BackEnd Developer Skills for 2024

In the fast-paced world of technology, keeping up-to-date on the latest trends and skills is critical for professionals in the field. So, in this article, you'll find a comprehensive guide to what a BackEnd developer should know in 2024.

You will learn about aspects such as, programming languages, databases, frameworks, APIs, server handling and version control systems. You will understand basic concepts and tools that will allow you to create reliable and scalable applications.

Main BackEnd Developer Skills for 2024

You're in the right place if you're looking for what a junior BackEnd developer should know in 2024. You will learn information about the key skills and technologies that junior backend professionals in this field should focus on.

By mastering these skills, you'll build a solid foundation for your career growth and open doors to numerous opportunities.

Internal programming languages

In backend development, a programming language is the foundation of your work. With these tools, you build a solid framework and connection to the server.

The desired results and functionality will only be achieved if you have mastered one of the built-in programming languages, such as Python, PHP or Java.

Python

Python is a popular top-level programming language that can be used for a variety of tasks, including web development and data processing. Python was first released in 1991 and has since become one of the most widely used languages in the world.



A key advantage of Python is its compatibility with most operating systems, including:

• Windows


• Linux


• macOS

Python also has excellent scalability and versatility, making it an ideal choice for both small and large projects. It can be used to develop applications, scripts and web services.



The language is easy to learn and understand, even for those with no programming experience. It is therefore part of what backend developers in 2024 should know.

As you work with Python, pay attention to such things as:

• Python basics, including data types, variables, control flow, loops, functions and object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts


• Web frameworks such as Django or Flask


• Understand how to work with databases in Python

Stay tuned to Merehead for the latest trends and updates. You'll find lots of useful information about Python, as well as other backend development tools, on our website.

PHP

PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a server-side scripting language. It is mainly used for website development. Rasmus Lerdorf created it in 1994, and it is now maintained by The PHP Group.



One of the main advantages of PHP is its ease of use. It is relatively easy to learn a language, so developers with even basic programming skills can quickly learn it.



To improve your understanding of PHP, start with what a junior backend developer in 2024 should know, namely:

• PHP fundamentals, including control structures, loops, functions, arrays, forms and object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts


• PHP frameworks, such as Laravel, Symfony, or CodeIgniter

PHP is one of the most common programming languages among backend developers. More than 80% of websites run with PHP, making it an important part of your stack. By learning it, you can automate tasks and make the development process easier and more convenient.

Java

Java is a versatile object-oriented programming language that has a wide range of uses, from web development to games and mobile applications. It was first released in 1995 and has since become one of the most popular languages among backend developers, allowing them to:

• Create applications that work on all platforms


• Combine applications or services


• Create reliable and useful software for mobile devices, remote processors and virtually all electronic devices

The ability to work with Java is still key and remains an indispensable skill. In addition to serving as a powerful programming language, Java is also trend-setting for the next two decades.



The things a junior backend developer in 2024 should know about Java include:

• Java syntax and object-oriented programming (OOP)


• Java Development Kit (JDK) and Integrated Development Environment (IDE)


• Java Servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSP)

Java is still a sought-after programming language due to its versatility and extensive feature set. This makes it a great choice for enterprise-level applications and large-scale projects, so understanding and being able to work with this language is your need in 2024.

Databases

Storing data is one of the main tasks that must be done for applications or websites to be successful. Developers who have an understanding of how databases work have a better chance of winning jobs.

A backend developer is responsible for the ability to restore, organize, modify and store information. There are two types of databases on the market, namely:

• SQL


• NoSQL.

A SQL or relational database is a set of highly structured tables in which each row reflects a data object and each column defines a specific information field.

Relational databases are created using Structured Query Language (SQL) to perform tasks such as developing, storing, updating, and retrieving data. MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle are most commonly used to perform these functions.

NoSQL databases do not need to pre-structure data. They mostly work in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and XML (Extensible Markup Language).

MySQL

MySQL is a relational database management system (DBMS) created by Oracle Corporation and based on a structured query language.



