What is a Backend Developer?
Have you ever wondered what goes on a website’s back end? And how exactly do websites function the way they do? Backend developers are responsible for writing the codes that make the websites run. They create and maintain databases, servers, and other components that allow websites to function. They also create APIs and Web Services that enable websites to communicate with other applications. They are considered to be the backbone of a website.
Backend developers, as opposed to frontend developers, manage data storage, security, and other server-side operations that are not visible to the user. Being a developer requires a specific skill set, so not everyone can be one. Continue reading to learn more about a backend developer’s duties in the following sections.
Roles and Responsibilities
As a backend developer, your responsibilities include helping developers create a functional backend for a future application and integrating the server side logic with the user interface. There are many others, too. So, the major role and responsibilities of a backend developer include the following:
- Build and Maintain Websites
- Write High-Quality Code
- Run Quality Assurance (QA) Tests
- Evaluate the Website’s Speed and Efficiency
- Debug and Troubleshoot Issues
- Educate and Help
1. Build and Maintain Websites
The primary duty of a backend developer is to leverage different tools, frameworks, and languages to figure out the most effective way to create logical, user-friendly prototypes and convert them into websites. They also need to ensure that the website is secure and stable. They must also ensure the website is compatible with different browsers and devices. Furthermore, they must ensure the website is properly tested before it is released.
2. Write High-Quality Code
They are in charge of writing high-quality code, which means it is clean and easy to maintain, to create long-lasting web applications. Database information is communicated to the browser through code written by backend developers. It would help build and maintain the technology that powers the frontend side of a web application. That is why they should be familiar with programming languages such as Java, Python,.NET, PHP, and Ruby.
3. Run Quality Assurance (QA) Tests
Another duty is developing and managing testing schedules to enhance the user interface and experience and guarantee optimal display across a range of browsers and devices. Additionally, they need to create bug reports and troubleshoot code to optimise performance. They should also monitor the application’s performance to ensure it runs optimally. Finally, they should regularly update and upgrade applications to ensure they remain secure and up to date.
4. Evaluate the Website’s Speed and Efficiency
Developers must evaluate a website’s scalability and performance after it goes live and make any necessary code adjustments. They should also test the website’s usability and responsiveness to ensure it is user-friendly. Finally, they should regularly review the website’s analytics and performance data to identify areas for improvement.
5. Debug and Troubleshoot Issues
They should troubleshoot and resolve issues while communicating with project managers, stakeholders, and quality assurance teams. They should also test the website for errors, broken links, and security vulnerabilities. They should also monitor the website’s performance to ensure it meets the desired goals. Finally, they should conduct user surveys and interviews to gain feedback and insight into the user experience.
6. Educate and Help
They oversee the training and mentoring of inexperienced developers and maintain the workflows of customers or organisations to guarantee continuity. Along with overseeing junior developer mentoring and training, they are also responsible for maintaining workflows with client teams to ensure continuous support.
Skills Required
Developing a web or mobile application’s server side requires a programmer to possess several technical and non-technical skills. It includes the following:
- Proficiency in Programming Languages
- Knowledge of Frameworks
- Understanding of Databases and Servers
- Application Programming Interface (API) Expertise
- Awareness of Network Protocols and Web security
1. Proficiency in Programming Languages
Backend programming languages like Python, Java, and PHP are essential for any backend developer. When combined with databases, frameworks, and servers, the website functions. Given its compatibility with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning and its ease of use for writing logical and concise code, Python is one of the most popular programming languages. Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the frontend programming languages, is an added advantage.
2. Knowledge of Frameworks
You must be familiar with frameworks, which are backend programming language libraries that aid in creating the server configuration. They are often associated with programming languages; for example, if you know Python, you also know Flask, Django, or some other Python-based framework.
3. Understanding of Databases and Servers
Data storage and retrieval from databases are governed by server side programming, so you will need to know how to stack and recover data from databases. MySQL and MongoDB are well-known database systems. Like cloud storage for your photos, the database stores and arranges the client’s data so that it can be readily retrieved and arranged. The server that hosts this database then responds to requests for data.
4. Application Programming Interface (API) Expertise
An API is a set of guidelines and definitions for creating application software. Businesses typically want a mobile app for iOS or Android in addition to browser websites. So, you need to be familiar with languages like JavaScript, which are used to create applications.
5. Awareness of Network Protocols and Web security
Backend security, sometimes called server-side security, describes the procedures used to defend against attacks and vulnerabilities in the backend elements of a web application, such as servers, server-side code, databases, and API endpoints. It would help if you educated yourself on web security and network protocols. One of the most essential skills for a developer is server and database security.
In addition to technical abilities, the following workplace skills will help you collaborate with others more effectively, efficiently, and smoothly.
- Proficiency in Communication
- Ability to Solve Problems and Think Critically
- Understanding of the Industry
1. Proficiency in Communication
A backend web developer must deeply understand the engineer’s vision in order to carry out the engineer’s vision. You can troubleshoot and share ideas with teammates and stakeholders more effectively if you have strong writing and conversational skills.
2. Ability to Solve Problems and Think Critically
When creating a web or mobile app, you will have to devise innovative ways to solve problems, like debugging code and making changes without the website collapsing. As a developer, you should be able to identify and avoid errors and analyse why a particular piece of code works or does not.
3. Understanding of the Industry
Staying up to date with platform and language updates and general economic trends always requires a comprehensive understanding of the tech industry. Check out web and app development-related blogs, forums, news, and books to refresh your memory.
Tools Used by Backend Developers
For the creation, testing, and upkeep of web applications, web developers employ a range of tools. Back-end developers frequently use the following tools:
| Programming Languages | Python, PHP, JavaScript, Ruby, Java, C#, etc. |
| Frameworks | Laravel, Django, Spring, Ruby on Rails, Meteor, Node.js, etc. |
| Databases | MongoDB, MySQL, Oracle, etc. |
| Servers | Apache, NGINX, Lighttpd, Microsoft IIS, etc. |
Backend developers can create applications and databases that provide users with a consistent experience once the frontend is integrated. They work together to develop new applications, research market trends, and create or improve backend codes and processes. You can learn about their responsibilities and the core skills required for this role in the article. It will be beneficial if you are thinking of hiring one or pursuing a career as a backend developer.
Interesting Links;
Beginner’s Guide to Back-End Development
Hi, my name is Rahil. I work at YUHIRO Global and I help web agencies and software companies from Europe to build developer teams in India.