How to Become a Backend Developer: Important Skills to Learn
Apps and websites are popular nowadays that it's easy to dismiss these as a given. Yet, hidden in every layout or refreshing new feature is a combination of codes and technologies that makes it work.
Someone who is responsible for this in-depth work is called the backend developer.
But how do you get started? What is the most important skill you'll require to master?
This article introduces the backend programming and provides information on the steps to take to become the developer.
Check Out Our Video guide on how to become an Backend Developer
What Is a Backend Developer?
Users do not directly access the server side of an application or computers.
Technologies like databases, servers APIs and servers allow for functions like a user interface to work.
Backend developers develop and maintain this technology. Users might not even be aware of the work of backend developers and without their help, the website or app will not function.
Backend Developer vs Frontend Developer
Frontend web developers are responsible for the parts of the website that the user sees and engages. Sometimes, this is referred to"client-side" or "browser-side" development.
Backupend (or server-side) developers create the infrastructure needed to back it up.
When frontend and backend developers often work together, they have different languages for programming and expertise.
As an example, the language that the front-end web developers use are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. When they code, they need to consider the user experience. How are the images displayed? Are they accessible? Does it function well on all major browsers?
The idea is that knowing all sides of web development is much better than having a narrow focus, but many jobs are seeking specialists.
What is a Backend Developer Do?
The job description is different to that of a frontend designer's but the two roles work together to create work that's as user-friendly and functional.
For example, a frontend developer may create the page for a site which has a button that the user can press to access information about previous orders.
The developer in the backend will write the code that allows the button to fetch appropriate information from the database. The data then gets delivered to the frontend. There, the frontend designer decides what it will be displayed to the user.
A Job description for the Backend Developer
Every backend developer job will be a bit different. The majority of backend developers take on tasks like:
- Developing backend infrastructure for websites and web-based apps
- Maintaining existing backend
- Fixing bugs and troubleshooting
- Testing for QA
- In collaboration with frontend developers, we can transfer data efficiently to web-based applications that are client-side
- Collaborating with clients and departments such as product management, marketing sales, customer service , to create solutions
- Updated documentation for structures, processes, as well as systems
Why Become an Backend Developer?
Being a successful backend developer requires time and commitment. It's possible to wonder if it's all worthwhile.
Development of backends can be an extremely lucrative and rewarding profession. There are many reasons why.
Demand for Backend Developers
Web development is an ever developing field.
In all specialties of web development, 8% job growth is expected over the next 10 years. This is around 13,400 jobs every year. That's a lot faster growth than average.
Salary for Backend Developers
Of course, you can be expecting to earn more as you gain experience. As an example, the typical beginning backend developer earns $61,042 and the typical backend developer with between five and nine years of experience earns $95,000.
The average salary for those who hold the title "Senior Backend Developer" is $113,687.
Backend Developer Career Satisfaction
Job and money opportunities are wonderful, however, you need a job you actually like.
The good news is that the majority of backend developers are pleased with their work.
Backend developers rank their work satisfaction as superior to the norm.
(In case you were wondering The survey found that the developers are somewhat more content than frontend developers and equally satisfied with full-stack developers.)
Backend Developer Skills , Programming Languages
Every job that requires backend developers requires a slightly different knowledge and skills.
JavaScript
It's the most widely used programming language in the poll on StackOverflow, and it's also the most used language used on GitHub.
It's not nearly as important for budding backend developers like it is to frontend developers.
Python
Python is one of the programming languages that any backend developer needs to know. It's used by major companies like Instagram, Spotify, and DropBox Its popularity continues to rise.
Python is a relatively easy syntax, which makes it simple to learn and easy for programmers to share their programming. It supports multiple programming styles and provides an easy way to visualize data.
Python has several frameworks which are utilized for facilitating the process of development. The ability to learn a framework common to all, like Django or CherryPy would also prove beneficial to a backend developer.
SQL
Standard Query Language (SQL) was released in 1979 and was deemed to be an industry standard technology by the American National Standards Institute in 1986.
It's not easy to understand at times, but it's vital for developers as ever.
An understanding of a handful of these platforms will prove helpful for developers working on backends.
A platform that is open source like MySQL offers free access to SQL database source code, and can help you learn the syntax.
Ruby
Ruby is an open-source , interpreted scripting language. It was designed in order to make it easy and fast for those who develop. The syntax of the language is like regular English, so it's not difficult to understand.
It's not as popular as Python or JavaScript However, you'll be able to find numerous jobs that call for the use of it.
When people speak of Ruby often, they refer to Ruby on Rails. These are not exactly necessarily the same thing but they're both closely related. Both are useful abilities for developing backend skills.
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Ruby Rails Rails is an open source web development framework developed using Ruby. It's known for facilitating fast development and can be found in over 350,000 websites globally.
PHP
Let's clear this up; it's not. PHP is fast, powerful, and widespread in backend web development.
