Back-end development refers to working on server-side systems, which focus on all elements invisible on a website. Back-end engineers ensure the site functions effectively, concentrating on databases, server-side logic, application programming interfaces (APIs), system architecture, and servers. They write code that enables browsers to interact with databases, store, interpret, and remove information.
In a team, back-end engineers work with front-end engineers, product leads, chief architects, and quality testers to construct the foundation of a website or mobile application. Back-end engineers need to be skilled in various tools and frameworks, including programming languages such as Python, Java, and Ruby. They guarantee that the back end operates speedily and responsively to requests from front-end users.
Backend development services are the foundation of modern web and mobile applications, as they ensure smooth performance, secure data handling, and robust functionality.
Back-end Developer Responsibilities
Back-end developers are expected to possess technical knowledge, logical reasoning, and strong teamwork abilities. As a back-end web developer, you should be capable of independently designing the web infrastructure.
Here’s what many back-end developers handle:
Build and support websites
A primary responsibility for a back-end developer is to utilize various tools, frameworks, and programming languages to decide the most effective way to create intuitive, user-centered prototypes and transform them into functional websites. This demands a knowledge of multi-platform functionality and compatibility.
Compose high-quality code
To build durable web applications, developers must write clean, easily maintainable code.
Conduct QA testing
Establish and manage testing processes to optimize user interfaces and experiences, ensuring ideal display across different browsers and devices.
Evaluate performance and speed
Once a website is operational and during updates or modifications, developers must evaluate its efficiency and scalability, making code adjustments as required.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues
Be skilled in diagnosing issues and resolving them, while communicating findings with project managers, stakeholders, and QA teams.
Provide training and support
Sustain workflows with client teams to ensure continued support, as well as lead training and guidance for junior developers.
Common Tools Back-end Developers Use
Web developers utilize a range of tools to build, test, and sustain web applications. Common tools for back-end developers include:
Programming languages:
- Python
- PHP
- JavaScript
- Ruby
- Java
- C#
Databases:
- MongoDB
- MySQL
- Oracle
Frameworks:
- Laravel
- Django
- Spring
- Ruby on Rails
- Meteor
- Node.js
Servers:
- Apache
- NGINX
- Lighttpd
- Microsoft IIS
Back-end vs. Front-end Development
To grasp back-end, or “server-side,” development, it’s important to also understand the front end and how the two work together.
The front end, or “client-side” programming, takes place in the browser – everything the user sees and interacts with. In contrast, the back end operates on the server (either on-site or in the cloud) and within databases. It’s the engine working behind the scenes – elements the user doesn’t see or interact with directly but that drive the visible experience.
Back-end Development Basics
Front-end scripts send user requests to the server side for processing, returning the relevant data to the front end. This process typically happens in a continuous loop of requests and responses to the server.
The traditional back end is a combination of the server, databases, APIs, and operating systems that fuel an application’s front end. For a detailed exploration of the software connecting these elements, refer to our article on server-side scripting.
The back end of applications can vary widely depending on the application’s setup – whether it uses cloud-based servers and data storage, containerization with tools like Docker, Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions, or APIs to simplify complex processes.
How Back-end Development Functions
Back-end development begins with writing code that establishes the application’s essential functionality. From there, you’ll deploy the code on a server, manage database operations, and handle APIs. Let’s break down each of these components.
Servers and hosting
Servers are the hardware that store and retrieve information, handle requests, and respond with the necessary data across a network. They include RAM and storage drives for various calculations and file storage.
When you deploy a website on a server, it receives a unique URL and IP address. Users can then access your application via that URL. You may host your back-end application and front-end pages on separate servers, using an API to enable interaction between them.
Hosting options include cloud or on-premises. Cloud hosting is ideal for rapid scalability and improved uptime and availability, though it can be costly if your application demands high resources.
On-premises hosting, in contrast, provides complete control over the IT infrastructure, allowing customization to suit your requirements. However, scaling to accommodate higher traffic can be challenging due to resource limitations.
Databases and data storage
Databases are essential in back-end development as they store various types of data, from employee records and user details to product information and multimedia files.
Depending on your needs, you may choose SQL or NoSQL databases. SQL relational databases like Oracle Database and PostgreSQL organize data in tables and rows, ideal for structured data, and adhere to ACID principles, ensuring better data integrity, reliability, and safety.
In contrast, NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Firebase are designed for unstructured or semi-structured data, making them adaptable to evolving data requirements.
Databases enable operations like retrieving records, modifying or updating data, and deleting specific entries.
APIs and middleware
APIs (application programming interfaces) facilitate communication between the back end and the front end.
For example, users can input data on the front end, which is sent to the back end via an API for processing or storage. The back end can also retrieve requested information and display it on the front end, as seen when Netflix fetches a movie or TV list from its back-end database to show on the user interface.
Applications commonly require a CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) API, which allows users to create new entries in databases, retrieve data in JSON or other formats, update particular entries, or delete selected records.
Between the front end and APIs lies the middleware. Middleware (server-side software) supports client-server connections, acting as a middle layer between the application, network, server, database, operating system, and more.
Middleware may be organized across different site layers, like the presentation or business layer, where web APIs bridge the business and presentation layers.
Middleware also allows cloud and on-premise applications to interact, providing services like data integration and error handling. Effective middleware maximizes IT efficiency and supports functions like user engagement, business process management, content management, authentication, and more. Koa.js, for instance, is a server-side JavaScript framework.
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