If you're just starting and want to dive into backend web development, this article will guide you through the essential steps.
By the end, you'll understand the optimal sequence for learning.
If you're unsure about choosing a development stack, check out the article on Frontend vs Backend: Which should you choose? to figure out where to begin.
Now, let's kick off your journey into backend development!
What is a Backend in web development?
Backend development, often called server-side development, involves crafting the hidden framework that makes websites and applications work. It's akin to constructing the behind-the-scenes structure that enables users to engage with and enjoy the visible part of the website, known as the front end.
The major key aspect of backend development relies on these three things:
Writing server-side coding: To become a backend developer, you will need to learn any of the server-side or scripting languages like PHP, Python, Java, etc
Building and maintaining databases: Databases are the storage system of the web. Backend developers design, create, and manage these databases to ensure efficient data storage and retrieval.
Developing APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): APIs link the front-end and back-end, letting parts of the app share and swap data. Backend developers craft and put APIs in place for smooth data flow and app functions
Steps to learn Backend development
Make sure you follow the sequence of how I arrange this step of learning the backend development.
Step one: Choose a language to learn
In the world of backend development, there are different languages to choose from, each suited for specific purposes. Let's explore some of these options:
Python:
What's good for Creating dynamic web pages?
Why it's popular: Known for its versatility and beginner-friendly nature.
What you can do with it: Website development, game development, data science, machine learning, desktop applications, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, network servers, blockchain, and more.
PHP:
What it's good for: Server-side scripting is primarily used in web development.
Common uses: E-commerce websites, social media platforms, content management systems (CMS), web scraping, and various other web applications.
JavaScript:
What it's good for: Both web and mobile application development.
Why it's important: Essential for creating dynamic and interactive web pages.
Roles: While it's well-known for frontend development, JavaScript is also used in the backend.
Uses: Mobile applications, dynamic website development, game development, API documentation, and more.
Java:
What it's good for: Backend programming for both web and application development.
Why it's known: Recognized for its semi-versatile role in programming.
Applications: Mobile apps, web apps, desktop apps, games, and various other software.
Remember, the best choice depends on what you aim to achieve. Python for its flexibility, PHP for web-focused tasks, JavaScript for dynamic interfaces, and Java for versatile backend solutions. Each has its strengths, so pick the one that aligns with your project goals!
Step two: Learn Databases
Programming Languages for Backend development is a server-side language. This means that you will need to work with a database.
The database is a web page storage. It is a place in which all the files and data on the Internet are stored and retrieved when needed.
Depending on the language you choose above, you will have to learn one or more of the databases listed below.
- MySQL
- Postgres
- SQLite
- ModoDB
- Oracle Database
- Redis
Step three: Learn the backend framework
Each of the backend languages has various frameworks. Programming frameworks offer pre-built libraries, components, and conventions, saving developers time and effort.
Note: It is recommended you make sure that you understand the basics of these languages before you start learning different frameworks.
You should learn one of the following frameworks for any of the backend languages you choose.
Python: Frameworks: Django, Flask, Pyramid, FastAPI.
JavaScript: Node.js or Express.js.
Java: Spring, Hibernate, Apache Strunt, etc.
PHP: Laravel, CodeIgniter, and Synfony.
These frameworks cater to different aspects of backend development, including web application development, database interaction, and more. The choice of a framework often depends on project requirements, team expertise, and the specific features needed for the application.
Step four: Learn API
You would need to learn API. learning about APIs is integral to building modern, interconnected, and scalable applications. It empowers developers to create software that can seamlessly communicate with other services and platforms, leading to more dynamic and feature-rich applications. Examples of API are Rest API, Soap, and JSON.
An API is a set of rules that allows one software application to interact with another. It defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information
For simplicity, I recommend you learn API with the provided languages below:
Python: Learn about Django Rest Framework for Python, which simplifies building APIs in Django applications.
Java: Explore Spring Boot for Java, a framework that makes it easy to create production-ready APIs.
PHP: Understand Laravel for PHP, a robust framework with an elegant syntax for building APIs.
JavaScript (Node.js): Dive into Express.js for Node.js, a minimalist web framework that simplifies building scalable APIs.
Tools you need to get to work
Coding: For coding, there are vast code editors you can choose from depending on the language you want to learn. But I will recommend that you use VS code editor. It is versatile to write different programming languages.
Collaborative tool: learn git and GitHub to host and manage code repositories, track changes, collaborate with others, and contribute to open-source projects.
Resources to use
As a beginner, you will need a guide to get started on this journey. There are paid and free resources out there. The good news is that most of these resources are available for free use. And thanks to the internet, mainly the developers who put these resources out there for free use, you would get what you need to start without paying a penny. Below are some resources to kickstart your journey
YouTube: Numerous YouTube channels offer video tutorials and explanations of backend development concepts and technologies. Explore channels like Traversy Media, freeCodeCamp.org
Online Courses and Tutorials: There is a free and paid company that offers one of the courses or a tutorial for learning. Some of which are FreeCodeCamp, W3schools, Sololearn, etc. Looking for free learning? Check out this article - Websites To Learn Coding For Free
Online Community: Online communities and forums for learning web development provide beginners with a supportive environment where they can seek guidance, share experiences, and get help from experienced developers, accelerating their learning process through collective knowledge and collaboration. Examples of these communities are StackOverflow, Github, Twitter handles of developers, etc
Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide lays out a structured path for anyone embarking on the journey into backend web development. From selecting a language tailored to your project goals, delving into databases, exploring frameworks, and mastering the crucial skill of working with APIs, each step is carefully outlined.
Remember, the optimal sequence matters, and the choice of language, database, framework, and API is driven by your project's specific needs. Additionally, equipping yourself with essential tools like VS Code for coding and Git/GitHub for collaboration will enhance your proficiency in backend development.
Now, armed with this roadmap, you're well-prepared to navigate the complications of backend development and contribute to the ever-evolving world of software engineering. Happy coding!
Have any questions/requests? Connect with me in the comments section below. Thanks for reading.