What the work is
A backend developer builds the server side of applications: the logic, the databases and the APIs a website or mobile app uses to fetch and store data. They make sure orders are not lost, payments go through once, users’ data is protected and the system holds up under load. Typical tools are Python, Java, Go, Node.js or PHP, SQL databases such as PostgreSQL, and Docker.
A typical day
Going through a task with an analyst or product manager: what a new API endpoint must do. Designing tables and queries, writing code and tests, reviewing code. Sometimes, investigating a production error through logs and metrics. Agreeing the data format with the frontend developers.
How to start
- Pick one language (Python or JavaScript, for example) and learn its basics.
- Learn SQL and how relational databases work.
- Write your own REST API: sign-up, a list of items, search, access rights.
- Confirm your SQL and language skills with tests on the platform, and put your projects on GitHub.
Related professions
Frontend developer, DevOps engineer, data analyst, QA engineer.