I am writing in response to the blog post at https://www.guru99.com/what-is-backend-developer.html titled “What is Backend Developer? Skills to become a Web Developer”. We have begun learning about backend development in the CS 343 Software Construction, Design and Architecture class by studying REST APIs using TypeScript and Angular JS. The blog post gives a general description of backend development and some career-related information like skillsets and average salaries.
Backend development is about defining the behavior and structure of a backend server and/or database. As opposed to the front-end, the backend is not visible to a visitor of a website or application or user of a service. One primary part of the backend may involve a database, where information is stored and retrieved to present to a user. The other primary component of a backend is the server, which is the machine that runs code and handles functionality. APIs are also part of backend development, which are interfaces designed for the purpose of enabling a front-end to communicate with the server.
A backend developer is an individual who creates and maintains the backend. The blog post goes into some detail about what a backend developer is generally expected to do, what their goal is, and also how much they tend to get paid. According to the blog post, back-end developers get paid more than front-end developers. Backend developers tend to the database, server and API for the purpose of supporting the front-end.
One particularly interesting distinction between a back-end and a front-end is that a back-end can be developed independently of a front-end, but a front-end cannot be developed independently of a back-end. It is possible to simply design a back-end for no intended application, and then afterwards build the application around the existing back-end service.
This article is a good summary of what backend development is about and what a backend developer does, and the difference between a front-end developer and a backend developer. Aside from the database management related components of backend development, the given description of backend development is consistent with what it is we are dealing with in class.
From the blog CS@Worcester – klapointe blog by klapointe2 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.