The advantages of MySQL include:

• Flexibility and ease of use


• High performance


• Compliance with industry standards


• Security

MySQL is open source, resilient, feature-rich and continuously improved and maintained by Oracle. As such, MySQL is used by institutions such as Twitter, Wikipedia, Facebook and YouTube.



As one of the most popular DBMSs, MySQL is part of what a junior backend developer should know in 2024.

While learning this tool, pay attention to the following things:

• SQL basics. Gain an understanding of the structured query language and its syntax.


• Database design. Learn how to create efficient database schemas, define relationships between tables, and set appropriate data types and constraints. Become familiar with concepts such as primary keys, foreign keys, and indexes.


• Performance tuning. Explore configuring database server settings, optimizing memory usage, configuring the query cache, and monitoring performance with tools such as EXPLAIN and MySQL Performance Schema.

MySQL is a common, time-honored, yet modern and feature-rich relational database maintenance software. Companies use it to store and optimize corporate data and as the foundation for key applications.

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a robust, open-source database system that implements support for basic SQL tools such as foreign keys, subqueries, triggers, and special user-defined functions.

It extends the capabilities of the SQL language by offering features that scale and reserve data workloads. Most often, PostgreSQL is used to store data in mobile, web, and analytical applications.

Among the features of PostgreSQL are:

• Scalability


• Security


• Dynamic loadability

The PostgreSQL server has a simple structure consisting of shared memory, background processes, and a data directory structure. The client sends a query to the server. The PostgreSQL server then processes the data using shared buffers and background processes.



In some job postings, recruiters add PostgreSQL to the list of things a junior backend developer should know in 2024, so if you haven't mastered it yet, get on it now.

Frameworks

A framework is a structure on which you can build software. It serves as a framework so you don't have to start from scratch. They are usually associated with a specific programming language and are suitable for different types of tasks.

Once you have learned one of the programming languages, start figuring out how frameworks work. This is something a junior backend developer in 2024 should know, as this is the tool that will be used to perform most of your tasks.

Django

Django is a framework that speeds up the development of a web application created in the Python programming language. Django was first introduced in 2005 and named after jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.



Using the Django web framework is the most efficient way to create web applications. For example, Mozilla, Instagram and Pinterest work with Django, getting all its benefits, namely:

• Speed of development


• Security


• Versatility


• Open source code


• Extensive and supported community

If you use Python as your primary programming language, learn what a junior backend developer in 2024 should know about Django. This will be your next step in developing your skills.

• Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture. Learn how models display data structures, views handle queries and generate responses and templates work with the presentation layer.


• Django Project Structure. Learn about basic components such as settings.py (configuration parameters) and urls.py (URL routing).


• URL representations and routing. Understand how to map URLs to specific views using Django URL templates.

Django is a great choice for projects that need to deal with a lot of content, user interaction, high traffic, complex features and technology. Understanding this framework is an important part of most backend developers' jobs.

Laravel

Laravel is a free framework that provides a set of tools for building modern PHP applications. It has over 70,000 stars on GitHub and is on the list of in-demand skills in the job market.



To understand why Laravel is being put on the list of things a junior backend developer should know in 2024, let's take a look at its features.

Here are some of them:

• MVC architecture. Laravel's MVC pattern helps developers bring order and consistency to unstructured code.


• Artisan command line interface. It simplifies web development with code generation and database management features.


• Built-in authentication. With a few Artisan commands, you can set up strong and robust authentication and authorization for your web application.


• Eloquent ORM. Eloquent object-relational mapper simplifies interaction with the database. In addition to retrieving records from a table, the Eloquent model allows you to insert, update, and delete records.

Understanding this framework opens up new opportunities for you in the world of backend development. In addition to getting a priority position among job seekers, you'll also be able to provide  Laravel development services. Learn its features to enhance your skills in 2024.

Spring

Spring is the leading Java framework among developers. It is an efficient solution for creating productive, testable and reusable code.

Spring was written by Rod Johnson and released under the Apache 2.0 license in June 2003. After 20 years, it remains the premier Java framework and is on the list of things a junior BackEnd developer should know in 2024.

Advantages of Spring:

• Flexibility. Spring supports both XML configurations and Java-based annotations. It is ideal for enterprise application development.


• No need for a server. Speeds up the development process and makes it less demanding.


