It’s estimated that the amount of backend developers will reach 28.7 million by the year 2024. That’s a staggering increase of 3.2 million people wanting to get into back-end development from 2020.
Now, if you're reading this, chances are you're interested in becoming a back end developer, at the very least, are pretty keen to learn more about what backend development entails.
Whether you're a website developer looking to add another notch to your belt, or a total beginner who doesn't know where to start, this guide is for you. So, grab your laptop, and let's get coding!
Table of Contents
- What Is Backend Development and What Does It Entail?
- What Is a Backend Developer?
- What Is the Difference Between a Back End, Front End, and Full-Stack Developer?
- The Benefits of Backend Development
- The Different Programming Languages Used For Backend Development
- Setting Up A Development Environment On Your Local Machine
- Steps To Setting Up A Local Development Environment On Your Mac
- Creating A Basic CRUD Application Using PHP And Mysql
- Tips for Beginner Backend Developers
- Backend Development - Key Takeaways
What Is Backend Development and What Does It Entail?
Before we jump right into the basics of backend web development, let’s first look into answering the age-old question, “what is backend development?”
Backend development is the type of web development that takes place on the backend, or backend server, of a website. It encompasses all of the processes and programming languages used to make sure the backend server functions appropriately and provides a service or product as intended.
The backend is responsible for integrating separate parts of existing software and services while providing support to front-end systems like databases and servers.
So ultimately, backend development involves building APIs (Application Opening Interfaces) to allow interactions between different software components, organizing databases, managing servers, enhancing performance and scalability, and providing security measures against hackers and other malicious forces - all to ensure optimal functionality that the website's users can enjoy.
What Is a Backend Developer?
Backend developers are integral to the success of any software project. Simply put, backend developers bring websites and applications to life through diligent coding.
Unlike front-end developers, back-end developers focus solely on programming the backend of a website or application - making sure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
This includes writing specialized software code (such as Custom APIs) and managing databases that store vital information like customer records, product catalogs, etc. Backend developers may also be responsible for tinkering with existing systems to increase efficiency or performance; commonly referred to as debugging.
Ultimately, backend developers ensure that all parts and elements of a website or application run together flawlessly so it can function properly.
What Does a Backend Developer Do?
Backend developers are responsible for the ‘behind-the-scenes’ server-side coding of applications. These developers use back-end programming languages to create functional backend components that process incoming and outgoing data.
They write code, maintain databases and work on backend frameworks while ensuring systems are working properly and efficiently. Furthermore, backend developers may need to design database schemas, troubleshoot issues and debug codes in order to make sure a system works as it should.
In other words, backend developers are specialists who use their skills and expertise to build essential backend components of applications.
What Sort of Skills Does Backend Developers Need?
Backend web developers possess a wide range of developer skills. Chief among those is knowledge of programming languages, including JavaScript, Python, Java, and more.
They must also understand how to create a web application that can process data from front-end users. Furthermore, back-end developers need to be able to develop APIs and use databases to store user information securely.
Additionally, they should have an understanding of UI/UX so they can create web applications that are enjoyable and accessible for users. Ultimately, backend web developers must know all the components of a server-side application build, helping them connect server requests with the correct functionality.
What Is a Typical Backend Developer Salary?
Backend web developers' salaries can range from entry-level junior to mid and even senior-level professionals.
On average, a junior backend developer salary averages $50,000 annually, while mid-level backend developers typically earn around $80,000 - $100,000 per year. At the senior tier backend web developers can make upwards of $140,000 a year.
Of course, these salaries vary depending on experience and location; for example, San Francisco backend salaries are higher than most other cities in the U.S., but can still be lower than unexpected suburban or rural areas with a high demand for talented full-stack developers.
What Is the Difference Between a Back End, Front End, and Full-Stack Developer?
A back-end web developer specializes in the back end of a website. They focus on ensuring functionality, server-side scripting, coding databases and proper security structures. They enable sites to function correctly and efficiently by constructing back-end components such as servers and applications.
On the other hand, front-end web developers directly work with user interface design and create HTML/CSS markups and Javascript code that determines how users interact with the website.
Full-stack developers combine the skill sets of back-end and front-end development and encompass both back-end and front-end technologies like HTML5, CSS3, JQuery, JavaScript, AJAX, API integration, back-end frameworks such as PHP and Ruby on Rails to develop a website.
