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How to Become a Backend Developer: Skills Required, Roadmap

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05th Sep, 2023
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    How to Become a Backend Developer: Skills Required, Roadmap

    Web development combines two parts- frontend and backend of equal importance. The user interface connects the end-user with the internet and comes under the front end. The backend is all about the websites' or apps' functioning and structure. When it comes to how to become a backend developer, the requirements vary. You need to have certain skills, which have been discussed below in this article. 

    Backend development is basically like the BTS version of what happens on websites. Be it making purchases online or email login, backend development is a necessity. Browsers connect with database information thanks to code developed by backend developers. If you are a beginner and want more information, you can go for Backend Development Bootcamp.

    Who is Backend Developer?

    Let us understand with an example. The website you are currently reading this post on is nothing but the frontend part of a website. All the buttons, including the sign-in button, images, and texts, together make up the interface of this website.

    However, how can you view this web place in the first place? How do you get information once you have signed in or signed up? Well, that is because backend developers are working behind the scenes. The data taken from the signup form is stored in the organization's database. Further, the organization can receive the data from the data set to send an email or recent update.

    In simple terms, a backend developer is a server-side developer responsible for collecting, storing, and modifying data. 

    What do Backend Developers do?

    Backend developers must have technical expertise, analytical thinking, and excellent collaboration skills. As a backend web developer, you should be able to work independently to design the web infrastructure.

    Here is what many backend developers do on a day-to-day basis: 

    Design and Build Websites 

    The major role of a backend developer is to build user-friendly applications or websites using efficient tools and skills. In addition, as a software developer, one has to develop complex MS SQL Server Databases, implement data storage, and keep an eye on the security of the application or website and user information. 

    Write High-quality Code 

    Developers must write clean and easily maintainable code to produce sustainable web applications. Moreover, backend developers review the code, make changes, and conduct unit tests to improve the overall performance of a website.

    Perform Quality Assurance (QA) Testing

    Create and oversee testing schedules to optimize user interface and experience, ensuring optimal display on various browsers and devices. 

    Assess Efficiency and Speed 

    Once a website is up and running and during updates and edits, developers need to assess its performance and scalability, adjusting code as necessary. 

    Troubleshoot and Debug 

    Troubleshoot and resolve issues while communicating them to project managers, stakeholders, and QA teams. 

    Train and Support 

    Maintain workflows with client teams to ensure ongoing support and lead training and mentorship for junior developers. 

    How to Become a Backend Developer in 5 Simple Steps?

    Becoming a backend developer is a great career choice for those who enjoy working with technology and coding. Backend developers are responsible for creating and maintaining the server side of web applications, ensuring that the front end of the website or app can communicate and interact with the server. This role is critical in the development process and offers many job opportunities. Whether you are a complete beginner or you simply want to gain more experience in the field, there are some precise and smart steps on how to become a backend developer.

    Step 1: Determine Your Ideal Timeline

    The first step in becoming a backend developer is determining your ideal timeline. This will depend on your current experience, the amount of time you can dedicate to learning, and your overall career goals. It will help you estimate how long does it take to become a backend developer. If you are a complete beginner, it may take you longer to become a backend developer than someone with experience with coding.  

    On average, it takes about 6-12 months to become proficient in the skills required for a backend developer position when you select the best backend development course. However, this timeline can vary depending on your learning style and the resources available to you. 

    Start Learning in a Format That Suits You 

    Once you have determined your ideal timeline, it's time to start learning. There are several ways to learn the skills required to become a backend developer. Some popular options include online tutorials, coding bootcamps, and college courses. The best options are to sign up for a course such as java backend development course and backend web development course.  

    Choosing a learning format that suits your learning style and schedule is essential. For example, if you are a self-motivated learner, online tutorials may be your best option. However, if you prefer a more structured learning environment, a coding boot camp for backend course or a college course may be the better choice. 

    Step 2: Begin Building Your Portfolio/Resume

    As you learn and develop your skills, you must start building your portfolio and resume. Your portfolio should showcase the projects you have worked on and the skills you have acquired. A good portfolio demonstrates your abilities and makes you stand out to potential employers. Mention your scale of java backend course knowledge through your work. A resume should highlight your education, work experience, and skills clearly and concisely. We have provided a portfolio example and resume template for download to help you get started. 

    A portfolio is a powerful tool for showcasing your skills and experience as a backend developer. It should include examples of your work, such as projects you have built and any relevant certifications or training you have completed. Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and showcase your best work prominently. A resume is also important, and it should be tailored to the job you are applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experience.

