Have you ever wondered how websites handle your login details or how apps manage tons of data behind the scenes? That’s where backend engineers come in. They’re the ones working in the background to make sure everything runs smoothly, from storing your data to keeping systems fast and reliable.
Introduction
A backend engineer is like the architect of the digital world, building the foundation that powers websites and apps. It’s a role that combines problem-solving, coding, and designing systems to handle everything users don’t see but rely on every single day.
If you’re curious about how to get started in this exciting field, don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds! In this guide, we’ll break down the skills, tools, and steps you need to become a backend engineer. Whether you’re new to tech or looking to switch careers, this is your roadmap to building an exciting future in backend development.
Understand the working of Internet
The internet is a global system of interconnected networks that use a common language, called the Internet Protocol (IP), to exchange information. It connects millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks. As a backend engineer, understanding how the internet works is crucial because it’s the foundation of how your applications interact with users and other systems.
Pick a Programming Language
Picking the right programming language comes down to what you want to build and your career goals. If you’re just starting out, Python or Node.js are beginner friendly and offer tons of helpful libraries. For high-performance projects, Java or Go might be a better fit. If you’re looking to work on enterprise applications, C# is a solid choice, especially for Microsoft-based systems. Think about what excites you and what fits your needs, and choose a language that feels right for you!
Version Control
A version control system (VCS) is a tool that helps you keep track of changes to your code. It lets you save different versions of your project, go back to earlier versions if something breaks, and work with others without messing up each other’s work. Whether you’re coding alone or with a team, a VCS helps keep your work organized and problem-free. Tools like Git make it easy for teams to work on the same project, add new features, and combine changes smoothly.
Selecting Up Right Database
A database is a place where data is stored, organized, and managed so it can be easily accessed and used. Think of it as a digital filing system for all kinds of information, like user profiles, orders, or messages in an app. Databases can be of different types:
- Relational databases store data in tables with rows and columns, making it easy to find relationships between data. e.g. MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle
- NoSQL databases are great for handling large amounts of unstructured data, like JSON files or real-time analytics. e.g. MongoDB
As a backend developer, you’ll use databases to store and retrieve data efficiently, ensuring apps work smoothly and respond quickly to users.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A REST API is like a bridge that helps different apps talk to each other over the internet. It uses simple actions like:
- GET: To grab information (e.g., fetch a user’s profile).
- POST: To send new data (e.g., create a new account).
- PUT: To update something (e.g., edit a profile).
- DELETE: To remove data (e.g., delete an account).
These APIs usually send and receive data in formats like JSON, which is easy to work with. REST APIs are popular because they’re simple, flexible, and work across different platforms, making them the go-to choice for building apps that need to share data.
Also, there is one website Roadmap.sh that you can refer to as a backend guide
Web Security
Web security is all about keeping websites, apps, and the data they handle safe from hackers and misuse. It ensures that things like passwords, personal details, and payment info stay private, so users can trust the sites they visit. Some key practices in web security include:
- Encryption: Using HTTPS to make sure data stays secure while it’s being sent online.
- Authentication: Verifying users with extra steps like two-factor authentication (2FA) to make sure they’re who they say they are.
- Input Validation: Making sure any data users send is safe and can’t harm the system, like blocking harmful code injections.
- Firewalls: Adding extra layers of protection to block unauthorized access to your servers.
For backend developers, web security means writing safe, secure code and staying up to date with the latest security practices to keep both users and systems protected.
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