Thinking About Switching from Frontend to Backend

Hi everyone,

Right now, I am a part-time Full Stack Developer at a startup where I work with React, Next.js, and Node.js. I have about 4-5 months until I graduate. My company is encouraging me to switch to Java Spring Boot because there is an opening on the backend team. I don’t have any experience with Java Spring yet, but I am pretty skilled in React, Next.js, Node.js, and React Native. This change could be a great chance for me to learn and grow. What should I do?

Go for it. They want you to learn a new framework and language while they pay you. Learning Java will really help your career since many big companies use Spring for APIs.

You already know React and the other frameworks, so keep using them and learn some backend tech along the way. Java isn’t going anywhere. Good luck!

@Denny
Thanks a lot!

@Denny
Totally agree with this.

@Denny
Would you say learning Spring web MVC is enough to apply and fake it until I make it?

Definitely do it and later push for full-stack work. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind, and you’d get more experience in both areas.

Uma said:
Definitely do it and later push for full-stack work. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind, and you’d get more experience in both areas.

They have a clear separation between Full Stack and Backend. The Full Stack team only works on basic CRUD tasks. I found out that switching to backend after graduation might be a one-way path.

@Sam
Maybe not at this company, but there are many out there! You can find full stack roles elsewhere.

Yes, you should go for it because Spring Boot is popular. Plus, knowing frontend too means you’ll be a full-stack developer, which is great. I would say go for it.

Harley said:
Yes, you should go for it because Spring Boot is popular. Plus, knowing frontend too means you’ll be a full-stack developer, which is great. I would say go for it.

Thanks! I believe that too. I just find backend to be more challenging than frontend. It seems like it will require a lot of effort to learn.

@Sam
Everyone feels that way at first. I focus on backend with Spring Boot and now I’m learning frontend, which feels tough for me too. But I’m working hard to learn since staying in our comfort zone makes other things seem harder. Check out this Udemy course; it helped me with backend. I think it’s one of the best backend courses around.
https://www.udemy.com/share/106ofA3@SE1q8riQL3ckOd1ie0fTfm4f1sZIVBbcDqpczR5dZetuChbm0Sk5LqWHTrY7VmudKA==/

Also, if you have any resources or tips that could help me with frontend, I’d love to hear them.

@Harley
Thanks for the course link, I will check it out.

For frontend, I highly suggest building example projects and gradually adding new libraries to your projects.

With 8 years in Backend, Android, and Frontend, I say choose Java – it will save you a lot of stress, plus you’ll always have job options.

Java with Spring Boot is really popular in backend development. I see all learning as personal growth, so it’s a good move for job opportunities. You’ll stand out from many full-stack devs who mainly use JavaScript.

What do you enjoy doing more?

Noor said:
What do you enjoy doing more?

I don’t get why you’re being downvoted. If the person who posted this doesn’t want to switch to backend development, they should either look for something else or try to stay in their current role.

@Mars
It’s just that some people get upset over my reply

Noor said:
What do you enjoy doing more?

Are you looking for a job you will love or just taking what you can get?

Lin said:

Noor said:
What do you enjoy doing more?

Are you looking for a job you will love or just taking what you can get?

That’s not a good approach if it’s a job they won’t enjoy. I’d prefer to look for something I’d actually like.

@Noor
The original poster didn’t say anything about not liking it, you’re just assuming. Learning Java Spring is a great chance to grow, and I think it’s more advantageous than just knowing React, Node.js or React Native in the long term.