When you shop online for a shirt, for example, Back End developers are hard at work behind the scenes. They use server-side languages like Python and Ruby to pull information from databases and create web pages.

Back End developers also need to be knowledgeable about emerging trends and technology. This includes understanding industry-wide platforms, programming languages, and security protocols.

Databases

A back-end developer needs to understand how to use databases. These data structures can be used for a variety of purposes, from storing customer information to managing inventory and sales records. They also play a vital role in many healthcare systems, where they are used to store patient records and medical histories.

Having a good understanding of database management can help back-end developers anticipate where their applications fit into larger workflows, allowing them to make the most of the available resources. There are a number of tools that can be used to improve performance, including indices and query optimization. In addition, a back-end developer should be familiar with the security protocols that are used to protect data.

Databases can also be used to store the content that users access through a website. This can include things like account registration, purchasing products or services, or reading premium content. The back-end database will keep track of this information and make it easy to retrieve in the future.

To create and manage a database, back-end developers need to know how to use the different programming languages and frameworks that are available. The choice of language will depend on the application being built, and there are some advantages and disadvantages to each. Python, for example, is a popular language with an easy-to-read syntax and support from a broad community of users. It is also flexible and can be used to build web apps or deploy machine learning on websites. Java, on the other hand, is a general-purpose programming language that can be used to build applications for various platforms.

APIs

The back-end of a website or web application handles the functions that users don’t see. This includes database management and providing APIs that enable communication between the server and the front end of the site. Back-end developers use several programming languages and server tools to build the back-end of a web application.

One of the most important skills for back-end developers is an understanding of SQL, or Structured Query Language. This is the industry standard for connecting data to applications via a relational database. This language makes it easy for back end programmers to insert and delete records, file queries against a database, create new tables and procedures in a database, and establish permissions for those tables and procedures.

Back-end developers need to understand how to use a variety of project management tools, including boards, lists, cards, timelines, charts, and other visualization tools. They also need to know how to utilize messaging systems, which provide asynchronous communication between application components without requiring a direct connection or a synchronous response.

A successful career as a back-end developer requires mastery of various technical languages and programs, as well as familiarity with servers and version control systems. It’s possible to start a career in this field through self-guided or bootcamp pathways, though both routes can take months or years and require significant time and dedication.

Security

Many back-end developers are concerned with issues related to security. They must ensure that the data and systems they build can withstand various threats and conditions. They also must consider how their architecture will handle the load of users and traffic. For example, they might need to limit login attempts or restrict access to sensitive data by IP address. They must also be able to identify and fix errors when they occur.

They are responsible for developing the logic that efficiently pulls data to fulfill Front End requests. For example, when a user types in a search for shirts on Amazon, the server-side code created by a Back End dev will pull information about all of the different shirts available and then send it to the Front End. This information is then displayed on the website.

Most back-end developers have a bachelor’s degree in web development or a broader field like computer science. These four-year programs offer students a wide range of courses, including scripting languages, database design and programming, networking fundamentals, and web architecture. Some schools also provide formal concentrations that allow students to focus on a specific area of the field.

When hiring a back-end developer, make sure to review their portfolio and check out their GitHub projects and StackOverflow activity. A strong portfolio and experience with relevant technologies demonstrate their ability to deliver results on the project.

Scalability

When developing back-end software, scalability is key. Scalable systems are able to handle growing workloads and maintain their performance over time. Often, this involves using cloud-based technologies and established design patterns. A deep understanding of these techniques is essential for back-end developers, as they can help them create scalable systems that are reliable, efficient, and easy to manage over time.

In the case of multiplayer games, for example, scalability is critical to avoid game server crashes and other issues. If a game’s server infrastructure can’t handle the increased volume of users, those users may become frustrated, drop the game, or even give it poor ratings. This can place a strain on both the business and its users, so scalability is an important factor to consider when designing a back-end system.

To ensure scalability, back-end developers must use efficient programming languages and architectures. They should also have a thorough knowledge of databases, servers, and APIs. They also need to be familiar with common coding practices, such as asynchronous processing and data indexing. These techniques allow for quick and efficient processing of requests, while avoiding the need to restart or shut down a server. Additionally, they should utilize fault tolerance and redundancy techniques, such as using multiple servers and a distributed database. Finally, they should also use monitoring and logging tools to track performance and error logs.