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Ronas IT

Jun 17 '25

Essential skills for backend developers to thrive in 2025-2026

#backend #webdev #programming #productivity

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8 min read

Essential skills for backend developers to thrive in 2025-2026

Ronas IT — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:11:59 +0000

In April 2025, developers released about 43,000 mobile apps through the Apple App Store. This fact highlights the vibrant mobile app landscape. At the same time, the web app development market is projected to grow by about 8% annually. This growth trend signals that both mobile and web app markets are expanding, with many new apps set for development.

However, low-code and no-code solutions allow businesses to develop apps without extensive technical expertise, and pre-made templates help create websites and web apps quickly. While these tools don't eliminate the need for mobile and frontend developers, they can encourage tech specialists to broaden their skills. By expanding into backend development, developers can offer additional services and remain competitive in the industry.

In this article, we cover backend development services that tech specialists can offer to businesses and explore areas where they can expand their expertise.

What areas can you study to become a proficient backend developer?

Backend developers can engage in various collaboration formats and projects, offering diverse opportunities in their field. These include in-house development, custom backend development, and outsourcing. Developers may also contribute to customer service solutions, participate in open-source projects, and configure third-party apps for their clients. Below is a graph from a recent survey where developers shared insights on the applications for which their code is executed.

In this image, we see the various functions that developers of all experience levels execute, with frontend and backend responsibilities mixed together. These functions are likely to be part of your tasks on any project as a developer. Now, let's dive into the most prominent tasks in backend development below.

Discovery phase

One of the first tasks for technical specialists is to gather and understand project requirements to design the app architecture. Within backend development services, tech specialists typically analyze the stakeholders' needs and identify project constraints such as budget, time, technology, and regulatory requirements, to outline the blueprint of the application. Key elements that need to be decided include the architecture pattern, such as microservices, monolithic, serverless, or event-driven architecture, based on the app's needs, and the technology stack that best matches the app’s functionality.

To effectively contribute to planning, backend developers should not only be proficient in the chosen programming language but also understand the nuances of various technologies to identify the best fit for the project. Excellent communication skills are crucial, as backend developers often work in cross-functional teams and need to understand how the product’s design will be structured and what the infrastructure capabilities will be.

Although this phase doesn't involve direct coding, backend developers can significantly benefit the business by carefully considering the app architecture and devising solutions that address the application's business logic. Well-thought-out apps are scalable, reliable, and stable, aligning well with business objectives. By focusing on this step, businesses ensure they receive a tool that precisely meets their functional needs and can handle the expected user load effectively.

Definition of data flow and storage

Backend app developers play a crucial role in defining how data flows within an application. These technical specialists are responsible for creating data models that determine how data is organized, stored, and retrieved. This involves designing database schemas that ensure both data integrity and efficiency.

Developers also assist in selecting suitable databases and designing data flow, which involves establishing how data moves through the system. This process details data sources (such as user inputs or external feeds), processing methods, and destinations. Another important task is setting up indexing, caching, and query optimization to guarantee fast data retrieval and efficient storage management.

For businesses, establishing a clear data flow results in applications that accurately reflect the data used. Effective data flow and storage contribute to faster response times and optimized resource usage, enhancing user satisfaction and reducing operational costs. Furthermore, a well-defined data flow supports scalability, allowing the application to manage larger volumes of data and users as the business grows.

To achieve these objectives, backend developers need proficiency with technologies such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB, or systems like Amazon Redshift and Google BigQuery for handling complex queries and analytics tasks.

API design and integration

Another important service a single backend developer or an expert backend development company will deliver is designing APIs and integrating them within an application. At this step, developers enable seamless communication and data exchange between different components of a system and with external services. This involves defining API endpoints, designing request and response formats, and making data transfer secure.

Another part of this service involves connecting the application with third-party services and platforms. This allows for extending application functionality and adapting to new needs and technologies quickly.

This backend procedure brings the following benefits for businesses. The well-designed APIs and integrations result in applications capable of smooth interaction with diverse systems and services. This facilitates enhanced functionality and user experiences, supports faster time-to-market for new features, and reduces development costs through reusable components.

To achieve these outcomes, backend developers must be proficient in REST or GraphQL protocols, as well as in tools and technologies such as Swagger for API documentation, Postman for testing, and API gateways for management. Knowledge of security protocols such as OAuth and JWT is also beneficial.

Ensuring scalability

Although manipulations with infrastructure stay beyond typical backend development services, the developers from this field can handle some of these tasks as well. To make sure that the app can accommodate a large number of users, configure virtual servers, networks, and storage solutions, using platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.

