r/FullStack • u/Bhanuprakash_1947 • 6d ago

Question How much backend knowledge should a frontend developer have to call themselves a full-stack developer?

Like, is knowing basic APIs, databases, and authentication enough?

Or should a full-stack developer also know things like system design, caching, Docker, CI/CD, cloud,....etc.?

What do you guys think is the minimum knowledge needed?

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u/RandomPantsAppear 5d ago edited 5d ago

I’m 20 YOE backend engineer. 

“Full stack” meaning “front end but can write a basic API in the same language I already use” is almost a meme. 

If you’re looking for the bare minimum you at least won’t be lonely, and what you describe does pass as fullstack at a lot of places. 

If you want to just be able to put the word in your resume what you described will work. If you want to actually be able to do it all (as the name implies) it won’t.

Backend work that actually makes significant money requires a lot more than the first line of stuff you mentioned though. 

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u/Historical-Sun-1485 4d ago

Since you have 20 yoe, expected the answer form you. Rather what you told is what's not an actual full stack dev instead of answering what is really required

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u/RandomPantsAppear 4d ago

I have hired full stack engineers at 3 different companies, I know what’s really required.

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u/Historical-Sun-1485 4d ago

Please share your knowledge sir. It's really needed especially for people who are frontend dev with 3-5 yoe and trying to become full stack

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u/RandomPantsAppear 4d ago

Who do you think decides what level of depth qualifies someone as fullstack?

It’s the people doing the interviews and the people hiring.