Questions to Ask a Full Stack Developer
Essential technical and cultural questions to identify skilled full stack developers who can handle both frontend and backend challenges.
1Can you walk me through a recent project where you handled both frontend and backend?
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Can you walk me through a recent project where you handled both frontend and backend?
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Why this works
Reveals hands-on experience, technical breadth, and ability to articulate complex work across the stack.
2How do you decide between building a monolithic application versus microservices?
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How do you decide between building a monolithic application versus microservices?
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Why this works
Shows architectural thinking, understanding of trade-offs, and ability to match solutions to business needs.
3What's your approach to managing state in modern web applications?
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What's your approach to managing state in modern web applications?
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Why this works
Tests frontend expertise and familiarity with state management patterns like Redux, Context API, or Zustand.
4How do you handle database schema design and migrations?
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How do you handle database schema design and migrations?
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Why this works
Assesses backend database skills, planning ability, and understanding of data modeling best practices.
5What's your strategy for securing API endpoints?
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What's your strategy for securing API endpoints?
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Why this works
Reveals security awareness, knowledge of authentication/authorization, and practical implementation experience.
6How do you optimize application performance across the entire stack?
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How do you optimize application performance across the entire stack?
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Why this works
Shows problem-solving approach, performance tuning skills, and ability to diagnose bottlenecks anywhere.
7What testing strategies do you use for frontend versus backend code?
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What testing strategies do you use for frontend versus backend code?
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Why this works
Demonstrates testing maturity, quality mindset, and understanding of different testing approaches by layer.
8How do you stay current with rapidly changing web technologies?
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How do you stay current with rapidly changing web technologies?
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Why this works
Reveals learning habits, passion for technology, and commitment to professional growth.
9Can you explain your preferred development workflow from local to production?
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Can you explain your preferred development workflow from local to production?
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Why this works
Shows DevOps awareness, deployment experience, and understanding of CI/CD pipelines.
10What's your experience with containerization and orchestration tools?
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What's your experience with containerization and orchestration tools?
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Why this works
Tests modern infrastructure knowledge including Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud deployment patterns.
11How do you approach responsive design and cross-browser compatibility?
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How do you approach responsive design and cross-browser compatibility?
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Why this works
Assesses frontend skills, attention to user experience, and practical CSS/layout expertise.
12What's your process for debugging production issues?
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What's your process for debugging production issues?
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Why this works
Reveals troubleshooting methodology, monitoring tools knowledge, and ability to handle pressure.
13How do you balance code quality with delivery speed?
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How do you balance code quality with delivery speed?
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Why this works
Shows pragmatic thinking, understanding of technical debt, and ability to make business-aligned decisions.
14What's your experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP?
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What's your experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP?
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Why this works
Tests cloud infrastructure knowledge, deployment experience, and familiarity with modern hosting.
15How do you handle version control and branching strategies?
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How do you handle version control and branching strategies?
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Why this works
Assesses collaboration skills, Git proficiency, and understanding of team workflow patterns.
16What's your approach to API design and documentation?
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What's your approach to API design and documentation?
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Why this works
Reveals backend design thinking, communication skills, and consideration for API consumers.
17How do you ensure accessibility in your frontend work?
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How do you ensure accessibility in your frontend work?
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Why this works
Shows awareness of inclusive design, WCAG standards, and commitment to building for all users.
18What's the biggest technical challenge you've solved recently?
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What's the biggest technical challenge you've solved recently?
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Why this works
Reveals problem-solving ability, technical depth, and how they handle difficult situations.
19How do you approach code reviews with team members?
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How do you approach code reviews with team members?
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Why this works
Assesses collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to give/receive constructive feedback.
20What questions do you have about our tech stack and engineering culture?
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What questions do you have about our tech stack and engineering culture?
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Why this works
Shows their priorities, curiosity, and what matters to them in a work environment.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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