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Pros and Cons of Hiring Freelance Full Stack Developer

A good app idea is only half the battle. The next task is to find a top-notch development team to make any app idea a reality. Consider hiring freelance full stack developer who can handle anything following your needs and budget. This article will discover the pros and cons of full-stack development and how to find a freelance top full stack developer for your project.

What Is Full-Stack Development, and Why Is It Widespread

The term “full-stack development” describes creating a whole application, both the front-end and back-end components. 

The front-end (also known as the client-side) includes everything a user sees and interacts with, such as a sign-up page or an online store’s website. The basic logic (of the product), including the API and database, is typically referred to as the “backend”. As a result, the product’s primary logic involves using a database and an API to transport data from and to the front end.

Think of a shopping website. Users may edit their profile, add or remove products from their basket, delete or explore particular items, and many other things. All of these operations require both back-end business logic and a front-end user interface (UI).

A specialist who is capable of implementing both the front-end and back-end processes is a full-stack developer.

Types of Full-Stack Developers

Before engaging a freelance full-stack developer for your software project, you should know that developers use various tech stacks; thus, they differ from each other. Here are some fundamental types to define:

MEVN

It is the open-source JavaScript software stack that has evolved as a brand-new, constantly-evolving technology. Hire MEVN stack developers to create strong, dynamic web applications.

MEVN stack stands for:

  • MongoDB, a No-SQL database
  • Express.js, a NodeJS framework
  • VueJS, a client-side framework
  • Node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment

MEAN

This stack is used to develop JS-based web applications.

MEAN stands for:

  • MongoDB, a NoSQL database
  • Express.js, a Node JS framework
  • Angular, a front-end framework
  • Node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment

LAMP

This stack is used to create enterprise-level websites and web applications.

LAMP stands for:

  • Linux, an open-source operating system
  • Apache, an open-source, cross-platform web server software
  • MySQL, a database
  • Python/PHP/Perl, programming languages

MERN

This stack is used to only create apps using JavaScript, all four of the technologies that comprise the stack are JS-based, like the previous one. MERN developers create web apps faster and more efficiently.

MERN stands for:

  • MongoDB
  • Express.js
  • React, a JavaScript library to build user interfaces
  • Node.js.

RoR Stack

This stack helps to develop a robust scope of web apps. 

RoR stands for Ruby on Rails, a Ruby framework. Along with Ruby, a programming language, SQLite, a database, and a front-end framework (as a plus), it makes a great stack for startups who want to create simple web apps fast.  

Every stack has benefits and disadvantages. So when choosing the technologies to use for your app, it is important to consider the project’s specific objectives and demands.

Full-stack vs. Specialized Developer 

Developers specializing in both the front-end and the back-end are known as full-stack developers. On the other hand, specialized developers are experts in just one field, typically the front-end or the back-end.

When deciding whether to hire full stack developer or a specialized developer, you should consider the project’s requirements and resource possibilities. As every option has its pros and cons.

Full-stack developerSpecialized developer
ProsFlexibility, adaptation
Wide set of skills
Cost-effective
Independence
Good for small projects and startups
High-quality work
Up-to-date tech knowledge
Good for large-scale projects
ConsGap in a specific technologyHigh cost- High dependency

In general, hiring specialized developers is the best option if you want high-quality work and don’t mind spending a little more money. Location, experience, and other factors affect on full stack developer hourly rate, but generally speaking, specialized developers are more expensive than full-stack developers.

Full-stack developers can be a better choice for you if you can forego some quality in exchange for a more effective and cost-reduced procedure.

Why You Should Hire Freelance Full-Stack Developers

Every company, no matter how big or small, is expanding its online presence in an effort to gain  pace in the market and establish a reputation for itself.

And as a result, there is an increasing need for full-stack developers who combine the responsibilities of front-end and back-end developers. Every industry that operates online has apps that need front-end development and CMS systems that need a lot of server-side work, which inevitably are in demand for full-stack developers.

