A developer for backend is the person who creates and keeps up-to date the tech to power the elements that make it possible for the user-facing portion of the website to be present.
The backend is part of a site that allows you access any functionality that you’ll require from it. For example, if purchasing a flight ticket, you can use the backend that permits you to view seats available and, when you click them, they’re set aside for your use.
Backend developers are responsible for web application logic that runs on the server, and for connecting the tasks done by front-end developers. Backend developers typically write APIs and web services that are used by front-end developers and mobile app developers.
Required Skills
Backend development requires knowledge of server technology and sophisticated backend programming tricks for rapid and efficient app development. The following list contains the most popular elements of backend development:
Web Development Languages
A variety of languages can be utilized to build the backend of the website. The most used development languages include PHP, Python, and Ruby. Popular frameworks such as Django, Rails, Laravel and CakePHP employ these languages to facilitate the development process for backends.
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language utilized to manage data within relational databases. You’ll need to be familiar with at a minimum SQL to connect to your database.
A few popular backend frameworks include Express as well as Django. They provide features like routing and management of databases, so you don’t need to write your own code.
Other essential skills in this area include the ability to understand various tools and library frameworks, database understanding proficiency with HTML/CSS, mastery of the version control systems such as Git and familiarity with APIs.
Database and Cache
The databases of servers are usually ones which store data about the users as well as other aspects of the software including items for sales or blogs. They will also typically include a cache system that can store data frequently downloaded so that it doesn’t need to be retrieved by the database each time it’s used.
API (REST & SOAP):
An API provides a means for two applications to communicate in a standard, machine-readable format.
A majority of web applications rely on RESTful APIs to provide the foundation to perform their functions. In order to be an experienced backend designer, you need prior experience in building and consuming these types of APIs.
SOAP is yet another way of communicating between applications but it’s not as common than it was in the past. SOAP is a more formal method of defining an API, however it has more overhead than REST.
Web Server
Web server is utilized to manage HTTP requests made by users. A backend developer must choose which server is the best for their application , and then decide how to implement it. If, for instance, your application is built in Java, Tomcat or Glassfish would be the best option; however, if the application is PHP, Apache might be more appropriate.
Networking
Backend developers need to know the basics of networking including protocols such as DNS TCP/IP HTTP. They should also know the most basic networking tools such as load balancers and firewalls.
Security
Backend developers must be able implement authentication methods for their services and APIs to guard them against unauthorised access. They should also make sure the code they write is safe of common vulnerabilities like SQL injections and cross-site scripting.
Operating System
Operating systems serve as the platform that software programs are run. Backend developers must learn how to install applications on particular operating system (such like Windows as well as Linux) as the different software applications require different operating systems.
Final words
An engineer is someone that creates and maintains the technical infrastructure of websites. Therefore, it’s essential to know exactly what backend developers do because understanding this can help you decide if you want to join one. This will also allow you to determine the type of team you will need to develop your mobile or website.