Ever thought that being a Jack of all trades will be good for your career? Well Yes, this is the age of the generalist. Developing a new application no longer needs a team of specialists to collaborate and work together. As the line between what can be done on the front end and back end is getting blurred, Web developers who work with both front and back ends of a website or application are increasingly tackling complete web projects these days.
A full-stack web developer has basic skills across a wide breadth of platforms and technologies as well as in-depth knowledge and specialization in a couple of those. The following fields make up a full-stack developer’s skillset:
- Front End – HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, Bootstrap
- Back End – PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails, NodeJS
- Databases – MySQL, MongoDB, CouchDB, Hadoop
In a nutshell, full stack web development involves creating web and mobile applications from start to finish. Needless to say, full stack web developers are the best kind of technical hire for any organization since they can work anywhere in the stack when needed and are able to address all aspects of web development process. Thus, Full stack makes web developers a valuable asset to their company. If they happen to be specialized in one area, it works like an icing on the cake, but being at least competent front to back, makes them more employable.
There are a lot of resources online to learn full stack web development. Even the skilled full stack developers are always on the lookout to learn the latest in web application development and keep them updated. Our team has created this list of best online Full Stack Web Development courses, classes, tutorials and certifications to serve this purpose. It has resources from the best teachers, schools and universities around the globe. Some of these courses are paid, some are free to audit. We have specifically chosen courses that teach the most popular and in-demand technologies, preferably through project-based learning.
1. Full-Stack Web Development with React Specialization by The Hongkong University of Science and Technology (Coursera)
This Full Stack web development certification by Asia’s No 1 ranked University – The Hongkong University of Science and Technology enables learners to master front-end and hybrid mobile development, with server-side support, for implementing a multi-platform solution. This is an intermediate level course and learners are expected to have a basic working knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Upon completion of this full stack development specialization, you will be well-versed with the Node.js and the React Ecosystem, learning the latest frameworks including React, React Native and Node.js. You will also learn to implement NoSQL databases using MongoDB, work within a Node.js environment and Express framework, and communicate to the client side through a RESTful API.
The course is structured into following 4 modules:
- Front-End Web UI Frameworks and Tools: Bootstrap 4 – covers client-side web UI frameworks, in particular Bootstrap 4, responsive design, javascript components, CSS preprocessors (Less and Sass), Node.js and NPM and task runners like Grunt and Gulp
- Front-End Web Development with React – covers Reactstrap, React router, Flux architecture and Redux, REST API
- Multiplatform Mobile App Development with React Native – focuses on developing truly cross-platform, native iOS and Android apps using React Native (Ver 0.55) and the Expo SDK (Ver. 27.0.0)
- Server-side Development with NodeJS, Express and MongoDB – covers server side stuff like NodeJS and NodeJS modules, CRUD operations, NoSQL databases, in particular MongoDB and Mongoose for accessing MongoDB from NodeJS, mobile BaaS etc.
Key Highlights
- Be fully equipped to pursue a career in web and hybrid mobile app development
- Hands-On project to test and implement all that you learn in the class
- Learn to create hybrid mobile applications, using React Native
- Honors track that enables learners to work on their own project developing a website using Bootstrap 4
- Learn to build and configure a backend server using NodeJS framework
- Learn to build a RESTful API for the front-end to access backend services
- Start the course for free and pay up only after trying the course material for a week
- Great community support and enhanced learning through peer to peer support
Duration : 16 weeks, 8 hours per week
Rating : 4.8
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2. The Web Developer Bootcamp (Udemy)
This Web Developer course by Colt Steele is often regarded as the only web development course you ever need. This course has already been enrolled by more than 480,000 students and enjoys a high number of stellar reviews and ratings. It is a beginner friendly course that takes a step by step teaching approach to give learners good foundation in modern web development. The course covers a host of tools and technologies including: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap 4, SemanticUI, DOM Manipulation, jQuery, Unix(Command Line) commands, NodeJS, NPM, ExpressJS, REST, MongoDB, Database Associations, Authentication, PassportJS, and Authorization.
The instructor of the course Colt Steele is an experienced web developer with a flair for teaching. He has spent two years designing and teaching immersive bootcamp programs that costed $14000 and $21000. He promises to bring the same comprehensive and brand new content in this Udemy course for almost free. Colt makes the learning fun and engages the students very well. He has not structured the course as a series on long ‘watch-as-I-do” videos, instead he takes a hands-on approach and teaches students how to do stuff effectively. Sections in the course are broken down into small, digestible lectures with problem sets at the end of each section. Additionally there are multiple code-alongs, exercises, assignments, slides, articles etc. spread throughout the course.
