If you're not a developer or engineer, topics like front-end vs. back-end development might be difficult to grasp. When you combine all of the frameworks, programming languages, APIs, and libraries developers use to build apps, it's easy to become overwhelmed.
What's the good news? You don't need to write code to grasp the fundamentals of back-end development and the many components of a typical "software stack." Knowing your way around it is beneficial whether you're a CEO, a recruiting manager, a salesman for a software firm, or a product manager.
However, as Martin Fowler said, “Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.” In this MarsDevs blog, we discussed backend development and how you can be a pro in the backend!
So, let’s get started!
Back-end development is the creation of server-side logic that powers websites and apps in the background. It includes all the code needed to build the database, server, and application.
From database migrations to API integrations to set up the server-side technologies that make a website tick, a back-end web developer may be the expertise you need to get your next online project off the ground.
The front end is the other side of backend development. The major distinction is that, although back-end developers create how a website runs, front-end programmers create and design the interface, establishing how the site appears to users.
Backend web development creates the groundwork for websites to process users' actions on the front end and return the proper information. Neither operation is possible without the other one —the back end is needed to make the front end function, and the front end is required for users to access & interact with the site.
The backend traditionally encompasses the server side, APIs (Application Programming Interface), databases, frameworks, and operating systems. Let’s see them in detail.
Right software Backend frameworks are the basis that allows apps and websites to run quicker. They are crucial to web development projects since they provide much-needed interaction for online applications. Because the backend makes it possible for the website to function, frameworks are server-side backend programming languages that make server configuration easier.
You must be aware that an application's server-side or backend processes include (but are not limited to) user logins, payment management, customer assistance, order management, etc. As a result, any front-end action is controlled, transmitted, and retrieved by the database in the backend.
Developers require APIs for such interactions because they easily connect websites, databases, and services. Some of the most frequently used APIs in backend development include Firebase, Backendless API, Wix API, StackAPI REST API, etc.
Databases help administrators store, manage, update, and delete any or all data on the server. In simple terms, a database is a repository that holds all the data submitted at the front end, such as user names, email addresses, passwords, orders, etc.
Various types of databases are used in various applications. Relational databases, for example, are most suitable for well-structured data applications, whereas document-oriented databases aid software with unstructured/semi-structured data, and so on.
They are computer hardware or software bits that receive inbound requests from customers or service requesters. Servers deliver resources, data, services, or applications to clients over a network. Any device providing or sharing resources with clients can become a server.
Middleware, as the name implies, links the front end to the back end. It allows your application to communicate with the server. It is also known as plumbing at times. Web applications could only perform complicated data processing, user authentication, or server-side computing with a back end.
Back-end development is particularly critical for assuring web app security and scalability. It offers a foundation for back-end web developers to manage user data and resources, handle traffic surges, and ensure uptime. As a result, many businesses hire Backend developers.
Back-end languages vary in file size, performance, compatibility, the number of lines of code necessary, and programming style. Some back-end scripting languages are object-oriented, which groups properties and functions into objects.
Other languages may be compiled rather than interpreted, affecting load time, readability, and processing power required to operate the program. Let's look at the many forms of back-end programming languages.
C++ combines all of the characteristics of C with those of object-oriented programming, such as classes. It is a low-level programming language to communicate effectively with system hardware to improve performance. As a result, it is perfect for video games, huge web applications, and other applications where system-level speed is critical.
C# is the preferred language for Windows servers and environments. If your technological stack is built on Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET, C# is likely the most productive choice for your engineers.
Java is an object-oriented programming language created with cross-platform interoperability in mind. Java programs may be executed on any system with the Java Virtual system (JVM) installed.
Previously thought to be a front-end scripting language, the launch of Node.js proved that this general-purpose, object-oriented programming language could also be utilized on the server side of applications. JavaScript, one of the web's basic technologies, is currently popular for front-end and back-end web development.
Ruby is a dynamically typed general-purpose programming language created in the mid-1990s by Yukihiro "Matz" Matsumoto. It is noted for its programmer productivity. It combines procedural, functional, and object-oriented programming paradigms and is well-known for its ability to embed metaprogramming (code that may change while running) into projects.
PHP is the most used web back-end programming language. PHP offers a short learning curve, a large codebase, and a long history of open-source developer community support for use on the back end of websites. As Nikita Popov explains, “Ruby is rubbish! PHP is phpantastic!.” When you build a personal website using WordPress, PHP is the liable one.
Python is a general-purpose programming language with a robust data-processing library. Python's easy syntax and small code benefit back-end development by increasing programmer productivity.
So, how can you master the back end? Easy, with the best practices. First, while building backend code, aim for a modular design pattern. Do simple modules that are easy to test and manage in the long run. Track changes in your codebase using version control tools. You can also work on the project with other developers.
Backend development is likewise dependent on testing. Unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests (UATs) should be used to test all program components thoroughly. It is done to detect and eradicate flaws or problems before they are released into production environments.
Linting tools may verify your code for flaws and ensure that the best coding standards are followed. Furthermore, employ remark blocks throughout your software. When future maintenance is required, these describe its purpose or functioning. Security should always be prioritized in backend development.
When dealing with sensitive user data such as passwords or credit card details, it's a good idea to apply encryption techniques. To manage massive traffic levels without crashing, consider using caching or load-balancing schemes to maximize performance.
You will need to continuously check the health of your application using logging tools or real-time monitoring solutions. In the end, it’s all about your personal preferences.
Overall, backend development is an important element of a software engineer's profession. It demands meticulous planning and the application of best practices. With code, databases, and software engineering duties, considering successful backend development necessitates meticulous attention to detail.
You may know that you require back-end development and engineering, but you may need to know what goes into your project or which expertise will be required to complete it.
If you are searching for a top-tier back-end developer, let MarsDevs help! At MarsDevs, we can help you find the best backend developers and methodologies for your next backend project. So, why not check us out?
Contact us today, and we will help you improve your backend development!
The back end refers to the components of a computer application or program's code that allow it to function but are inaccessible to the user. Most data and operational syntax are saved and accessed in the computer system's back end.
Back-end development in action may be seen at Amazon. You go to Amazon and look for a new hoodie. A back-end developer retrieves all hoodie information from a database using server-side language. That data is processed in an application before being provided to the user using Front End language.
Back-end developers are the individuals who create and maintain the technologies that allow websites to process data and conduct activities. Instead of front-end creators, back-end coders are involved with security, data storage, security & other SSR operations hidden from the user.
