The backend developer schedules the small portion of a web solution, the server-side, administrator of an app or a website, unlike the front-end developer who respects the visible portion.
Also, find more general information on the profession of backend web development.
The missions of the backend developer:
Depending on the context, the backend developer can have a more or less broad role. He can just as well be a performer (with a “simple” role of coder) or a decision-maker in the technical choices.
In the latter case, and without the presence of an Architect within the technical team, he can think about the architecture he will use or improve. Depending on the budget, the time allotted for his mission, the needs and expectations of his employer, he will set up a suitable environment by choosing the right technologies (DBMS, Frameworks, Versioning, etc.)
Back end development can therefore include setting up, configuring, and maintaining several essential components of a web project:
• The server where the website will be hosted must run 24 hours a day. It is often managed by a system administrator (sysadmin) or DevOps.
• The database, where. Will store all the information, such as, for example, the login, password, or basket of a user.
• The application is the website as a whole and the logic that allows the different pages, the server, and the database to interact.
• The back office, in some cases, is an internal interface used by other collaborators so that they can easily integrate content such as text.
Who are the main contacts for the Back developer?
The backend developer not only collaborates with other people in the same position but obviously with one or more front-end (or full-stack) developers. With these, a large portion of the development is carried out.
The backend developer also works with other professionals:
• Technical architect
• CTO, chief technical officer
• Lead developer
• Engineering Manager
• Technical project chef
• The system administrator or DevOps
• DBA
What are the crafts and qualities required to be a Backend Developer?
Methodology, rigor, pragmatism, and teamwork are the first keys to success for a backend developer.
Also, constantly understanding technological developments in the field to stay up to date requires a good level of English, passion, and curiosity.
From a techno point of view: in addition to mastering a project management tool such as GitHub or GitLab, backend development needs minimum technical skills:
• SQL lets you find, add, modify or delete items in a database.
• C #, Java, Python, PHP, Ruby, JS (Node.js) are the main speeches for the back end.
• Each of the backend languages has its advantages and specificities. Mastering as much as possible is a plus. Still, the in-depth knowledge of one of them is important. In most cases, a backend developer has a preferred language on which he works exclusively (or almost).
In addition, it is essential to know more frameworks specific to each of these languages to make the code clearer, faster to write, more easily adaptable, and maintainable as a team. These include:
• Pour PHP : Symfony, Laravel, CakePHP
• Pour Java: Spring, Hibernate, Maven, Struts
• Pour Ruby: Ruby on Rails
• Pour Python : Django, Pyramid, Flask
• For JavaScript: Node.js
What studies or training to become a Back developer?
As for most digital professions.
A BTS or DUT in computer science is good basic training. Going on to a license and then a master’s degree in web development will allow you to perfect your theoretical knowledge and access more demanding and ambitious positions.
Schools like EPITECH, HETIC, ESGI, or ECE Tech offer bachelors in web development and recognized Bac +5 courses.
Also, many young developers train themselves via websites Free Code Camp and OpenClassrooms or develop their skills through accelerated courses. Some computer training courses specializing in development are notably labeled GEN (Grande école du numérique). For example, other structures are also recommended for learning the basics quickly: The Hacking Project or Le Wagon.
The most qualified profiles are the most sought after by recruiters. Still, it is often experienced and skills that take precedence.
What are the professional developments and job prospects of a Backend developer?
A backend dev can naturally move towards the profession of full stack developer by increasing skills in JavaScript (+ HTML and CSS). He will then be autonomous on the complete development, from back to front-end (this is generally called a “full stack developer”). If you want to learn Frontend and backend, consider taking the Full Stack Developer Course to enhance your capabilities.
The backend dev can also evolve a lead developer if his managerial skills are sufficient; he will then have to supervise teams of developers.
On the other hand, if he does not wish to be a “Men” manager, he can progress to a Lead Tech position (technical responsibilities only).
A technical project manager position is also possible for those who wish to step back from development.
Finally, with a good level of development, excellent knowledge of technologies, and several years of experience, a backend developer can become CTO (Chief Technology Officer).