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How to become A Back End Developer

Information Technology

Just like backstage crews play a critical role in the success of any production, Back End Developers play a behind-the-scenes but critical role in building and maintaining the mechanism for data processing and performing actions on websites and an application’s diverse components. The work of these exper... Continue Reading

Skills a career as a Back End Developer requires: Python Java Software Engineering Algorithms Api View more skills
Back End Developer salary
$158,169
USAUSA
£66,973
UKUK
Explore Career
  • Introduction - Back End Developer
  • What does a Back End Developer do?
  • Back End Developer Work Environment
  • Skills for a Back End Developer
  • Work Experience for a Back End Developer
  • Recommended Qualifications for a Back End Developer
  • Back End Developer Career Path
  • Back End Developer Professional Development
  • Learn More
  • Conclusion

Introduction - Back End Developer

Just like backstage crews play a critical role in the success of any production, Back End Developers play a behind-the-scenes but critical role in building and maintaining the mechanism for data processing and performing actions on websites and an application’s diverse components. The work of these expert programmers may not be visible to users, but it enables them to navigate websites, sign up for free trials, and generate an optimal user experience.
Similar Job Titles Job Description
  • Server Side Developer
  • Back End/Server Side Software Engineer 
  • Back End/Server Side Engineer 
  • Back End/Server Side Web  Developer 
  • Back End/Server Side Coder

 

What does a Back End Developer do?

What are the typical responsibilities of a Back End Developer?

  • Work on the server side to build, implement and maintain server infrastructure, core application logic, databases and other back end processes not visible to users but essential to run company websites, software and IT systems and enable website and application features, such as the user interface, to work
  • Develop functions on the back end of websites and applications using programming languages such as Python, Ruby and PHP, runtime environments such as Node.js, and frameworks such as Django
  • Work within development teams to create new products with existing technologies or plan and build new features for current software applications while updating designs and fixing bugs
  • Ensure the correct, efficient, secure and reliable performance of the website or application through the running of functions on the server side, such as data storage, processing, retrieval and security, which users do not see
  • Analyse the needs of business clients and users to convert them into technical specifications and code
  • Collaborate with team members, including senior Back End Developers, front end developers, full stack developers, software engineers, systems analysts, data analysts, database administrators, product managers,  UX/UI designers, and other IT experts 
  • Follow best coding practices to write high-quality, clean, readable and efficient code, aiming for maintainability and reusability
  • Create user-friendly prototypes and develop them into the final products, using their expertise in cross-platform functionality and compatibility
  • Design, manage, analyse and organise efficient, reliable and secure databases with the help of MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle, and other tools, ensuring data communication to the browser
  • Use DevOps, deployment strategies, containerisation (e.g., Docker), and CI/CD (continuous integration, continuous development, continuous delivery) pipelines for app deployment and maintenance
  • Follow data privacy best practices and implement authentication systems, encryption and other security measures for user data protection
  • Design and implement scalable and robust architectures on the server side capable of  handling high traffic and data loads
  • Develop APIs (application programming interfaces) with clear documentation to facilitate communication between the server and the client sides; manage server configuration
  • Collaborate with front-end developers to ensure that the server and client sides work smoothly together by integrating APIs, databases and authentication systems on the back end HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other front end interfaces
  • Generate quality assurance (QA) testing schedules and test new and existing software applications and websites against design specifications; troubleshoot and debug them to make them error-free and secure
  • Evaluate performance, efficiency, speed, and scalability when a new website or app becomes operational and during updates and edits; make necessary code modifications
  • Inform project managers, stakeholders and QA teams of the errors that were found
  • Analyse data to identify potential areas to boost efficiency or performance; review and debug code written by other developers 
  • Ensure that websites and applications are delivered on time and within budget, fulfil established objectives, and provide a positive user experience
  • Support internal teams through training and mentoring; support client teams by maintaining workflows 
  • Stay current with new technologies, programming languages and frameworks and apply them to work as required; constantly strengthen problem-solving skills to stay effective in their roles

 

Back End Developer Work Environment

Back end development work is primarily based in offices that are equipped with the latest technology. Since you spend much time coding and developing websites and applications on your computer, employers may provide you with an interactive working space or areas designed to inspire your creativity. The environment is typically fast-paced and dynamic, requiring you to stay current with the latest technological advancements and programming languages.

