Backend Web Developer Learning Path
This is a roadmap to become a backend developer from scratch. Our tech stack focuses on modern technologies of 2023 in the web development space. Linux, React, Next.js, TypeScript, Node, CI/CD, AWS, and scalable, stateless aspects of coding.
(Hours you can spend learning per day)
(Days you can spend learning per week)
23
Months
Testimonials
Are you ready to dive deep into the world of backend web development? With digital transformation rapidly accelerating across industries, the demand for skilled backend developers is soaring. Let us guide you through what backend development entails, why it's so crucial, and how you can forge a career in backend web development. Let's get started!
What is Backend Web Development?
Backend web development, often referred to as server-side development, involves creating and maintaining the technologies that power the components that enable the user-facing, or frontend, part of the website to exist. This includes databases, servers, and applications. A backend developer handles everything that users don't see: they manage the back-end of a website, manipulate data, write APIs and more.
Why is Backend Development Important?
Backend development is the backbone of any web application. The backend is where the logic of websites and applications is processed, it's where the application operates, and where the data is stored and manipulated. Some key reasons why backend development is so vital include:
- Powering the User Interface: Everything that users see and interact with is powered by the backend. Without backend development, there would be no functionality behind user actions.
- Data Management: Backend development involves working with databases to store, retrieve, and manipulate data. This is crucial for any application that needs to use stored information.
- Security: Backend developers also work to ensure that user data is secure and that the website or application is safe from potential threats.
Backend Web Development Learning Path
Now that we know what backend web development is and why it's so critical, let's dive into how to become a backend web developer.
- Master the Basics of Web Development: Before you dive into the server side of things, it's crucial to understand the basics of web development. This includes understanding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Learn a Server-Side Language: Choose a backend programming language and master it. Node.js, Python, and Java are common choices.
- Understand Databases: Knowledge of databases is crucial in backend development. Learn about SQL databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL, and also NoSQL databases like MongoDB or Cassandra.
- Learn a Web Framework: Web frameworks simplify the development process and provide tools and libraries that make it easier to build a web application. If you choose Node.js, learn Express.
- Understand REST and Build APIs: APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are a key part of backend development. They allow different software applications to communicate with each other.
- Implement Authentication and Authorization: Security is paramount in web development. You should understand how to protect user data and implement secure access controls in your application.
- Master Testing/Debugging: Learning how to test and debug your code is vital. Automated testing can help you catch bugs before they cause problems.
- Learn about Deployment and DevOps: Once your application is ready, it needs to be deployed on a server. You should understand the basics of cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure, as well as container technologies like Docker.
- Build Projects: Finally, the best way to learn is by doing. Work on real-life projects that challenge you to apply what you've learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need a computer science degree to become a backend developer?
A: Not necessarily. While a computer science degree can be beneficial, many successful developers are self-taught or have attended coding bootcamps. What's crucial is a deep understanding of programming concepts, databases, and server architecture, most of which can be learned independently.
Q2: What is the best programming language for backend development?
A: There isn't a definitive answer as it depends on the specific needs of the project. Python is known for its readability and is widely used in scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. However, in the roadmap above we chose Node.js since JavaScript is a language you will be already familiar with if you did frontend web development.
Q3: How long does it take to become a backend developer?
A: The timeline depends on your starting point and the time you can dedicate to learning and practice. If starting from scratch, with consistent daily learning and practice, you can expect to become job-ready in 8 to 16 months.
Q4: Is backend development hard?
A: Backend development can be complex as it involves understanding and implementing the logic that makes web applications work. However, with the right learning path and persistent effort, it is very much achievable. Happy coding!