A backend developer is a type of software developer who specializes in building and maintaining the server-side components of web and mobile applications. These components are responsible for the application’s functionality that users don’t directly see but are essential for its operation.
With the rise of web apps, mobile apps, and Software as a Service (SaaS), which is usually done through a web interface, the need for backend developers is rising.
There are several skills a backend developer will typically need to know. The languages will vary based upon your application and the organization, so we’re not going to focus on languages, but rather generalized skills.
If you are curious as to languages, they will vary, but include everything including, but not limited to: Java, Python, PHP, ASP.Net, Ruby, Node.JS, and more. However, most organizations will only support one or two languages in their development stack to make working their easier.
- Server-Side Logic: Backend developers are responsible for creating the server-side logic of an application. They write the code that handles data storage, retrieval, and manipulation. This is typical in most languages, but we focus on it more in Java and Object Oriented Programming
- Database Management: They design, implement, and maintain databases, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval. This may involve working with relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server) or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra). Database Management course we offer.
- API Development: Backend developers build Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow communication between the frontend and backend of the application. This involves defining endpoints, handling HTTP requests, and formatting responses. They will also need to know how to use APIs to connect with other services.
- Security: Ensuring the security of data and user information is crucial. Backend developers implement security measures, such as encryption, authentication, and access control, to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. CISC 325 Cyber Security is where we teach this.
- Scalability: They design the backend to be scalable, allowing the application to handle increased traffic and load as the user base grows. This may involve load balancing and optimizing database queries. This can also include adding additional servers, optimizing code, and more.
- Server Configuration: Backend developers are responsible for configuring and maintaining the application’s server infrastructure. While This is more often handled by the IT side, they have to know what to tell the IT admins on how their server has special needs, if it does.
- Testing and Debugging: They conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs and errors in the server-side code. Testing may involve unit testing, integration testing, and performance testing. We talk about some of the different types of testing in Software Engineering.
- Version Control: Developers in general, use version control systems (e.g., Git, TFS, etc) to track changes to the codebase and collaborate with other developers effectively.
- Documentation: They create documentation for the server-side code, APIs, and database schemas, making it easier for other developers to understand and work with the system. — The thing we’ve mentioned before that no one loves doing.
- Collaboration: Backend developers often work closely with frontend developers, and other members of the development team to ensure that the components of the application integrate seamlessly. In Software Engineering we talk about how you have to work with so many different teams of people, and how to make that work. It’s also why we recommend taking either Public Speaking and/or Small Team Communication in your Gen Ed communication courses.
- Maintaining Infrastructure: In addition to developing the backend code, they also need to maintain the server infrastructure, ensure regular backups, and plan for disaster recovery.
Back End Development was originally found on Access 2 Learn
