Backend developer is a term that is often heard when it comes to web development. If you like to browse a site such as landing pages or e-commerce, surely you have entered some data to register your account. Well, the data entered will be stored in the database of the website application.
The job of the backend developer is to handle the management of that data. But that’s not only limited to the backend developer’s job, there are many other tasks. To create complex applications, you also need help from every team, from the frontend, backend, even UI/UX designers.
One of the fields that are indeed loved as a working medium for backend developers is website development. Lately, many large companies are looking for a web developer profession through IT expert providers. That’s because the need to create websites is increasing, but only a few people meet the requirements to become a capable backend developer. So, how do you become more professional in the world of site development? Therefore, before learning to become a backend with good skills, you need to know what a backend developer is and its tasks.
Definition of Backend Developer
A backend developer is someone who is responsible for managing the website server (server-side). That is, a backend developer needs to make sure the website works well in terms of exchanging data from the browser to the server. In addition, backend developers also handle databases and create structured website flows. This can be done thanks to qualified coding skills. For this reason, a backend developer needs to master the right programming language.
Not only that, backend developers are also responsible for maintaining website security, namely by ensuring that there is no bad coding that can be used to infiltrate the server, or ensure that the website flow is not vulnerable to hacking. Backend developers don’t only have a role when building websites. After the website is running online, the backend developer also needs to do testing to continue to test its performance and security.
Backend Developer Tasks
If the Fronted Developer works on the visible part of the website, then the Backend Developer works on a system that supports the performance of the website that is invisible to the eye. Here are the Backend Developer tasks:
- Design and execute the structure of the data model.
- Create a series of quality and safe application code.
- Maintain and improve an existing data structure.
- Solve a problem and fix bugs so that the website server can run safely and optimally.
- Conduct research and evaluation on technical requirements and website design.
- Develop and test coding.
- Create concepts and ideas for the products you want to add.
- Things to learn to become a reliable developer
A backend developer must master various capabilities to manage technology which is included in its components, namely servers, databases, and applications. In addition, backend programmers need to collaborate with frontend developers to be able to run the software optimally.
In order to become a professional backend developer, you have to learn a lot of things. Starting from the operating system to the technical part, namely server-side. Here’s a full review of some of these things, namely:
Operating System
The operating system is the software interface that manages all the resources on the computer. Its main role is as a bridge to connect software, hardware and brainware components. A backend developer should know things about the OS below:
Memory
Memory is the center of the computer system’s operating activities. It is also a large array of words or bytes called addresses. CPU takes commands from it according to the program counter value.
Such a command will increment the contents of the payload to and from a specific memory address. After executing the instruction code on the operand, the output also returns to it.
Thread
Threads are those that carry out the simplest commands of a computer program. His job is to manage instructions independently based on a schedule.
Threads tend to be lightweight when using fewer resources. The process starts from reading and then writing in variables identical to the data structure, making it easy to establish communication with others.
Terminal
Terminal is a wrapper of the shell, which is a program that processes commands and returns output. Unix terminology categorizes it as a special type of device document with the task of implementing additional instructions in addition to reading or writing.
The kernel provides several terminals on behalf of the hardware. For example, input from the keyboard and then the output is a text mode screen. In addition, it is also available in software called pseudo-ttys by emulator programs including GUI applications, screen and tmux, Ssh.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
CLI is a user interface system in the form of a text program to execute computer instructions. The Operation System implements it in the shell for interactive access to OS functions or services. Then the computer terminal will give it to the user.
Generally terminal devices that implement the CLI are also able to handle the Text User Interface using the cursor when placing the symbol on the screen.
Programming Algorithm
Algorithm is a universal structure containing logical and systematic concepts that aim to solve problems. Technically how it works sometimes goes against the flow of logic even though the purpose of both is the same.
Chronologically, the first step of the algorithm in solving the problem is to check the truth of its logic. After that, proceed to process the procedure to provide feedback according to the flowchart. It is in the programming world synonymous with class/function.
Example input problem: what is the number of odd numbers in the series 1 to 1000? Logically, the solution is to write one number at a time other than even. While the algorithm finds the answer through a systematic concept, namely by categorizing all numbers that do not run out if divided by 2.
Programming Language
Backend developers must master programming languages. For beginners, you don’t need to master all the types, just understand some of the most popular in this industry. Here are some popular programming languages for creating websites on the backend side, namely:
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor)
PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor which was previously known as Personal Home Page. This programming language is useful for developing server-side, standalone web applications and CMS systems.
There are many large companies that use PHP for example Facebook and WordPress. This programming language has several advantages such as having an advanced framework, offering ease of creating web pages, providing a variety of automation tools for testing applications.
JavaScript
Initially JavaScript was created as a programming language on top of the browser only. Along with the development of technology now it can also be used to develop various applications such as desktop, web, back-end-based data integration even on mobile.