 

However, your specific work environment may vary across businesses, which tend to be diverse in nature, size and culture. For instance, a large corporation may have a structured hierarchy and office layout, while a small startup may have an informal, open-plan workspace.

 

You may also work remotely from home or in shared office space, collaborating online with global teams of diverse IT professionals. 

 

Work Schedule 

Back End Developers typically work full-time jobs and keep standard hours. However, you may need to work overtime during the week, on holidays, and at weekends to meet project deadlines and take care of maintenance or resolve issues on websites or apps. Part-time jobs or contractual work are available, and you may also opt to freelance.

 

Be prepared to put in periods of intense work, which includes coding, debugging and team meetings.

 

Back End Developers usually only need to travel to attend conferences and workshops or meet clients.

 

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

 

Work Schedule

Back End Developers typically work full-time jobs and keep standard hours. However, you may need to work overtime during the week, on holidays, and at weekends to meet project deadlines and take care of maintenance or resolve issues on websites or apps. Part-time jobs or contractual work are available, and you may also opt to freelance.

 

Be prepared to put in periods of intense work, which includes coding, debugging and team meetings.

 

Back End Developers usually only need to travel to attend conferences and workshops or meet clients.

 

 

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Employers

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Back End Developers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. 

 

Back End Developers are generally employed by: 

  • Technology Companies
  • E-commerce Companies
  • Financial Institutions (Banks, Investment Firms & Insurance Companies)
  • Healthcare Organisations (Hospitals & Clinics)
  • Medical Software Companies 
  • Manufacturing Companies
  • The Automotive Industry
  • Energy & Utilities Companies
  • Transportation & Logistics Companies
  • The Hospitality Industry
  • Government Agencies 
  • Educational & Research Institutions
  • Software Development Companies 
  • Web Development Agencies 
  • Gaming Companies
  • Entertainment Companies
  • Social Media Companies
  • Nonprofit Organisations

 

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Web Association (IWA), are crucial for Back End Developers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

 

 

Professional associations provide their members with various continuing education and networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges
  • Understanding multiple aspects of back end development, such as user requirements, technologies, frameworks, databases, servers, APIs, and version control systems
  • Navigating intricate systems and the integration of diverse technologies and tools into the project; troubleshooting and resolving complex programming problems
  • Optimising server performance, efficiency and responsiveness to front-end requests while maintaining scalability that enables systems to handle large amounts of data
  • Maintaining data integrity and security while integrating with other services and APIs
  • Implementing effective error handling; including proper commenting in your coding that ensures clarity for you and future users
  • Proactively keeping pace with evolving technology and remaining competitive in the job market by learning new programming languages, frameworks, tools, and software development techniques
  • Optimising website or app performance and efficiency 
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams comprising senior Back End developers, front end developers, full stack developers, designers, and other IT professionals to ensure timely and successful project delivery
  • Fine-tuning code and database queries; managing resources strategically to handle high traffic volumes and minimise response times 
  • Understanding potential security challenges and vulnerabilities; preventing websites and apps from hacking, cyber threats and other security breaches by implementing best practices and security measures to protect sensitive data
  • Meeting tight project deadlines and managing work pressures that arise from juggling diverse tasks simultaneously while maintaining code quality 
  • Continuously monitoring and adjusting the website or application performance as needed
  • Limited visibility of back end development work as related to the user interface and experience 

Work Experience for a Back End Developer

Academic programs that potential Back End Developers take up may require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. They will benefit from tasks outside of the classroom that line up perfectly with lessons inside it. One may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

 

It is critical to use software development tools and technologies by taking up small projects or assignments, such as developing a resume builder or daily scheduler, to understand various technical and ethical aspects. You may do so independently or by undertaking summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position or short-term paid/voluntary work, all of which offer a taste of the career. The real-world experience allows you to explore different industries and technologies, identify your interests and build skills, gain valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, network with industry professionals, and improve your prospects of getting a permanent job. Working on real projects with experts in the field builds your knowledge and skills and fosters a professional attitude in the workplace.

