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Full-Stack vs. Specialized Developers: Which Is Best?

Whether you’re trying to digitize a process or develop a cutting-edge solution to a common business problem, you’ve likely come across the terms “full stack” and “specialized” developer. Even though both can build software solutions, they’re very different, and understanding what each does can make it easier to choose which type of professional is the best match for your company.

Here’s a straightforward explanation of full stack vs. specialized developers, what they do, and their pros and cons!

What’s a Full-stack Developer?

A full-stack developer is a type of developer who can design a software or web solution from top-to-bottom.

Software development is, in some ways, a lot like home construction, and a full-stack developer is like a carpenter, plumber, electrician, engineer, and architect all in one. You give them the job, and they deliver a finished product.

Examples of Full-Stack Developers

Here are some of the more common types of full-stack developers:

  • Scrum masters. A scrum master is often a full-stack developer. Their knowledge of different elements of the full development technology stack puts them in a good position to lead dev teams.
  • Project managers. Similarly, project managers often have experience as full-stack developers. Their work with a range of technologies makes it easier for them to motivate team members working with a variety of solutions.

Full-stack developers can also choose to transition to specialized development, perhaps after years of working with the same kinds of solutions. So, you may want to ask about their experience while interviewing each candidate.


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What’s a Specialized Developer?

A specialized developer is a type of developer that focuses on building a certain element of your software, such as the system used to test its security. A specialized developer may produce only certain kinds of software, such as mobile apps or data analysis applications.

Returning to the home-builder analogy, a specialized developer is a lot like someone who works on a specific element of the home, such as the framing, plumbing, kitchen cabinets, or flooring.

Examples of Specialized Developers

Here are some of the most common types of specialized developers:

  • Front-end developers, including those that only use specific programming languages, such as HTML or JavaScript
  • Back-end developers, which similarly may include those who work with specific languages, such as Ruby or Python
  • Mobile app developers tend to produce mobile applications that either only work on mobile operating systems, like iOS and Android, or as web applications using mobile browsers.
  • Data scientists that develop solutions designed only for data analytics or machine learning

In reality, there are as many specialized developers as there are programming languages and then some). For example, you might have an existing application you’d like to fix or optimize, and it’s written in Python. You may consider hiring a specialized developer that focuses on Python to perform the work. In this way, you reduce the chances of your delivery timeframe getting bogged down by the time it takes for the developer to refresh their knowledge of your coding language.


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 Pros and Cons of Hiring Full-Stack Developers

Full-stack developers come with some advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  • Flexible. Full-stack developers are versatile and flexible because they have experience creating complete solutions using multiple technologies.
  • Faster time-to-prototype. A full-stack developer can give you a prototype sooner than you’d expect, hiring out individual elements of your project to specialists.
  • Solid overall understanding of the software stack. Each element of your software stack must integrate with the others, and a full-stack expert is a type of developer that tends to understand a wider range of these kinds of interactions than a specialist might.

Cons

  • Lack of specialized knowledge. A full-stack developer may not have the depth of knowledge or experience you’re looking for when it comes to a specific language or facet of the development process.
  • Limited coding options. Sometimes, full-stack developers only know a few coding languages and then use them for lots of different kinds of projects. If you want your application built using a specific language, you may have to shop around for a developer knowledgeable in that type of code.


Pros and Cons of Hiring Specialized Developers

By the same token, specialized developers also have strengths and drawbacks.

Pros

  • High level of expertise. When hiring a specialized developer, you’re more likely to get someone who’s an expert in a specific facet of development or language. For instance, hiring a WordPress developer can provide you with a unique chance to fully customize your WordPress site and leverage its benefits to the maximum.
  • Experience with effective collaboration. This type of developer is also an expert when it comes to collaborating with others, especially because their solutions tend to involve working with other tech providers to deliver a finished product.

Cons

  • You may only get a partial solution. A specialized developer may not be able to deliver a complete solution, only giving you one piece of the puzzle. For example, a database specialist may provide an excellent database for your back end but not an effective user interface.
  • Limited understanding of the entire software stack. A specialized developer may not fully grasp how different elements of the software stack integrate with each other. This could potentially lead to configuration and compatibility issues.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Full-Stack vs. Specialized Developers?

The cost to hire a full-stack developer vs. a specialized developer will vary based on what you need done and your location. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay a little more for a specialized developer’s services. The reason behind the difference? Hard-earned expertise.

Also, the choice between employing specialized skillsets or broader ones can impact the number of team members required to complete a project. Opting for specialized developers sometimes necessitates assembling a team with diverse expertise, whereas a full-stack developer can often accomplish more with less.

Connect With a Software Developer Today

With Insight Global, you get a range of different kinds of developers, all ready to maximize success on your project. Whether you need a complete solution or just a tweak of an existing product, Insight Global chooses the best team members—full-stack or specialized—for the job. Grow forward by reaching out to us today.

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