Developer Skills

Backend development is all about the things that work behind the scenes on a website, often described as the server side. It’s where the users’ data get processed, stored, and managed securely.

Website owners rely on backend development services to efficiently handle data processing tasks and manage databases. This article highlights seven important skills you will need to start working professionally as a backend web developer.

What is the Role of a Backend Developer?

The role of the backend developer is to develop and maintain a website that can handle data and traffic regardless of the number of users or the complexity of interactions being performed. All of this is done through the backend infrastructure powered by servers, APIs, database management systems (DBMS), etc.

Another primary responsibility of a backend developer is to create and maintain code libraries that will be needed for present and future development. These libraries contain reusable code to manage complex tasks such as server-side logic or adjust features like new user authentication.

Backend developers are needed for troubleshooting and debugging web applications. When problems occur at the backend infrastructure of a website, backend developers use their expertise to identify the root cause and find effective solutions. This may include resolving API errors, fixing database connectivity problems, fine-tuning server configurations or setting up new ones.

Collaborating with frontend developers to integrate the backend functionality with the user interface is also an essential backend developer role. Overall, the functions of backend developers will be determined by the specific requirements of the website they are working on. That is why they must understand the website’s general and specific performance requirements to build the right solution.

7 Must-Have Skills for Backend Developers

1. Backend Programming Languages

Programming languages are the primary means of controlling the backend website infrastructures, including the APIs, databases, and servers. As such, fluency in programming languages such as Javascript, PHP, and Python is indispensable for a backend developer.

But your projects may also require you to understand programming paradigms suitable for each backend programming language. Two types are relevant here; Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Functional Programming.

Languages like Java, C++, Python, Java, and . NET offer strong support for OOP, while languages like SQL, R, Haskell, Lisp, and Clojure are known for supporting functional programming.

A backend developer must understand where and how to use each because they are situation-dependent and have different strengths and use cases. For example, object-oriented programming (OOP) languages are well-suited for organizing and structuring code into classes and objects.

On the other hand, functional programming is most suitable when handling data transformations, mathematical operations, or working with immutable data.

2. Knowledge of Databases

As stated earlier, a backend developer is responsible for maintaining the server-side logic and data management in web applications. Therefore, you must have comprehensive knowledge of database management system (DBMS) technologies to store and retrieve information. You must understand DBMS concepts, principles, functionality, querying languages, data modelling, best practices and trends.

Popular database management systems used in backend development include MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle, and PostgreSQL. These databases can be categorized into SQL and NoSQL based on their underlying architecture and data storage models.

3. Knowledge of APIs

APIs are used to integrate with third-party applications to exchange data or access functionalities required for collaboration between different software components. Since they are the medium for connecting software systems and facilitating data transfer, backend developers must deeply understand APIs. Some common APIs among developers are JSON, GSON, SOAP, and REST.

In addition, API management requires backend developers to possess skills in adhering to measures for safeguarding web application security, as there will be instances of managing sensitive data such as payment card details. Knowledge of implementing security protocols is, therefore, highly required.

4. Knowledge of Servers

A server is a cloud-based system that facilitates the sending and receiving of information whenever it is requested. A backend developer must know how to write code that runs on the server and interact with databases, file systems, and other resources. Apache, Nginx, IIS servers, and Microsoft IIS are well-known server options to learn how they work. You may also need to master tools like New Relic, Docker, Kubernetes, Nginx, Node.js, etc.

5. Knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms

The significance of DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) lies in its role as the fundamental framework for manipulating, organizing, and retrieving data in programming. That’s why Big tech often prioritizes this when hiring software engineers.

A well-rounded backend developer should be familiar with essential algorithms, such as Depth First Search (DFS) and Breadth-First Search (BFS), various sorting algorithms, and recursive and iterative algorithms. As for data structures, you should master arrays, trees, heaps, queues, link functions, graphs, and stacks.

6. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving means finding solutions to a problem, breaking it down into manageable steps, and executing those steps effectively. In web development, where backend developers may have to work with designers and frontend developers, problem-solving requires recognizing who will manage what. Such skills will be needed when integrating different components across the entire development process.

For a backend developer, building a problem-solving skill may also require understanding how and when to implement any of the seven principles of lean software or the 12 agile principles.

7. Communication Skills

Communication skills can mean the difference between a successful backend developer and an underperforming one. In the web development process, you will need to present your work in meetings, create technical documentation or convince team members and stakeholders about your approach to a problem if it’s unconventional. These scenarios will require you to acquire communication skills to improve collaboration and understanding.

Summary

Building a backend development career is like going to a single destination with many parts. Not all backend tools and technologies will require your attention. But the skills mentioned here are the fundamentals needed to get starte