The backend is the “underpinning” of a software or web application. It is the part that the normal user does not see. This includes, for example, databases and server applications. A backend developer programs the applications and modules that are required “under the hood”. Among other things, they deal with interfaces (API), services, and microservices as well as database programming.
What does a backend developer do?
A professional website is essential for successful companies these days. In order to win customers for products and services, backend developers are sought – programmers who have specialized in web technologies.
A dynamic website is the sum of structure, design, content and functionality. Today’s modern websites run complex applications that compile content as required, access databases and control business and production processes. The technology and programs that run in the background on the server and that a user cannot see are called the backend. The backend, consisting of the server, database and server-side applications, is the brain of a website. Together with the front-end programs, these technologies provide the information that a user can read, watch or hear in their browser.
The tasks of a backend developer include the development and maintenance of software and databases that ensure the smooth running of server operations in the background. For this purpose, a backend developer creates a needs analysis and a conception beforehand and takes care of the development and implementation of the software. A backend developer is constantly busy with extensions, additions or changes to the digital processes.
A wide range of know-how is required for the profession of backend professional. The basic requirements include profound knowledge of the programming languages Java, C++, C# and PHP. Other languages are often used. There are also server-side programming languages such as JavaScript or Ruby and the frameworks Ruby on Rails, Symfony and Zend. The level of knowledge of a bank end developer includes relational databases and their query language SQL. A good backend developer also masters the link between backend and frontend. This requires knowledge of the HTTP protocol and the REST architecture.
Why is the backend so important?
Backend is the building block of the frontend. The frontend developer usually builds on the work of the back-end developer. The functioning backend ensures that the frontend developer can design the user-visible interface and program it with frontend development languages as desired. They take care of usability, user experience and the user interface. Technology, design and user-friendliness come together in the front end.
The backend is linked to the front end in the form of a programming interface (API). The communication between the front and back end often takes place via a so-called REST API. REST API allows exchanging data when it is on different systems. This data is requested or saved by an HTTP request.
The tasks and skills of a backend developer are very diverse. That is why big projects usually require the expertise of the team or the backend development company. Such a company is responsible for creating, integrating, and managing databases. It handles API integration and ensures the application complies with current security standards. Backend developers design and develop the server applications required to run a software solution. The program on the server side and write code for scripts, processes, databases, and interfaces. Skilled work with code is one of the main tasks of the backend developers.
Backend development often requires more know-how than front-end development. It is, therefore, not surprising that the average salary of a backend developer is higher than that of a frontend developer.
About Author
Hi there! My name is Anna Sursaieva, and I am fond of software engineering. I like sharing my thoughts and explaining complex topics in simple terms. Hope that you’ll find my content interesting and useful. Dive into the software development world with me!