    Portfolio Example or Resume Template for Download

    If you need help with creating a portfolio or resume, you can find many helpful resources online. Many templates and examples are available for download, which can be a great starting point. You can find templates for portfolios and resumes specifically tailored to backend developers. Some examples include Github and LinkedIn. You can also find resources on how to create a portfolio or resume that stands out and effectively communicates your skills and experience.  

    Step 3: Where and How to Find a Job?

    Once you have understood how to become a backend developer, developed your skills, and built your portfolio, it's time to start looking for a job. There are several ways to find a backend developer job, including job search websites, networking, and reaching out to recruiters. It's essential to research the companies you are interested in working for and to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job. Some top companies hiring backend developers include Google, Amazon, and Facebook. 

    Top Companies Hiring Backend Developer

    Many companies hire backend developers, from start-ups to large corporations. Some top companies currently hiring backend developers include Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft. These companies offer competitive salaries, benefits, and career advancement opportunities. In addition, you can also find job opportunities at smaller companies, consultancies, and freelancing sites like Upwork, Freelancer etc. 

    Job Outlook for Backend Developer

    The job outlook for backend developers is strong, with many job opportunities available across a wide range of industries. However, it's important to research the job market in the country or region you are interested in working in, as the demand for backend developers can vary. 

    Web developers have a promising career outlook, according to BLS data. Between 2019 and 2029, the company anticipates an 8% rise in employment. Associated occupations are also promising. All computer and information technology professions are expected to rise by 11% over this time, according to the BLS. 

    The robust employment market is advantageous for aspiring web developers. Projections Central predicts that between 2018 and 2028, the number of web developers will increase by more than 5% in 46 states and U.S. territories. The discipline of web development also permits career mobility. Senior web developers and software engineers can rise into positions with the appropriate degrees or experience. 

    Best Locations for Backend Developers  

    According to BLS data, web developers have a promising future. Between 2019 and 2029, the company projects an 8% rise in employment. Related occupations are also quite promising. Over this period, the BLS projects an overall rise in employment of computer and information technology professionals of 11%. 

    It is advantageous for aspiring web developers because the job market is strong. Projections Central predicts that between 2018 and 2028, the number of web developers will increase by more than 5% in 46 states and U.S. territories. The discipline of web development offers opportunities for career progression. If they have the requisite training or experience, software engineers and senior web developers can rise to more senior positions. 

    Top Industries for Backend Developers

    There are several industries in which web developers might choose to work. Healthcare, banking, and software publication are potential industries. 

    Career searchers may take into account which sectors offer the best pay or promising job prospects. For instance, the BLS predicts that increasing demand for mobile applications and online retail transactions would increase demand for web developers. The top-paying sectors for web developers are software publishing, finance, and credit intermediation, as seen in the table below. 

    Larger teams are one of the numerous advantages that huge businesses may provide. Compared to smaller contexts, these workplaces could provide more specialized job responsibilities and more prospects for promotion. Some web developers might choose working for smaller businesses where they can do a range of tasks. 10% of web developers, according to the BLS, work for themselves. 

    So, if you are about to get job ready and looking for backend web development course free, you can take up several free courses available online.  

    Step 4: Ace the Interview 

    The final step in becoming a backend developer is facing the interview. The interview process for backend developer positions typically includes a technical test, an oral interview, and a coding challenge. It's essential to prepare for these by researching the company and practicing your coding skills.  

    Here are some tips to help you ace the interview: 

    • Research the Company: Research the company and its culture before the interview. Look for information on the company’s values, mission, products or services, and recent news or events. It will give you a better understanding of the company and help you tailor your responses to the company's needs. 

    • Prepare for Technical Questions: The technical test and oral interview will likely include questions about your technical skills and experience. Review your resume and refresh your memory on the technologies and programming languages you listed. Also, be prepared to answer questions about algorithms, data structures, databases, and security. 

    • Practice Coding Challenges: The coding challenge is an opportunity for the interviewer to evaluate your problem-solving skills. Make sure to practice in the programming language you're most comfortable with. 

    • Communicate Clearly: During the interview, speak clearly and concisely. Avoid using technical jargon that the interviewer may not understand. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. 

    • Show your Passion for Backend Development: Show your passion for backend development by discussing projects you have worked on, technologies you enjoy working with, and how you have overcome technical challenges in the past. It will demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in the field and are committed to developing your skills. 

    • Ask Questions: At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer questions about the company and the position. It demonstrates that you are interested in the company and are invested in the interview process. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to clarify any concerns or questions you may have. 

