- You need blockchain-based application development solutions
- You want long-term project maintenance (e.g., Healthcare or Finance)
Full-Stack Developers Vs. Specialized Developers: Which is Better?
There is no correct answer when it comes to selecting between full-stack developers vs. specialized developers. Everything depends on your project's specific needs. Full-stack developers have extraordinary adaptability and speed in the face of shifting conditions.
Specialist developers, on the other hand, have more excellent expertise and can provide better quality work.
No matter what you choose, Full Stack or Specialized Engineers, always focus on hiring trustworthy and talented developers. If you are still determining who to hire, get in touch with VLink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check skills, take technical interviews, check background, and more things you need to consider when hiring dedicated programmers. If you don’t have to wait for this long hiring process, hire experienced developers from VLink. We promise to deliver highly skilled dedicated developers as per your project requirements within 48 hours.
Yes, you can hire both full-stack (handles all development) and specialist coders (experts in one area) from VLink, a trustworthy IT staffing agency in the United States. Always select the one that fits your project’s needs.
Both full-stack and specialized programmers are better in their way. Full-stack engineers handle all aspects (front-end & back-end), which is excellent for small projects. On the other hand, software developers have expertise in one area, offering deep expertise for complex projects.