Lowering costs on development

It is more affordable to hire a full stack developer who can handle both the front-end and the back-end tasks. And if you hire freelance full stack developer or a part time full stack developer, you can save employment costs like overtime pay, sick days pay, vacation pay, etc. Plus, it gives you a chance to find the best match at a reasonable rate in any country as an option with a remote part time full stack engineer expands geography. 

Speeding up the testing process

Because a freelance full stack web developer is familiar with both the front-end and back-end, there are no misconceptions about implementing code.

Full-stack engineers are better equipped to deal with any problems that can arise during the project’s development because they are the ones who comprehend the underlying reasoning behind it. Additionally, they can identify the problem’s root cause and the potential source of it.

Increasing development pace

Full-stack development also indicates that the project will need fewer developers overall. Working with fewer people can, therefore, automatically reduce extra communication and simplify the process for your project. This implies that the team will be able to communicate effectively with fewer hiccups and make task management better. 

Improving the scalability of project

Scalability is crucial because it enables organizations to accommodate higher loads or traffic without significantly altering their programs. Full-stack development offers a robust and adaptable architecture that can help you increase scalability.

You may easily add new features and capabilities to your app as needed with a freelance full stack engineer.

Full-Stack Developer: Responsibilities, Skills, and Popular Tools

Being a full stack software engineer part time has many fascinating perks, including its diversity and time for various projects. As a master of all crafts, a full stack developer should follow constant technological skill updating and have the desire to learn, keep up with new programming languages and development methodologies.

Let’s examine the main duties that a full stack developer should perform.

  • Develop client-side and server-side architecture
  • Write APIs
  • Create the front-end of web apps 
  • Develop and maintain databases for applications
  • Test apps to ensure their efficiency
  • Debug and upgrade software
  • Build security and data protection settings
  • Prepare technical documentation
  • Develop application workflows
  • Build application logic
  • Create integration interfaces

In addition, full stack developers need to take into account any non-functional needs, such as security, implementation, scalability, and dependability.

As a result, full stack engineers work on practically every phase of the software development lifecycle, including testing, design, and bug fixing. 

That is why the requirements for such developers are quite high. 

Hard (tech) Skills list should include:

  • Mastering the front-end languages: HTML5, CSS, AngularJS, JavaScript, and React. 
  • Knowledge of third-party libraries: jQuery, LESS, Angular, and ReactJS.
  • Mastering back-end programming language: Python, Ruby, .Net, etc.
  • Experience with MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle, or SQL Server.
  • Knowledge of basic prototype design and UI /UX design.
  • Knowledge of writing unit tests, automating processes for testing and deploying solutions.

Besides this list, a part-time full stack developer should have strong self-management skills, great attention to details and obtain analytical thinking. 

Due to work, a remote part-time full stack developer uses a wide range of tools. The following are:

1. Visual Studio Code, full-stack development IDE; it has in-built support for JS languages and extensions for languages like PHP, C#, and Python.

2. Docker, a development tool, and Kubernetes, a deployment tool, for web developers.

3.  Jenkins, an open-source automation software solution; it is used to build, test, and deploy applications.

4. Postman, API Testing tool; it is perfect for REST API testing.

5. GitBash, a tool for source control management; it involves versioning and commit history, making the code management process easier. 

Top 5 Sites for Hiring Freelance Full-Stack Developers

1. Toptal

Originally developed with IT talent in mind, Toptal is a professional hiring platform that creates a private community of talents for employees. The company’s developer vertical is its area of expertise, although it has widened its talent pool to include designers and finance professionals. Only 3% of applicants, according to Toptal, pass their extensive vetting process and battery of technical tests.

2. Fiverr

Another well-known and significant freelance job board where you can hire a backend development team. There are a huge variety of categories available on the platform. It may serve as your one-stop shop for hiring and finding independent contractors. All you need to do is browse the platform to find a freelance full-stack developer. There are a lot of profiles with ratings, reviews, and customer quotes. 

3. Upwork

A huge developer hiring platform that has a variety of contractors on it. Employers can quickly search profiles and look for a freelancer’s work history, comments, and reviews. Once the project is underway, employers may collaborate in a single workspace and pay contractors securely using Upwork.

