In any software or application, there are two parts: frontend and backend. The frontend is what the users see and interact with, while the backend operates on logic of the application. Backend technologies and frameworks are crucial for developing scalable applications and managing server operations and databases. Selecting the right framework helps to enhance development productivity and application performance.
In this article, we explain the top 10 Backend Technologies like Python, JavaScript, Laravel, and others. We also discuss their key features and pros & cons. We also give some insights into the top Backend Technologies trends that will help you understand how these frameworks are progressing and how they will impact application development in the future.
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What is Backend Technology?
The backend is the nerve center of any application. It is the backbone of the application and is crucial to ensuring that the app or software works smoothly. It is a binding force for everything that the application does so that the commands given by the user are carried out.
From a technical point of view, the backend includes writing, optimizing, and deploying server-side code. This process involves writing complex functional protocols, building libraries, and developing other such components that keep the software running smoothly.
Backend frameworks are the programming language used in web or application development. They are responsible for the behind-the-scenes work such as data storage, authenticating users, providing APIs for front-end applications, and more.
Now, let’s look at some of the main parts of the backend technologies.
Also read: A Guide to Full Stack Developer Salary in USA
Key Components of Backend Technology
Backend technologies are the tools, frameworks, languages, and databases used for building servers or the technical side of the applications. By working behind the scenes, these technologies help manage the servers and databases to facilitate communication between the server and the user’s browser (the front-end).
Let’s look at some of the main components of the backend:
- Programming languages: Backend runs on programming languages like Python, JavaScript, PHP, and others. These are used to write backend logic.
- Frameworks: It includes technologies such as pre-written, reusable code libraries to streamline the development. Its examples include technologies such as Express.js, Django, Ruby on Rails, etc.
- Databases: The backend stores data on relational databases like MySQL and on NoSQL databases like MongoDB, Cassandra, and others.
- Servers: They are an essential part of the backend because its frameworks are deployed and managed on servers that can be either cloud-based or physical.
- Application Programming Interfaces (APIs): Often the backend technologies use APIs to interact with the other services and give access to external tools for their functionalities.
- Containers and orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes, and other such technologies help in managing and deploying backend applications in a containerized environment efficiently.
Also read: What is Full Stack Development
Top 10 Backend Technologies
There are several types of backend technologies being used for app and software development. Here we have compiled a list of top 10 backend technologies along with their features and benefits & limitations.
1. Python
One of the most versatile and popular backend languages is Python. It is mainly used for web development and is one of the most popular backend technologies in this comprehensive list. Its simple syntax makes it easy to learn and use allowing the developers to quickly develop applications without having to write lines of complex codes. In addition, it supports a variety of frameworks like Django, Flask, and many more.
The following table shows the key features, pros, and cons of Python.
Also read: Python Main Function and Examples with Code
2. JavaScript
It is a robust computer programming language, implementing which allows client-side scripts to interact easily with the users and create dynamic pages. JavaScript is an object-oriented & lightweight programming language. It is a versatile language because it can be used for both front and backend development. As a result, it has high interoperability with seamless third-party integration and dynamic web interfaces.
Let’s look at some of the key features, pros & cons of JavaScript:
3. C#
Next in the list of backend technologies is C# (pronounced as C-Sharp). It was initially released by Microsoft with the .NET framework in the form of a closed-source programming language. But with time, it became a free and open-source language. It is mostly used in game development, cloud-based services, and enterprise software development.
Here are some of the main features, benefits, and limitations of using C#.
4. Java
Another highly popular backend technology is Java. The best thing about backend development on Java is that the code can be run on different platforms and operating systems like Linux, Windows, etc. seamlessly.
Let’s look at the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of Java.
5. Django
Django is a high-level framework that follows a model-view-template architectural pattern that helps keep the code logically organized into different layers. The developers just have to focus on specifying the data view and presentation templates.
Some of the key features, benefits, and limitations of Django are:
6. Laravel
It is a PHP-based web application backend technology that has an expressive and beautiful syntax. Laravel has strong capabilities necessary for large-scale and sophisticated applications.
Let’s look at some of the features, benefits, and limitations of Laravel:
7. Ruby on Rails
This backend technology is most popular for its full-stack capabilities and is very easy to use. Ruby on Rails focuses on building simple web applications. It has a vast library of infrastructure (components) that allows the developers to focus on the most important thing – the application’s code.
The following are some of the main features, pros, and cons of Ruby on Rails;
8. Node.js
Node.js supports both frontend and backend development using a unified programming language framework. As a result, it helps build high-performance applications.
Let’s understand its key features, pros, and cons:
Also read: What is Node.js? Why is it Transformative in Web Development?
9. ASP.NET
It is a backend technology supported by Microsoft for building contemporary and cross-platform applications. It can be deployed using the .NET framework. It can be used on different platforms like Windows, macOS, Docker, etc. This technology can be used to build web applications and API servers with different programming languages like C#, Node.js, JavaScript, and more.
The following are the key features, benefits, and limitations of ASP.NET:
10. MongoDB
MongoDB is a cross-platform document-oriented database program that provides open-source NoSQL data storage for modern applications. It is one of the most popular non-relational databases.
Let’s look at the key features of MongoDB along with its pros and cons:
Top Backend Trends to Follow
Today, there are many backend technologies that developers need to follow and understand. Now let’s look at some of the key backend trends:
- Backend as a Service (BaaS): It is a cloud-based model where the technical teams outsource backend operations to external service providers. This way the in-house developers can focus more on writing code & maintaining the front end, thereby helping build applications faster.
- Serverless computing: In this model, a cloud provider allocates resources as per the demand, and helps take better care of the users. Since the service is cloud-native, the developers do not have to focus on managing the infrastructure, availability of servers, or idle time.
- Headless Content Management System (CMS): It is a very powerful and flexible way to manage content allowing faster delivery of content to the front-end. Here, the frontend and backend of the applications are separated making it easier to mitigate the targeted attacks.
FAQs: Top Backend Technologies
What are the factors to consider when choosing a backend framework?
When choosing a backend framework, you should consider factors like time to learn, develop, and deploy, active community support. This will help you develop a strong backend for your application.
Which is the most popular backend framework?
JavaScript is the most popular backend technology. It is used by over 97% of websites and is also the most preferred language for several frameworks like Node.js and Express.js.
What is the best backend technology for beginners?
JavaScript, PHP, and Python are a good choice of backend technologies for beginners. They all can be learned very easily and have an active and strong community of developers.
Can the same language be used for both backend and frontend?
Yes, backend technologies like JavaScript can be used with Node.js, and with React or Vue for frontend can be used.
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