Backend development is the bottom of the iceberg. It is the unseen major part of a mobile and/or web application. That also consumes the more significant part of the entire application.
A glimpse of what it includes are the data stored, the business logic and rules, and the results that need to be calculated. Backend development is non-aesthetic coding. If the frontend development codes buttons to retrieve data, the backend development codes which data to fetch from the app database to deliver back to the customer.
What Is Backend Development, Anyway?
It organizes system logic
Backend development creates an architecturally designed system that you can efficiently run and maintain. Both backend and frontend development usually work together to create frameworks that help mobile apps run smoothly.
Backend Development consists of web infrastructure like:
- Databases that store the information acquired from the application. It is how you access your bank account from a mobile app, and your balance reflects.
- Server scripts are instruction in code that command programs what to do. This is a compilation of codes for a website or app to be responsive to actions and commands.
- APIs (Application Programming Interface) are routines, protocols, and tools as a communication tool for applications. An example of API is when you share articles or images from Twitter to Facebook. It is the API that allows the cross-sharing.
It is problem-solving
Backend development is problem-solving that you usually hated in elementary school. It is solving which data goes to which component and making sure it doesn’t meet possible errors.
That isn’t as simple as choosing what colors or text size to reflect on an application; rather, what information should get stored and be delivered.
Backend Development is responsiveness and speed
If frontend development uses languages such as HTML and CSS, backend development uses Java, PHP Ruby, Python, and .Net.
Backend development makes sure that the features embedded on the app should deliver its purpose. A laggy app would turn customers away.
High-paying job
Backend development pays well from the efforts exerted by a developer. This job is essential to dynamic websites like social media platforms, as it is continually changing.
According to trusted websites, a backend development job usually pays at a range of $87k-$120k annually.
It needs great skills in coding
Backend development is heavy coding and requires skills such as:
- Python is not backend-specific, but it highly uses server-side script language. It is a coding language popularly known as “glue language” as it allows the front and backend to work together harmoniously.
- PHP (Hypertext Processor) is commonly used to request server content. When you write three new blog posts, the PHP script is responsible for having it published on your blog’s front page.
- Ruby on Rails is a general programming language. Fans and users love it because of its simplicity. Its software framework is pre-written and in templates that backend developers can easily apply and format.
- SQL (Structured Query Language) is the language for communicating and managing databases. It is widely used to updated data stored on the database or retrieve data from the web and mobile applications.
- REST (Representation State Transfer) and SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) are web technologies related to API. They are platforms built to manage APIs.
Security
Due to the continuous engagement of the back-end with data, you can realize how essential it. This becomes much more important because the data the device communicates with is confidential information.
For instance, financial, health, or medical details. In order to create safe back-ends we propose the following recommendations: only recruit skilled developers, use encrypted links (such as the common HTTPS), and encrypt the databases.
Scalability
If we speak about the scalability of the back-end, we are relating to the “flexibility ” of its framework. It is important for incorporating new codes (or “ work questions,” use the former terms).
Changes inside apps are not only inevitable but also encouraged. Users shift, requirements shift, market models change. So you must build your software and its back-end in a way that will allow you and your colleagues to meet certain tasks.
When it comes to back-end growth, developers search for a language that is simple and quick to incorporate. It is especially relevant because they develop most of the app’s programming on the back-end. So they may have to deal with it over and over again.
Petr is a serial tech entrepreneur and the CEO of Apro Software, a machine learning company. Whenever he’s not blogging about technology for itechgyan.com or softwarebattle.com, Petr enjoys playing sports and going to the movies. He’s also deeply interested in mediation, Buddhism and biohacking.