4. Freelancer

Freelancer is a platform with a sizable number of freelancers and total jobs listed. You can search through a sizable pool of independent full stack developer freelance in the popular search field of “website development,” screen and interview applicants on your own, and handle payments.

5. Mobilunity

The software development company has a rich experience in flexible and useful outstaff services. Mobilunity will provide you with a  full stack web developer freelance in short terms thanks to its huge CV database and well-established hiring procedures. The company will undoubtedly handle all meetings and management concerns. You will receive professional services for your project, much like 40+ of Mobilunity users.

Hiring Full-Stack Developers Through Freelance vs. Staff Augmentation vs. In-House

Working with freelancers, collaborating with an outstaffing agency, or hiring in-house developers are three main options when searching for a full-stack developer. All three choices have their advantages and disadvantages. Check out this comparison table to determine which hiring model is best for your company and your project.

FreelancersStaff augmentationIn-house
ProsCost-efficient
A huge talent pool
Flexible
Project-based work
Experts in recruiting help to find a developer
Wide talent pool
Part-time or full-time project based work
Guaranteed high quality of work
Full control over the team
Good team communication
ConsNo guarantee of quality
Spending a lot of time for talent searching and hiring
More costly than freelance but still budget-friendly due to vast optionsHighest cost
Possible work gaps due to sickness or vacation

In general, every option can be a match. But hiring part time remote full stack developer looks like a perfect combination: you get a dedicated engineer for fewer costs without spending your time searching for one, and you have enough control over the development process to be sure that everything will be ready by estimated deadlines. A reliable outstaffing agency guarantees its clients high performance and less of a headache by managing the everyday work results.   

Full-Stack Developer Hourly Rate

Freelance full stack developer hourly rate is based on more than just duties, or level of expertise. The professional’s location is one of the key elements in determining wage expectations. Here is a table that shows hourly wages in 5 various countries.

Take into account: average full stack developer salary based on types of stacks differ from one to another.

JuniorMiddleSenior
USA$40$52,71$75,57
United Kingdom$23,18$32,30$39
Germany$25,21$34$42,96
Netherlands$28,22$40,41$50,17
Ukraine$25*$35*$50*

*Ukrainian salaries are provided based on Mobilunity’s Recruitment Team research on the local job markets. All salaries are net and do not include the service fee (in case of hiring on a dedicated team model). The salaries are provided for comparison purposes and could be not entirely accurate. Contact us to know the exact cost of hiring a developer corresponding to the required parameters.

Senior level full stack developer hourly rates are the highest, but it’s not surprising — engineers with these levels of proven professionals are not only tech savvy but also are very dedicated and have great skills of self-management. 

Hourly rate for full stack developers in Ukraine is the best option. Finding a specialist there enables effective budgeting while receiving high-quality professional assistance.

Mobilunity Is Your Reliable Provider of Full-Stack Development in Ukraine

If you work with a reputable outsourcing service, you can quickly and affordably hire a talented developer from Ukraine. With MobilUnity, you get full stack developer part time or full time at your service. You can continue concentrating on ongoing projects while Mobilunity takes care of all staff-related difficulties.

For 12+ years on the market, MobilUnity has proved its efficiency with hiring reliable staff quickly, providing non-stop support for the development teams, and offering a variety of collaboration styles, including consultancy services and on-demand collaboration.    

The cooperation can be one-time or prolonged, as clients would like. Companies like CamptoCamp (Switzerland), Paidy (Japan), Zechef (France) work with MobilUnity since 2016; clients like ICUC.Social (Canada) has successfully met its goals, and cooperation is completed.

Get in touch with Mobilunity and hire a freelance full stack developer who will be the ideal match for your project!

All salaries and prices mentioned within the article are approximate NET numbers based on the research done by our in-house Recruitment Team. Please use these numbers as a guide for comparison purposes only and feel free to use the contact form to inquire on the specific cost of the talent according to your vacancy requirements and chosen model of engagement.

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