On this occasion we will see what are the main functions of a back-end developer who, together with the front end They make up the two great pillars of the Web programming.
What is back-end development?
Backend development is that area of development that focuses on how a website or web application works. It's what happens behind the scenes, in the same way that a restaurant chef and his staff prepare all the orders without the customers seeing them so that the food can finally be served to their tables. However, instead of cooking, back-end developers write code that allows applications to communicate with databases and servers.
The main role of a back-end developer is to ensure that end users get the data or services they requested smoothly and on time. To do this, back-end development requires a set of programming skills and knowledge.
A day in the life of a backend developer
Imagine that you are a backend developer for company
It tells you that the competitor's website offers more accurate search results and loads much faster. You discuss the problem and decide that it is necessary to improve the search algorithm and optimize the server processes to improve loading speed.
Now it's time to dive into your little programming cave and figure out the best way to apply the changes. It's not an easy task, but you're determined to do it right. It is like a difficult puzzle that will help your company succeed. And you love solving puzzles.
Backend tools
Server programming languages
Choosing the right programming language depends on the project requirements and your knowledge. There are many popular server-side languages, such as PHP or JavaScript, that can be used in the Node.js runtime with Express Framework, Python, Ruby, C#, or Java.
Peripheral backend technologies can also determine the language. For example, if your website is based on Symfomy or Laravel, you will have to use PHP for programming. If you are working with a Django framework, Python would make more sense and with the Express framework you are almost forced to use Node.js.
Databases
There are two main types of databases: relational and non-relational. The choice of type determines the database system your project will use and even the programming language. By the way, the most popular programming language for manipulating and managing databases is SQL (Structured Query Language).
The most popular database systems are MySQL, MongoDB, Redis or Oracle.
Skills a backend developer should have
Back-end development is done for three devices: servers, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs). That said, a back-end developer should have a working knowledge of the programming languages these systems typically use. These languages are those mentioned in the previous section, Python, Node.Js, PHP, Java, etc... In addition, developers must:
- Learn about accessibility and security compliance
- Understand frontend technologies such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript, as you will be working with frontend developers most of the time.
- Be able to manage a hosting environment, including database administration and scaling applications when workloads change.
- Have experience with version control and documentation so other developers can pick up where they left off without getting confused and making unnecessary changes or updates.
How much do backend developers earn?
A back-end developer can earn between 49.000 and 99.000€ per year, making back-end development one of the best programming careers for how well it pays. The figure is almost the same for frontend developers. A full-stack developer, on the other hand, will understandably earn more as they develop both the frontend and backend.
Difference between backend and frontend development
While back-end development focuses on what happens behind the scenes, front-end development takes care of the design and interface of the application. Frontend developers are in charge of everything that end users see in their browsers or applications. Backend and frontend development, therefore, work hand in hand to deliver seamless user experiences.
Back-end developers should be able to work well with other teams. In fact, they are encouraged to contribute ideas during the initial stages of development. If back-end developers are not involved in the early stages of development, they could face problems later.
In recent years, frontend and backend development have been combined into what is now called “full-stack development.” In this case, the developer can perform both frontend and backend development.
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