This course revolves around projects, so students learn by building real-world things to help them quickly get to market standards. There are 13+ projects built in the course, including a gigantic production application called YelpCamp.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting to learn, or someone who needs a refresher on the basics or someone looking to expand their skills in web development, this course works perfectly for all.
Key Highlights
- The only course taught by a professional bootcamp instructor
- The only complete beginner full-stack developer course that covers NodeJS
- Get to create a complicated yelp-like application from scratch
- Create full-stack web applications from scratch with full authentication and using cutting edge technologies
- Grow as a developer by building over 13 projects
- The course is constantly updated with new content, projects, and modules
- Get active support through Q&A section and community forum. There’s a full time TA to answer all questions students have.
Duration : 46.5 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.6
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3. Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization by University of Michigan (Coursera)
This is a beginner-level specialization in web development and coding and is offered by the prestigious University of Michigan. This course is designed for those who want to learn web design and front-end development fundamentals. You will learn basic design principles, HTML5, CSS3, responsive design, and how to create interactive web experiences by utilizing JavaScript.
This specialization is structured as 5 courses, each with several exercises, quizzes and assignments to test and validate the learning of the course. The final Capstone Project requires students to build their own professional portfolio. They need to design and implement a responsive site that utilizes tools to create a site that is accessible to a wide audience, including those with visual, audial, physical, and cognitive impairments.
The specialization is instructed by Colleen van Lent, Ph.D. and Charles Russell Severance (a.k.a. Dr. Chuck), both of whom have many years of experience teaching various technology-oriented courses at the University level. Both have independently authored books related to design and technology.
Key Highlights
- Learn to develop high quality web sites that, work seamlessly on mobile, tablet, and large screen browsers
- Learn how to add interactivity to web pages with Javascript
- Learn to use the Document Object Model (DOM) to modify pages
- Explain the mobile-first paradigm and the importance of wireframes in the design phase
- Understand how to utilize existing design frameworks such as Bootstrap
- You can take the courses at your own pace
- Option to audit the course contents for free
Duration : 3 months, 8 hours per week
Rating : 4.7
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4. Professional Full Stack Web Developer – Nanodegree Certification (Udacity)
Udacity’s courses are created in concert with industry leaders based on what they want to see in new job candidates. This Nanodegree certification is no different. If you are preparing for a job as a full stack web developer, you will learn more job relevant skills in few months of this certification than any other resource. The goal of the Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree program on Udacity is to equip learners with the unique skills they need to build database-backed APIs and web applications.
Upon completion of this Nanodegree program, students will be able to:
- Design and build databases for software applications
- Create and deploy database-backed web APIs
- Secure and manage user authentication
- Access control for an application backend
To be successful in this Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree program, it is recommended that learners have prior experience with Python or another object-oriented programming language, CSS/HTML, JavaScript, Git and Data Structures.
This certification focuses on project-based learning, so there are several projects that need to be completed at the end of each module and a final capstone project. In particular following projects are included:
- Designing an artist/venue booking database
- Build a Trivia API
- Build a full stack coffee shop application
- Deploy a Flask App to Kubernetes Using EKS
In the final Capstone Project, learners are required to construct a database-backed web API with user access control.
One of the big areas that separate the Udacity Nanodegrees from the other online courses is the community. You will meet new people, expand your professional network and make connections.
Key Highlights
- Master relational databases with the power of SQL, and leverage Python to incorporate database logic into your programs
- Learn how to use APIs to control and manage web applications, including best practices for API testing and documentation
- Learn to implement authentication and authorization in Flask
- Understand how to deploy a Docker container to a Kubernetes cluster using AWS
- Real world projects to master the tech skills learnt in the program
- 1-on-1 technical mentor to guide, answer questions and course correct
- Access to career coaching sessions, interview prep advice, and resume and online professional profile reviews
- Flexible pace to suit each learner’s ability
- Practical tips and industry best practices
Duration : 4 months, 5-10 hours per week
Rating : 4.6
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5. The Complete 2020 Web Development Bootcamp (Udemy)
This Complete Web Development Course has been developed by Angela Yu and is amongst the highest rated courses on Udemy. At 50+ hours of video content, 82 articles and 19 downloadable resources, this is one of the most comprehensive and immersive course on web development.
