What is Backend Development?
Back-end Development refers to server-side development. It focuses on databases, scripting, and website architecture. It contains behind-the-scene activities that occur when performing any action on a website. It can be an account login or making a purchase from an online store. Code written by back-end developers helps browsers to communicate with database information.
The most common example of Backend programming is when you are reading an article on a blog. The fonts, colors, designs, etc. constitute the front of this page. While the content of the article is rendered from a server and fetched from a database. This is the backend part of the application.
Following are the skills you require to become a back-end developer:
Web Development Languages
Database and Cache
Server
API (REST & SOAP)
Web Development Languages:
Backend engineers should know at least one server-side or Backend programming language like Java, Python, or Ruby, . Net etc.
Database and Cache:
Knowledge of various DBMS technology is one of the important Backend developer skills. MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle, SQLServer, and Redis are widely used for this purpose. Knowledge of caching mechanisms like varnish, Memcached, and Redis is a plus.
A backend developer is a critical player in the world of web
development. They are responsible for building and maintaining the server-side
of web applications, ensuring that everything behind the scenes works smoothly.
In this article, we'll explore what a backend developer does and the essential
skills needed for this role in web development.
Understanding the Backend Developer Role
Backend developers focus on the server, databases, and
application logic. Their primary responsibilities include:
1. Server
Management: Backend developers set up and manage the server where a website
or web application is hosted. This involves configuring server software,
ensuring security, and optimizing performance.
2. Database
Management: They design and maintain databases, ensuring data is stored and
retrieved efficiently. Common database systems include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and
MongoDB.
3. API
Development: Backend developers create Application Programming Interfaces
(APIs) that allow the front-end (user interface) and backend to communicate.
APIs enable data exchange between different parts of the application or between
the application and external services.
4. Application
Logic: They write code that handles the core functionality of a web
application, such as user authentication, data processing, and business logic.
5. Security:
Backend developers are responsible for implementing security measures to
protect data and the application from various threats, including hacking and
data breaches.
6. Scalability:
They design the backend architecture to handle increased traffic and data loads
as an application grows.
Essential Skills for Backend Developers
To excel as a backend developer, you need a combination of
technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of web
development concepts. Here are the essential skills:
1. Programming Languages:
2. Server Management:
3. Database Management:
4. API Development:
5. Application Frameworks:
6. Version Control:
7. Testing and Debugging:
8. Security:
9. API Documentation:
Server:
Exposure to handling Apache, Nginx, IIS servers, Microsoft IIS
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is desirable. A good background in Linux helps tremendously in administering servers.
API (REST & SOAP):
Knowledge of web services or APIs is also important for full-stack developers. Knowledge of creations and consumption of REST and SOAP services is desirable.
Other Pieces of the Puzzle:
Working experience with frameworks like Django for Python, Larval for PHP, etc
Ability to write quality unit tests
Knowledge of Algorithms and data structures is also an essential need for any professional full-stack developer
An awareness of security concerns is important, as each layer has its vulnerabilities
Should know the differences between multiple delivery platforms like mobile vs. desktop
Basic exposure to frontend techs like HTML and CSS is desirable.
Knowledge of session management in a distributed server environment
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Roles and Responsibilities of Backend Developer
The Back end developer's job is to understand the goals of the website and come up with effective solutions
Storing data and also ensuring that it is displayed to that user who is supposed to have access to it
Responsible for developing Payment processing systems like accepting data, securely storing that info, and making changes to that payment
Manage APIs resources that work across devices
He or she might be involved in the architecture of a system and Data science analyses.
Developers are responsible to organize the logic of the system which runs across various devices
Back-end developer also needs to be involved in building frameworks or the architecture to make it easier to program against.
Back End web developers should have the skills for implementing algorithms and solving system-related problems.
Summary
Back end Development refers to the server-side development
Back-end developer skills include Development Languages, Database, and cache, Server, API (REST & SOAP), etc.
The backend web developer should understand the goals of the website and come up with effective solutions
The languages that a front-end developer should be familiar with are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript whereas a back-end web developer should be familiar with the database, Server, API, etc.
Front-end development service can’t be offered independently but Backend web development service can be offered independently.
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