A back end developer works with databases, servers and an application programming interface (API). They create the logic that efficiently pulls data to fulfill a request made by a Front End dev.
Good back-end development requires a thorough understanding of different coding languages and frameworks. It also means following best coding practices to ensure a fast solution launch and smooth operation.
Requirements Analysis
Back-end developers work with front-end developers, product managers, principal architects, and website testers to build the structure of a website or mobile app. They also create the logic that efficiently pulls data to fulfill a request made by a user.
This is a critical step in the development process. Requirements must be analyzed at a high level and documented so they can be easily understood by all stakeholders. The resulting requirements analysis document should be categorized and prioritized according to the impact on the project’s plan.
BinaryFolks employs a number of analytical techniques during the requirements analysis phase including natural-language discussions and modeling with UML or other graphic notations to support communication amongst team members. This allows the team to quickly gain a high-level understanding of the requirement and determine if they are feasible. This information can then be used to prepare a budget for development and determine the scope of the project. This approach ensures a clear understanding of the customer’s requirements and reduces confusion in subsequent development phases.
Design
Back-end developers are responsible for designing and implementing scalable server-side architectures. This includes ensuring the system can effectively accommodate changes in user requests, such as the addition of new data or increased traffic volumes.
For example, a navigation app might need to have access to databases of city buses, taxi services, and Google Maps. The back-end must precisely locate the requested information from these vast and diverse systems, integrating it into the app and displaying the results to users without delay.
For this reason, modern back-end development requires knowledge of cloud technologies and design patterns that allow for a more flexible, maintainable, and scalable system. It also often involves familiarity with web technologies such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript, along with programming languages like Python and Java. QA specialists work hand-in-hand with back-end developers to continuously perform manual and automated testing of the final code.
Development
The back-end is everything that goes on behind the scenes of a website. This includes database interactions, server logic, and API design. It also deals with the information that is stored on the server, like user profiles and purchase histories.
For example, if you were to purchase tickets for an upcoming event on a scaler site, all of the info would go into the database on the server. It could then be retrieved and displayed on the front-end, allowing you to select and purchase your tickets at any time.
To create the back-end of a website, back-end developers use a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Some of these include:
Testing
When we laud front end developers for their beautiful visual work, it’s easy to forget that they can’t do what they do without backend developers. These are the people who control everything that we don’t see on a website: security, data storage, and API design.
Testing is one of the most important aspects of backend development. It allows you to examine all the ways that a software application might fail. Ideally, this stage of quality assurance takes place during the earliest stages of development and uncovers fundamental issues that can be resolved early in order to develop a viable product.
Testing a web application with real-world data is key to understanding its performance. A QA team must also be sure that its tests are scalable and can be modified to suit the specific functionality of an individual piece of software. This can help make it easier for each member to play to their strengths and reduce wasted effort.