What does a Back-End Developer do?

A Back-End Developer plays an important role in website development, creating Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that serve as the technical frameworks for websites. After gaining an understanding of project goals, a Back-End Developer translates the client’s or management team’s vision into code, applications and databases that allow a website to communicate with the server and work on a user’s device.

The testing, optimizing and troubleshooting duties in the job description for Back-End Developer positions improve user experience and minimize site outages. Through collaboration and communication, Back-End Developers also control costs and support project success for on-time completion.

Back-End Developer skills and qualifications

To perform their job duties proficiently, a Back-End Developer must rely on certain skills. Consider including the following qualifications in your Back-End Developer job description:

• In-depth knowledge of relevant programming languages, such as Java, PHP, Python, .NET and Ruby

• Understanding of servers, cybersecurity, code versioning tools and relevant CSS extensions, such as LESS and SASS

• Analytical skills to interpret data gathered during testing

• Communication skills to discuss projects with clients and management and collaborate with other developers

• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical issues

• Time management skills to complete assigned tasks within deadlines

• Creative thinking skills to develop innovative applications

Back-End Developer experience requirements

With proper training, a Back-End Developer may not need any previous work experience to succeed in their roles. During educational programs, most Back-End Developers build portfolios showcasing their previous work, and employers tend to review and assess these portfolios when making hiring decisions. If your open position requires involvement in complex projects or working in a specialized niche, you may wish to specify a few years of experience are mandatory or preferred in your Back-End Developer job description.

Back-End Developer education and training requirements

Educational requirements for Back-End Developers vary, but most employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education, graduation from a coding bootcamp or a portfolio of past work. You may choose to list more formal education requirements in your job description for Back-End Developer positions, depending on the complexity of your projects.

Some employers prioritize candidates who have earned relevant voluntary certifications, such as one of the Java programming certifications offered through Oracle or one of the Certified Professional Python Programmer credentials granted by the Python Institute. Consider adding required certifications or preferred qualifications in your Back-End Developer job description.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the details of this job description for Back-End Developer positions aren’t an exact match for your business needs, consider these related job titles:

• Front-End Developer

• Full-Stack Developer

• Java Developer

• Web Developer

Back-End Developer job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Back-End Developer and a Web Developer?

The difference between a Back-End Developer and a Web Developer is the specificity of the job duties associated with each title. Web Developer is a general term for any IT professional responsible for developing websites. A Back-End Developer is a specialist in web development who constructs the frameworks for websites.

What’s the difference between a Back-End Developer and a Front-End Developer?

Back-End Developers and Front-End Developers often work side-by-side on web development projects. Back-End Developers create the server-facing applications and databases that enable websites to function, while Front-End Developers work on the user-facing interfaces, layouts and graphics of websites.

What’s the difference between a Back-End Developer and a Full-Stack Developer?

The difference between Back-End Developers and Full-Stack Developers is the scope of their roles. Full-Stack Developers create the server-side and user-facing portions of websites, while Back-End Developers concentrate solely on the server-side frameworks.