métier développeur back-end

Back-end developer

Whereas front-end developers focus on page layout and the user interface, back-end developers focus on the heart of development: the server, the data and the application.

Role of the back-end developer

The back-end developer is the master builder of web applications, ensuring that everything works properly behind the user interface. Specialising in different programming languages (PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, etc.), they design the databases and manage their interaction via systems such as SQL Server and MySQL.

Finally, they are responsible for implementing advanced security measures to protect user data and keeping systems up to date to prevent security breaches.

This job belongs to the field of web development.

Tasks of the back-end developer

  • The back-end developer designs and implements the server architecture for web applications, programming the functions linked to the database.
  • They create and optimise API interfaces to ensure fluid communication between the front and back ends.
  • It manages, secures and optimises databases to protect sensitive data and secure the application against vulnerabilities.
  • He or she works with the front-end developer, the graphic designer and the product owner to ensure that functionalities are properly integrated and to maintain the technical and functional consistency of the application.
  • He/she is responsible for regular maintenance and upgrades to the code, correcting bugs and improving existing functionalities.

Key contacts

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Back-end developer skills

Technical skills

A back-end developer masters many programming languages, database management systems and frameworks. Here are some of the tools they use.

  • Programming languages: Java, Python, PHP, Ruby
  • Database management systems: SQL, MongoDB
  • Frameworks: Symphony, Node.js, Django, Laravel
  • Versioning tools: Git, SVN
  • Servers: Apache, Nginx
  • APIs: RESTful, GraphQL
  • Containers: Docker, Kubernetes
  • Project management: Jira, Trello

Soft skills

Back-end developers must have strong problem-solving skills and a strong team spirit. Curiosity, patience and an analytical approach are essential assets. They must show empathy with end-users to fully understand their needs.

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Education and training of back-end developers

A back-end developer generally has a degree in computer science, often from Bac +3 to Bac +5. Most back-end developers have trained in IT at a specialist school.

Training for this profession is evolving fast, with more and more online training courses and bootcamps offering a degree of flexibility in terms of learning skills.

Possible career paths for back-end developers

Developers can move up the management ladder: with experience, they can become tech leads and supervise a team of developers. Others may prefer to become project managers.

On a technical level, they may specialise in a technology such as PHP (see: PHP Symfony developer ). It is also possible to become an architect, designing the architecture of information systems.