Back-end Developers – A Complete Guide

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a website? How does clicking a button seamlessly direct you to a different page? And what exactly happens to your personal information when you sign up for a free trial?

Back-end developers are the specialists who design and maintain the systems that process data and execute actions on websites. Unlike front-end developers, who manage everything you see on a site, back-end developers focus on data storage, security, and other server-side functions that remain hidden from view.

Since the late 1980s and 1990s, the internet has revolutionised how we access information, and web development has evolved alongside it. Its pivotal role in our digital world means that web developers are highly sought after. Fortunately, anyone can acquire the technical skills needed to become a front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer (working on both front-end and back-end tasks).

What is Back-end Development?

Back-end development involves working on server-side software, focusing on everything that operates behind the scenes of a website. Back-end developers ensure that the website functions correctly by handling databases, back-end logic, application programming interfaces (APIs), architecture, and servers. They write code that enables browsers to communicate with databases, allowing data to be stored, processed, retrieved, and deleted as needed.

In a development team, back-end developers work closely with front-end developers, product managers, principal architects, and website testers to build the core structure of a website or mobile application. To excel in their role, back-end developers need proficiency in various tools and frameworks, including programming languages such as Python, Java, and Ruby. Their goal is to ensure that the back end operates swiftly and efficiently in response to user interactions on the front end.

Back-end Developer vs Back-end Engineer

While back-end developers and back-end engineers share many technical skills, their roles differ in scope and responsibility. A back-end developer is akin to a teacher, focusing on specific elements of a project, such as applications and programs, and working with teams to validate the effectiveness of their design solutions. In contrast, a back-end engineer plays a more strategic role, akin to a school principal, overseeing the broader technical architecture and long-term strategy for back-end development.

Tasks and Responsibilities of a Back-end Developer

Back-end developers require a strong blend of technical expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. As a back-end web developer, you should be capable of independently designing the web infrastructure while working closely with teams to ensure seamless functionality.

Here are some of the key tasks back-end developers handle daily:

• Build and Maintain Websites: A primary responsibility of a back-end developer is to utilise various tools, frameworks, and programming languages to create intuitive, user-friendly prototypes and turn them into fully functioning websites. This involves ensuring cross-platform functionality and compatibility across different browsers and devices.
• Write High-Quality Code: To develop sustainable web applications, back-end developers must produce clean, efficient, and easily maintainable code that can be adapted over time.
• Perform Quality Assurance (QA) Testing: Back-end developers are responsible for creating and managing testing schedules to optimise both the user interface and overall user experience. This includes ensuring that websites display correctly across a range of devices and browsers.
• Assess Efficiency and Speed: Once a website is live, and during any updates or modifications, back-end developers need to evaluate its performance, scalability, and speed, making necessary adjustments to the code to maintain optimal operation.
• Troubleshoot and Debug: Back-end developers are responsible for identifying and resolving issues as they arise. This includes effectively communicating problems and solutions to project managers, stakeholders, and quality assurance teams.
• Train and Support: Maintaining ongoing support for client teams is another key aspect of the role. Back-end developers often lead training sessions and offer mentorship to junior developers, ensuring that workflows remain efficient and knowledge is shared.

Skills Needed as a Back-End Developer

To excel as a back-end developer, one must possess a wide array of technical and non-technical skills. Back-end development requires a deep understanding of various programming languages, frameworks, and database management systems, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with other team members.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential skills for back-end developers today:

Programming Languages and Frameworks

This is crucial for back-end development. Some of the key languages and environments include:

• Python: Widely regarded for its adaptability and simplicity, Python is a go-to language for back-end development. Frameworks like Django and Flask make Python an excellent choice.
• Java: Designed for server-side applications, Java is another key language, with popular frameworks like Spring and Java Server Faces.
• NodeJS and ExpressJS: These JavaScript environments are also frequently used for back-end development.
• C#: The recommended architecture for back-end programming in Windows systems.
• PHP, Perl, and Ruby on Rails: These languages are also commonly used in back-end development.

Since back-end developers work closely with front-end developers, having a basic understanding of front-end web technologies, such as HTML and CSS, is highly beneficial.

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Back-end developers write code that interacts with databases to retrieve and manage data. Knowledge of relational mapping and database systems like MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Oracle Database is essential. Understanding how these systems work is crucial for creating efficient and scalable applications.

