Websites and applications are common these days. However, it's important to understand that behind the cool design and features lies the technology that makes them work. Every website and application has a hidden backend that is responsible for its functionality, such as processing data, managing databases, and handling security.

In this blog article, I will explain backend development for beginners, simplifying the concepts and making it easier to understand.

What is Backend Development?

Back-end development is also known as “sever-side” development.

Backend development is the process of building and maintaining the server-side of a web application. This includes the server, the database, and the APIs that allow communication between the frontend and backend of the application.

The backend is responsible for handling tasks such as processing user data, managing databases, and handling security and authentication. It is essentially the engine that powers the web application.

Backend development uses a variety of computer languages and frameworks, including Java, Python, Ruby on Rails, and Node.js. Each language has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of language is influenced by the project's particular specifications.

Model-view-controller (MVC) architecture, which divides the application into three key parts: the model, the view, and the controller, is typically used to build a web application's server-side. The controller is in charge of handling user requests and updating the model and view as necessary. The model is in charge of managing data, the view is in charge of displaying data to the user.

To store and handle data, backend developers also employ databases. A relational database, like MySQL or PostgreSQL, is the most typical type of database used in backend development. Because of their scalability and flexibility, NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra are also gaining popularity.

Backend developers use APIs to communicate with the frontend of the web application (Application Programming Interfaces). APIs are a set of guidelines and standards that enable interaction between various software programs.

Security and authentication are also important aspects of backend development. Backend developers must ensure that the application is secure and that user data is protected. They use various techniques, such as encryption and authentication, to ensure that the application is secure and that user data is safe.

In summary, backend development is the process of creating and maintaining a web application's server side. Using APIs, it entails managing data, responding to user queries, and interacting with the application's front end.