There are various skill sets needed to become a master in backend development. Backend developers must have known programming languages, frameworks, databases, APIs, servers, and more. This article will help you become a backend developer. Let’s dive into the key steps to become a backend developer.
BackEnd Developer
Backend development focuses on server-side logic, databases, and application integration, involving the creation of behind-the-scenes functionality that enables a website or application to operate. To become a successful backend developer, follow these steps:
1. Learn the Fundamentals of Programming
Starting with basic concepts & fundamentals of the programming is right way to learn. So, choose the right backend programming language that you going to work with. Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby are the popular backend programming languages to learn.
2. Master a Backend Language
Backend Developer must know the backend programming language and framework as proficient. Node.js uses JavaScript programming, Django framework uses Python programming, Spring Boot uses Java programming, and Ruby uses the ruby on rails.
3. Understand Databases
Learning the programming language and framework is essential, but it’s not enough. Databases play a crucial role in backend development because the backend developer is responsible for storing data. In modern technology, there are two types of databases: SQL and NoSQL. MySQL and PostgreSQL are examples of SQL databases, so you need to know SQL statements to handle them. In contrast, NoSQL databases do not require SQL statements for data management. MongoDB is a popular NoSQL database. The choice is yours regarding which one to learn.
4. Learn Server-Side Frameworks
Learn the right backend programming framework to build robust applications.
- Laravel or PHP
- Node.js for Java
- Django For Python
- Spring Boot For Java
- Ruby on Rails For Ruby
5. Understand APIs
API is called Application Programming Interface, it is like a bridge between the front-end and back-end of the application. Front End uses the APIs to fetch data and display it on UI. Most of the APIs use JSON and XML structures to display data.
6. Version Control with Git
Git lets developers track changes in a project, collaborate with team members, and revert to previous states if needed. GitHub and GitLab are the two most popular version control systems that are offered for free.
7. Learn about Web Servers and Deployment
Backend developers must be aware of how web servers work and operate. So, learn how to delete projects on the cloud server. Heroku, AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and DigitalOcean are the cloud platforms to deploy projects. Those platforms are trustworthy, so no need to be afraid about data safety.Â
8. Security Fundamentals
To build robust applications, backend developers should take care of security practices. So, the data operation from the front end to the back end should be transited in an encrypted manner. So, learning secure coding, data encryption, security against SQL injections & cross-site scripting (XSS) helps to build robust applications. It makes prying eyes struggle to break.
9. Testing
Master testing methodologies, including unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing. Tools like Jest (for JavaScript/Node.js) and JUnit (for Java) can be valuable in this context
10. Stay Updated and Engage with the Community
Backend development is dynamic, and technologies are growing rapidly year by year. Therefore, backend developers should always stay updated with modern technologies. Engaging with developer community platforms like Stack Overflow and Reddit is perfect for discussions and problem-solving.
11. Build Real Projects
Without applying your learned knowledge to real projects, it may not be as valuable. Building real projects elevates your problem-solving skills to a higher level and also provides content for showcasing in your portfolio to secure future job opportunities
12. Soft Skills
How important are technical skills when so many soft skills are crucial for backend developers? Developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, team management, decision-making, and problem-solving becomes invaluable when handling clients and working with other colleagues.
13. Consider a Formal Education or Bootcamp
Academic or self-learning alone may not take your knowledge to the master level. Attending boot camps provides ideas for building new projects and learning things that may not be covered otherwise.
14. Create a Portfolio
Create a portfolio website to showcase all previous projects. Include details about the technologies used, challenges faced, and solutions implemented in each project. A strong portfolio is crucial when applying for jobs in companies.
Conclusion
Lastly, Becoming a backed developer is involved in learning all these skills to build an application. Also, it helps to become a master in programming languages, frameworks, databases, APIs, and more. Always adopt modern technologies to become a successful backend developer. Keep coding, best of luck to get started career in backed development.
