What a Backend Developer Does
The main tasks and responsibilities of the backend developer include:
- Developing and maintaining server logic.
- Working with databases.
- Creating and maintaining APIs (Application Programming Interface – a set of rules and protocols that define how different software components will interact with each other).
- Testing and debugging.
- Performance optimization.
The backend and frontend developer work together to create a complete web application. The backend developer provides an API that defines the available functions and methods to interact with the server. The frontend developer, on the other hand, uses these APIs to access the server and retrieve the necessary data and resources.
In addition, the backend developer interacts with other members of the development team such as designers, testers, and project managers. He may discuss requirements and implementation details with designers to ensure that the user interface matches the functionality. He may also collaborate with testers to verify the functionality and performance of the server side of the application.
Required skills of a backend developer include:
- Ability to design complex systems consisting of interconnected elements.
- Testing code to verify that it meets customer requirements.
- Developing documentation including manuals, reviews and references.
- Familiarity with the Agile approach and Scrum methodology for effective teamwork.
Important soft skills for a backend developer are:
- Communication skills to successfully interact with colleagues and customers.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to change, as technology is constantly evolving and tasks can be non-trivial and unique.
- It is helpful for a backend developer to be proficient in one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, Node.js, or PHP. Each of these languages has its own characteristics and is used in different areas of development.
It is also important to be able to work with databases such as SQL (Structured Query Language), which is used to manage relational databases, or NoSQL (non-relational databases) such as MongoDB or Redis. Knowledge of basic database principles and techniques allows you to store and process data efficiently in backend development.