When I started working with Laravel and Vue, I didn’t plan to go “full-stack.” I just wanted to build things that worked. But the more I built, the more I realized: being able to move between backend and frontend — and even DevOps — was a real superpower.

Over the past few years, I’ve worked on projects ranging from internal dashboards to client-facing platforms, using tools like Laravel, Vue, Docker, Tailwind, and AWS. Here are a few hard-earned lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Keep It Simple First

In one of my first projects, I overengineered the backend from day one. I set up multiple services, queues, and background workers before even confirming the core idea worked.

These days, I try to get the basics working first. With Laravel, I can prototype fast, build something solid, then scale it later if needed. MVP first, optimization second.

2. Docker Is Worth the Setup Time

I used to rely on local environments and Laravel Valet (which worked great), but when the team grew, the setup became a nightmare. Docker took a while to understand, but it gave me consistency across machines and made onboarding easier.

Now, every project I start includes a docker-compose.yml from day one. PHP, MySQL, Redis, Mailpit—all in one place, version-controlled.

3. Vue + Tailwind = Speed and Clarity

I tried React. I like it. But for most Laravel projects, Vue just fits better. With Inertia.js or simple Blade integration, I can get reactive UIs without rewriting everything.

Pairing Vue with Tailwind CSS has saved me so much time. Tailwind’s utility classes feel odd at first, but once you’re in the flow, styling is almost fun. I barely touch CSS files anymore.

4. Automate or Regret It Later

Manually deploying a Laravel project via FTP is like walking a tightrope with no net. I’ve been there, and I’ve broken production at 11 PM on a Sunday.

Now I use GitHub Actions to automate tests, linters, and deployments. It only takes a few hours to set up, but it saves dozens of hours over the project’s life.

5. You Don’t Have to Know Everything

I used to feel like I had to master everything — AWS networking, Docker internals, frontend frameworks, and PHP internals. The truth is, you don’t need to know everything deeply to build great software.

What helps more is knowing enough to move forward, and being able to learn what you need when the time comes. That mindset has kept me sane.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a full-stack developer — or just trying to become one — don’t get discouraged by the endless stream of new tools. Pick a few, go deep, build real things, and improve along the way.

For me, it’s Laravel, Vue, Tailwind, Docker, and AWS. These tools helped me grow from “just a backend guy” to someone who can ship full apps end-to-end.

And if you’re ever stuck or need to talk dev stuff, feel free to reach out.

Thanks for reading 🙌