What is backend development and why is it important?

What is backend development and why is it important? 

Backend development is a term used in the software development industry to describe the programming and coding behind the user interface. This includes all of the functionality that happens on the server side, such as database interactions, business logic, and routing. Backend developers are responsible for building the APIs and services that make up the backbone of web and mobile applications. In this blog post, we will discuss what backend development is and some of its key components!

What are some everyday backend development tasks?

Backend developers are responsible for building and maintaining the technology needed to power the frontend of websites and applications. This includes creating and managing databases, setting up servers, building APIs, and more.

What are some common backend programming languages?

When it comes to backend development, there are a variety of languages that programmers can select from. Each language has its own unique benefits and drawbacks depending on what kind of project you're working on. Here's a rundown of some popular backend programming languages used in web development today and the advantages they offer: 

.NET is a powerful, reliable and versatile framework used in backend development for producing high-quality web applications. It has a vast library of components with which developers can easily extend their applications to accomplish almost any task. Moreover, .NET offers extensive support for various technologies like databases, languages, distributed computing, XML and many more with rapid prototyping capabilities. Thanks to its scalability and security measures, .NET provides small to large businesses the ability to create high performance applications showing robustness and flexibility. As such .NET makes a great option if you are looking for backend development solution to prepare an app that meets the specific requirements of your target users.

Golang (or Go) is a programming language that is quickly gaining popularity for its ease of use, scalability, and speed. It is most often used for backend development, as its great performance ensures that your web applications and services can handle large amounts of data efficiently. Additionally, the language’s popularity means it has many libraries and frameworks already in existence making code sharing and collaboration simpler. Golang also offers excellent error detection through its native debugging tools, meaning developers spend less time tracking down discrepancies. All these factors combined have made Golang a top choice for any development project's backend needs.

Python is an object-oriented scripting language that allows developers to create scalable web applications quickly and easily. Python is comparatively easy to learn, making it a great choice for beginner developers. It also has a lot of libraries and frameworks such as Django, Flask and Pyramid that make development easier. Furthermore, Python code is usually more concise than other languages, allowing for faster development times. However, since Python is an interpreted language it tends to run slower than compiled languages like Java or C++. 

Java is one of the most popular backend programming languages used today, typically employed to create large-scale applications and websites. It has been around since 1995 and is known for its flexibility, scalability and robustness. Java is an object-oriented language that allows developers to write code once and use it anywhere. Furthermore, since Java is a compiled language it runs faster than other scripting languages and can handle more complex development tasks. The main downside of using Java is that it requires more code compared to other languages such as Python or Ruby. 

Ruby on Rails (Rails) is a web application framework written in Ruby that makes creating database-backed websites easier. It's popular for its speed, flexibility and scalability. Rails is ideal for rapid development because it provides a wide range of in-built features such as MVC structure, RESTful architecture and an active community. However, Ruby on Rails is not well suited to large projects due to the complexity of the codebase and its slower performance compared to other languages. 

PHP is a general-purpose scripting language often used to create dynamic webpages. It has been around since 1994 and is one of the most widely used backend programming languages today. PHP code is easy to write, making it perfect for novice developers who are just getting started with web development. Additionally, PHP offers cross-platform compatibility and can be integrated with many different databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL. On the downside, PHP is not as secure as other languages like Java or Python and can be vulnerable to malicious attacks. 

Ultimately, the right backend development language for your project will depend on the specific requirements of your application and what you are trying to achieve. Each language has its own unique advantages and drawbacks that must be taken into consideration before selecting a language for your project. If you're unsure which language is best suited for your needs, consulting a professional developer may be a wise choice. 

No matter what language you decide to use, it's important to remember that coding isn't something that should be rushed; taking time to research different languages thoroughly before making a decision will ensure you select the most appropriate

What is a database?

Another essential aspect of backend development is database management. Database management involves creating and maintaining databases that are used by applications. This includes designing database schema, writing SQL queries, and optimizing database performance. Backend developers need to have a strong understanding of database management to build efficient and reliable applications.

A database is a collection of data that computers can access. Backend developers often use databases to store information such as user data, application data, and more. This data is often stored within a server. A server is a computer that stores websites or applications and makes them available to users on the internet. To view a website or use an application, a request is sent to the server, which then sends the desired information. Backend systems must be scalable to accommodate traffic or data volume growth without slowing down or crashing.

Developers have a range of databases to choose from, including relational (e.g. MySQL or Postgres) and non-relational (e.g. MongoDB).

What is an API and which different types of API’s exist?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of protocols, routines, and tools that allow developers to build software applications with ease. These APIs provide developers the capability to access data and functionality from other applications, services or systems. 

There are different types of API's available in the market. These include web service APIs (such as REST and SOAP), library-based APIs (like cURL), operating system calls (like LINUX) and messaging-based APIs (like Pub/Sub). 

REST API is an application interface based on Representational State Transfer principles which provides a standard way for retrieving and manipulating data in modern web applications. The advantage of using REST API is that it allows developers to create complex applications quickly and efficiently. 

Remote API’s involve transferring data over a network connection, most commonly over the internet. They provide interfaces to the user, making it easier to access specific information or services. 

An API call is essentially a request of some kind which is sent from an external application to a server. The request is processed by an API interface program which then sends back an answer with relevant data or services based on the initial query. Remote API’s have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ability to access multiple resources at once, while still providing excellent security levels against malicious intrusions.

API endpoints are URLs that provide access to the API's data, operations and other resources. They allow developers to interact with APIs by sending requests and receiving responses. Endpoints can be either public or private depending on the security requirements of an application. Public endpoints can be accessed without authentication while private endpoints require authentication before they can be used. 

Using APIs is a great way for software developers to create powerful applications quickly and easily. However, it is important to understand how these APIs work in order to ensure proper security protocols are followed at all times so as not to expose sensitive information or put users' privacy at risk. With the right knowledge and understanding, developers can create efficient applications that offer valuable services to users. 

API's have a number of advantages for software developers, including the ability to easily access data from other systems or applications, reduce development time by reusing existing code and services, improve performance by leveraging third-party API usage instead of building everything in-house and develop applications faster by focusing on core business logic. Additionally, API's can also provide scalability and flexibility as they allow developers to modify an application's functionality without having to completely rewrite it. 

Overall, API's are an invaluable tool for software developers as they greatly simplify the process of developing complex and powerful applications. By understanding how APIs work, what types are available and how to properly secure them, developers can create robust applications quickly and efficiently. 

What skills do I need for backend development?

Becoming a backend developer is no small feat. Essential skills for this coding career path include working with databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL; knowledge of at least one scripting language such as PHP, Python or Ruby; and the ability to debug code. 

Developers also need to have a good understanding of server architecture and design, protocols such as the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), caching technologies, and an overall general knowledge of system administration. Moreover, engine designers should have strong problem-solving skills and be comfortable ensuring data security measures are up-to-date. Aspiring backend engineers should keep these qualifications in mind before they embark on this challenging journey.

Overall, backend development is a critical part of the software development process. We can build the robust and scalable applications we use today with backend developers. If you're interested in becoming a backend developer, brush up on your database management and API design skills!