In this article, we will discuss extensively what getting started with Backend Development is all about, backend development tools and technologies, we will go further to talk about the things to consider as a Backend developer, we will move down to roles of a Backend Developer.

Let’s dive right in…

What is Backend Development
Who is a Backend Developer
Backend Development tools and technologies
Backend Development: Things to learn
Roles of a Backend developer

What is Backend Development

Backend Development is the term for the behind-the-scenes activities that happen when you do anything on a website or web application. Backend Development is mostly referred to as the server-side of an application and everything that communicates between the database and the frontend (browser). You can also say that Backend Development the server-side of development that focuses primarily on how the site works.

Who is a Backend Developer

By now you should guess right, who a Backend developer is, is based on what Backend development is all about.

A Backend Developer is a skilled software developer responsible for or skilled enough to understand, plan, develop and test the server-side/business logic of an application.

In conjunction with other team members, he is responsible for deciding the best and suitable tools and technologies for the project at hand.

Backend Development: Tools and Technologies

Servers:

A computer that listens for incoming requests from the clients (frontend). Example of web servers are Apache Nginx, IIS servers, Tomcat.

A list of few things a Backend developer should learn under servers.

Types of Servers

Static
Dynamic

According to MDN:

A static web server or stack consists of a computer (hardware) with an HTTP server (software). We call it “static” because the server sends its hosted files as it is to your browser”. It response/server static content.
A dynamic web server consists of a static web server plus extra software, most commonly an application server and a database. We call it “dynamic” because the application server updates the hosted files before sending them to your browser visa the HTTP server.

In a simple term, Dynamic Server responses/serves dynamic contents.

Communication protocol (HTTP)

It comprises of the formal description of rules and formats of a digital messages.

Others

Load balancing
Message queues

Databases

Databases are frequently used on the Backend of an application.

These provide data persistence.

These databases provide an interface to save data in a persistent way to memory.

Types of database

MYSQL
SQlite
MongoDB
PostgreDB
etc

Things to learn in databases as a Backend developer

Schemas
Normalization
Indexes
Stored procedure and triggers
Wide knowledge of SQL, DDL & DML
Views
Strong database optimization skills

Operating Systems

When it comes to operating systems, I think every software developer should have a strong knowledge of their operating system.

According to James Le

An operating system is a collection of software that manages computer hardware and provides services for programmes.

Types of Operating Systems

Linux
Windows
Mac OS
E.t.c

Every developer should have a basic knowledge of these OS concepts.

Things to learn in Operating Systems

Memory management
Cloud computing
Processes & process management
Inter process communication
Threads and concurrency
Input and output management
Scheduling
Distributed file system
Virtualization

Take a look at the 10 operating systems concept software developers need to remember by James Le.

Software Stack

There are great list of server-side programming languages and frameworks to choose from in building the business/server logic of any application.

Check out the top 5 Backend frameworks.

The list below shows a recommended list of common topics a Backend developer should master in any programming language of choice.

Session management
Authentication & Authorization
Caching Mechanisms
APIs & Web Services
Software architectures (MVC)
Software design patterns
Algorithms and data structures
Structured logging
Debugging, profiling and tracing
Deployment
Software testing
Frameworks and Package Managers

I will be releasing each of these topics in series in our official Youtube channel every Saturday, click to subscribe so you don’t miss it.

Backend Development: What to learn

Scalability
Security
Robustness
Readability
Performance Oriented
Maintainability

Roles of a Backend Developer

Understands the goals of the software and comes up with effective solutions.

Compile and analyse data, processes and codes to troubleshoot problems and identify areas of improvement.

Collaborating with the frontend developers and other teams to establish objectives and design models (architecture).

Manipulating data and ensure authorised access to it at all times.

Developing, managing and working with external API resources across all devices securely.

Organising the logic of the system using and implementing proper algorithms.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking at starting your journey into backend development the best time was yesterday and the second-best time is now.

I have created a Backend Development: The Ultimate Guide 2021 article that will take you from the beginning stage to landing your first job stage.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading my Introduction to Backend Development. Everything I have listed above is from my personal experience.

You can join our Backend Developers Community where we share, educate and train its members in all aspects of Backend Development.

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Backend Development: Beginners Guide to Backend Development