    Who can Become a Backend Developer?

    Backend developers are responsible for creating and maintaining the server side of web applications, ensuring that the front end of the website or app can communicate and interact with the server. Anyone with interest in coding and technology can become a backend developer. However, it is essential to have a strong understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, or Ruby and experience with databases and servers. Additionally, strong problem-solving and analytical skills are required. Familiarity with security and scalability concerns is also beneficial. 

    Backend Developer Requirements

    To become a backend developer, you should have a strong understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, or Ruby and experience with databases and servers. Additionally, strong problem-solving and analytical skills are required. Knowledge of web development frameworks, version control systems, and debugging tools is also essential. Familiarity with security and scalability concerns is also beneficial. Many backend web development courses free offer training for programming languages. 

    Benefits of Becoming a Backend Developer

    Becoming a backend developer offers many benefits. It is a well-paying and in-demand profession with many job opportunities. Some of the major benefits include: 

    • High Earning Potential: Backend developers are in high demand and can expect to earn a high salary. 

    • Job Security: The need for backend developers is expected to grow in the coming years, providing strong job security in the field. 

    • Variety of Industries and Companies: Backend developers can work in a variety of industries and companies, from start-ups to large corporations. 

    • Flexibility: Backend developers can work remotely and have flexible working hours. 

    • Continuous Learning: Backend developers can work on challenging and complex projects and learn and develop new skills continuously. 

    • Job Satisfaction: Backend developers play a critical role in the development process and have the pleasure of seeing their work come to life in the form of a functional application or website. 

    • Variety of Job Opportunities: The field of backend development offers a wide range of job opportunities, from entry-level positions to senior developer roles.

    What is the Demand for Backend Developer?

    The demand for backend developers is high and is expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing use of technology in businesses and industries and the increasing demand for mobile and web applications. This high demand means that there are many job opportunities available for backend developers and strong job security in the field. 

    Salary Details for Top 5 Countries

    The salary for backend developers varies depending on the country and the specific job. However, on average, backend developers can expect to earn a high salary. Here are the average salaries for backend developers in the top 5 countries: 

    • United States: $90,000 - $120,000 per year 

    • Canada: 65,000 CAD - 95,000 CAD per year 

    • United Kingdom: £40,000 - £60,000 per year 

    • Australia: $70,000 - $100,000 per year 

    • Germany: €40,000 - €70,000 per year 

    Looking to level up your skills? Explore our best online programming courses and unlock your potential. From beginner to advanced, we've got you covered. Join us today and start your coding journey!

    Conclusion

    Becoming a backend developer is a great career choice for those who enjoy working with technology and coding. It is a well-paying and in-demand profession with many job opportunities. By following the roadmap outlined in this article, and by developing the necessary skills, and building a solid portfolio, you can increase your chances of landing a job as a backend developer.  In addition to technical skills, it is essential to cultivate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and practical communication skills. These qualities will help you stand out in the job market and make you a valuable member of any development team. 

    Finally, remember that landing a job as a backend developer is only the beginning. You must be committed to ongoing learning and development to succeed in this field. By staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends, you can stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow your career. However, it is important to remember that everyone's journey will be different, and success will depend on your ability to adapt, learn, and grow as a developer. You can enroll in a conventional degree program or KnowledgeHut Web Development certificate online to further boost your learning.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1How long does it take to become a backend developer?

    It depends on your learning capacities and how fast you can learn. For example, you can also learn web development in 6 months, or you may also take two years.

    2Can I start as a backend developer?

    Working as a backend developer without a bachelor's degree is still doable, especially if you have some other type of certification or training, such as a programming boot camp.

    3Is it hard to be a backend developer?

    It is not easy, but with polished knowledge and proper guidance, one can ace their career in backend development.

    4Is backend development a good career?

    Considering the recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, a career in Backend development seems promising and is expected to grow much faster.

    Profile

    Bala Krishna Ragala

    Blog Author

    Bala Krishna Ragala, Head of Engineering at upGrad, is a seasoned writer and captivating storyteller. With a background in EdTech, E-commerce, and LXP, he excels in building B2C and B2B products at scale. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Bala has held key roles as CTO/Co-Founder at O2Labs and Head of Business (Web Technologies) at Zeolearn LLC. His passion for learning, sharing, and teaching is evident through his extensive training and mentoring endeavors, where he has delivered over 80 online and 50+ onsite trainings. Bala's strengths as a trainer lie in his extensive knowledge of software applications, excellent communication skills, and engaging presentation style.

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