Backend Developer: Career Path

Dive into the world of Backend Development, where you become the backbone of websites and applications. Explore the realm of server-side technology, databases, and application logic that powers the digital world.

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What does the Backend Developer career path entail?

Backend Developer

Backend development offers a deep dive into the engine room of web and app technologies, making it an ideal career for those who are passionate about problem-solving and building the core functionalities that drive applications.

As a backend developer, you play a crucial role in creating, maintaining, and improving the behind-the-scenes functionality that users may not see, but is vital for the smooth operation of web services and applications. This role is characterized by diverse challenges and the use of a wide range of programming languages and technologies, ensuring a career that is never monotonous.

The demand for skilled backend developers is consistently high, providing a wealth of opportunities across various industries. These opportunities range from startups aiming to disrupt markets to well-established companies looking to maintain their competitive edge. Additionally, backend developers often have the chance to work on critical parts of a project, such as data storage, security measures, and server-side logic, making their role both challenging and impactful.

Best books to explore the Backend career path.

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

Python Cookbook

Python Cookbook

If you need help writing programs in Python 3, or want to update older Python 2 code, this book is just the ticket. Packed with practical recipes written and tested with Python 3.3, this unique cookbook is for experienced Python programmers who want to focus on modern tools and idioms.

High Performance Python

High Performance Python

Your Python code may run correctly, but you need it to run faster. Updated for Python 3, this expanded edition shows you how to locate performance bottlenecks and significantly speed up your code in high-data-volume programs. By exploring the fundamental theory behind design choices, High Performance Python helps you gain a deeper understanding of Python's implementation.

Designing Data-Intensive Applications

Designing Data-Intensive Applications

Data is at the center of many challenges in system design today. Difficult issues need to be figured out, such as scalability, consistency, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability. In addition, we have an overwhelming variety of tools, including relational databases, NoSQL datastores, stream or batch processors, and message brokers. What are the right choices for your application? How do you make sense of all these buzzwords?

Microservice APIs

Microservice APIs

Microservice APIs teaches you practical techniques for designing robust microservices with APIs that are easy to understand, consume, and maintain. You'll benefit from author José Haro Peralta's years of experience experimenting with microservices architecture, dodging pitfalls and learning from mistakes he's made. Inside you'll find strategies for delivering successful API integrations, implementing services with clear boundaries, managing cloud deployments, and handling microservices security. Written in a framework-agnostic manner, its universal principles can easily be applied to your favorite stack and toolset.

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Courses to deepen your Backend skills.

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

Python Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero

Python Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero

Learn Python like a Professional Start from the basics and go all the way to creating your own applications and games.

Create games with Python, like Tic Tac Toe and Blackjack! Learn advanced Python features, like the collections module and how to work with timestamps & Build a complete understanding of Python from the ground up!

Advanced Python

Advanced Python

Over time, Python has exploded in popularity, from being an obscure scripting language to becoming one of the most popular, and widely used languages in the world.

In this Advanced Python tutorial, you'll learn advanced topics, a knowledge of which will set you apart from the greater number of Python developers.

Meta: Introduction to Back-End Development

Meta: Introduction to Back-End Development

This course is a good place to start if you want to become a web developer. You will learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of a web developer and get a general understanding of the core and underlying technologies that power the internet. You will learn how front-end developers create websites and applications that work well and are easy to maintain.

Get the guidance you need on the Backend Developer career path

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

Growing into a Senior Backend Developer role pays off – $30,000 up to per year.

Not only is the progression from individual Backend Developer to a Senior role a natural progression, it also makes all the difference in your average salary.

On a global average, Senior Backend Developer receive a $30,000 salary hike over entry-level Backend Developers when they go from individual contributor to senior personnel.

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Related career paths

If you like Backend careers, you might also be interested in these other career paths.

Get the help you need & advance your career

Begin your journey as a Backend Developer and be the force behind the technology that powers our digital world. Your adventure into the complex and rewarding realm of server-side development starts here!