The "Full-Stack" Developer Is A Myth in 2020

I’ve been a software developer for a long time and there is a new term in our industry that I see in far too many job postings is they are looking for a “full-stack” developer. Ever since I heard this term, it has been bothering me and I would wish it would stop being used. This article will explain why.

The Meaning

Let's talk about the meaning of this word. Since Wikipedia does not have a definition, I found this one on Codeup.com.

The full-stack developer would be proficient, if not fluent, in:

• Server, network, and hosting environment
• Relational and nonrelational databases
• How to interact with APIs and the external world
• User interface and user experience
• Quality assurance
• Security concerns throughout the program
• Understanding customer and business needs

While this is a decent description of a full-stack developer, I have a major issue with it.I don’t think most people understand full-stack means “proficient”. I think most employers think that the developer is an expertin all the stacks. If the title was changed to “ProficientFull-Stack Developer” then maybe I would be okay with it, but I don’t like that term either.

Here is a job posting on LinkedIn that I found from the movie company MGM and let's see if you agree with me. These are the responsibility that they are looking for someone who has just 5 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree preferred.