• Technology support. Spring utilizes technologies such as JDK timers, ORM frameworks, and Java EE.

Spring is a secure, inexpensive, and flexible framework that improves coding efficiency and reduces overall application development time. In order to get into the BackEnd development team working with Java, you absolutely need to know Spring.

What should a backend developer know in 2024?

This section serves as a guide for developers of all levels and explores most of what a backend developer should know in 2024. Regardless of your level of experience, being aware of these innovations will help you stay competitive in the job market and provide an exceptional user experience.

Working with APIs

The Application Programming Interface, or API, is responsible for establishing connections between different programs. APIs are all around us. Every time you use a travel application or send an electronic payment, you use an API.

APIs work by following a set of protocols and rules that determine how different software systems can communicate with each other. Understanding how APIs work and how to interact with them is an important part of all backend developer skills.



As you study the methodology of the API, pay attention to such components as:

• API design. This includes designing the endpoints, choosing the appropriate HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and defining consistent and meaningful resource naming conventions.


• RESTful architecture. Learn about RESTful principles such as non-staticity, resource identification, unified interface, and HATEOAS (Hypermedia as the Engine of Application State).


• Request and response formats. Understand the different request and response formats used in the API, such as JSON, XML, or even binary formats like Protocol Buffers.

While working as a backend developer, you will interact with the API. Professionals who have mastered this topic well, understand how this technology works and can create APIs on their own will be in high demand in the job market in 2024.

Working with a server

Since backend developers are responsible for performing all internal activities, they must also understand the topic of working with the server.



A server is a cloud system that contains all useful information and offers services such as file storage, databases, and security to other systems connected to that network.

As you learn, use a list of what a backend developer in 2024 should know about working with a server, as follows:

• Server configuration. Learn about configuring operating systems, Web servers such as Apache or Nginx, and databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.


• Deployment process. Understand how to install the necessary dependencies, configure environment variables, and manage deployment scripts.


• Cloud platforms. Learn how to work with cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform or Microsoft Azure.

If you want to succeed in backend development, understanding how the server works and interacts with it is an integral part of your professional skills. Approach it responsibly to improve your skill set in 2024.

Data structures and algorithms

A good understanding of DSA (data structures and algorithms) is an important part of what a backend developer should know in 2024. It is essential for effective management and proper data extraction.

DSA also forms the basis for modifying, organizing and accessing data in programming. Understanding these principles will make your code more optimized and efficient.

Version Control System

Version control systems, also known as source code control systems are techniques for accounting for and regulating edits to program code. They are especially important to DevOps teams because they reduce development time and increase deployment success rates.



Here are some of the most popular version control systems a backend developer should know about in 2024:

• AWS Code Commit


• GitHub


• GitLab.

A big part of your job as a backend developer is to understand and see the code repository. The better you understand this process, the more you are valued as an expert.

In 2024, start learning with GitHub, then move on to other version control systems.

DevOps and deployment automation

Employers expect Backend developers to be familiar with DevOps practices and deployment automation. This is necessary to optimize the software delivery pipeline, deploy code changes, and ensure application reliability and scalability.

DevOps is an approach that fosters collaboration between development and operations teams. DevOps involves shared responsibility for the entire software development process - from coding and testing to deployment and monitoring.

The BackEnd developer should have an understanding of automation tools such as:

• Jenkins


• Travis CI


• CircleCI

These tools automate aspects of the development process such as building, testing, and deploying code changes. This approach ensures consistent and rapid delivery of software updates to production environments.

Other aspects of DevOps:

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC). You need to learn IaC tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or AWS CloudFormation.


• Containerization and Orchestration. Explore containerization using Docker and orchestration through platforms such as Kubernetes.


• Monitoring and observability. Customize monitoring and observability tools such as Prometheus, Grafana or New Relic.

Understanding DevOps principles is one of the main aspects a BackEnd developer in 2024 should know. Since, DevOps describes the work and interaction between teams, you will encounter this requirement more often in IT companies with more than 100 employees.

Project Management Methodology

A management methodology is a set of principles and techniques for organizing and managing projects. It is a part of development, aspects of which should be understood not only by project managers, but also by project participants.