Back-end developers are an integral part of any web development project because they’re responsible for developing the basic architecture of a website or application. So, if you’re planning to develop a website or app for your business or institution, you’ll need to hire back-end developers that are skilled in coding languages such as Java, C++, C#, Python, Javascript, PHP, and Ruby.
Of course, before you set out to hire a back-end developer for your project, you have to understand what back-end development is and what a back-end developer does.
What Is Back-End Development?
In software development, back-end development is the process of developing the server-side logic that serves as the foundation of a website or app from behind the scenes. This process involves writing the code that’s used to develop the database, server, and app.
Back-end development is just one part of the web or app development process–others include front-end and middle-end development. All sites have front-end and back-end development, and these are the most important development phases.
The two processes are important because they determine how the final platform appears and functions. Front-end and back-end developers are responsible for delivering a site or app that offers the best user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). For instance, a back-end developer handles database development and migration, API integration, and server-side setup to ensure the platform functions without a hitch.
What Does a Back-End Developer Do?
Before you hire a back-end developer for your website or app, you need to know what to expect from them. As mentioned above, a back-end developer is mainly responsible for writing code that serves as the backbone of the platform. They create and maintain important mechanisms that allow users to process information and perform other actions on the platform without assistance.
While front-end developers are responsible for developing design elements of a website or app that are accessible to the end user, back-end developers work on the part of the platform that isn’t visible to the user. Their main areas of focus include storage of data, security, and other core server-side functions.
Therefore, your back-end developers must be fully conversant with the various back-end software development tools, frameworks, software, and coding languages. All these items are necessary for ensuring that your site’s back-end interface functions promptly, effectively, and responsively. One of the most important skills you should look for in a back-end developer is their knowledge and experience in the various back-end coding languages.
Coding Languages Used for Back-End Development
Back-end coding languages differ in size, compatibility, coding style, number of code lines, and performance. Some are object-oriented while others are compiled instead of interpreted. Object-oriented coding languages focus on bundling elements and functions in the objects.
When coding languages are compiled, they affect a site’s load time, processing power, and readability. Here are some common back-end coding languages that your developer may use:
C++
C++ is a coding language that links all the elements of C with object-oriented coding features like classes. This is a low-level coding language that’s mainly used to communicate creatively with the hardware for improved performance. It’s commonly used in the development of video games, large web apps, and other instances where premium system-level performance is necessary.
C#
C# is a programming language that’s commonly used in the development of Windows servers. So, if your stack uses Microsoft products like ASP.NET, then C# is the ideal choice for your back-end developer.
Java
This is an all-purpose object-oriented coding language designed with cross-platform compatibility in mind. Java programs can easily be executed with any machine that runs an installation of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
JavaScript
Although JavaScript was traditionally used for front-end development, developers have figured out ways to use it for back-end development, especially the Node.js version. This is an all-purpose object-oriented coding language that is considered to be the core technology of the modern web.
Python
This is another popular all-purpose programming language with a remarkable library for processing information. Python is known to improve the productivity of back-end developers, thanks to its simple syntax and short code distance.
Ruby
This programming language was created in the mid-1990s by a Japanese software developer, Yukihiro Matsumoto. Ruby is an all-purpose coding language that’s dynamically typed to improve the productivity of your back-end developer. It’s suitable for functional, technical, and object-oriented programming models; it also helps to incorporate meta-programming into applications to allow you to modify the code while running.
PHP
This is one of the most popular coding languages for the web. It’s easy to learn and offers massive open-source developer community support. It powers the back-end of WordPress sites.
Fortunately, you can find skilled back-end developers who are well-versed in these coding languages right on Guru. Post your job listing or take a look through our thousands of freelance developers and find the perfect candidate for your project today!