 

The experience may also help determine whether the public, private or voluntary sector is best suited to realise your ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for work placements, internships and voluntary work in diverse sectors.

 

Aspiring Back End Developers may also acquire valuable experience from joining coding boot camps, contributing to open-source projects, and developing web applications.

 

Another avenue to build experience is to innovate and launch a start-up or even a start-up clone, based on current products in the market.

Experience working with coding languages, such as JavaScript, Python, or Java, web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, NoSQL databases, and frameworks on the server side is vital to landing an entry-level job as a Junior Back End Developer.

 

Ensure to include details of your experience and projects highlighting your back end development skills relevant to employers' needs.

 

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

 

Join some groups, try some hobbies or volunteer with an organisation of interest so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career. 

 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in back end development to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Recommended Qualifications for a Back End Developer

While there is no defined academic pathway for an entry-level position as a Back End Developer, employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, data science or a related field. These programs usually offer courses in data structures, algorithms, and various programming languages vital for developers. Remember that you must acquire proficiency in mining data and writing abstract algorithms, for which a computer science degree is helpful.

 

The technical knowledge and skills you earn through a relevant bachelor’s degree program give you a competitive edge in the market. However, some employers may accept your candidature without a bachelor’s degree if you demonstrate successful substitution via an associate degree, technical certification or rigorous training, such as at a boot camp where you may even find a mentor to train you in coding skills. A useful way to identify the skills employers seek is to scan job listings for Back End Developers. You may then find apps or websites to help you acquire at least some of them.

Back End Developers must begin by learning at least one programming language, typically Python, Java, Ruby or PHP. It helps to learn related frameworks, such as Django, Express and Ruby-on-Rails, which are time-saving and help make the development process more efficient by enabling the creation of templates and other reusable code. You can add to your portfolio of languages as you progress through your career, depending on your career goals, abilities and interests. Explore the languages before picking your first one and choose based on what catches your interest and is accessible to you, for you will likely learn and master it faster than the others and they are all useful to back end development.

 

Some locations may offer apprenticeship programs to build programming skills and back-end development techniques on the job as you earn while you learn. 

 

Aspiring Back End Developers would do well to take high school courses in mathematics, IT, computer science, programming, design, game design, and business.  English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing and oral communication skills.

 

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

 

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

 

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

Certification demonstrates a Back End Developer’s competence in a skill set and technical proficiency to create dynamic, reliable and secure websites and applications, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. 


Relevant certification typically demonstrates your grasp of back end programming languages, such as Python and Java, database technologies (e.g., SQL, MongoDB), web application frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask), and cloud computing platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services).

 

Some useful certifications include Oracle Certified Professional (for working with Oracle databases and Java-based applications on the server side), ​​AWS Certified Developer - Associate (for developing applications on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform), Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE - for those working with Linux-based server environments), and Java SE 8 Programmer. You may also choose from the various Google Cloud professional certifications most relevant to you, such as Google Cloud Professional Cloud Developer (for developing applications on the Google Cloud Platform - GCP). The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a globally recognised information security certification, is helpful for Back End Developers as they typically work with sensitive data.

 

 

Back End Developers may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Back End Developer Career Path

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. Specific career paths for Back End Developers also depend on the organisation and industry in which they work, industry trends, and individual career goals. 

 

Starting in entry-level roles, such as a Junior Back End Developer or Programmer, requires you to work as part of a team under the supervision of team leads and collaborate with seniors, colleagues, and user groups to develop, deliver and maintain effective solutions.  

