Introduction To Backend Web Development
Backend Web Development is the process through which developers develop the infrastructure required for a website. It is the development process under which all the functionalities of the websites are built.
Backend takes care of the server-side of the web application. Backend development is the programming phase of server-side functionality.
Backend web development involves the implementation of all the functionalities that a site provides to the user. Efficient development of the backend services provides a seamless user experience of the website.
The components involved in the backend development include:
- A middleware application
- A server
- A database
Backend development involves the development of applications that communicate with the database stored at the server. The server returns a response. This response is forwarded to the front end.
Various activities that are involved in backend development are:
- Creating API's
- Working with system components
- Interacting with the databases
- Communication with the server
In simpler terms, the backend is the part of the application that performs all the functionalities. The end-user of the application does not interact with the backend of the application.
If you want to work in the field of backend web development, a backend web developer is your career.
What Does A Backend Developer Do?
A backend developer is a person who builds the logic for server-side development for the application. A backend developer takes care of the integration of the front end with the backend of the application.
Backend web developers build APIs, web services for the front-end web developers. Front-end web developers use these services to communicate with the backend services.
Some of the most common responsibilities of a backend web developer are as follows:
- Manage data interchange between the front end and the services.
- Development of service-side logic
- Maintenance of the backend database
- Application optimization for speed and scalability
- Data storage design and implementation.
The list is not complete; there are many other functions a Backend developer performs. But I hope that the list of responsibilities gave you some insight into the kind of work a Backend web developer does.
At this point, you must be thinking about which skills are required to get started with backend development. Let's dive into these skills.
What Should The Backend Developer Know?
A backend developer takes care of all the functionality of a website. To be an efficient backend developer, you need the following skills:
- Knowledge about backend languages
- Knowledge about backend web frameworks
- Knowledge about databases
- Knowledge about servers
Backend Languages
Just like front-end web development languages, backend development also has specific languages. These backend languages are used for developing all the backend services and functionalities.
You can learn any backend language according to your interests and master them.
Some of the popular backend languages are as follows:
Node.js
Node.js is an open-source backend development language. It is a cross-site platform language.
It allows executing JavaScript code outside the browser capabilities. You can use Node.js for developing backend services like REST API.
PHP
PHP is short for Hypertext Preprocessor. It is a web development language that helps in building efficient and scalable web applications.
It is a server-side scripting language. You can use PHP for developing server-side applications.
Session management is one of the varied applications of PHP.
Java
Java is another popular programming language used for developing backend services. It is a robust and scalable language for backend development.
With java, you can build highly scalable and secure backend web applications.
Python
Python is another popular and demanded programming language in the area of backend development. With python, you can easily integrate different systems more efficiently.
Python helps in efficient data visualizations and developing scalable applications.
Backend Web Frameworks
Many popular web frameworks are used for developing scalable applications.
Web frameworks are a way that makes the web application development process much fast and easier. You can learn about the different web frameworks and start using them. The choice of web framework will depend upon the backend language you chose.
Different backend languages have different web frameworks. Some of the popular backend web frameworks are as follows:
- Django, Flask with python
- Spring
- Express
- Laravel
Django
Django is a high-level web framework written in the Python programming language. It helps you to build highly scalable and efficient backend services for your web application.
I would recommend learning Django, as I have used it myself for a majority of projects. You can view one project here : Expense Tracker Using Django.
Django is open source and well documented. Thus, you can get started with web development with Django.
Flask
It is an API provided by the Python programming language. It is easy to learn as compared to Django. You can use it for developing simple web applications only.
It is more like the "Do it Yourself" thing. It has no to less dependency on external libraries. Thus it is a light web framework.
Spring
Spring is a development framework written on the Java platform. It provides a comprehensive infrastructure for developing backend applications in the Java programming language.
You can develop a simple java application and then scale it to an enterprise java application.
One of the attractive features of Spring is that all its features are structured into modules. Modularization helps in easy access to the Spring features while developing your application.
Express
Express is a web framework for the Node.js language. It is one of the best and most popular node web frameworks. It is a minimalist web framework which allows creating scalable and efficient web servers and web services.
Express has many libraries through which you can build scalable REST APIs, work with sessions, cookies, and many more.
Laravel
Laravel is a PHP web framework with an expressive framework. With the laravel web framework, you experience a creative journey of development.
With this web framework, you can easily accomplish complex tasks like user authentication, session management, and many more without chaos. Laravel provides robust and scalable web application development tools.
Knowledge About Databases
Databases are a crucial element of the backend development process. There are many databases categorized into different categories.
As a backend developer, your job may require building various services that interact with databases. Thus, database knowledge is a must for backend developers.
There are many SQL databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and many NoSQL databases like MongoDB.
You can choose the database that you want to learn according to your requirements and preferences.
Knowledge About Servers
Servers are the resource hub for all the users and developers. It is the place where all the data is stored. Backend developers' lot of work involves building logic to get information from the server.
Knowing connecting to the servers, accessing information from servers, and how servers work is a great benefit.
After knowing all the skills a backend web developer needs, let's learn what the industry offers for the developer.
Backend Developer Salary
The average backend developer salary is $120,798 per year. In India, the average backend developer salary is Rs. 6,13,245.
These figures are never consistent and fixed. With good skills, experience, and knowledge, Sky's the limit.
I guess now you know the answer: Why to become a backend web developer.
Conclusion
Backend development is an excellent career for those who love interacting with databases and servers.
There are a lot many resources available to learn all the skills required. Just a reminder, always start small. Do not try to excel in all the skills at once. Learn one skill at a time and master it.
I tried to cover every bit of backend development through this post. If you have any doubts, feel free to leave them in the comment sections below.
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