How to Become an Backend Developer: Essential Learning Skills

Websites and apps are so 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 code and technology that make them work.
The person who handles this in-depth work is called the backend developer.
However, how can start? What's the most crucial thing you'll have to learn?
This article explains the backend programming and provides information on the steps to take to become the developer.
Take a look at our Video tutorial for how you can become a Backend Developer
What exactly is a Backend Developer?
Users are not able to directly connect servers of a computer or application.
Technology like databases, servers APIs and servers enable functions such as a user interface to work.
Backend developers design and develop the backend technology. The users might not know the tasks of backend developers and without their support, the website or app won't function.
Backend Developer vs Frontend Developer
Frontend web developers take responsibility for the components of the site that users see and interact with. In some cases, this can be referred to"client-side" also known as "browser-side" creation.
Backupend (or server-side) developers build the infrastructure necessary to back it up.
Frontend and backend developers typically work together, they have different languages for programming and expertise.
As an example for a language, the languages that front-end web developers employ is HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In the process of writing develop their code, they should take into account the experience of users. How are the images presented? Are they easily accessible? Does it function well on the major browsers?

The idea is that knowing the entire spectrum of web development is much more beneficial than having only a specific area of focus. However, many positions need experts.
What does a Backend Developer Do?
The job description is different than the description of a frontend developer's however, the two roles are able to work together to create works that are user-friendly as well as practical as it can be.
As an example, a frontend designer could design the website's page that has a button that the user can press for information on the previous purchases.
The developer in the backend will write the code that allows the button to pull the appropriate details from the database. Data is then delivered to the frontend. The frontend designer decides what it will show for the user.

Job Description for the Backend Developer
Every job for a backend developer will differ. Most backend developers take on tasks like:
- Designing backend infrastructures for web-based applications and websites
- Maintaining existing backend
- Repairing bugs and troubleshooting
- Testing as QA
- Working with frontend developers, we are able to transfer information efficiently into web-based apps that run on the client side.
- Collaboration with customers and departments like product management, customer service, sales and marketing and customer service to come up with solutions
- Documentation updated for structures, processes and systems
What are the benefits of becoming a Backend Developer?
To be a successful backend designer requires time and commitment. You may be wondering if it's all worthwhile.
Backend development can be very lucrative and rewarding job. There are numerous reasons to do this.
The demand for Backend Developers
Web development is a constantly growing field.
In all specialties of web design, 8% employment growth is anticipated for the next 10 years. This is around 13,400 jobs each year. This is a significant increase that the typical.
Salary for Backend Developers
Naturally, you could expect to earn higher when you get knowledge. For instance an example, the average beginning backend developer earns $61,042 while the backend developer who has between five and nine years of experience earns $95,000.
The median salary of those who are a "Senior Backend Developer" is $113,687.
Backend Developer Career Satisfaction
Job and money opportunities are wonderful, however, you need a job which you truly enjoy.
The best part is that the majority of developers who work on the backend are happy by their work.
Backend developers rate their work satisfaction as better than average.
(In case you were wondering This survey revealed that developers tend to be more satisfied as frontend developers but are also content with full-stack developers.)
Backend Developer Skills, Programming Languages
Each job that calls for backend developers will require more specific set of knowledge and abilities.

JavaScript
It's also the most popular programming language according to the survey on StackOverflow in addition to being the most used language used on GitHub.
It's not quite as vital to budding backend developers as it is to frontend developers.
Python
Python is among the programming languages that any backend developer needs to know. The language is utilized by large corporations such as Instagram, Spotify, and DropBox Its popularity is growing.
Python is a relatively easy syntax, which makes it simple to learn and easy for programmers to share their programming. It supports multiple different programming styles, and gives an easy method of visualizing data.
Python comes with a number of frameworks that help in the process of development. The ability to learn a framework common to all, like Django or CherryPy would also prove advantageous to backend developers.
SQL
Standard Query Language (SQL) was released in 1979 and was deemed to be an industry standard technique from the American National Standards Institute in 1986.
It's hard to grasp in the moment However, it's crucial to developers in the same way as it has always been.
Understanding a few of these platforms could prove helpful for developers working on backends.
A platform that is open source , such as MySQL offers free access to SQL database source code, and can help you learn the syntax.
Ruby
Ruby is an open-source, scripting language that is interpreted. It was developed to make it easy to learn and speedy for people looking to develop. The syntax of the language is the same as normal English, so it's simple to learn.
It's not as famous like Python or JavaScript However, you'll be likely to come across many tasks which require its use.
When people speak of Ruby often, they refer as Ruby on Rails. These are not exactly necessarily the same thing however they are both very closely connected. They are both useful in the development of backend abilities.
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Ruby Rails Rails is an open source web development framework that was developed with Ruby. It's known for facilitating fast development and it's seen in more than three hundred thousand websites around the world.
PHP

