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Skills Every Full Stack Developer Needs in 2021

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Skills Every Full Stack Developer Needs in 2021

In 2019 Stack Overflow surveyed over 90,000 developers globally, and 51.9% of the participants turned out to be full stack developers. And that number will continue increasing given the current scenario we live in where we can’t lift a finger without using a piece of software.

There are applications for everything you can think of. From social media to apps that test your kissing skills! Companies are continually looking for new ideas to create apps, websites, and platforms to hook an audience. For this, they are on the look-out for a full-stack developer who can help them put their ideas and objectives into practice by building applications that consumers can’t get enough of.

What Is Full Stack Development?

Full stack developers combine the programming of the client side or the frontend of the website and the server side or the backend of the website to create an end-to-end solution for a web application to run smoothly. In other words, full stack development involves engineering a website or mobile application that has an engaging user-interface (frontend) that also smartly handles data (backend) behind the scene to provide quick solutions to a user query.

What Is Frontend Development?

Frontend development involves creating a visible part of the website where users will be engaging. The screen where users enter a query or submit the required details to be directed to a solution or a specific dashboard forms the frontend.

A web application needs to be easily-navigable and visually appealing to encourage more users. Therefore, while programming, the frontend developer must take care of both the structure and the web application function. The frontend programming languages are:

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Javascript
  • Jquery

What Is Backend Development?

Backend development involves data handling behind the curtains. When a user enters a query on a web server over the internet, the query is forwarded to the web application’s server. The web application server looks into the database for the desired answer and sends it across to the web server. The database and the application server, and the operating system form an integral part of backend development. The backend programming languages are::

  • Java
  • PHP
  • Ruby on Rails
  • Python
  • .Net

Why Companies Hire Full Stack Developers?

It’s impossible to know why companies hire full stack developers without understanding what their role is.

A full-stack developer is someone who can provide the flexibility companies seek among their tech hires, thanks to their all-encompassing knowledge of both backend and frontend development. Yes, specializations do matter, and specific projects may require designated engineers for backend and frontend coding. However, for many businesses, a full-stack developer is all it takes to create a great piece of programming sporting a deft user-interface teamed with efficient back-end programming involving the server and the database.

Startups also have a high demand for full-stack developers who can help develop a Minimum Viable Product, a crucial first step in the journey of a product or API application before its official launch. At this stage, full-stack developers contribute by programming the initial features of a product that either makes it a deal-maker or a deal-breaker when the first set of feedback from customers is collected.

2021 would be a manifestation of more businesses embracing automation and, full-stack developers would be in demand due to the following skills: 

  1. Their backend and frontend programming knowledge.
  2. They are able to handle the server end and the client end of a web application streamlining data structure and algorithm.
  3. Their comprehensive understanding of development allows them to troubleshoot without second assistance.
  4. A single full-stack developer can engineer a complete website or application, unlike a specialist who knows only one of the areas of a software solution. For example, a System Administrator takes care of only the operating system and the servers. A full-stack developer will handle the operating system, the servers, the UI/UX, and the database.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Full Stack Developer?

In 2021, the competition among companies wanting to incorporate the most efficient technologies in their products is going to be higher. The bar will keep rising in terms of launching software products that make the lives of consumers easier.

So, as a full stack developer, you have to know your frontend and backend like the palm of your hands. You must be acquainted with all the latest tools and languages to take care of all types of market demands. 

The Key Skills Required Of Full-stack Developers Are:

1. Frontend Skills: Frontend skills involve mastering the programming languages you would need to build an efficient user interface. The first step is to build your foundation with HTML and CSS.

HTML – HyperText Markup Language forms the basis of the frontend development of a website. You would implement HTML to define each part of the website’s functionality that the user would be viewing.  The point of HTML is to inform the browser of the website’s structure for it to interpret paragraphs, headers, links, images, and other elements.

CSS – If HTML is the structure, CSS or Cascading Style Sheets adds aesthetics to the structure. Imagine pretty fonts, visually appealing backgrounds and colors, animation and 3D effects.

JavaScript – After structure and aesthetics a good web application will have all the features users can engage with. This includes contact forms, personal details forms, sign up/login windows, drop-down menus, maps, video players – anything where a user would be completing a task on the website. Good knowledge of JavaScript will help you add user-interactive features to a website.

Jquery – Learning Jquery will help you use JavaScript on the website with ease. For example, while implementing AJAX calls (loads personalized content without installing them into the HTML), JavaScript may feel like a complicated language to code. However, with Jquery, you can do it with ease. So is the case with DOM manipulation and other complicated tasks like HTML event methods, CSS manipulations etc. Plus, it comes with many plugins to help you accomplish almost any task.

