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Devnaija Academy | 09-07-2024
Starting as a fullstack developer is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You’ve got to juggle front-end and back-end skills, manage databases, and wrap your head around different frameworks. But here’s the good news: many of the hiccups new developers face can be avoided with a little foresight.
Whether you’ve just finished a coding bootcamp or you’re teaching yourself, these are the 8 most common mistakes new fullstack developers make—and how to avoid them.
A lot of new developers want to jump straight into shiny frameworks like React or Django. I get it—those tools are cool! But if you’re not solid on the basics like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, those frameworks are going to feel like a foreign language.
Why it matters:
Think of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as the foundation of a house. If you don't understand how they work together, you're going to have a hard time building anything stable with more advanced tools.
How to fix it:
Don’t rush. Take the time to truly understand the fundamentals first. Learn how HTML structures content, how CSS styles it, and how JavaScript makes it interactive. Once you’ve got those down, moving on to more advanced frameworks will feel much easier.
When you’re just starting, it’s tempting to add every possible feature to your project. You think, "If it’s more complex, it must be better, right?" Nope. Overengineering leads to messy code, bugs, and frustration.
Why it matters:
Adding unnecessary features before you’ve nailed down the basics just makes your project harder to maintain. It also increases the chances of bugs popping up, which is a headache for any developer.
How to fix it:
Keep it simple. Start with the core functionality of your project, then build on it gradually. Nail down the essentials first, and only add more features once your foundation is solid.
If you’re not using Git or some form of version control, you’re making life much harder than it needs to be. This isn’t just about working with teams—it’s about keeping track of your changes and having a backup when things go wrong.
Why it matters:
Version control allows you to track every change you make to your code. If something breaks (and it will), you can always roll back to a previous version without losing all your work.
How to fix it:
Learn Git early on and make it a habit. It’s not hard to use once you get the hang of it, and it’ll save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
In today’s mobile-first world, ignoring responsive design is a big no-no. Sure, your website might look great on a desktop, but what happens when someone opens it on their phone?
Why it matters:
More and more people are using mobile devices to browse the web. If your site doesn’t work well on smaller screens, you’re going to lose users—fast.
How to fix it:
Always design with responsiveness in mind. Use flexible layouts and media queries to make sure your site works well on all devices, from phones to desktops.
It’s easy to think, “My code works, so it must be fine.” But just because your code runs doesn’t mean it’s the best or cleanest solution. That’s where code reviews come in.
Why it matters:
Code reviews help you catch mistakes, learn better practices, and improve your skills. Even the most experienced developers benefit from a second set of eyes.
How to fix it:
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Whether it’s from a mentor, a classmate, or an online community, getting input from others is one of the fastest ways to improve as a developer.
When you’re new to coding, testing often feels like an afterthought. Your code works, so why bother writing tests, right? Wrong. Skipping testing can lead to major issues down the road.
Why it matters:
Bugs can be sneaky, and they often don’t show up until later. Proper testing catches these issues early, saving you time and frustration.
How to fix it:
Get into the habit of writing tests as you code. It might feel like extra work at first, but it’s a good investment. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself later when you avoid hours of debugging.
Fullstack development means handling both the front-end (what users see) and the back-end (how things work behind the scenes). But many new developers fall into the trap of focusing too much on one side and neglecting the other.
Why it matters:
To be a true fullstack developer, you need to understand how everything fits together. Focusing too much on one part of the stack will leave you with gaps in your knowledge.
How to fix it:
Work on projects that give you a chance to handle both front-end and back-end development. Experiment with building APIs, working with databases, and tying everything together. It’s all part of the job!
It’s easy to think you’ll remember what all your code does, especially when you’re in the middle of a project. But weeks or months down the line, you’ll forget—and without documentation, you’ll be stuck trying to decipher your code.
Why it matters:
Good documentation helps you (and anyone else who looks at your code) understand what’s going on. It also makes it easier to maintain and update your code in the future.
How to fix it:
Make it a habit to document your code as you go. Leave comments where needed and write a clear README file explaining your project. This will save you—and anyone working with you—a lot of time.
Starting as a fullstack developer is a rewarding journey, but it’s not without its challenges. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. Focus on the basics, embrace feedback, and remember: coding is a continuous learning process.
Stay curious, stay humble, and keep pushing forward!
Read more: Why Fullstack Development Training is Important for Lagos Coders