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Let’s Compare: Full-Stack Web Developer vs. Software Engineer

Let’s Compare: Full-Stack Web Developer vs. Software Engineer

Are you considering a career change and looking to learn to code? With the ongoing need for emerging tech talent, it’s no surprise that many people turn to software development as a career path. It can take time, however, to figure out where to start with so many different roles and job titles in the tech industry.

When it comes to the world of software development, the terms “web developer” and “software engineer” are often used interchangeably. However, while there are certainly similarities between these two roles, there are also some key differences.

Let’s explore the similarities and differences between full-stack web developers and software engineers, as well as the steps you can take to succeed in a career in software engineering.

What is a Full-Stack Web Developer?

A full-stack web developer is a software developer who is proficient in all aspects of web development, including both front-end and back-end development. These developers are responsible for creating and maintaining websites and web applications, ensuring they are functional, visually appealing, and easy to use.  

When it comes to front-end development, full-stack web developers are skilled in using technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the user interface of a website or web application. They are also proficient in using front-end frameworks like React and AngularJS to create dynamic and interactive user experiences.  

What is a Software Engineer?

A software engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software and computer systems. They are responsible for the entire software development process, from gathering requirements and designing solutions to writing code and testing the software.

Software engineers use a variety of programming languages, such as Java, C++, and Python, to create software. They use software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum to manage the development process and are skilled in using software development tools such as Git and JIRA to manage code and track issues.

How Do Full-Stack Web Developers and Software Engineers Compare?

While there are certainly similarities between web developers and software engineers, there are also some key differences. Notably, web developers focus more on building websites and web applications, while software engineers tend to work on a broader scope. Here’s a deeper look into the comparisons:

Education

Software engineers and full-stack web developers have many similarities regarding the skills and education they need to succeed in their roles.

Full-stack web developers learn more about the technologies and tools used to build websites and web applications. They are also taught to be proficient in front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and back-end technologies such as PHP, Ruby, and Python.

A software engineer’s curriculum is typically more diverse and covers a broad range of topics. They are taught about computer science and software engineering principles, such as algorithms, data structures, software design patterns, and even physics. Software engineers may also be exposed to other areas of computer science, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and analytics, and computer networks.

Methodologies

Understanding programming concepts such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming is essential for both software engineers and full-stack web developers. It allows them to write efficient and effective code to handle complex tasks and solve problems.

Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall are some of the most commonly used methodologies in software development. Understanding these methodologies enables all developers to work effectively in teams and deliver high-quality software on time. Agile emphasizes flexibility and rapid iteration, while Scrum focuses on teamwork and collaboration, and Waterfall focuses on a linear sequential approach.

Development Tools

Both roles use similar software development tools, like Git and JIRA, which are essential for managing and tracking code and identifying and solving issues. Git allows developers to track changes to their code over time, collaborate with others on a project, and roll back to previous code versions if necessary.

Software engineers and full-stack web developers also use issue-tracking software such as JIRA. JIRA allows developers to track bugs and other issues that arise during the development process and manage and prioritize tasks.

Focus

Software engineers tend to focus more on the back-end aspect of software development. They are responsible for designing and implementing the underlying systems and infrastructure that support the software. They also work on performance optimization and scalability to ensure that the software can handle increasing loads and traffic.

In contrast, full-stack web developers tend to focus more on the front-end aspect of web development, using technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the user interface. They are also responsible for implementing the web application’s logic and functionality and ensuring that it is accessible and responsive across different devices and browsers.

Salary Expectations

Both full-stack web development and software engineering can offer competitive compensation packages to those who pursue a career in these fields. However, these compensation packages will vary based on your location, experience, and the specific company you are working for.

For example, a full-stack web developer with five years of experience working for a large technology company in Silicon Valley may earn a higher salary than a full-stack web developer with the same level of experience working for a small startup in a rural area.

Similarly, a software engineer with ten years of experience working for a FAANG company or a large enterprise company may earn a higher salary than a software engineer with the same level of experience working for a small software consulting firm.

The specific skills and technologies that a full-stack web developer or software engineer has can also impact their salary. For example, a full-stack web developer with expertise in a specific front-end framework such as React.js may be able to command a higher salary than a full-stack web developer with similar experience but without that specific skill.

But a software engineer with expertise in a specific programming language, such as C++, may be able to command a higher salary than a software engineer with similar experience but without that specific skill.

It’s also worth noting that both full-stack web development and software engineering roles have potential for growth and advancement in terms of salary, benefits, and job security.

How to Get Started in a Career in Tech

So, are you interested in one of these careers but need help figuring out where to start? Here are a few steps and ways to get on a path to finding a career as a software engineer or a full-stack web developer.

Learn the Basics of Programming

There are many online resources available that provide a great starting point for learning programming and computer science. Stack Overflow is a website where developers can ask and answer questions related to programming; it’s a great resource to find answers to specific questions you might have, and you can also learn from other developers’ questions and answers.

Many programming and computer science books are available if you prefer to learn through reading. Some popular choices include “Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes and “Introduction to the Theory of Computation” by Michael Sipser.

If you don’t live near a school that offers beginner programming courses, look into remote courses via Hackbright Academy. No matter where you are, you can learn to program. Whichever option you choose, be sure to set aside time to practice coding and work on small projects to solidify your understanding.

Get Hands-on Experience

Hands-on experience is key to understanding programming principles and developing the programming skills necessary for career success. Start with small projects that fit within your skill range and research accessible resources such as online tutorials, cheat sheets, and video tutorials to guide you through the process.

Learning from peers and mentors can also be a great way to practice problem-solving and coding. For more advanced programmers, participating in hackathons can be a great way to gain practical experience while participating in a collaborative programming environment.

Hackathons allow you to gain more advanced knowledge and skills while also meeting like-minded people and networking. Participating in hackathons is an excellent way to showcase your coding experience and abilities.

Consider a Bootcamp

Bootcamps such as Hackbright Academy’s software engineering bootcamp can accelerate your learning and provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to start your career in tech.

Hackbright Academy’s Software Engineering bootcamp program is a collaborative experience that prepares students for success at leading tech companies. Through our enriching curriculum, we deliver tangible feedback and personalized guidance to foster improvement at every step.

Keep Learning

The tech industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends. It’s also worth noting that while becoming a software engineer requires a significant time commitment, it also offers many rewards. Though economic and business factors can vary, a number of industries depend on both emerging and established software engineers and web developers to manage their tech stack.

Becoming a software engineer requires a significant time commitment. Still, with determination and by taking the right steps, such as learning the basics of programming, gaining hands-on experience, and taking a bootcamp, you’ll be able to pursue a career in tech. Remember to keep learning and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends!

Hackbright Academy: The Path to a Successful Tech Career

We hope that this guide provides you with a better understanding of the field of software engineering and how it relates to web development. We also hope that it has encouraged you to continue learning about the field and consider Hackbright Academy as a source of informative content and a piece of your learning journey.

Remember, becoming a software engineer requires a significant time commitment. With determination and the right steps, you can pursue a successful and rewarding career in tech. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a representative from Hackbright to learn more about your remote learning options.

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