2. Backend Skills: Your backend skills would determine how you use coding and business logic to connect the web server with the application server and the database. The following languages are instrumental in implementing the codes that would ensure a web application runs smoothly.  

Python – It’s a versatile, easy-to-learn language that works on various operating systems. You can use Python’s multiple web application frameworks to implement automation wherever necessary and create prototypes (mock applications). Python has many web frameworks that you can use to create competitive web applications that also incorporate machine learning.

Java – As a full-stack developer you are going to handle APIs, IoT, big data, scientific applications etc. Java could be your ticket to developing amazing software solutions. Plus it’s a beginner-friendly language. For instance, memory management and pointers are complex parts of programming. With Java you can accomplish these tasks with ease.

PHP – PHP has a close affinity with other programming languages such as Java, .NET, and Ruby. The popular open-source framework Laravel is a PHP framework and it’s still relevant to learn PHP as a backend language because as a beginner, you may end up writing code that contains errors or bugs. But, PHP can make any code work! By the way, WordPress was built on PHP.

Ruby on Rails – It’s a stable language unlike other languages like JavaScript/Node.js that change constantly. So, that’s a relief for new aspirants looking to create their first full-stack web application using one language. With Ruby you can develop an entire application without having to leave the framework.. It’s the ideal language for creating the currently trending, single-page application.

.NET – .NET could be your key to learning the principles of a good software design and building a robust web server. It’s a Microsoft supported software development framework that businesses use to build a product that works as a web-based application, desktop software and also has a cloud infrastructure.

MEAN – In the recent past MEAN has become quite popular with full-stack developers as it contains a complete list of frameworks required to accomplish end-to-end web application development. It is based on JavaScript, which means you can avoid the hefty task of learning too many full-stack programming languages. The frameworks are:

  • MongoDB, which can be used for the database.
  • Express.js can be used to develop a web application.
  • AngularJS is for frontend development.
  • NodeJS is for back-end development.

3. Developing APIs – Full-stack development is incomplete without the development of secure APIs that are meant to connect mobile or web applications to databases and servers. Learning REST or Representational State Transfer will help you develop architectures for APIs. A good thing about REST is that you can change the code on the client-side or the server-side anytime without interrupting each other’s operations.

4. Understanding Version Control System – You would be probably working with a number of developers who are continuously modifying the source code. By honing your version control system skill, you would be able to keep a track of the modifications in the code. This will help you compare between various code versions and revert to a previous version in case of an error. GIT, CVS, SVN, Mercurial are some of the most popular version control software tools you can learn.

5. Cybersecurity Skills – Though most companies will have cybersecurity specialities in their tech teams, knowing something about security testing could be a good addition to your resume. To conduct security testing you would have to know the full stack programming languages like Java, C/C++, PHP, Rubi. Perl. Lisp. Python, JavaScript, Apple’s SWIFT, SQL by heart.

6. Understanding Algorithm and Data Structure – A full stack developer is a problem solver. Therefore, a good company would be evaluating a candidate’s knowledge of data structure and algorithms. By studying the data structure and algorithms you would be able to formulate logical statements.

Data coding, for example, is an integral part of data structure and algorithms. By learning data coding you would manage to set the fields to collect the desired data efficiently and fix bugs and troubleshoot coding.

7. Testing Skills: End-to-end testing is essential in foolproofing the workflow of an application. This involves integration tests that combine components of the units to check whether they are providing the desired results collectively. Apart from that, there are unit tests that entail testing a single component to see if it’s working properly.

8. Design Skills: As a full stack developer you would also need to improve your UI/UX skills to create a responsive design for the website you are developing. UI/UX tools you might consider learning are Adobe XD, Marvel, Axure RP, InVision, Framer and Figma. Extensive knowledge of these tools will help you experiment with designs. Plus, there are many ways to get better at your designing skills, right from learning from examples to recreating designs for existing apps and asking for feedback on a forum like Reddit.

Wrapping Up

Arriving at the best possible piece of code for handling hefty data is a common theme in a full stack developer’s life. So, if you want to be one, start by updating yourself regarding new methodologies and languages. A great way to do this is by joining a community to learn new techniques. You have to be creative when choosing the right tools and formulate a pathway for an application to work. Besides all the technicalities, you also need to be a good listener who understands and verifies client/company requirements before starting a project to avoid a mismatch between expectations and delivery.

The company or the client for whom you are developing a software solution may not be well-versed in technological terms. As a full stack developer, your job is to understand their expectations and guide them through the methods. Verify if your understanding and their expectations are in tandem before you begin.

If you have a passion for innovation and coding is your lifeblood, all you need to do is polish and widen your knowledge of backend and frontend programming languages. Also, work on your understanding of data structure, algorithms and software design. Do that, and getting a high-paying job as a full stack developer with a good company is just a matter of time.