Node.js which is based on Javascript itself is also a free server side because it is open source. There are many frameworks that you can use. Here are some of the most recommended options, namely:
Express.js: minimalistic, fast, flexible and you can use it to develop applications such as Yummly, MySpace, and segment.io.
Sails.js: suitable for creating multiplayers game or web applications based on real time data.
Socket.IO: The attraction is that it can run smoothly on various devices, OS, and modern browsers so that many large companies use it such as Microsoft, Trello, Yammer, and Zendesk.
Python
Python is a programming language for operating application development as well as digging deeper into machine learning. Even so, Python is also a pretty good programming language for web development on the backend side.
Another advantage is that it has a simple design concept that is focused on user convenience. Offers ease of learning and reading the code in it. In addition, Python also supports a variety of functional and object-oriented programming.
Understand the Basic Frontend
Frontend is the front part of the website that is visible to the user. Learning these basics is useful for adjusting the basic appearance such as structure and decoration so that the site looks attractive in the eyes of visitors. Roughly, the components are divided into three, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language, which is a language for creating the basic structure of a website. For example, such as displaying text, images, videos and other elements.
CSS is a language for decorating websites as a complement to HTML. Both can be connected via inline, internal and external ways. You can add the structure to each previously created section with decorations in the form of color, size and animation.
JavaScript is a programming language to make websites more interactive and have logic to think. Its contents include variables for how to save the document and various data types such as numbers including decimals and commas as well as strings for writing text or characters.
Learn the Framework
To become a reliable backend developer, you need to master several frameworks. Because, with the help of a framework, you can create a website faster. A framework already has various features that are not provided in basic programming languages. In addition, website performance also becomes better with guaranteed security.
A backend developer needs to use a framework according to the programming language mastered. The following is a list of frameworks that are often used in website creation:
Spring, Hibernate is a framework for the Java programming language.
CodeIgniter, Laravel, Yii are frameworks for the PHP language.
Django, Flask is a framework for the Python language.
By mastering the backend framework, your task in building a website will be easier.
Version Control System (VCS)
Another backend developer skill that needs to be mastered is the Version Control System (VCS) which functions to regulate the version of the code in every website development. With this skill, your work can be more structured because every change is well recorded.
For example, you are working on a feature on a website. You and your colleagues can work on tasks with different version names. With VCS, you can easily find out which version has the best features, then combine them in a new version. That way, website development is done faster.
Studying Databases
The database itself is divided into two, namely relational databases and non-relational databases. To create a database on a web server, many still use MySQL, Oracle, and Postgre.
For noSQL, are other databases like Redis, MongoDB, Cassandra, and others. The most important thing here is that you really master the concept and structure of making the database itself. If you don’t understand, then it will be difficult to learn more in the SQL language in the future.
API Management
A backend developer must master API (Application Programming Interface) management. Basically, an API is software that serves to connect various applications or programming languages.
With the API, a website can communicate with other applications or websites, so you can develop your website to be even bigger. In fact, with API management capabilities, a backend developer can also connect websites with mobile applications, either iOS or Android. That’s why API management is one of the things that backend developers need to master well.
Caching
Cache serves as a temporary data storage or HTML page to minimize bandwidth and server loading. The simple definition is technology that helps pages appear faster. So you should use this if you want to speed up the process of opening sites.
The categories are divided into 2, the first is in the form of client side caching, namely the cache process in the user’s browser. User can manage it in settings. The second category is server side caching, which is a cache process that occurs on servers and websites.
Understand the Clean Code Principle
Clean code is code in software that is in a well-organized format, making it easy to read and modify. You need to learn this so that there are no misunderstandings among other programmers about the purpose and function of the code.
Clean Code you can master by applying the following principles:
SOLID: this principle makes the program more flexible, maintainable, expandable, and scalable.
YAGNI: this principle teaches you to write only necessary code and ignore unnecessary functions.
KISS: this principle directs you to think of the simplest solutions to simple problems. Do not think too complex when faced with trivial problems.
DRY: Do not repeat the same code in various places because if it is repeated it will be difficult to play it.
Conclusion
A backend developer is someone who focuses on managing devices on the side of exchanging server and website data on an application or if in web development it is managing the server (server side). In practice, the backend developer is also tasked with making the database and website flow well and supported by qualified security. To be able to carry out their duties properly, a backend developer needs to master various things such as understanding servers, programming languages, frameworks, databases, API management to version control systems.
There are several skills that you must master to become a reliable backend developer. It’s not easy, the most important thing here is that you have a strong commitment to work and manage information in the form of user data so that it can be stored properly. The key to success as a clear backend developer must be to expand your portfolio and work on excellent projects. The more cases and use cases encountered, the more they will practice problem solving skills.
Therefore, to become a reliable backend, a company or special agency is also needed to learn about it. As in professional IT agencies that provide bootcamp training to get professional IT training programs with methods and modules based on curriculum that follows current technological developments.