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10 things every new full developer must know

Akash Sadavarte

• 2 min read
10 things every new full developer must know
Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun / Unsplash

Here’s a bifurcated list of technical and real-life skills that every new full-stack developer must know:

Technical Skills

  1. Master the Basics of Web Development
    • HTML/CSS and responsive design.
    • Core JavaScript and modern ES6+ features.
  2. Version Control and Collaboration
    • Proficiency in Git/GitHub.
    • Collaborating with teams using pull requests and code reviews.
  3. Frontend Frameworks
    • Knowledge of React, Angular, or Vue.js.
    • Component-driven development and state management.
  4. Backend Development
    • Server-side languages/frameworks (Node.js, Django, etc.).
    • Building RESTful APIs and GraphQL APIs.
  5. Databases
    • Proficiency in SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB).
    • Understanding database design and schema normalization.
  6. Authentication and Security
    • Implementing secure login systems (JWT, OAuth, etc.).
    • Protecting against vulnerabilities (XSS, CSRF, SQL injection).
  7. DevOps and Deployment
    • Basics of Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines.
    • Hosting apps on AWS, Google Cloud, or similar platforms.
  8. Testing and Debugging
    • Writing unit and integration tests using Jest, Mocha, etc.
    • Debugging tools for frontend and backend.
  9. Responsive and Accessible Design
    • Using frameworks like Bootstrap/Tailwind for responsive UI.
    • Ensuring web accessibility (ARIA roles, WCAG standards).
  10. Continuous Learning
    • Staying up to date with tech trends, tools, and libraries.

Real-Life Skills

  1. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
    • Breaking down complex problems into manageable pieces.
    • Finding innovative solutions under constraints.
  2. Communication and Collaboration
    • Explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
    • Working effectively in a team, especially during code reviews.
  3. Time Management and Prioritization
    • Balancing multiple tasks or deadlines efficiently.
    • Prioritizing features and fixing critical bugs first.
  4. Adaptability
    • Learning new technologies and tools quickly.
    • Staying flexible with changing project requirements.
  5. Empathy and User-Centric Thinking
    • Understanding user pain points and designing solutions accordingly.
    • Considering accessibility and inclusivity in applications.
  6. Networking and Building Relationships
    • Connecting with other developers at meetups or online forums.
    • Building relationships with mentors and peers for guidance.
  7. Resilience and Patience
    • Handling setbacks like bugs or missed deadlines without frustration.
    • Staying calm under pressure.
  8. Attention to Detail
    • Spotting small bugs or issues that could escalate later.
    • Writing clean, maintainable, and well-documented code.
  9. Project Management Basics
    • Understanding agile methodologies, sprints, and Kanban boards.
    • Tracking progress using tools like Jira or Trello.
  10. Portfolio Building
    • Creating and maintaining a professional portfolio.
    • Highlighting real-world projects to demonstrate practical skills.

This combination of technical expertise and real-life skills ensures well-rounded development, both professionally and personally. Let me know if you’d like to explore any of these areas in detail!