 

Having gained experience in software development, back end logic, databases, and integration with front end systems, you can progress to mid-level roles, participating in more extensive and complex projects. You may even mentor your juniors or supervise specific aspects of a project. 

 

Robust technical skills and a proven track record of delivering successful projects can lead you to become a Senior Back End Developer, typically leading a team of developers. Your responsibilities extend to the architecture and execution of an application’s crucial aspects as well as its overall effectiveness.

 

Moving into higher positions, you can become a Lead Developer, incorporating strategic planning into your work and giving technical direction to the company’s software teams based on organisational goals and requirements. If you become a Senior Software Architect, you are in charge of design decisions and tracking the work of the entire software development team.

 

Depending on the nature of the business and the titles it uses for senior personnel, Back End Developers may also rise into managerial roles, such as Software Engineering Manager or executive positions, such as Software Development or IT Director, Vice President of Software Engineering, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chief Operations Officer (COO). However, this typically signifies a shift from hands-on coding to leadership and management responsibilities.

 

Some Back End Developers take on project management or leadership roles in technology enterprises. You may also launch your consultancy focusing on a niche technical area of software development if you have entrepreneurial ambitions. 

 

Another avenue of career advancement for a Back End Developer is to opt for various specialised roles, depending on your interests and abilities. For instance, you can undertake the necessary training to become a Software Engineer, Java Developer, Go Developer, ASP.NET Developer, Android Developer, iOS Developer, Rust Developer, Ruby Developer, Node.js Developer, Python Developer, PHP Developer, DevOps Engineer, Blockchain Developer, Database Administrator, or even a Solutions Architect.

 

You may also become a Full Stack Developer by adding front end development to your skill set, opening up a greater range of internal and external opportunities.

 

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

 

 

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Job Prospects

 

Candidates with the necessary programming and coding skills and experience reinforced with technical qualifications in computer science and related subjects have the best job prospects.

Back End Developer Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) helps active Back End Developers stay versatile and competitive in the job market by proactively building and updating personal skills and proficiency in new programming languages, frameworks and tools that emerge regularly. 

 

You may undertake work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning to adapt to changing technologies, regardless of age, job, or level of knowledge. Make sure to opt for professional development avenues that align with your career goals, interests, abilities and industry trends.

Newly hired Back End Engineers usually receive training on the job to learn the specific technologies and development procedures their employers use.

 

Since product performance influences user experience and is a chief goal of back end development, you must keep finetuning your coding skills to stay effective at work. You can take courses to add to your repertoire of programming languages and software development frameworks and enhance your problem-solving skills. 

 

You may also specialise within your area of interest in back end development by taking the necessary skills training and acquiring relevant certifications. CPD also enables the periodic renewal of desirable certifications, increasing your chances of advancement and becoming an independent consultant.

 

Developing efficient applications requires Back End Developers to understand the operations of different databases, including NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB, and relational databases, such as MySQL.

You can achieve your continuous learning goals by contributing to open-source projects and contesting in coding challenges and hackathons. Joining professional communities and associations, such as GitHub, allows you to contribute your skills and knowledge to the projects of other developers. You may join local or online communities focusing on particular languages, frameworks, technologies or components of back end development. Stack Overflow is a useful question-and-answer website for programmers seeking clarifications on programming topics.

 

Attending relevant workshops, conferences, seminars, and webinars can help you network with industry professionals. Finding a mentor is helpful to help you make well-informed professional career decisions and ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

It is critical for Back End Developers to understand recurring and common security challenges and know how to mitigate them so that they can build secure applications. Furthermore, make sure to educate yourself on the ethical considerations, such as data privacy, with respect to back end development.

Gain expertise in version control systems, which are critical to modern software development practices since they enable tracking code changes, collaboration and reverting to earlier versions if needed.

 

Training and certification in project management are beneficial for Back End Developers as they transition into senior roles that require them to lead projects.

