Who Should You Hire: Full Stack Developers or Specialised Developers?

As a manager looking to hire software engineers, you have two distinct options: Full Stack Developers or Specialised Developers. A Full Stack Developer is well-versed in multiple areas of software engineering, while a Specialised Developer is an expert in one particular area. In the IT industry, Full Stack Engineers are often preferred over Specialised Engineers, so it is important to consider whether you should follow the trends or go with engineers that are established professionals in their field.

Let us break things down for you.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both full-stack developers and specialist developers:

What exactly is a specialist developer?

A specialist software developer is an individual who has a specialised set of skills that enable them to focus on a specific area of development. Unlike a full-stack developer, who has a comprehensive understanding of the entire development process, a specialist developer focuses solely on their area of expertise and is able to provide specialised solutions in that area.

What exactly is a full-stack developer?

Full-stack developers are software engineers who have experience and expertise in both the front-end and back-end development of websites and applications. They are skilled in a variety of programming languages, such as Vue.js, Angular, Node.js, React, PHP, Java, .NET, HTML, CSS, as well as databases such as Firebase, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and MySQL. Additionally, they are well-versed in software testing tools, such as TestComplete, Katalon Studio, and Postman, and can assist with scalability, architecture, and project roadmap planning.

Specialised Developers: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

1. Excellent job quality

   Due to the expertise of these developers, you can expect the utmost level of quality in their work. As a result, a specialist developer may be able to provide more intricate solutions than a full-stack developer.

2. Up to date with the most recent news

   A specialist developer is well-informed about the latest trends and advancements in their particular area of expertise. As they specialise in a specific aspect of programming, they are able to keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the field more quickly and easily than those who are more broadly involved in the entire programming process.

3. Task distribution is easier with a team

   When you gain insight into each team member’s area of expertise, you can adeptly divide and delegate tasks accordingly. This comprehension facilitates the allocation of responsibilities, making the process more effective and efficient, resulting in time savings.

Disadvantages

1. Expertise has a price

   In order to successfully complete the project, it is necessary to hire two separate software engineers, one for the front-end and one for the back-end. This necessitates that the engineers have a specialised skill set which can be costly to recruit. As a full-stack developer is able to work on both the front and back end, this further increases the cost of recruitment.

2. Developers need to rely on each other in areas that aren’t their specialty

   Cross-domain dependability can represent a challenge for specialist developers, as they may not be able to complete the entire development process independently. Instead, these professionals must rely on other experts in different areas to achieve the desired outcome.

Full-Stack Developers: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

1. Know-it-all!

   A full-stack developer is an individual with a broad range of skills and abilities, capable of handling any task that arises throughout the development process. From front-end design and user experience, to quality assurance and testing, these developers are equipped to identify and address issues quickly and effectively, without the need to outsource specialist help.

2. Cost-effective

   A Full-Stack Developer is capable of managing both the front and back end of an application or website. This enables businesses to replace two or three specialty developers with one Full-Stack Developer, resulting in a considerable cost savings.

3. Allows for Flexibility

   Whilst it is necessary for a specialist developer to stay within their area of specialism, full-stack developers possess knowledge of both the back-end and front-end, enabling them to switch between domains quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the time taken to complete a task.

Disadvantages

1. They might not be up to date on the latest technological changes

   Full-stack developers are certainly aware of the current trends in software engineering; however, they must often work across a variety of domains, which can make it challenging to remain abreast of all the technologies they are using. This can be particularly difficult due to the breadth of knowledge required to function effectively as a full-stack engineer.

2. Might not take full responsibility

   Full-stack developers often take on multiple tasks simultaneously, without breaking them down into smaller components. This approach may lead to confusion, as it can be difficult to assign full ownership of the project to any one developer. Furthermore, this approach can make it challenging to monitor the progress of the entire development process.

Now the issue is, how will you choose between hiring full-stack developers and specialist software developers?

The resolution to this query is contingent upon a number of factors, such as project size, flexibility, funding, and quality. In order to gain a better understanding of these elements, it is essential to delve deeper into each one.

1. The scope of the project you’re working on

   As a startup, it is important to consider the various tasks that need to be completed. A team of full-stack developers may be the best option for smaller projects, as they can handle a wide range of tasks. However, when larger projects arise, it is advisable to recruit developers with specialised skills in order to ensure that all of the necessary jobs are completed accurately and efficiently.

2. How adaptable is your project

   Depending on how often the requirements of the project may evolve, it is important to consider whether to employ specialist developers or not. If the project has stringent specifications that will be unlikely to change over time, it is advisable to hire specialist developers who can provide the necessary expertise and experience to ensure the project is completed as desired.

3. The amount of money you are willing to spend

   It is true that specialist developers may be more costly than full-stack developers, meaning that the amount of money one is willing to invest in new employees is an important factor to consider. Ultimately, the decision to hire a specialist or full-stack developer rests upon the budget available and the needs of the company.

4. The quality of work you need

   Full-stack developers are capable of working on various elements of a project, while specialist software developers are limited to concentrating on one specific area. When considering expert developers, however, it is important to note that their focus and skill can result in a higher level of job quality. Therefore, if a project necessitates the highest calibre of work, professional developers should be your top choice.