What Does a Backend Developer Do?

Who is a Back end Developer?

• Back-end developers are the professionals who create and maintain the technologies that allow websites to process data and perform activities. A backend developer is responsible for the server side of web development. A backend developer also takes part in the integration of a website's front-end and back-end aspects
   
• A back-end developer works with server-side languages such as PHP, Ruby, Python, and Java
   
• A backend developer is required to build the technology needed to power the components of a website and further maintain it
   
• They also work with databases and servers to ensure that the back end of a website is working properly

Backend Developer Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of the backend developers range from developing the backend logic to ensuring the application's scalability. A backend developer's specific roles and responsibilities vary depending on the company and project. Some of the responsibilities are given below.

• Collaborating with the frontend or the user interface team
   
• Designing and implementing APIs to allow communication between the front end and backend of the application
   
• Ensuring the security of the application
   
• Ensuring the scalability of the application
   
• Writing and maintaining server-side code and logic
   
• Performing tasks such as storing and retrieving data from a database, processing payments, or sending emails
   
• Staying up-to-date with the latest developments, best practices, and technologies

Skills required to become a Backend Developer

There are skills you want to brush up on before you apply for a backend-developer job. The following skills are required to become a backend developer. 

• Programming languages: They form the backbone of a web application. The server-side languages include Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, Ruby, etc. A backend developer should be proficient in at least one of the server-side programming languages
   
• Database management: A backend developer should know about Databases. He should know about Database Management System. He should be able to design and implement a database that fits the application's needs
   
• API development: APIs are the Application Programming interfaces. Knowledge of REST API and SOAP API is essential for backend developers. A backend developer should be able to create and consume APIs as part of his job
   
• Data Structures & Algorithms:  A backend developer should know the Data Structures and Algorithms so that he can build efficient and scalable systems
   
• Problem-solving skills: This skill is required in every domain. A backend developer should be able to think logically. He should be able to solve problems efficiently
   
• Security: Knowledge of various web vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, XSS, and XSRF is essential. It is also required to know how to prevent them to ensure that the application is secure
   
• Web application development: A backend developer should be familiar with web development concepts. Some frameworks include Ruby on Rails, Express.js, Flask, and Spring
   
• Communication Skills: A backend developer should also have good communication skills. They will be working with a team of developers, designers, and project managers as a part of their job

Backend Developer Salary

It is important for a backend developer to know the pay before joining a company. This helps in deciding if it’s even worth joining a particular company. The salary of a backend developer varies widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific company.  

In India, the average salary for a backend developer is around 4-6 Lakhs per annum. In some cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune, it can go as high as 9-12 Lakhs per annum. The average salary for a backend developer in the US is around $92,000 annually.  Highly experienced developers earn over $120,000 annually. 

Salary is one of many factors to consider when evaluating a job opportunity. Other things like the company culture, the opportunities for growth and advancement, and the overall work-life balance, should also be considered.

Also see, Difference Between Controller and Restcontroller

What tools do Backend Developers use?

• Back4App: It is a remarkable open-source tool that enables developers to quickly build large and scalable mobile and online applications. You may use this tool to optimize and personalize your apps in a variety of ways
   
• Heroku: It offers a completely controlled runtime environment that allows your apps to run within smart containers, often known as dynos. Heroku tool constantly checks, patches and upgrades the language and system stacks inside the dynos
   
• NGINX: Nginx is one of the most powerful web servers available. It started as a web server designed for optimum stability.  NGINX has evolved with websites that have successfully transitioned from simple HTML to complex, diverse content
   
• Jira: Jira is a web-based bug tracking tool. This program mostly tracks issues in online and mobile applications. Agile back-end developers utilize Jira to adapt the app development workflow and release applications with greater confidence
   
• GitLab: GitLab is a complete software development environment delivered as a standalone application. It enables software development teams to manage, create, configure, and monitor the software development process, resulting in more efficient work

Top Companies Hiring Backend Developers

In this racing world, you must bag the job suited for you. As a backend developer, you should know about the companies that hire backend developers. Before applying to any company, you must work on the skills required to be a backend developer. Many top companies hire backend developers, including

1. Google
    
2. Amazon
    
3. Microsoft
    
4. Apple
    
5. Facebook
    
6. Intel
    
7. Cisco
    
8. Oracle
    
9. Alibaba Group
    
10. Uber

These companies are always looking for talented backend developers to join their teams. They often have job openings and give reasonable pay. Other top companies that hire backend developers include IBM, Adobe, and Salesforce, among others.

Programming Languages and Frameworks

For backend developer you need knowledge in

Languages:

• Java: Known for its portability and scalability.
• Python: Offers simplicity and readability.
• Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript): Enables full-stack JavaScript development.
• Ruby: Emphasizes developer-friendly syntax.
• C#: Commonly used in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Frameworks:

• Spring Boot (Java): Simplifies Java development.
• Django (Python): Follows the "batteries-included" philosophy.
• Express.js (Node.js): Lightweight and fast for JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Ruby on Rails (Ruby): Promotes convention over configuration.
• ASP.NET (C#): Integrates with Microsoft technologies.

Data Structures and Algorithms

For backend development you also need:

Data Structures:

• Arrays, Linked Lists: Fundamental for organizing and storing data.
• Stacks, Queues: Useful for managing data flow.
• Trees, Graphs: Essential for hierarchical and interconnected data.
• Hash Tables: Efficient for key-value storage and retrieval.

Algorithms:

• Sorting Algorithms (e.g., QuickSort, MergeSort): Crucial for ordering data.
• Search Algorithms (e.g., Binary Search): Efficient for finding specific data.
• Graph Algorithms (e.g., BFS, DFS): Necessary for working with graph structures.
• Dynamic Programming: Solves problems by breaking them into smaller, overlapping subproblems.
• Greedy Algorithms: Makes locally optimal choices to achieve a global optimum.

Additional Concepts:

• Big O Notation: Analyzes algorithm efficiency and scalability.
• Recursion: Solves problems by dividing them into smaller instances.
• Hashing: Provides fast data retrieval using hash functions.
• Concurrency and Parallelism: Important for optimizing performance in backend systems.

Check this out,  indexOf in JavaScript

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Python a backend developer?

Python is a programming language commonly used for backend development due to its readability, versatility, and extensive libraries.

What is a backend language?

A backend language is a programming language used to develop server-side logic and functionalities in web applications.

Is DSA required for backend developer?

Yes, Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) are crucial for backend developers to design efficient and scalable solutions.

Which backend developer has highest salary?

Salaries vary, but backend developers with expertise in high-demand technologies and experience often command higher salaries. Technologies such as Java, Python, and Node.js are popular.

Check this out : full stack developer skills

Conclusion

Backend development is necessary for any strong online application or website. Backend developers and engineers create server-side components, create APIs, manage data storage and security, assure scalability, and improve performance. There are numerous attractive and rapidly expanding career options in backend programming, with high compensation and job stability.

In this blog, we discussed Backend development, the roles and responsibilities of a backend developer, their pay, and the top companies who hire backend developers.