 

Building on the base they already possess, Back End Developers may add front end skills and knowledge to their repertoire to take advantage of a wider range of job opportunities for career progression, including that of full stack developer. In such a case, it is useful to acquire relevant certification that demonstrates your grasp of front end programming languages (such as CSS, HTML and JavaScript) and relevant libraries and frameworks (such as React, Angular and Vue).

 

In addition to technical skills, build interpersonal skills, such as communication and teamwork, which facilitate problem-solving with your colleagues. At all stages in your career, seek feedback from senior developers to keep refining your work.

Learn More

Web Development

 

The process of creating a website is known as web development, and it is carried out using programming, markup and scripting languages. Technical but non-design work done on software for the server side equates to back end development, which is not visible to the user but ensures website functionality, correct performance and security. It includes architecture, databases, back end logic, programming and APIs (application programming interfaces). Front end development tackles the graphical user interface, its layout, images, videos, text, buttons and other visual elements. Full stack development takes care of both back and front end development.

 

Web vs Full Stack vs Front End vs Back End Developer

 

Web Developer is a broad term that includes professionals with varying specialisations contributing to website or app development. As a Web Developer, you may be an expert in front end, back end or full stack development, all of which aim at building functional, efficient, responsive and dynamic websites or apps. 

 

While both Front and Back End Developers are experts in website or application development and work together in development teams, they specialise in different aspects. 

 

Front End or Client-Side Developers build the user-facing components, including user interface, layout and visual design. Since users interact directly with these aspects, they add up to create the overall user experience. Collaborating with designers, they typically use HTML, CSS and JavaScript to create a website or app’s visual appeal and ensure its ease of use through responsive layouts, styles, animations, and various interactive features.

 

Back End Developers tackle components on the server side of websites or applications, including logic, database management (data storage, processing and retrieval), and APIs, which the end user does not see. Their repertoire of programming languages includes Python, Ruby, Java, and PHP, among others, used to develop the code for the server side which builds the functionality and infrastructure to hold up the front end. Back End Developers use various frameworks, such as Django, Ruby on Rails, or Express.js. 

 

The roles may overlap depending on the size of development teams and the scope of the developer’s skills. With proficiency in both front and back end development, full stack developers are qualified to work on all aspects of a web or app development project. They are likely to use both sets of tools and languages used by front and Back End Developers to achieve their goal of building a complete product, which includes database management.

 

Front and Back End Developers typically collaborate as part of a development team building websites or mobile apps and work alongside product managers, principal architects and website testers to build the structure of a website or mobile app. Some challenges that Back End Developers face include ensuring quick response to front-end user requests, security and backup while Front End Developers tackle issues such as search engine optimisation and user accessibility. Full stack developers address all these aspects and others using an integrated approach to web and app development.

 

Types of Back End Developers

 

Database Developers or Administrators design and maintain databases, which store and manage large volumes of structured or unstructured data, and ensure they run efficiently to optimise the performance of the website or app. These professionals create and manage database schemas and optimise queries, keeping the data secure and reliable. They also conduct regular back-ups and update permissions. Back End Developers are typically in charge of database administration and work with data science tools and SQL.

 

DevOps Engineers manage the infrastructure and deployment of web applications. They perform server configuration and maintenance, monitor application performance, and carry out continuous integration and deployment.

 

Security Developers safeguard web applications and data from data breaches and cyber threats by designing and implementing security measures that include encryption, access controls and vulnerability testing.

 

Solutions Architects help businesses scale their online functions by building and implementing relevant software solutions.

 

API Developers build and maintain secure and reliable APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which facilitate software-to-software communication, enabling the front-end and other applications to communicate with the server and exchange data and functionality. 

 

Middleware Developers develop and maintain middleware or software that connects systems or components within an application and supports communication between them, for instance, between databases and application servers.

 

A Back End Developer’s Toolkit

 

Programming languages, frameworks, databases and servers are the chief tools a Back End Developer uses to develop, test and maintain the websites and apps they help develop. Programming languages include Python, PHP, JavaScript, Ruby, Java and C#. Some useful frameworks are Laravel, Django, Spring, Ruby on Rails, Meteor and Node.js. Databases, such as MongoDB, MySQL and Oracle, are part of the toolkit, and servers include Apache, NGINX, Lighttpd, and Microsoft IIS. 

