How do you estimate timelines for full-stack development?

Short answer: I break down features into frontend, backend, integration, and testing efforts.

Explain a bit more

Then, I consider team members’ skillsets, dependencies (like API availability or third-party tools), and risks. For example, a login module might seem simple, but if we’re implementing OAuth or MFA, I factor in time for R&D, testing, and edge cases. I usually estimate in story points first and then translate it to time with buffer built in.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.