What is Backend Development?
Back-end Development refers to the server-side development. It is the term used for the behind-the-scenes activities that happen when performing any action on a website. It can be logging in to your account or purchasing a watch from an online store.
Backend developer focuses on databases, scripting, and the architecture of websites. Code written by back-end developers helps to communicate the database information to the browser.
Example:
Most common example of Backend programming is when you are reading an article on the blog. The fonts, colors, designs, etc. constitute the frontend 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.
In this tutorial, you will learn
- What is back-end development?
- Skill sets required to become a Backend Developer
- Roles and responsibilities of Backend Developer
- Frontend Developer vs. Backend Developer
Skill sets required to become a Backend Developer
A backend developer works with the following
- Web Development Languages
- Database and cache
- Server
- API (REST & SOAP)
Development Languages
Backend engineer should know at least one server-side programming languages like Java, Python, Ruby, . Net etc.
Database and cache
Knowledge of various DBMS technology is another important need of backend developer. MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle, SQLServer, Redis are widely used for this purpose. Knowledge of caching mechanisms like varnish, Memcached, Redis is a plus.
Server
Exposure to handling Apache, Nginx, IIS servers, Microsoft IIS
is desirable. A good background in Linux helps tremendously in administering servers.
API (REST & SOAP):
Knowledge of web services or API 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 of 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
Roles and responsibilities of Backend Developer
- The backend developer 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 are supposed to have access to it
- Responsible for developing Payment processing system like accepting data, securely storing that info, and making charges to that payment
- Manage APIs resources which 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
- Backend developer also needs to involved in building frameworks or the architecture to make it easier to program against.
- Back-end developers should have the skill for implementing algorithms and solving system related problems.
Backend Developer Salary
As a BACKEND DEVELOPER, you are likely to earn $120,798 per year.
In this UK, the salary range is £40,000 - £70,000
Frontend Developer vs. Backend Developer
Parameter | Frontend | Backend |
Skillsets | The languages that a front-end web developer should be familiar with are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. | The database, Server, API, etc. |
Team | Front-end developers design the look of the website, by taking user's inputs and modifying it through testing. | Back-end developers develop an application that supports the front-end. It should also provide support, security, and content management. |
Stand-alone Service | Front-end development service can't be offered independently. | Back-end development can be offered as an independent service in the form of BaaS (Back-end as a service). |
Goal | Front-end developers should make sure that the website is accessible to all users, and it remains responsive in all views - mobile and desktop. | The back-end team may need to create an application around the front-end and support it. Moreover, they need to make sure that the website opens up and functioning properly. |
Average Salary | $104,405 per year | $120,798 per year |
Three most popular tools | jQuery, HTML5, | MySQL, PHP |
Summary
- Backend Development refers to the server-side development
- The Backend Developer works on 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 Back-end Developer should be familiar with the database, Server, API, etc.
- Front-end development service can't be offered independently but we can offer Back-end development service independently