 

Some Programming Languages Back End Developers Use

 

Back End Developers must be proficient in at least one programming language along with its frameworks, such as Django, Flask and Ruby on Rails, and technologies, such as SQL databases and NoSQL databases. You may add more to your repertoire to progress in your career and keep yourself current with the latest skills and knowledge needed for your work. The languages and related technologies in which you must be well versed depend on your project and organisation's needs.

 

Python is versatile and popularly used in back end development. It has several useful features, such as readability and ease of use, and is supported by a vast library of modules and packages. As a result, it can be applied to diverse tasks, including web development, data analysis, and machine learning.

 

Java is also used extensively in back end development. Given its scalability, performance and security features, it is suited to large-scale enterprise applications that are mission critical, that is, critical to a business and its operations.

 

Ruby is an open-source language employed widely for developing data-driven websites as it is flexible, dynamic, productive and relatively simple to learn and use and allows quick prototyping. Content management systems, such as WordPress, use Ruby. The Ruby on Rails framework supports using Ruby in building web applications.

 

PHP is a general-purpose and popular choice of programming language for web development. It is highly suited to building dynamic websites, ranging from blogs to well-known and global websites.

 

JavaScript, while chiefly applicable to front end development, is also popularly used for back end development supported by platforms such as Node.js, which provides an appropriate runtime environment.  

 

Databases

A database is a structured collection of information or data stored and organised, typically electronically in a computer system, in a way that allows efficient and easy access, retrieval, management, modification and updating. A database management system (DBMS) controls the database. Users or applications can interact with and extract the needed information for observation and analysis. Databases, such as those relating to customer records, product information and financial transactions, are integral to diverse applications and industries, allowing businesses to make informed decisions.

Analysing databases helps improve business processes, such as sales, order processing and customer service, enhance user experience by keeping track of customers or users, and strengthen patient care by securely storing patient data. Databases also allow users to store personal data; personal cloud storage allows users to store photographs and other media. Most databases use structured query language (SQL) to write and query data.

 

Data Structures

 

Data Structure refers to a specific manner of storing and organising data in a computer’s memory, facilitating easy and efficient retrieval and utilisation when needed. In other words, data structures work behind the scenes to ensure that data is tidy and easy to locate. Arrays, Linked Lists, Stack, Queue, Trees, etc. Data Structures are examples of data structures used across various areas of computer science, including operating systems, graphics and AI (artificial Intelligence). Data structures in algorithms enable improvements in the performance of programs and software.

 

Algorithms

 

“Algos” or algorithms lay out a series of step-by-step instructions to solve a known problem or get a specific task done. They may be broadly classified as those that search and those that sort. Algorithms may be written in any programming language.

 

Coding & Programming

 

The process of using a programming language to enable a computer to follow a programmer’s instructions is called coding. You may choose the programming language in which to write your code, following established syntax and rules. Coding involves writing many lines of code to create a software program instructing the computer on what to do. The document containing several lines of code is the script, which must be converted into a program. A compiler converts the written code into machine code for the computer to understand, execute and return the results. 

 

Examples of languages used for back end coding are C, Python, R, and Java. CSS and HTML are some languages used for front end coding. Examples of programs we use in daily life are diverse applications, operating systems, websites, games, banking and financial software, and online shopping.

 

Software production or creating an application or website requires steps in addition to coding, such as research, planning, design, testing, deployment, and maintenance, which add up to the more extensive process of programming. Programmers must understand data structures and how to analyse and implement algorithms.

 

By writing, converting and delivering code for programming projects, coders provide building blocks for programmers to develop applications or software. The outline or structure of the program must be clear to coders to write code, and they must also understand the algorithms in use, which may be explained to them using pseudocode.