We'll clarify this We'll be clear about it: it's not. PHP is quick, efficient, and widespread for backend web development.
.NET
.NET (pronounced "dot net") is a computer software framework for development created in 2002 by Microsoft at the time of its launch in. It's 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 utilized by a number of well-known sites, including Starbucks as well as match.com.
Although .NET isn't as important as JavaScript or Python yet it's an essential capability to add to your toolbox as the backend developer. Microsoft offers training courses to help you get to grips with the basics.
Java
Java is a general-purpose language for programming, however, while it's able to work with browsers, it's intended to be used in backend development.
Java isn't as easy to learn as modern languages, and its efficiency isn't nearly as effective. Overall, the use of Java is declining. But, it is being used on a lot of websites in addition to job opportunities for developers of backends that need it.
You shouldn't think of Java as a finished product at this point.
APIs for SOAP and REST
An API (Application Programming Interface) permits the app or service to connect to the resources of another service or app.
For instance, APIs can be employed by booking websites that aggregate data from various airlines as well as hotels. The API obtains information from the hotel or flight service provider and then displays it on the travel site. If someone makes a booking for a flight and the API can confirm the booking with the site that booked.
Two of the most popular API frameworks are the REST framework and SOAP. If you are a programmer working with backends, it's essential to know the difference between these two.
SOAP (Simple object Access Protocol) is a protocol based on standardization originally developed by Microsoft. It utilizes XML to make requests and get responses.
REST runs faster than SOAP and numerous developers find it simpler to work with. But, SOAP has higher security than REST and includes integrated retry logic that compensates for failures in communication.
NoSQL
As we mentioned earlier, the majority of designers don't like SQL.
There are alternatives. NoSQL is a term used to describe databases that hold data in a different way from a table that is relational. NoSQL isn't an actual language it's a set of options to store data in databases which don't rely on the conventional design.
The most commonly used NoSQL databases are:
- MongoDB
- Cassandra
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Apache HBase
Although NoSQL databases can be useful, in the sense that developers tend to prefer not to use SQL, NoSQL isn't nearly as popular as SQL.
Content Management Systems (CMS)

Being an backend developer, you are able to build a site without the need for a content management system. The majority of websites that you design will use the CMS or require one installed. Backend developers are often called in to add new CMS solutions or to troubleshoot problems with the functionality of the current CMS.
It's possible creating the CMS from beginning to finish. In the majority of cases, you'll be working with one of the top CMS systems which include:
- WordPress
- Joomla!
- Magento
- Wix
It's worth becoming proficient in the field of developing for at least at least one platform (Hint We think it should be WordPress).
Version Control Systems
There are a few reasons version control is essential. One is that you may make use of a control system which allows you to roll back to the previous version of your program if you encounter a glitch.
It could save you a lot of time in the event of an error. Instead of trying to find the cause and then attempting to fix it manually the issue, it is possible to restore the project to an earlier version.
Version control is critical whenever multiple users are involved in the same job. It is possible to being able to have conflicting versions of an application.
Learning to solve problems
Skills in technical areas are the most important aspect employers are looking for in an applicant however, knowing how code isn't the only factor.
Backend developers need to solve issues. They need to be flexible and be able of coming up with innovative solutions to problems that arise.
If you're looking for an opportunity to develop backend code It is important to be prepared for the interviewer about instances that you worked through problems on previous web development projects.
Communication Skills
The typical programmer is found spending the majority of the day in front of a computer - which is no surprising that it's an essential part of the job.
However, communication is also essential in all job positions for developers working on backends. It is likely that you will work with a team of other developers. You may need to incorporate ideas from clients and product managers or other stakeholders.
Prepare to speak with an interviewer about instances when you were able to work together on a project or led an entire team.
What is the best way to become an Backend Developer
It's feasible to become backend developers with no formal education (although many have). You'll still need be able to prove how code.
The initial step to becoming a backend development developer is to make sure that you possess all the abilities previously mentioned.
Backend Development Training
There are now an abundance of resources online to teach you the fundamentals of programming. For example, check out:
It is commonplace to learn by yourself. 40.39 percent of professional internet developers completed an online course in coding. 31.62 percent learned through forums on the internet, while 59.53 percent used online sources like blogs or videos.
The majority of developers also had formal training. A majority of developers who are professionals have completed some form of formal training.

Most positions on the backend require or prefer a relevant qualification, but that's not the case for all. If you're self-taught then you can should make your work stand apart for you. You can create a project on your own, or upload a few projects to GitHub for prospective employers to look over your work.
Finding Jobs for Backend Developers
78 78% of developers have said it's their go-to place to look for job openings. It's also the one that recruiters use the most.

The major search engines that search that search for job openings such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter are growing as do websites specifically designed for job opportunities for web developers . However, these sites have not ceased to become popular, StackOverflow is still an excellent spot to look for high quality jobs in development.
It's crucial to connect with others. Hackathons and other tech occasions can help connect you with your ideal job as a backend developer.
Summary
Backend development is an enjoyable career that is rapidly expanding. There are plenty of reasons to love the area.
For as long as there are people who have websites, competent web developers are in high demand. Study these techniques, and the you will be paid well.
One of the best ways to get started on your journey to being a developer for backends is to master a scripting or programming language. Python, JavaScript, SQL along with PHP are just a few of the skills are often used in the jobs of backend developers.
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