Angela Yu is the lead instructor at the London App Brewery, London’s leading Programming Bootcamp. She has built hundreds of websites, apps and games and taught over 290,000 students on Udemy alone. Her deft use of animations and illustrations is what sets her apart from any other skilled instructor. She has a knack for simplifying hard concepts through illustrations in new, engaging ways that make the concepts stick.
This web developer course covers the following – Front-End Web Development, HTML 5, CSS 3, Bootstrap 4, Javascript ES6, DOM Manipulation, jQuery, Bash Command Line, Git, GitHub and Version Control, Backend Web Development, Node.js, NPM, Express.js, EJS, REST, APIs, Databases, SQL, MongoDB, Mongoose, Authentication, Firebase, React.js, React Hooks, Web Design, Deployment with GitHub Pages, Heroku and MongoDB Atlas. It also includes 2 modules that no other online web developer bootcamp covers – App Security and Design School 101: from color palettes to font choices, alignment and interaction design. This material is valuable to web developers from UX/UI standpoint.
Apart from video lectures, the course includes code challenges and exercises, fully fledged projects, quizzes, programming resources and cheatsheets, downloads, Angela’s best selling 12 Rules to Learn to Code eBook and $12,000+ web development bootcamp course materials and curriculum.
There are numerous projects that vary in degree of difficulty. These include the classic todo list, a drum machine, a landing page called Tindog (a funny spinoff of the Tinder dating site), a newsletter app, a full-fledged blog and more.
Since everything is taught from ground up, any beginners can take this course. It is equally good for seasoned programmers who want to learn latest frameworks and NodeJS.
Key Highlights
- The course is regularly updated with new content, projects and modules to incorporate the latest tools and technologies used at large companies such as Apple, Google and Netflix
- The course curriculum was developed over a period of four years, with comprehensive student testing and feedback
- Includes engaging content with animated explanation videos and tens of real-world projects
- Learn professional developer best practices
- Learn the latest frameworks and technologies, including Javascript ES6, Bootstrap 4, MongoDB
- Build a portfolio of over 25+ websites that you can show off to any potential employer
- Full money back guarantee for 30 days
Duration : 51.5 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.7
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6. Meta Professional Certificates in Web Development (Coursera)
Meta is offering Professional Certificate programs that aim to launch learners in the field of software development. These are offered in collaboration with Coursera and are especially designed to impart job-ready skills for entry-level roles in front-end development, back-end development and database engineering. These web development certification courses are beginner-level, require no prior experience, can be completed in under 6 months with around 8 hours of effort a week and have been a huge hit with learners since their launch.
Learners can pursue these certificate programs individually or enrol in all three to position themselves as full stack web developers. Let’s take a detailed look at each of these Meta Web Development Professional Certificates.
Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate
In this program learners master the foundations of front-end development and gain necessary programming skills. As part of the Certification, they also complete a real-world project that involves developing a front-end web application to showcase in their portfolio. The program comprises of 9 individual courses that impart the following skills:
- How to code and build responsive websites using HTML5, CSS and JavaScript
- Learn to use industry-standard tools such as Bootstrap, React, and Figma
- How to work with content management systems (CMS) and use GitHub repositories for version control
- Learn to use React in relation to Javascript libraries and frameworks
- Learn the fundamentals of User Experience (UX) research and design
- Prepare for technical interviews with best approaches to problem-solving
Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate
This program teaches the technical skills required to become a qualified back-end developer including Python Syntax, Linux commands, Git, SQL, Version Control, Cloud Hosting, APIs, JSON, XML and more. There is a lot of focus on applied learning with hands-on activities, 10 micro-projects and a capstone project involving development of a full-stack django app. The program is structured as a series of 10 courses that cover the following topics:
- Foundational programming skills with basic Python Syntax
- Introduction to databases and ways to store and manage data
- Use of Structured Query Language (SQL) commands
- Planning and designing a simple relational database system
- Linux commands and Git repositories to implement version control
- Core cloud architecture concepts, approaches and popular cloud solutions
- Django web framework and how the front-end consumes data from the REST APIs
Meta Database Engineer Professional Certificate
This program imparts key skills needed to design, deploy, and manage structured and unstructured data. Students learn industry-standard programming languages and software such as SQL, Python, and Django used for supporting websites and apps and gain experience with key tools through hands-on projects. There are 9 courses in the program that cover the following:
- Core techniques and methods to structure and manage databases
- MySQL database management system (DBMS) and data creation, querying and manipulation using SQL
- Advanced MySQL
- Writing database driven applications in Python to connect clients to MySQL databases
- How to code and use Python Syntax
- How to optimize a database
- Working knowledge of advanced data modeling concepts
A key advantage of these certifications by Meta is that upon completion learners gain access to the Meta Career Programs platform that connects them with more than 200 employers committed to sourcing talent through Meta’s certificate programs. They also get access to several career support resources to help with their job search.