 

Version Control Systems

Developers must easily and efficiently manage and monitor changes made to the source code. Software tools called version control systems or VCS allow developers to collaborate and maintain the integrity of the codebase in a centralised repository, which means that they can track changes, view previous versions and restore any version if required. VCS encourage consistency in coding and help minimise coding errors and conflicts. Some commonly used version control systems include Git, Subversion, Mercurial, and Perforce.  

APIs 

 

Application Programming Interfaces or APIs are crucial intermediaries in web and mobile app development, cloud computing, IoT (Internet of Things), and other domains. They facilitate software-to-software communication and interaction, allowing applications, services or platforms to exchange data and functionality and work together securely and in a standardised manner. 

 

APIs must be designed and implemented following best practices that comprise clear and consistent naming conventions, versioning, and proper documentation of rules and protocols allowing one software app to access and use the features or data of another. 

 

By enabling the integration of different software platforms, APIs allow developers to leverage the functionality of existing resources and services to build increasingly innovative, interconnected and powerful apps. APIs must also factor in security measures, such as API keys, and versioning capabilities. 

Examples of APIs include RESTful APIs, SOAP APIs and GraphQL APIs, each suited to different purposes. Some examples of the functionalities that APIs offer are data retrieval from a database, sending and receiving data over a network, accessing hardware features, interaction with social media platforms or payment gateways, and user searches for flights, hotels or restaurants. 

 

Code Analysis Tools 

 

Software tools that analyse source code quality to help detect potential errors, bugs and security vulnerabilities, which manual testing may not reveal, are known as code analysis tools. Techniques, such as static analysis, dynamic analysis, and code coverage analysis, are automated and systematic and incorporated into the development cycle to enable early detection and save the time and effort that tests and debugging need. Widely used tools, such as SonarQube, ESLint and Code Climate, tackle code in various programming languages, identify issues and provide detailed reports with recommendations and likely security threats.

 

Examples of Job Responsibilities Working with Some Specific Employers

Back End Developers typically work with transaction processing, risk management, data analysis, and security when employed with financial institutions. If working for government agencies, they help develop and maintain web applications, databases and back end systems for various purposes, such as citizen services, data management and internal operations. 

 

Back End Developers build and maintain systems that facilitate patient management, electronic health records and medical data analysis within healthcare facilities. Working with educational institutions, research centres or edtech companies, back end development helps build online learning platforms, manage research data management and develop educational software. 

 

Software development firms would typically have you build custom software solutions for their clients, and you would work on different projects, ranging from enterprise software to mobile apps. When working for online retailers and e-commerce platforms, back end development helps manage complex data and extensive inventory, process transactions, and fulfil customers’ orders.

 

Current Scenario

 

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for web development is not only favourable but expected to grow faster than average. The notable growth over the last few years signifies promising opportunities for those currently launching their web development careers.

 

With growing digital technology and the rising use of cloud services, the demand for Back End Developers skilled in cloud-based development and serverless architectures continues to be high. Since data-driven decisions are becoming more prevalent, Back End Developers who can create and manage secure databases are growing in importance. What is critical to stay relevant in the industry and find new opportunities is to undertake continuous learning to adapt to rapid technological progress. 

 

Location typically influences the average salary of web development professionals, with specialised experts and those trained and educated in full stack development earning a higher average than others.

AI (artificial intelligence) is being adopted into workflows across industries, including software development. Its impact on the employment of software professionals remains to be seen. However, AI may be currently viewed as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for developers. Even if AI does not eliminate their jobs, developers will need to upgrade their skills to leverage the benefits of AI and it might even help free up time to prioritise innovation and higher-level tasks by taking care of repetitive and mundane tasks. By the same token, to prevent burnout from higher-level creative work, companies will need to ensure a positive and enriching developer experience, an appropriate work environment and efficient toolchains for their software teams. 

