Backend Developer Job Description: Duties And Requirements

Updated 7 September 2022

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Backend developers design, build and maintain application servers and databases so that they can provide a cohesive user experience upon integration with front-end coding. They research market trends, develop or enhance backend procedures and codes and collaborate with others to develop new applications. Learning about their duties and the essential skills necessary for this role can help you determine if this is the right career for you.

In this article, we discuss what a backend developer job description is, explore their qualifications and skills, review their responsibilities, examine the requirements to work in the role and share an example of this job description.

What Is A Backend Developer Job Description?

A backend developer job description is a document or posting that outlines the vital qualifications, responsibilities and abilities required to accomplish the objectives of a backend developer position. Detailed job descriptions may also describe how prospective employers evaluate a backend developer's abilities and measure success in performing their duties. A backend developer is a software expert who creates apps on a company's server. They link data channels or server functions to operations that enable an application to function properly. Occasionally, they may construct essential parts that are crucial to a software's primary functionality.

Qualifications And Skills For A Backend Developer

The backend developer job description provides certain requirements, which are generally a combination of hard and soft skills necessary to fulfil their responsibilities and daily tasks successfully. Here are some skills you can develop and improve to become a backend developer:

Proficiency in programming and server languages

Backend developers create and maintain the technology that supports a web application's front end using code. That is why proficiency in various programming languages is typically necessary. While expertise in these programming languages might not be compulsory, possessing a working knowledge of at least one language is typically a requirement for this role. You may select a language you wish to learn and become proficient in it based on your interests.

Knowledge of database management

The management of a hosting environment is a key aspect of a backend developer's job. In-depth knowledge of database administration and database management systems (DBMS) is necessary for managing databases. Most developers are typically competent in the recovery and stacking of data from databases and possess the skills to use common database programs. They may develop storage options in the application database to hold a substantial volume of data.

Expertise in API

Application programming interfaces (API) are a collection of functions that help you develop applications by connecting them to the internet and transferring data to servers. The server retrieves, analyses and uses the data to do the requested action. It returns the data to the application after that. The application then gives you the data in an understandable format. Backend developers use an API for the entire process. This means that they require an expert understanding of API and some familiarity with writing API codes that result in error-free mobile or web applications.

Knowledge of middleware

Any server-side software, known as middleware, is used to link the frontend and backend of an application. Middleware is a crucial element for backend developers to understand as it regulates information transfer between the server, operating system and databases. Effective middleware can increase IT productivity and improve business process management.

Related: How To Become A Web Developer

Problem-solving skills

Possessing problem-solving abilities can make you a more productive developer. Backend developers perform a variety of duties, including coding, creating APIs and debugging. They usually devote a significant portion of their time to finding coding errors that can crash programs and resolving these issues. Their duties often include overcoming many programming challenges, such as debugging code, making changes to a website without hampering its functionality and avoiding unpredicted website crashes.

Imaginative and technical creativity skills

Technical creativity can be helpful for backend developers because it aids in website design and code organisation. Writing code that other developers and quality analysts can clearly understand is another facet of creativity. These experts are often inventive and may use their knowledge to organise a database to model that a complicated project demands.

Communication skills

Excellent verbal communication skills are essential to engage with colleagues and various stakeholders to ensure the finished result satisfies the project's requirements. Documenting the code or design and creating test cases are a significant part of the job role. If developers can document their work properly, it may become simpler for quality analysts and other developers to make adjustments in accordance with project requirements.

Backend developers frequently attend meetings with clients and stakeholders to understand the requirements of the project. They may interact better with customers, gain their trust and avoid missing any vital information if they possess exceptional active listening skills.

Collaboration skills

The capacity to work with both small and large teams is often crucial for fulfilling the responsibilities of a backend developer. These experts possess a wide range of technical and non-technical skills and also collaborate well with others. This skill can aid in the completion of significant projects and ensure their ability to adhere to deadlines. Hiring managers usually prefer selecting candidates who can guide a team, listen to instructions and appreciate the specialised skills of team members to help meet production goals.

Duties And Responsibilities Of A Backend Developer

Here are some primary responsibilities of a backend developer:

Taking part in ongoing learning and training to stay up to date on standard practices and learn different programming languages
Establishing goals and creating more usable, seamless codes in collaboration with the front-end developers and other team members to improve the user experience
Collecting and reporting important data to key stakeholders, such as clients or management
Keeping up to date on industry trends and innovations to develop concepts for new initiatives, services or products
Solving issues and finding opportunities for improvement, compiling and analysing data, procedures and codes
Updating, installing and developing content management systems (CMS)
Updating security configurations to prevent hacking attempts
Creating detailed statistics and reports
Implementing frameworks for customer-facing features on the server
Providing support for web server technologies
Integrating server-side components and application programming interface (API)
Designing, deploying and maintaining databases
Taking part in all phases of the application lifecycle with a focus on coding and debugging
Using innovative techniques to enhance existing apps
Compiling and managing the technical and design requirements
Developing useful features by communicating with developers, designers and system administrators
Testing the user interface (UI) to improve performance
Creating flawless code to design useful web applications
Troubleshooting potential issues in applications
Creating reusable code and libraries for later usage
Providing internal teams with training and assistance

Requirements For The Position Of A Backend Developer

You may often find the following requirements in the job description a for a backend developer:

Outstanding collaboration, analytical and problem-solving abilities
Exceptional written and verbal communication
Excellent time and project management skills
Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related discipline
Familiarity with the CMS framework
Ability to work on process optimisation, user experience and efficiency
Professional experience in programming languages
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the web development procedure, including design, development and deployment
Basic understanding of front-end languages
Proven track record of success as a backend developer
Ability to lead a team if required or follow directions
Capacity to work collaboratively with team members and other departments and take initiative as an independent professional
Willingness to work at a desk for long periods of time

Example Job Description For A Backend Developer

Following is a sample job description for a backend developer role to help you identify and apply for the job:

Seeking a backend developer who is analytical and results-oriented and able to collaborate with other team members to diagnose and upgrade the existing backend processes and apps. The backend developer is able to apply their knowledge of programming languages and tools to analyse relevant codes and industry trends, develop more effective procedures, address issues and improve user experience. Proficiency in project management, technology and communication are essential. A successful backend developer is proactive, competent and self-motivated with a focus on developing a better, more effective application and improving the end-user experience.