Version Control

Version control systems are vital for managing project files and tracking the development process. Git is the most popular version control tool, and GitHub, a web-based platform using Git, allows developers to collaborate on code, detect errors, and propose modifications. Other version control systems, such as Subversion, are also widely used.

Web Hosting Platforms

Back-end developers need to be familiar with web hosting solutions to deploy applications on cloud services. Popular web hosting platforms include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and Heroku. These platforms allow products to be hosted on the cloud and accessed via the internet.

Non-Technical Skills

In addition to technical proficiency, back-end developers must have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Effective communication is equally important, as back-end developers work closely with front-end developers, product managers, and other stakeholders. The ability to collaborate as part of a team, while also being able to work independently, is essential for success in this role.

These skills form the foundation of a successful back-end developer, enabling them to create robust, scalable, and efficient web applications.

Expert Tip from an Engineer

While all of these tools can be highly beneficial, it’s essential to select the ones that best suit your specific job tasks. “Debugging is a regular part of my work, and one tool I simply cannot do without is the browser Developer Tools,” says Murtadha Al-Tameemi, a software engineer at Meta. “Becoming proficient with these tools and learning how to use them effectively has saved me countless hours and made me much more efficient in my role.”

How to Become a Back-End Developer

There are multiple pathways to becoming a web developer, whether you are a recent graduate or considering a career change. Assessing your transferable skills and focusing on acquiring the specific abilities needed to excel as a back-end developer is essential.

Back-End Developer Technical Skills

As a back-end developer, there are several technical skills you will need to master to build the back-end of web or mobile applications effectively:

• Programming Languages: A back-end developer must be proficient in languages like Python, Java, and PHP, which power the functionality of websites in conjunction with databases, frameworks, and servers. Python is particularly popular for its compatibility with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning and its ability to write clear and logical code. Having a basic understanding of front-end languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is also an advantage.
• Frameworks: Frameworks are libraries associated with back-end programming languages, helping to build server configurations. They are often linked to specific languages, so if you’re familiar with Python, you’ll also encounter frameworks like Flask or Django.
• Databases and Servers: Understanding how to store and retrieve data from databases is a key part of back-end development. Databases, such as MongoDB and MySQL, store and organise client data, similar to how cloud storage works for personal files. These databases operate on servers that provide data when users request it. Back-end programming governs how this data is accessed, stored, and recovered.
• Application Programming Interface (API): APIs are sets of rules and definitions for building software applications. Companies often require both websites and mobile apps, so knowledge of languages like JavaScript, which supports application development, can significantly expand your job opportunities.
• Accessibility and Security Clearance: Knowledge of network protocols and web security is crucial for back-end developers. You will need to ensure databases and servers are secure, safeguarding sensitive information and preventing breaches.

If you have an interest in cloud technologies, you may want to consider enrolling in IBM’s Full-Stack Cloud Developer professional certificate programme. Guided by IBM experts, you will learn how to build cloud-based applications, work with front-end languages like HTML and CSS, and develop proficiency in back-end languages and frameworks such as Express, Node.js, Python, and Django. These fundamental tools can enhance your skill set, whether or not you pursue a cloud-related role.

Back-End Developer Workplace Skills

In addition to technical expertise, mastering these workplace skills will help you work more efficiently, effectively, and in harmony with your team.

• Communication: A back-end developer must have a clear understanding of the engineer’s vision to implement it successfully. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for discussing ideas, collaborating with team members, and troubleshooting issues with stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking: As a back-end developer, you will often face challenges that require creative solutions, such as debugging code or making revisions without disrupting the entire system. You need to be able to analyse why a specific piece of code works—or doesn’t—and anticipate potential errors before they arise.
• Industry Knowledge: Having a comprehensive understanding of the tech industry is invaluable for staying up to date with economic trends, as well as updates to programming languages and platforms. To stay informed, engage with blogs, forums, news sites, and books focused on web and app development.

These workplace skills will not only enhance your ability to work independently but also strengthen your collaboration with other members of the development team.

In Conclusion

Back-end development plays an important part in ensuring the seamless functionality, security, and scalability of websites and applications. With expertise in programming languages, frameworks, databases, and problem-solving, back-end developers create the robust infrastructure that powers the digital experiences we rely on. Mastering the right tools and technologies is essential for delivering efficient and high-performing web solutions.

If you’re looking to build a strong, scalable, and secure web application, AKAL’s team of expert back-end developers can help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to take your business to greater heights.

FAQs on Backend Developers