In brief, back-end developers provide the infrastructure and underpinnings for websites while front-end designers handle aesthetics and interactivity.
The Benefits of Backend Development
Whether you're a startup considering web development for the first time or an established business looking to expand into new areas, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons of choosing one route over another.
While working with a professional web development agency can be an effective way to get your project off the ground, it's important to be informed about each stage of the process - including the backend.
So, if you're considering investing in a new website or app, here are some reasons why backend development could prove beneficial for your business:
It allows for seamless integration between different web technologies. Whether you're looking to integrate a new payment system, add new features to your website, or optimize your site's efficiency and speed, using backend technologies allows you to do so easily.
It can help businesses meet their compliance requirements. Many companies are now required to ensure that their data is secure and that customers' information is stored safely. This can be achieved by using a range of open-source tools and technologies to build out your backend, allowing you to store data securely and meet any regulatory requirements.
It enables businesses to create customized web experiences for their customers. A great user experience is now essential if you want to succeed online, and this can be achieved through backend development.
By understanding the needs of your target audience, you can build a backend that is both effective and efficient, enabling customers to be satisfied with their experience of using your website or app.
The Different Programming Languages Used For Backend Development
Have you ever looked beneath the surface of websites and web applications and wondered what powers them? If so, you've likely come across different programming languages, each of which has its advantages for powering a great backend.
Moreover, a recent global survey conducted by 57,378 software developers found that 65.36% of respondents use JavaScript, and 55.08% report using HTML/CSS.SS. While 49.43% use SQL, 48.07% use Python, and 33.27% use Java.
Python is often praised for its user-friendly syntax and machine learning capabilities, while JavaScript is now almost ubiquitous on the web, allowing developers to create fully-fledged web experiences.
Java is also extremely popular when it comes to developing large-scale systems, and continues to be a powerful warhorse among the programming language community.
So, if you're wondering which language stands out for backend development, you must decide which one best suits your needs. Let’s briefly elaborate on each language:
Python for Its Flexibility
Python is highly flexible, which enables it to be used for a wide range of tasks. It's also easy to use and has a user-friendly syntax that allows developers to create more complex applications with less code. This makes Python an ideal choice for those starting in backend development, as well as experienced developers who want to try their hand at something new.
Javascript for Its Versatility
JavaScript is one of the most commonly used programming languages in the world, which means there are plenty of online resources available that explain how it works and provide solutions to common problems. But it's not just a popular choice; JavaScript is also highly versatile, enabling developers to integrate many different technologies into their websites.
Java for Its Scalability and Performance
Java is also widely used, with applications running on every computer in the world at one point or another. While it's not as flexible as Python, it's a great choice for backend development because of its speed, scalability, and reliability. This means that websites powered by Java can handle large amounts of traffic and remain stable when high levels of activity are expected
Setting Up A Development Environment On Your Local Machine
As you can see, there are many different programming languages and tools that can be used for backend development. Whether you're just getting started or have a lot of experience in this field, it's important to carefully consider your needs and choose the right combination of technologies to create top-quality applications.
Setting up a development environment for your local machine entails creating a space on your computer to build websites from, so you don’t have to use web hosting platforms like WordPress to create one. For this purpose, you could use a framework such as AngularJS.
AngularJS is an open-source JavaScript framework used in backend development. Developed by Google, AngularJS provides developers with a platform for creating dynamic and interactive web applications efficiently and quickly. It enables them to create single-page applications (SPAs) without having to write complex codes. By allowing HTML code to be extended with additional attributes, AngularJS simplifies backend development and ensures a more user-friendly experience for website visitors.
Other popular tools used by developers include Node.js (used by 47.12% of developers), React.js (used by 42.62% of developers), and Express (used by 22.99% of developers).
There are a few key benefits to setting up a local environment on your machine, some of which include:
You can freely customize your setup without the worry of it affecting your live site,
You can make a test site before pushing your site live,
You decrease the risks of your site bugging out for unknown reasons, which makes the development process less stressful,
You can avoid the dreaded “refresh” button that comes with a hosting platform and focus on the fun coding aspects of your site in a straightforward manner,
You don’t have to have an internet connection to work on your site.