 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

 

Freelancing Back End Developers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

 

On the other hand, full-time Back End Developers have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

 

 

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Conclusion

A Back End Developer’s work, like electricity, may be invisible to the user, but powers websites, applications, social networks, e-commerce and much more, making them logical, functional, efficient and secure for businesses and users. The challenges you encounter may be complex and abstract, but with your proficiency in programming languages, other technical skills and interpersonal abilities, you are the force behind the screen that supports web infrastructure and creates viable and successful system architectures to support innovative solutions. What seems like the magic of a click is the outcome of your intense and hard work on the server side of technology.

Advice from the Wise

Programming is critical to a Back End Developer’s work. However, when you begin learning it, define your reasons for doing so, and keep reminding yourself of your objectives as you proceed since programming can be complicated. When you start working, familiarise yourself with and use tools appropriate to specific tasks to boost efficiency and save time. Most importantly, strike a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.

Did you know?

Back End Developers use AI algorithms to build intelligent systems that display optimal and secure performance and scalability and adapt to changing user patterns, thereby enhancing user experience.

Introduction - Back End Developer
What does a Back End Developer do?

What do Back End Developers do?
A Back End Developer would typically need to:

  • Work on the server side to build, implement and maintain server infrastructure, core application logic, databases and other back end processes not visible to users but essential to run company websites, software and IT systems and enable website and application features, such as the user interface, to work
  • Develop functions on the back end of websites and applications using programming languages such as Python, Ruby and PHP, runtime environments such as Node.js, and frameworks such as Django
  • Work within development teams to create new products with existing technologies or plan and build new features for current software applications while updating designs and fixing bugs
  • Ensure the correct, efficient, secure and reliable performance of the website or application through the running of functions on the server side, such as data storage, processing, retrieval and security, which users do not see
  • Analyse the needs of business clients and users to convert them into technical specifications and code
  • Collaborate with team members, including senior Back End Developers, front end developers, full stack developers, software engineers, systems analysts, data analysts, database administrators, product managers,  UX/UI designers, and other IT experts 
  • Follow best coding practices to write high-quality, clean, readable and efficient code, aiming for maintainability and reusability
  • Create user-friendly prototypes and develop them into the final products, using their expertise in cross-platform functionality and compatibility
  • Design, manage, analyse and organise efficient, reliable and secure databases with the help of MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle, and other tools, ensuring data communication to the browser
  • Use DevOps, deployment strategies, containerisation (e.g., Docker), and CI/CD (continuous integration, continuous development, continuous delivery) pipelines for app deployment and maintenance
  • Follow data privacy best practices and implement authentication systems, encryption and other security measures for user data protection
  • Design and implement scalable and robust architectures on the server side capable of  handling high traffic and data loads
  • Develop APIs (application programming interfaces) with clear documentation to facilitate communication between the server and the client sides; manage server configuration
  • Collaborate with front-end developers to ensure that the server and client sides work smoothly together by integrating APIs, databases and authentication systems on the back end HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other front end interfaces
  • Generate quality assurance (QA) testing schedules and test new and existing software applications and websites against design specifications; troubleshoot and debug them to make them error-free and secure
  • Evaluate performance, efficiency, speed, and scalability when a new website or app becomes operational and during updates and edits; make necessary code modifications
  • Inform project managers, stakeholders and QA teams of the errors that were found
  • Analyse data to identify potential areas to boost efficiency or performance; review and debug code written by other developers 
  • Ensure that websites and applications are delivered on time and within budget, fulfil established objectives, and provide a positive user experience
  • Support internal teams through training and mentoring; support client teams by maintaining workflows 
  • Stay current with new technologies, programming languages and frameworks and apply them to work as required; constantly strengthen problem-solving skills to stay effective in their roles

 

Back End Developer Work Environment
Work Experience for a Back End Developer
Recommended Qualifications for a Back End Developer
Back End Developer Career Path
Back End Developer Professional Development
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Did you know?
Conclusion

Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits
  • R Realistic
  • I Investigative
  • A Artistic
  • S Social
  • E Enterprising
  • C Conventional
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that this career profile addresses
Quality Education Decent Work and Economic Growth Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
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