5 advantages of hiring full-stack developers

Imagine this: You're launching a new SaaS product. You need someone to design the interface, connect it to your backend, set up the database, and deploy it in the cloud. But hiring five different developers blows your budget. Enter the full-stack developer – the one person who can keep everything moving without dropping the ball.

According to a Statista survey, full-stack developers are now the second most sought-after IT specialists. IT recruitment is very competitive, and recruiters are constantly on the lookout. As businesses rely more on technology, the demand for versatile developers will only increase.

So, if you're considering hiring a developer, a full-stack pro might be your best bet. Why? Because (at least in theory) they can do it all – frontend, backend, and everything in between.

But before you make a move, let’s break down exactly what a full-stack software developer does and how your company can benefit from working with one. We’ll help you make a well-informed decision so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready? Let’s dive into the article.

Full-stack developer – who is it?

A full-stack developer is a versatile software expert who can handle both frontend and backend development. This means they will perform the tasks related to servers and databases, adjust the user interface, and improve the UX.

Think of them as the all-rounders of the tech world – capable of building and maintaining an entire application from start to finish. A full-stack developer can navigate all the software areas, so companies can streamline development and reduce the need for multiple hires. While no developer can be an expert in everything, full-stack developers deliver high-quality work across different parts of a project. By combining technical know-how and problem-solving skills, full-stack developers are valuable in dynamic teams.

Tech competencies of a full-stack developer

Full-stack developers are Renaissance men. They have to be proficient in backend technologies such as .NET, Java or Python while being experts in frontend frameworks (e.g. React, Angular). Plus, they know how to manage relational databases and create APIs. Deployment in cloud environments also has no secrets for them.

Hiring full-stack developers – 5 benefits

One of the main reasons why software development projects fail is challenging communication between frontend and backend teams. It often leads to delays, extra costs, and frustration. That’s where full-stack developers can come in. They keep things running smoothly and improve the flexibility. Let’s break down why hiring one could be the smartest move for your project.

Cost efficiency without compromise

Employing a full-stack developer means you have one professional handling both frontend and backend tasks. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate specialists and substantially saves costs. Don’t worry about the project’s quality – a full-stack professional will keep the enterprise software development services high.

Faster development, fewer bottlenecks

Full-stack developers have broad expertise across the entire development spectrum. They can navigate both server-side and client-side operations. As a result, they can streamline processes, reduce delays and ensure a more efficient workflow.

Seamless team collaboration

When you hire a full-stack developer, you are sure they know the specifics of various development process steps. This lets them better communicate their actions to other team members and understand what's happening at the following stages of the project. The holistic perspective ensures that all components of a project integrate smoothly.

Versatile and solution-oriented

Thanks to their broad skill set, full-stack coding experts easily adapt to diverse challenges while staying innovative and flexible. This versatility is priceless when they encounter unexpected issues during development.

Perfect for MVP with long-term growth in mind

Full-stack developers have all the skills to oversee a project from start to finish. This makes them ideal for developing minimum viable products (MVPs). They can scale a complex project on their own and adapt it to the growing needs of your business.

Challenges of hiring full-stack developers

Hiring a full-stack developer saves time and costs and maintains flexibility while reducing the number of people on the team. However, there are cracks lurking on the rose-coloured glasses, reminding you to consider the possible inconveniences. Find out why one versatile programmer won't be good for every situation.

Can one master it all?

Full-stack developers are skilled across multiple programming languages. But that doesn’t always mean they’re experts in every development aspect. While their knowledge allows them to work on every part of a project, you may need the assistance of other specialists in highly complex applications.

For example, an experienced backend developer may be better at database management and system architecture than a full-stack developer. Similarly, a dedicated frontend developer might rock in building high-performance, pixel-perfect UI components.

The point is to find a full-stack developer with enough depth in the areas that matter most to your project. Otherwise, you will have to sacrifice code quality or performance.

Hint: If your project requires high-level expertise in a specific area, do it hybrid. Hire a full-stack developer to handle general tasks and bring in specialists for mission-critical components.

Is one person enough for large projects?

A full-stack developer can be excellent for small and medium-sized projects. This specialist can handle everything from UI to server-side logic. But as the application gets more complex, relying on a single person can become a bottleneck.

