20.11.23

A Comprehensive Guide to a Career in Back-end Web Development

If you've ever wondered about the hidden mechanisms that work behind the scenes when you visit a website, then you might be interested in a career in back-end web development. Moreover, a back-end developer is like a wizard behind the curtain who makes everything on a website run smoothly.

 

What is a Backend Developer?

Making the server, database, and application work together ,  these are the main responsibilities of a back-end developer. Additionally, they are tech-savvy problem solvers. Furthermore, they write code that powers the website's functionality. Importantly, they ensure that when you click on a button or submit a form, the right things happen that you expected to see

Think of it this way: if a website is a car, the front end is what you see (the design, colors, and buttons), whereas the back end is the engine and all the mechanisms that make the car run.

 

How would I prepare myself to become back end developer?

Update Your Skills- Technology is always changing, and it's important to keep your skills up to date.

1. Learn the Latest Languages and Tools: Stay informed about the programming languages and tools that companies are using right now. For example, if you used to work with Java, you might want to explore newer languages like Python or JavaScript.

2. Take Online Courses or Attend Workshops: There are many online courses and workshops available to help you catch up on the latest coding techniques. Additionally, websites like Codecademy, Udemy, or Coursera offer courses on a variety of programming topics.

Build a Portfolio- A portfolio is like a showcase of your skills and what you can do with your coding knowledge.

1. Create Small Projects: Build small projects that demonstrate your coding abilities. Moreover, these projects can be simple websites, apps, or anything that highlights what you enjoy working on.

2. Include Personal and Collaborative Projects: Showcase both personal projects you've worked on by yourself and collaborative projects where you've teamed up with others. By doing so, potential employers can gain insight into how you work independently and as part of a team.

Network and Stay Informed-Connecting with others in the tech world and staying updated on industry news is vital for success.

1. Connect with Other Developers Online: Join online forums, communities, or social media groups where developers share their experiences and insights. Moreover, websites like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or LinkedIn are great places to connect with other professionals.

2. Attend Meetups or Events: Attend local or online meetups and events related to coding and technology. Furthermore, this is an excellent way to meet people in the industry, learn from others, and even discover job opportunities.

3. Keep Up with Industry News and Trends: Read blogs, follow tech news websites, or subscribe to newsletters to stay informed. Additionally, being aware of the latest trends shows potential employers that you're actively engaged in the tech community.

 

Are these guys in Demand currently?

Well, yes, indeed! As more and more businesses and services go online, the demand for skilled backend developers is on the rise. Companies need experts who can build and maintain the behind the scenes functionality to keep websites and apps running well.
 

What are their Roles and Responsibilities

Back-end developers wear many hats in the tech world. Firstly, they are responsible for:

• Server Management
  They handle the server and the computer that stores the website's files and serves them to users.
• Database Management
  Moreover, back-end developers manage databases, where all the website's information is stored. This can include user data, product details, and more.
• Application Logic
  They write the code that makes the website do different things,such as processing forms, handling user logins, and managing data.
• Security
  Back-end developers focus on keeping the website safe from cyber threats, thus ensuring that sensitive personal information is protected.

Backend Developer Salary

Wondering about the paycheck? Back-end developers are generally well-compensated for their skills. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company, but it's common for back-end developers to earn a competitive income.

Here are some salary expectations for backend developers in Canada:

• Entry-level backend developers can expect to earn an average of CA$60,000 to CA$80,000 per year.
• Mid-level backend developers with 3-5 years of experience can expect to earn an average of CA$80,000 to CA$120,000 per year.
• Senior backend developers with 5+ years of experience can expect to earn an average of CA$120,000 to CA$180,000 per year.
• Lead backend developers can expect to earn an average of CA$160,000 to CA$200,000 per year.

Furthermore, backend developers can earn a good amount of money. Moreover, as you start your journey in backend development, keep an eye on how much you can expect to earn. Initially, this will help you make decisions that match your goals and the money you want to make.

 

Back-end programming languages

Backend programming languages are used to create the server side of web applications. Additionally, they handle the server logic, database interactions, and other operations that happen behind the scenes.

Here are some popular backend programming languages:

1. JavaScript (Node.js)- Originally known for frontend development, however, JavaScript has gained popularity for backend development with the advent of Node.js. It allows developers to use JavaScript on the server side, unifying the language used across the entire application.

2. Python is known for its readability and versatility. Furthermore, it's widely used in web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more.

3. Java is a versatile and widely used programming language. Moreover, it's known for its portability and scalability, making it a popular choice for large-scale enterprise applications.

4. Ruby combined with the Ruby on Rails framework, provides an elegant and developer-friendly environment for building web applications.

5. PHP has been a longtime player in web development. Moreover, it is embedded in HTML code and executed on the server, generating dynamic web pages. PHP is often used with databases like MySQL.

 

Back-end Programming Frameworks

Frameworks are toolkits that help developers build faster and more efficiently. Some popular back-end programming frameworks are:

• Django is a Python-based framework known for its simplicity and speed. Additionally, with Django, you don't have to start from scratch. It provides ready to use tools for things like letting users log in, managing data neatly in databases, and even making your website look polished. Moreover, it offers a robust set of features for web development.
• Ruby on Rails is a framework that uses the Ruby programming language, famous for its elegant code. Furthermore, it simplifies the process of setting up your menu (products), managing the shopping cart, and handling payments. Additionally, it provides a streamlined and efficient approach to web development.
• Express.js is a lightweight framework for Node.js commonly used for building web applications. Moreover, it guides you through managing content, handling user comments, and ensuring your website runs smoothly. Additionally, it offers a flexible and intuitive platform for web development.

 

Backend Tools and Technology

There are three things one has to learn to be able to understand the basics of backend development: Databases, Gits, and APIs.

1. Databases are digital warehouses where information is stored.

• MySQL organizes books in neat rows. 
• PostgreSQL arranges them with extra details. 
• MongoDB uses a more flexible, document-based approach.

Each database has its own unique way of storing and retrieving information, tailored to the developer's needs.

2. Version Control:
Tracking Changes with Git — a system that controls versions of a code.

• Example
  Git is like a time-traveling machine for your code. Moreover, it allows developers to go back in time to different versions of their work, collaborate seamlessly, and avoid chaos.
• How it Works
  Let's say multiple developers are working on a project. Git keeps track of who made what changes and when. Additionally, if something goes wrong or if you want to see how the code looked a week ago, Git makes it possible to rewind time and view previous versions. It's like having a safety net for your code adventures.

3. APIs
Building Bridges Between Systems

• Examples: APIs —Application Programming Interfaces are like translators that allow different parts of a website to understand each other. For instance, you might use the Twitter API to display tweets on your website. Alternatively, you could integrate the Google Maps API to show locations.
• How it Works: Think of APIs as messengers. When you want your website to show the latest tweets, the Twitter API fetches that information and brings it to your website. Additionally, it's like sending a request to a library and receiving the books you need without having to go there yourself. APIs make it possible for different software to talk to each other, creating a more connected and interactive web experience.

 

Conclusion 

As you start your journey in backend development, keeping an eye on how much you can expect to earn and what the work looks like will help you make decisions that match your goals. 

Additionally, it's a rewarding field with a constant demand for skilled professionals. If you enjoy problem-solving, writing code, and making things work efficiently and stably, becoming a back-end developer might just be the right path for you!

Good luck!

If you're looking to hire a skilled backend developer or explore new opportunities as one, check out Djobzy.

Read More: How to Get Started with Remote Admin Support