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What Internet Speed Do I Need?

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Paying for an internet service gives you the right to inquire how much speed you will get.

Today, the internet controls our lives, which is why one must subscribe to the best internet service provider, such as Spectrum for a flawless experience. 

It can be quite complicated to know how much internet speed you need to carry out every day online tasks. You may find yourself asking the same question repeatedly whenever you are planning to get a new internet service package or paying the bill.

It is not simple to select the broadband service plan which will be the best for you and your household. Multiple factors come into consideration, such as house size, people, area, online tasks, and so on. 

In the past 2-3 years a massive increase in the demand for the best home internet service providers is seen. The primary reason behind it is the increase in work from homes jobs, and online schooling, which was started shortly after covid-19. 

Keeping in mind all the crucial factors, you should go with the best internet service provider in the US. It does not matter in which state you reside; it is compulsory to understand your online needs as it helps you decide what internet package will work well for you.

When Should You Update Your Internet Plan?

Has your screen ever frozen while you reached the favorite part of your movie on Netflix? Or the web pages started taking forever to load when your mom started a skype call with her foreign friend? 

These are the early signs to inform you that it’s time to update your internet plan as it is not able to entertain all the users in the house simultaneously. To help you see if you really need faster internet service, we asked the broadband experts working at the top internet service provider companies to get a better idea. 

Bellow, you can have a look at what they stated to better understand when it’s the time for you to upgrade your internet plan.

What Internet Speeds Do You Need?

For Netflix

You require an internet speed of 15 Mbps or more to stream content in HD or 4K. In addition, you will need more speed if you stream Netflix on multiple devices at the same time. The same will be the case for all other streaming services, such as Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.

For Multiple Internet Compatible Devices

It is only obvious that you will be needing a much stronger internet plan if you wish to use multiple internet-compatible devices simultaneously. You may be needing such devices for various reasons like online streaming, gaming, live television, and so on. The ideal internet plan for the said case would have to be somewhere around 200 Mbps+. The perfect speed for data-hungry households in the US.

Consider Gigabit Internet Speeds

Those who are in the IT industry understand the need for a fast internet connection no matter what time of the day it is. This is why they should consider gigabit-speed internet plans for the seamless availability of ultra-fast internet speeds.

Know Your Internet Speeds

Using various online internet speed test websites, you can double-check if you are getting what you are paying for. If not, you can contact your internet service provider and discuss the issue with him.

Ensure to Use Updated Equipment

Not every time it is the ISP that causes the drop in internet speeds. You must make sure that you are using the latest and updated Wi-Fi routers, modems, etc. If they are not the latest or up-to-date, they may cause your internet speeds to slow down.

Conclusion

There you go, folks! I hope this post helped you realize how much internet speed you need to work smoothly on the web. We understand that deciding the right internet service provider is a process that is not as simple as it seems, but we tried to make it easy for you.

It is a good idea to have the number of devices in mind while subscribing to the best internet service provider. Moreover, we recommend going for the one that provides other services with the internet.

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A Guide to Better Supporting Tech Use in Your Business

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If you own a business, you might find that you are not supporting its tech use enough and that this is having a detrimental impact on your company as a whole, from its productivity to its ability to adapt to the future of its industry. If this is the case, here is a guide that will help you to better support tech use within your company in 2023.

Get a Stronger Internet Connection

One of the best steps that you can take to better support tech use in your business is to acquire a stronger internet connection for it. A stronger internet connection will ensure that the software that you purchase is able to run smoothly and that a great number of employees can use your internet and your computers without any issues, such as a lag in internet speed. If you are struggling to find a strong internet connection in your local area, you should consider looking at the options that are provided by companies like Gateway Fiber. They will be able to provide your company with a fiber internet and Wi-Fi mesh network that can help to propel your business into the future.

Get Plug Sockets and Charging Points

You should also ensure that there are enough plug sockets and charging points around your business before introducing a lot of new technology. Installing a large number of sockets around your office will mean that a lot of gadgets can be used at once and connected to the electricity, such as laptops and computers. Not only this, but charging points in accessible places will mean that your employees can use their tech non-stop without running into problems because the gadget they are using is not charged up enough. This can help to make technology a more integral part of your business.

Find a Great Server

It would help if you also looked around for great servers for your company. There are many different types of servers that you may need within your business. For instance, file servers can help you to store a range of documents within a digital space, and a web server will ensure that you will be able to gain access to webpages whenever you need to, and the best web servers will ensure that these webpages load extremely quickly so that you are able to complete your work tasks in no time at all.

Look for IT Companies

It would be best if you also looked around for external IT companies who can help you get the IT infrastructure you need and support your tech use as it grows. Finding external support is vital for those who do not have onsite IT teams or for business people who are not very tech-savvy themselves, as IT companies can ensure that problems are sorted out quickly, that your tech remains secure, and that there is a source of professional knowledge and information on hand at all times to answer queries and concerns. This is extremely beneficial.