Steps To Setting Up A Local Development Environment On Your Mac
- Identify Source Code and All Its Dependencies
- Configure Your Local Environment
- Test Your Configuration
Having a basic understanding of Terminal would be beneficial, but following along with its easy-to-navigate commands should create a simple development process. Terminal is mainly there to help you install all the necessary components before you get to the meat of it
Identify Source Code and All Its Dependencies
The first step in setting up your backend development environment is to identify the source code and all its dependencies. This includes any libraries, frameworks, or packages that your project needs to function properly.
Configure Your Local Environment
Once you have identified all of these dependencies; you can configure your local machine to include them in your project. This typically involves installing the necessary dependencies, software packages, and developer tools on your machine, so that you can work with your chosen programming language and framework effectively.
Test Your Configuration
Once your local environment is configured, it's important to test it for any errors or issues. You should run a series of tests on your code and configuration to ensure that it works as expected so that you can proceed with development without any major issues.
These are just some of the steps involved in setting up a local environment for backend development. As you gain more experience with different programming languages and tools, you will develop your approach to this process and learn to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Ultimately, this will help you create better applications more quickly and efficiently.
Creating A Basic CRUD Application Using PHP And Mysql
If you're looking to get into custom software development, knowing how to make a basic CRUD (Create, Retrieve, Update, Delete) application with PHP and MySQL (a popular sql server) is a great start.
It is an essential skill for any backend web development role and can be surprisingly simple to achieve. With the right tutorial and guidance, anyone can become a pro in the art of CRUD in PHP and MySQL in no time!
The first step to creating a basic CRUD application is to choose your programming language and development environment. For PHP and MySQL, we recommend using an open-source framework like Laravel or CodeIgniter.
Once you have set up your development environment, the next step is to create your database schema. This simply involves defining the structure of your database and the fields needed to store the data. This can be done using a simple SQL command, or by manually creating your tables in phpMyAdmin or another database management tool.
Next, you can start adding your application logic - this is what will power your CRUD functionality. In PHP, this usually involves writing a series of functions that interact with your database and perform different operations, such as saving data or retrieving it from the database.
Finally, you will want to set up your frontend interface using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. This can be done by creating static pages or using a server-side templating language like Twig or Blade, depending on your preferences.
Once you have completed these steps, your basic CRUD application should be ready to go! While this may seem like a lot of work, it will become much easier and faster with experience, and the result is well worth the effort. So, if you're looking to get started in backend web development, be sure to give it a try.
Tips for Beginner Backend Developers
Starting with backend development can seem daunting at first, but it doesn't have to be. With tips and tricks centered around the learn-to-code process, becoming a master of backend development can be achievable for anyone.
Fundamentals such as understanding coding language syntax, debugging techniques and the right libraries are key components that any developer should become familiar with. Additionally, getting tips from experienced developers or taking part in Hackathons can help you maximize tips and tricks while browsing through tutorials and exercises that test your aptitude.
By familiarizing yourself with these tips and tricks from the start, you're sure to become an expert in no time. Let’s take a closer look at them:
- Start with a simple programming language, like Python or Ruby, and learn the basics of syntax, data types, and control structures.
- Practice your coding skills by building small projects or working on pre-made exercises that test your understanding of concepts like loops and functions.
- Spend time reading tutorials and online guides to learn more about tips and tricks for debugging code, as well as best practices for working with libraries and other tools.
- Join an online community or forum where you can get feedback on your work from experienced developers, ask questions, and find inspiration for new projects.
- Take part in hackathons or coding challenges to test your skills, gain exposure to new technologies, and connect with other developers.
- Set aside time for ongoing learning and professional development, such as taking online courses or attending developer conferences.
- Find a mentor who can help you improve your skills and guide you through the early stages of your career.
- Be open to learning new technologies and adapting to changing trends in the field.
- Build a strong portfolio of projects that showcases your technical skills and demonstrates your ability to deliver results.
- Keep practicing, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey of becoming a skilled backend developer!
Backend Development - Key Takeaways
Being a backend developer is not as scary as it sounds. Sure, there’s a lot of code involved, but with the right tools and some practice, you’ll be churning out CRUD applications in no time. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even enjoy it. Happy coding!