Duration : 6-8 months, 6-8 hours per week
Rating : 4.7
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7. Beginner Full Stack Web Development: HTML, CSS, React & Node (Udemy)
This Full Stack development course by Mark Price is indeed quite a popular one on Udemy. It promises to take learners from absolute beginners to competent full-stack web developers in a matter of weeks. The course is suitable for beginners with no prior experience in web development or professionals already working in this space and who want to enhance their knowledge and upgrade skills.
The course is pretty immersive and covers HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, Bootstrap 4, DOM Manipulation, NPM, Node, MongoDB, REST, Express, ES6 and React. It is structured as below with exercises, quizzes and assignments intermixed with video content and downloadable articles:
- Basics of HTML
- Version control and GIT
- CSS, layouts and Mobile Responsive Design
- Bootstrap Framework
- JavaScript
- API Backend development with Node and Express
- Databases
- Project – Full stack website development with React
Mark price, the author of this course is a veteran mobile developer having built over 57 mobile apps for iOS and Android and multiple Unity 3D games. He has taught over 270,000 students and created 15 courses on Udemy. He has earned the respect and highest ratings from thousands of his students for immense professional knowledge and hands-on teaching approach.
Key Highlights
- Learn to build websites with HTML & CSS
- Work with NoSQL databases like MongoDB
- Learn to build mobile-friendly websites with Bootstrap 4 & CSS
- Understand how to build backend servers & APIs with Node and Express
- Build full-stack web apps with Facebook’s React Framework
- Full lifetime access to 30 hours on-demand video and 35 downloadable resources
- Beginner friendly course with no prior experience requirement
Duration : 30 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.5
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8. Become a Full-Stack Web Developer (LinkedIn Learning – Lynda)
Another great choice to learn full stack web development is ‘Become a Full-Stack Web Developer’ learning path on LinkedIn Learning Lynda. It will teach you the necessary skills to work with both front-end and back-end technologies. You’ll develop a solid foundation for working with servers and host configurations, performing database integrations, and creating dynamic, data-driven websites.
This learning path comprises of following 9 courses that together have more than 35 hours of expert created video content.
-
Programming Foundations: Databases
By: Scott Simpson
Learn the fundamentals of database programming. Find out how to build a database, define relationships, and write queries. -
PHP Essential Training
By: Kevin Skoglund
Learn the fundamentals of PHP, a popular programming language that you can use to create dynamic web pages. -
PHP with MySQL Essential Training: 1 The Basics
By: Kevin Skoglund
Learn how to build dynamic, data-driven webpages using PHP with MySQL. -
PHP with MySQL Essential Training: 2 Build a CMS
By: Kevin Skoglund
Strengthen your PHP and MySQL skills by building a robust content management system with secure user authentication. -
Programming Foundations: Web Security
By: Kevin Skoglund
Learn about the most important security concerns when developing websites, and what you can do to keep your servers, software, and data safe from harm. -
Ruby on Rails 5 Essential Training
By: Kevin Skoglund
Learn the essentials of Ruby of Rails 5. Find out how to create a complete data-driven web application with this elegant and easy-to-learn development framework. -
Node.js Essential Training
By: Alex Banks
Learn the essentials of Node.js. Discover what you need to know to start creating your own JavaScript applications with Node.js. -
Building a Website with Node.js and Express.js
By: Daniel Khan
Build JavaScript websites that do more. Learn how to build dynamic websites with Node.js and Express.js, a popular web server framework for Node.js. -
React.js Essential Training
By: Eve Porcello
React is a great choice for dynamic, data-driven user experiences. Learn how to create browser-based apps and websites with the component-based React.js library. - Learn the foundations of programming for full stack developers
- Practice with a variety of popular platforms to reinforce what you learnt
- Explore core server languages like PHP, Node.js, .NET,and Ruby on Rails
- Courses authored and taught by real world professionals and industry experts
- Complete guidance provided to perform necessary configurations required to follow along with the lectures
- Get a Certification of Achievement upon completing the learning path
- Option to download course videos on Android or iOS app and watch offline
- Free access to all course content for 30 days after signing up
- Range of courses concentrated in both front-end and back-end in collaboration with organizations on the cutting edge of development
- Beginner courses with no prerequisites for learners just starting out
- Build your portfolio and GitHub profile for better job opportunities
- Courses designed by the leading Universities of the world
- Several university-backed credit programs and verified certificates
- All content can be accessed for free and certificate added at a small fee
- Assignments and graded assessments to practice the skills acquired
- Self-paced study so you learn and demonstrate knowledge on your schedule
- Excellent support through active community forums and peers from around the world
- Be fully equipped to pursue a career in web and hybrid mobile app development
- Learn to build mobile apps for multiple platforms with a single codebase
- Learn to use of Angular Material and Angular Flex-Layout for UI design
- Understand client-side web UI frameworks
- Option to try the course for free before paying to enrol
- Have a fully-functioning, responsive web application to add to your portfolio
- Learn about advanced web development topics, like APIs, data visualization, and animation
- Learn to use responsive web design principles to take a site from wireframe to website
- Learn to implement security features and create collaborative multi-user experiences on a website
- No experience needed to take this specialization
It is recommended that Students have basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git for undertaking this learning path.
