Essential backend developer skills to learn for 2023

Each development project has two components – frontend and backend. Mostly, end users interact with the front end, but backend infrastructure and components go unappreciated. However, in the software development domain, backend developers are generally better paid. It is because of the complex solutions they build. To be successful as a backend developer, you need to acquire the essential backend development skills that are more relevant today like native-cloud development, and low-code application architecture.

This article will list the essential backend developer skills that will be valuable in 2023.

Let’s get started.

1. Pick the correct backend programming language 

The web development domain is highly dynamic, with new technology introduced frequently. But, instead of getting distracted by the noise, focus on the programming languages with a solid presence. Java, Python, and PHP are three programming languages preferred for backend development.

Java is most widely used for building robust systems. It is a strictly typed programming language that’s scalable and general-purpose. A backend developer must be skilled in Java to build a solid infrastructure. As for PHP, it is the most commonly used server-side scripting language. As an open-source language, it is one of the most cost-effective technologies that most companies want to use for their projects. Python is another essential programming language for backend developers. It is a premier programming language that is simple to learn but robust enough for any complex project.

2. Knowledge of databases 

As proficient as you have to be with the programming languages for backend development, you also need strong database skills. A database is critical for storing data and content in any web application. Your ability to recover, arrange, alter and store information efficiently defines the performance of your application. Any backend developer should have extensive knowledge of various DBMS technologies.

In 2022, the two most commonly used databases are SQL and NoSQL. The SQL database is one in which all data is mapped on a table, and each entry in the table is linked to another entry through recursive methods. While SQL databases are suitable for storing queries and producing results, speed becomes a problem when creating highly scalable applications. The NoSQL database offers the solution as there is no need to structure the data beforehand. Such databases work on JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and XML (Extensible Markup Language) and are extremely fast.

3. Knowledge of APIs

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a medium through which software can communicate and share data. In modern web applications, API plays a crucial role in driving mass adoption as the application can be used for multiple purposes.

Simply put, API is a set of rules and definitions that software, clients, and services follow to communicate with each other over the Internet. The server and client are the two receiving ends, while the API connects them both. For a backend developer, it is essential to understand the HTTP methods of API development. The most commonly used API commands are:

• GET: to retrieve a resource
• DELETE: to delete a resource
• PUT: to replace an existing resource
• POST: to create a new resource

Most employers expect backend developers to have extensive knowledge of APIs. To connect your backend with other services, you should know how to create an API in various programming languages such as Python, NodeJS, PHP, etc. JSON and XML are the two most recognized formats of API information generation.

4. Server infrastructure knowledge 

Server infrastructure is changing day by day. Today, cloud-native servers are a standard, and businesses no longer want to store and operate their applications through a central location. Since backend developers are working behind the scenes, they must understand various web servers and their technologies. The most commonly used servers are Apache, Nginx, IIS servers, and Microsoft IIS.

Some of the essential backend skills expected from a developer include the ability to manage a hosting environment. As a backend developer, you must be able to scale the applications according to changing demands and configure servers to handle the increased traffic. Accessibility and security compliance related to servers is also essential information. You should know version control among other technologies, such as Git and GitHub.

Another essential skill here is to familiarize yourself with cloud server infrastructures such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Heroku. These leaders in the cloud server market are often used to deploy container-based services such as IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS, and SaaS (Software as a Service).

Conclusion

Backend developers are in hot demand. To land your dream job in 2022, you must master the above-listed backend skills. Apart from these, you should also have strong computer science skills, such as data structures, algorithms, and programming patterns.

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