Large-scale applications require more attention to performance and security than MVPs. If one developer is responsible for everything, they may stop keeping up with the demands of a growing system. Development cycles will slow down, and technical debt will increase.

Hint: Start your project with a full-stack developer, then gradually expand the team with IT staff augmentation services as the project grows. This way, you balance efficiency with long-term stability.

Is full-stack really cost-effective?

Hiring a single full-stack may seem like a way to cut costs. But sometimes it’s a trap. Experienced full-stack developers often get paid more than mid-level specialists. No surprise – their broad skill set makes them highly valuable.

In some cases, hiring one senior full-stack developer might be more expensive than hiring two mid-level programmers. According to the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, the median pay for full-stack developers is $63,332.5.

Also, notice the long-term impact – if a full-stack developer leaves, replacing the person proficient in many programming languages might be more complicated than extending your team with a new frontend or backend specialist.

Hint: Compare the cost of hiring full-stack developers to building a dedicated team of specialised mid-level developers. If budget is the priority, a team with complementary skills may offer better long-term value.

Can one handle so many responsibilities?

Juggling multiple technologies, fixing bugs across the entire stack, and responding to various demands can lead to burnout. For full-stack developers, constant context-switching can be exhausting. It’s harder to stay productive and focused when the pace is too fast.

If the workload isn’t managed well, burnout can creep in before they know it. But with the proper support and balance, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Hint: Support full-stack developers by ensuring they have clear priorities. Encourage collaboration with other developers or divide responsibilities within the team to maintain efficiency and prevent burnout.

Full-stack developer vs. frontend and backend developers – which option is better?

Full-stack development is a great option for some projects. But if you're not feeling it, avoid following the trend. Don't forget about the well-established duo: frontend developer and backend developer. Discover how to find the right solution for your project's needs.

When should you choose a full-stack developer?

A full-stack developer is a perfect choice for small or medium-sized projects that don’t need highly specialised expertise. They’re also a smart option if the budget is tight. Hiring one developer for both frontend and backend is often cheaper than bringing in multiple specialists.

If you need quick prototyping or frequent iterations, a full-stack developer can speed things up. They handle changes efficiently without waiting on separate teams. Their flexibility and adaptability make them great for projects with evolving requirements. That’s why they’re perfect for startups and small businesses that must stay agile and make the most of limited resources.

When splitting the frontend and backend is better for your project?

Go for separate frontend and backend specialists if your project is large or complex. When you need deep expertise – like advanced UI/UX design or complex backend architecture – having dedicated experts makes a difference.

If quality, scalability, security, and long-term maintainability are top priorities, a specialised team will give you more control. Keep in mind that hiring multiple specialists comes with higher costs.

It’s also better if your project involves niche technologies, like machine learning or blockchain. In these cases, a full-stack developer might not have the deep knowledge to build and optimise everything properly.

Making final decision

Hiring a full-stack developer comes with clear benefits – flexibility, faster development, and cost efficiency. They are great for startups, MVPs, and projects that need agility without the overhead of a large team.

If you want to have one expert to oversee multiple aspects of development, a full-stack professional is a strong option. However, for large or highly specialised projects, consider team augmentation with frontend and backend specialists.

FAQ: hiring full-stack developers

Is hiring a full-stack developer really cost-effective?

Yes – for small to medium-sized projects, it usually is. A full-stack developer can handle frontend, backend, and deployment, reducing the need for multiple hires. However, for complex applications, separate specialists might be a better long-term investment.

What skills should a good full-stack developer have?

Look for someone with solid knowledge of both front-end (e.g. React, Angular) and back-end technologies (e.g. .NET, Node.js), plus experience with databases, APIs, version control (e.g. Git), and cloud platforms like Azure or AWS. Problem-solving skills and adaptability are key.

When should I avoid hiring just one full-stack developer?

Avoid relying on a single developer if your project is large, needs niche expertise (e.g. AI, blockchain), or has strict security and scalability requirements. In such cases, a team of dedicated specialists is a safer option.

Can a full-stack developer build an MVP alone?

Yes – many startups begin this way. A full-stack developer can rapidly prototype and iterate an MVP, keeping costs low and development speed high.

How do I know if a full-stack developer is experienced enough?

Check their GitHub, portfolio, and previous projects. Ask how they’ve handled full projects end-to-end. A strong candidate should be able to explain the trade-offs they made and how they solved cross-stack challenges.