Key Highlights
Duration : 35 hours of video tutorials
Rating : 4.5
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9. Full Stack Web Developer Courses (edX)
Online learning platform edX has a wide breadth of good courses and certifications to learn full stack web development. These courses include beginner level courses that introduce learners to the fundamental essential components of taking on end-to-end development. For people already familiar with one aspect of development (front-end or back-end), there are several courses that teach the other component, ensuring that learners have everything they need to become a full stack developer.
You can learn front end technologies such as Javascript, CSS, and HTML or server-side technologies such as ASP.NET. The University of British Columbia offers a step by step micro-masters in full stack development, a course that will teach you everything about running end to end programs in Agile. You’ll learn about operating systems in back end and front end development, popular programming languages, and building database functions. You’ll even solve real-world problems using object-oriented programming.
Key Highlights
Duration : Self Paced
Rating : 4.5
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10. Full Stack Web and Multiplatform Mobile App Development Specialization by The HongKong University of Science and Technology (Coursera)
This specialization offered by the prestigious Hongkong University of Science and Technology teaches front-end and hybrid mobile development, along with server-side support so learners are equipped with necessary skills to implement a multi-platform solution.
There are five comprehensive courses in this specialization that flow together nicely and build upon each other. The first two courses cover front-end frameworks: Bootstrap 4 and Angular. In the third course, students learn to create hybrid mobile applications, using the Ionic and Cordova frameworks. Fourth course focuses on developing truly cross-platform, native iOS and Android apps using NativeScript. The fifth course deals with server side development, where students learn to implement NoSQL databases using MongoDB, work within a Node.js environment and Express framework, and communicate to the client side through a RESTful API.
In 20 weeks time, spending around 8 hours per week, you can be well-versed with the Node.js and the Angular Ecosystem, learning the latest frameworks including Angular, Ionic, NativeScript and Node.js.
The instructor of this web and mobile app development specialization is Jogesh K. Muppala, who is very renowned and respected and has earned favourable reviews for this course material and teaching style.
Since this is an intermediate level specialization program, students who wish to enrol are expected to have a prior working knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Key Highlights
Duration : 20 weeks, 8 hours per week
Rating : 4.8
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11. Responsive Website Development and Design Specialization by University of London (Coursera)
This specialization in Responsive website design and development is offered by University of London. It covers the basics of modern full stack web development, from UX design to front-end coding to custom databases.
There are six comprehensive courses in this specialization with each subsequent course building nicely upon the previous one. In the first course you will learn three key website programming and design languages: HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The second course focuses on responsive web design concepts along with knowledge of Bootstrap and JavaScript event listeners. In the third course, you’ll learn to implement a reactive, multi-user web application using the meteor.js framework and MongoDB. Fourth course develops more advanced web application programming skills, like advanced Meteor packages, complex MongoDB filters, data validation schemas using SimpleSchema etc. Fifth course is very unique and covers exciting examples of collaborative, interactive web applications that use various types of media including sound, images and big data. Students are shown how to build sites that provide precisely this functionality, using Meteor. Last course involves a Capstone project where students create a complete, responsive, multi-user, data-driven website which aims to solve a particular problem.
There are abundant website design and programming assignments, quizzes and practice exercises at the end of each course. Upon completing this specialization, learners will be able to build, test, and deploy a complete, mobile-ready web application from the bottom up using industry standard technologies.
This course is aimed at beginners who have not done any programming before, but works very well even for those who have programming experience in an area other than the web. This course contains a lot of information of interest to those at intermediate and advanced levels.
Key Highlights
Duration : 6 months, 5 hours per week
Rating : 4.6
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