I'm a computer science graduate. Most of my college subjects are about algorithms, data structures, database systems, and some basic maths. So, they are close to what we call backend-engineering, right? and that's why I am a backend-engineer at first.
Being a backend-engineer could be awkward if you applying for a job as a web developer. Let's say the backend-engineers' jobs are rare compared to web developers' jobs and left you with no choices. The employer expects you could make a complete website. That's why at least you need a basic of frontend stack (HTML+CSS+JS) in order for your backend works to be 'visible' and functional. Another reason to have frontend basic is useful when you do a side-job for creating another website that you're capable to make while you're a backend-developer at your main job.
But learning frontend stack especially CSS is a bit more frustrating for a backend-developer because maybe you're lack of creativity for UI/UX or the CSS itself never stays in your head 😄
Somehow some people are good at designing something using a graphic editor (e.g Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Corel Draw, etc) but they have no idea how to slice them perfectly into HTML and CSS, and also the responsive design may hit you even harder 😆
That's why there are CSS frameworks/UI-kits for you (the backend-developers...) to use such as Bootstrap, Foundation, Bulma, or even Tailwind to help you rapidly create UI for your apps. I could say backend-engineer + these CSS frameworks still makes you as Fullstack Developer, am I right? But here comes when you applying for a full-stack developers' jobs, you may be considered not good in the frontend. That's a little bit bitter for you. Your journey as a backend-developer is not completed yet, and yet this frontend thing still haunt you along the way 😆
So, Is it okay for not to be great at FrontEnd as a Full-Stack Developer?
Top comments (3)
Couple of thoughts for you. Look for jobs in API focused teams. The front end is then JSON not HTML and far easier to test. Microservices could be a good area for you to look into?
If stuck for options and end up in a job where front end dev work is expected, try to specialize in front end engineering. Learn how to craft great code using modern JS frameworks like React etc and leave the CSS to others who are more skilled in UX and UI development.
Yes, that's why I am learning React now and I'm preferable to focus on JAM stack-oriented apps now rather than a normal/monolith stack.
Nice. Hadn't heard of the term but jamstack.org seems like good stack to focus on.