Back-end developers are in high demand, and there are several fundamental skills you’ll need to learn if you want to work in this field.
But don’t worry, if you’ve ever opened a toy to know why it makes the sound, you already have the curiosity that drives back-end developers.
You may be able to harness your innate curiosity to construct a meaningful job with little work and training, but it ultimately hinges on obtaining the necessary back-end development abilities.
Table of contents
- What does a back-end developer do?
- What is the difference between a front-end developer and a back-end developer?
- What are the skills you need to become a Back-End Developer?
- Bonus Skills: The Front End Trifecta
- One Last Thought on Becoming a Back End Developer
What does a Back-end Developer do?
A back-end developer ensures a program can supply any needed data or information when a user requests the system through a front end (i.e., consumer-side) framework.
What is the difference between a Front-end Developer and a Back-end Developer?
Front-end developers are responsible for the visible aspects of a website, such as its design and functioning.
They keep key databases up to date, manage application program interfaces (APIs), and test and debug back-end processes to guarantee that a program runs smoothly and efficiently at all times
Back-end programmers are responsible for the aspects of a software application or information system that the average user never sees.
They design the essential features and components of the programs that power users’ digital experiences.
What are the skills you need to become a Back-end Developer?
- Python
- Java
- PHP
- SQL
- Communication
Python
If you want to work as a back-end developer, you’ll need to brush up on your Python skills.
Python is one of the most popular programming languages today, it was named the “fastest-growing major programming language” in the world in 2019, surpassing Java.
The popularity of the language is well-deserved as it can handle both simple and complex online applications and has been used in a range of industries, including healthcare, banking, and travel.
Python has been used by well-known industry heavyweights such as Spotify, Instagram, Disqus, and Dropbox to build their apps.
Java
Did you know Java is not the same as JavaScript?
Although they have similar names, and both can run on a browser or a server, their execution is radically different.
Simply put, Java is a general-purpose programming language used to create applications and primarily used for back-end programming, whereas JavaScript is used to provide animation and interactivity to websites.
Java is a high-performance language and can operate on any system that supports a Java Virtual Machine, making it a valuable expertise for back-end engineers.
PHP
PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is one of the most widely used server-side programming languages in the industry.
PHP, unlike Python or Java, is a scripting language, which means it interprets scripts (programming instructions) at runtime to automate routine tasks or increase application performance.
PHP is free and open-source, has a low learning curve, and is cost-effective because most web hosting servers already support it.
While knowing PHP may not be necessary expertise for back-end developers who are conversant with other main programming languages, knowing it will make an aspiring programmer more employable.
SQL
Back-end developers use Structured Query Language (SQL) to access and manipulate relational databases as needed.
SQL allows programmers to simply insert and delete records, run searches against a database, build new tables and store procedures, and even set permissions on those tables and processes.
Try an open-source platform like MySQL to familiarize yourself with the language.
Communication
While a back-end developer requires many technical skills, some non-technical skills are equally important, and communication is at the top of the list.
You’ll find it easier to cooperate with other back-end developers and front-end developers that are working on the same projects if you establish strong communication skills.
Working with other professionals who do not have the same expertise in programming will benefit from you being able to communicate clearly.
Bonus Skills: The Front End Trifecta
The list of back-end developer skills would be incomplete without three highly vital programming languages: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
While these languages are more commonly used on the front end, back-end developers can benefit from knowing them.
After all, everything a visitor sees is determined by the three, from the text on a page to graphics to scrolling drop-down menus.
So, what exactly are these languages?
- HTML: Stands for Hypertext Markup Language, and it is the most basic building component of the Internet.
When used with the other two languages, it dictates the structure of web pages.
2. CSS: This language controls how items are displayed on a webpage and ensures consistency across all browsers.
3. JavaScript: This language is most typically used for web page scripting, although it can also be utilized in non-browser aspects such as Adobe Acrobat.
Front-end development uses these three languages to create a website’s design from the user’s perspective. They offer guidance and information about a website’s layout and content, as well as how people interact with it.
You might be wondering why a back-end developer needs these front-end skills.
The truth is that there isn’t much of a difference between the two. Even when developers focus solely on front or back-end development, the abilities required for both web development disciplines will overlap to some extent.
Also, firms prefer to hire developers with a diverse set of talents; this versatility is one of the main reasons why cross-functional “full-stack” engineers may be so appealing to employers.
One Last Thought on Becoming a Back End Developer
A job in back-end development is a fantastic choice if you enjoy programming and are interested in technology.
Remember that there are many different ways to learn the back-end developer skills you’ll need to succeed.
To learn web development, you can take courses online or go to a coding boot camp.
To learn both front-end and back-end development, Techsage has you covered. All you have to do is register here and you will be contacted.
You can also get free resources at your fingertips by following TechSage on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
