Five things you didn't know about full-stack developers...

By Joshua Harrison , Full-Stack Developer

I was watching Kung Fury last night, and I found myself pondering the modern world’s view of developers when the 80s' stereotypical representation of a computer whiz came across my screen.

Surrounded by monitors, adorned with neon visuals of high-tech, complex-looking visualisers, in a dark basement.

A few strokes of the keyboard and the classic line 'I’m in', summarised people’s perceptions of a developer around that time quite succinctly. So, what would the 2024 version of 'Hacker Man' do?

Besides the common misconception developers are hackers, some may think being a full-stack developer is just about drinking coffee, firing off witty replies via Slack, dwelling in the dark and living in the same oversized hoodie, 24/7. But in reality, I’m here to tell you... it's a bit different.?

Here are five surprising facts that you probably did not know, from me, a full-stack developer at Simplestream.

1. We are masters of the full tech spectrum ??

Like TV producers who seamlessly switch between directing show visuals and managing backend servers, full-stack developers navigate effortlessly from designing intuitive interfaces for your favourite streaming app to ensuring the databases can handle millions of viewers without a glitch, delivering a binge-worthy experience.??

2. We are polyglots (in a sense) ???

We might not speak all 24 official European languages, but we're fluent in front-end, back-end, and database languages – seamlessly switching between Python, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and more. Essentially, we are like having a universal translator for code. Core languages are just the tip of the iceberg, similar to slang in spoken language, we too have means of 'saying more' with less in the form of libraries, plugins and frameworks.

3. We have probably founded your favourite apps ??

Individuals with backgrounds in full-stack development founded some of your favourite apps. Instagram by Kevin Systrom, Slack by Stewart Butterfield, GitHub by Tom Preston-Werner, Chris Wanstrath, PJ Hyett and Scott Chacon, Airbnb by Brian Chesky, and WhatsApp by Jan Koum are prime examples. These innovators combined their technical skills in both front-end and back-end.

4. We tend to leave jokes within our code ??

Full-stack developers often sprinkle witty comments throughout their codebase to inject humour amidst the intense process of debugging. These comments serve dual purposes: they provide context and insights into the code's functionality for future developers while adding a touch of personality and camaraderie among coding colleagues.?

5. We are not all introverts ???

Despite what you may think, full-stack developers defy stereotypes and bring diverse personalities to the table. We're not just caffeine-fuelled code warriors… My recent participation in Episode 5 of Bits and Bytes perfectly demonstrates this as I stared directly into the camera (like an extrovert) as I discussed?how full-stack developers can drive meaningful societal change through coding and much more... It'll be out this Friday.

I hope you enjoyed these five facts as much as I enjoyed getting them off my chest!?

UNBOXED

Simplestream and A+E Networks EMEA enhance BLAZE

In case you missed it, Simplestream recently announced the extension of a longstanding partnership with A+E Networks EMEA. The press announcement unfolded details on a significant upgrade to A+E Newtorks' BLAZE streaming service in the UK.

The new enhanced service increases BLAZE's content offering. It allows users to access A+E Networks EMEA’s collection of FAST channels live on any platform and device for a seamless user experience.

Alongside a suite of updated mobile, tablet, and CTV apps (LG, Samsung, and VIDAA in addition to the existing iOS, Android, Fire TV, and tvOS), there’s also a new website, which combines the best of BLAZE’s catch-up content with real-time on-air information from our collection of FAST channels. Read the announcement in full.

SNIPPETS

?? ?Recent research from Hisense has revealed that 20% of UK households haven't upgraded their TV sets in 10 years. Despite the rise in smart and 4K TVs, many still use older models. Additionally, 48% of Brits haven’t changed their TV settings since they purchased their TV. Learn more, via Advanced Television.

?? With Euro 2024 now in full swing (and the Olympics to start soon), let's dig into the technology that powers the most epic sporting moments. What does make live sports streaming an enjoyable experience for the masses? Read on.