.NET
.NET (pronounced "dot net") is a software development framework developed by Microsoft in 2002. It is a collection of coding languages, libraries, and editors. The .NET one that's most helpful to backend developers includes C#, one of the most popular languages today.
It's employed by a variety of well-known sites, including Starbucks and match.com.
Although .NET isn't as essential like JavaScript or Python but it's an important ability to include in your toolbox as the backend developer. Microsoft offers tutorials to help you get started.
Java
Java is a general-purpose programming language, although it is able to run through browsers, it's intended for backend development.
Java isn't as simple to master as other modern languages, and its efficiency isn't as good. In general, the popularity of Java is in decline. However, you'll see it used for plenty of websites as well as job opportunities for backend developers that require it.
Do not rule Java as a finished product just yet.
SOAP and REST APIs
The API (Application Programming Interface) lets the application or service to connect to a resource in another service or application.
As an example, APIs can be employed by booking websites that aggregate information from various airlines and hotels. The API gets data from the flight or hotel service provider and display it on the travel site. If someone book a flight then the API will confirm it with the website that is booking.
Two popular API frameworks include REST and SOAP. For a developer working on backends, it is important to understand the two.
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a standard-based protocol which was initially developed by Microsoft. It utilizes XML to make requests and receive responses.
REST is quicker than SOAP as well as many developers find it easier to work with. However, SOAP has higher security than REST and includes integrated retry logic that compensates when communication fails.
NoSQL
We mentioned above that the majority of designers don't like SQL.
There are alternative options. NoSQL refers to databases that store information differently than a relational table. NoSQL isn't a language itself but a collection of database storage options which don't rely on the conventional model.
Most commonly utilized NoSQL databases are:
- MongoDB
- Cassandra
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Apache HBase
While NoSQL databases are useful as well as developers tend to prefer not to use SQL, NoSQL isn't nearly as popular as SQL.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
As a backend developer is a backend developer, you are able to create a website without a content management system. However, many websites you create will utilize one or need to have one implemented. Backend developers often get called in to add new CMS options or troubleshoot issues with the functionality of an existing CMS.
There is a possibility of creating a CMS from beginning to finish. Most of the time you'll be working with most popular CMS systems which include:
- WordPress
- Joomla!
- Magento
- Wix
It's worth becoming an expert in developing for at least one of these platforms (Hint: we think it should be WordPress).
Version Control Systems
There are a few reasons version control is essential. In one, you could use a control system that allows you to go back to an earlier version of your code if something goes wrong.
It can help save lots of time should there be an error. Instead of locating the problem and then manually fixing it, you could simply roll back the project to a previous version.
The use of version control is critical whenever multiple users are working on the same task. They keep the possibility of having conflicting versions of the application.
Learning to solve problems
Skills in technical areas are the most important aspect employers are looking for in an applicant however, knowing how to code isn't the only thing.
Backend developers need to be able to solve problems. They should be flexible and capable of finding innovative solutions to problems that arise.
If you're in search of a backend development job, you should be ready for the interviewer about instances when you solved problems in your prior web development projects.
Communication Skills
The stereotypical programmer spends most of the time alone front of a computer -, and it's not a surprise that's an integral part of the job.
However, communication is also important in most job opportunities for backend developers. It is likely that you will work with a team of fellow developers. You may need to incorporate ideas from clients as well as product managers or other stakeholders.
Be prepared to talk with an interviewer about instances when you successfully collaborated on a project or led an entire team.
How to Become a Backend Developer
It's feasible to become a backend developer without formal training (although many have). However, you'll have to demonstrate that you know how code.
The first step towards becoming a developer for backends is to make sure that you possess all the abilities mentioned above.
Backend Development Training
Nowadays, there's a a ton of online resources that can teach you the basics of programming. For example, check out:
Self-study is the norm now. 40.39% of professional internet developers took an online coding course. 31.62 percent learned through online forums, and 59.53 percent used online resources like blogs or videos.
However, the majority of developers have also completed formal education. 80percent of professional developers have completed some form of formal training.
A lot of backend positions require or prefer a relevant qualification, but that's not the case for all. If you're a self-taught programmer, you let your work stand out for yourself. Make a project of your own or two on GitHub for potential employers to look over your work.
Finding Jobs for Backend Developers
78% of developers say it's their go-to place to look for job openings. This is also the site most used by recruiters.
While major search engines for jobs such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter are growing as do specific job sites for web developers have ceased to be popular however StackOverflow remains a good place to search for quality jobs in development.
It is essential to network. Hackathons as well as other tech occasions can help connect you with your ideal backend developer position.
Summary
Backend development is a fun and fast-growing career field. There are many reasons to love the field.
For as long as there are people who have websites, competent web developers will be in demand. Learn these skills, and pay is good.
The most effective way to begin on the road to being a developer for backends is by learning an programming or scripting language. Python, JavaScript, SQL as well as PHP are just a few of the skills are often found in jobs for backend developers.
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