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Data science: The essential technical skills

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Data science is one of the most important roles of our time. Organizing vast amounts of cluttered, nonsensical data into clean, actionable information is an incredibly valuable skill, which puts you in an enviable position for work opportunities. Data science helps businesses from various industries make data-driven decisions, increase profits and streamline their processes. So, if you’re thinking a career in data science may be for you, let’s take a closer look at what data science is and the critical skills you need to succeed in the field.

What is data science?

Data science is an academic field that combines statistics, computing, scientific processes, algorithms, mathematics, artificial intelligence and computer engineering to analyze vast amounts of data to extract valuable information. The information extrapolated in data science is turned into easy to understand material so businesses can use it to make data-driven decisions. Now that we know what data science is, what are some typical roles you might have as a data science specialist?

What does a career in data science look like?

There are many exciting career paths you can take as a data scientist, including:

  • Data analyst
  • Data manager
  • Data architect
  • Business analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Statistician

These are only a handful of the possible data science roles. There are numerous critical data science skills needed for a successful career in this field. One of the easiest ways to obtain these skills is through a program such as Baylor University’s Online Masters in Computer Science degree track in Data Science. This program helps students to develop the specialized skills needed to excel in the data science field.

Essential data science skills

The exact skills you need for a data science role will depend on what you do and where you work. However, there are some skills common across all data science roles, such as:

Programming

Programming is an essential data science skill and is a necessary aspect of any data science role. Programming knowledge is required to analyze and manage large amounts of data. Data scientists often have to create machine-learning algorithms to predict outcomes using data; so, a deep understanding of programming is required to complete them.

Programming languages to learn include Python, SAS, R and SQL. Python is one of the most popular programming tools in data science due to its vast libraries, flexibility and ease of use. Whereas SQL is used specifically for databases when working with big data.

Big data

All data scientists need a deep understanding of big data. The amount of data we have access to is only increasing, and working with tools such as Spark and NoSQL is vital when processing large data sets that cannot be handled with standard data handling tools.

Machine learning

Understanding machine learning is one of the most critical skills you need as a data scientist, and you’ll need to learn both machine learning and deep learning thoroughly to succeed in the field. Machine learning knowledge helps you gather data more efficiently and predict future data set outcomes. Types of machine learning concepts to master include: linear regressions, logistics regression, decision trees and random forest algorithms. These concepts help create real-time data processing algorithms, which increase the accuracy of future outcome predictions. 

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis helps you create machine learning algorithms. Statistics and probability are required, and concepts such as linear regression help you collect, interpret and organize data. Factors such as mean, median, mode, variance and standard deviation are all components of statistical analysis that you should learn for data science. At a minimum, descriptive statistics and probability theory are essential for data scientists.

Database management

Database management involves cleaning and organizing large amounts of complex data into organized, readable information that is categorized into patterns and trends. Doing this is often time-consuming but remains vital to making data-driven decisions. Database management, or data wrangling, as it is sometimes called, allows you to present data that can be interpreted.

Interpersonal skills

In addition to the technical skills and specialized knowledge required to be a data scientist, there are some crucial soft skills, such as:

  • Critical thinking
  • Public speaking
  • Empathy
  • Attention to detail
  • Effective communication
  • Active listening
  • Feedback sharing

Public speaking allows you to present information to stakeholders, convey your ideas clearly and show confidence in various professional environments. Empathy can help you understand how your information can impact stakeholders and the business. Effective communication skills help you work with colleagues, land jobs, make presentations to owners and share your ideas. All these skills won’t only help you in data science but in all aspects of your life.

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is prominent in many industries and an important area of data science. Cloud computing can be used to analyze data stored in cloud-based platforms and provides professionals with cloud-based data frameworks that are key to advancing technology.

Data visualization

Data visualization is a key component of data science that is used to extract and represent data in a clear, understandable form. Taking that non-sensical data and turning it into charts, graphs, infographics, plots and animations makes it easy to understand for stakeholders and is one of the main ways in which you will communicate your findings to decision-makers.

Domain knowledge

Domain knowledge is also critical to relate your data to your respective field. For instance, you may specialize in fintech or engineering. Being knowledgeable in your specific domain will help you translate the data you analyze to respective stakeholders more clearly.

Final words

Data science is a highly sought after career, and learning the essential data science skills puts you in a formidable position for employability as you have the skills to help businesses to make decisions and succeed. You’ll use a combination of soft interpersonal skills and specialized data analytical skills, programming, domain knowledge, database management and machine learning. Together, these skills will prepare you to launch a career in data science.

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