Key tasks of backend developers dealing with infrastructure include implementing load balancers to distribute traffic evenly across servers, setting up auto-scaling groups that automatically adjust resource allocation based on current needs, and configuring caching mechanisms to optimize performance. Developers can also establish continuous integration and deployment pipelines to streamline updates and manage releases efficiently.

With a well-structured infrastructure, a business can get apps that handle increased traffic without a decrease in performance. Such scalability helps businesses grow their user base and services without downtime or extensive resource expenditure, which allows businesses to deliver high-quality services and keep users satisfied.

To achieve scalable infrastructure, backend developers need proficiency with cloud service providers, infrastructure as code tools like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation, and experience with monitoring and logging systems that track performance and resource usage. Understanding these technologies ensures that infrastructure can be adapted quickly to meet the evolving demands of businesses.

Working with Backend-as-a-Service providers

One of the important backend development services that developers can deliver is implementing an app’s functionality with the help of Backend-as-a-service providers. Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) providers offer pre-built solutions to manage backend infrastructure, which makes backend tasks less complex and time-consuming.

Developers start by selecting a BaaS platform that matches their application’s requirements, taking advantage of pre-made features like user authentication, database management, and API services. With the functionality of the BaaS platform, you can also set up content management, push notifications, and leverage built-in analytics.

One of the biggest advantages of using BaaS for projects is the built-in security and compliance with various regulatory standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA. This is particularly beneficial for fintech and healthcare applications that handle sensitive user information. Additionally, BaaS platforms allow teams to spend less time on backend setup, enabling them to focus more on enhancing the user interface and developing unique app features.

Making software secure

Implementing robust security measures is another crucial task that backend app developers are typically involved in. Within this field, developers begin by assessing the application’s specific security needs, selecting appropriate encryption methods, and implementing access controls. They implement robust user authentication and authorization systems to secure entry points and ensure that only authorized users can access certain functionalities and data. This foundational work also involves integrating tools for secure data transmission and storage, providing a strong defensive layer against cyber threats.

For businesses, investing in security translates to improved trust from users and investors. This also reduces the risk of data breaches and safeguards both the brand’s reputation and its assets. Security practices allow businesses to focus on growth and development without the constant worry of compromising users’ sensitive information.

Ensuring software works without bugs and errors

In projects without a dedicated QA tester, backend app developers often take on the responsibility of testing their own code. This involves implementing different testing methods to make sure everything functions correctly on the server side and that the user interface is both usable and convenient.

To ensure all components work as they should, backend developers may write scripts for automated testing. They typically engage in unit testing to examine individual components, ensuring each part functions as intended. Integration testing is also key, verifying that different modules or services interact seamlessly. Through performance testing, developers assess the application's responsiveness under stress and load conditions. Security testing is crucial for uncovering vulnerabilities and safeguarding against threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Additionally, other tests may be conducted as required by the specific project.

By providing these backend development services, developers ensure the software is reliable for both new and established businesses. This leads to a better user experience, fewer disruptions, and increased trust from users and stakeholders. Catching and resolving issues early means businesses save time and resources that might otherwise be spent fixing bugs at later stages. Overall, thorough testing enhances the overall health of the project.

Other popular tasks backend developers might be involved in

In addition to these fundamental tasks, backend developers can assist businesses in incorporating innovative features into their software. These enhancements often include: These will most likely include:

Microservices and serverless architectures. Designing and implementing microservices and serverless architectures are essential tasks in the current environment. This task involves dividing applications into modular, independent services, which improves scalability and agility. This architecture allows companies to scale various services independently, reducing downtime and making it easier to adapt to changing market demands. The use of serverless computing further reduces infrastructure costs and operational overhead, helping businesses to redirect resources towards innovation.

AI and machine learning. Another critical area is the adoption of AI and machine learning. Backend developers integrate machine learning algorithms to analyze data and provide valuable insights, developing AI-driven features like predictive analytics and personalized recommendations. This integration engages users and improves their loyalty by offering an outstanding user experience. Additionally, businesses can automate processes with AI to reduce manual labor and increase operational effectiveness.

Real-time data processing. This feature is crucial for applications that require instant data access, such as financial trading platforms, live sports updates, and real-time analytics solutions. By delivering this backend development service, developers set up data streaming technologies and immediate data updates, reducing latency and supporting informed decision-making. With the help of this feature, users get the most up-to-date information of their interest, while businesses owning the app get more loyal and engaged users that likely to convert.

Blockchain integration. It is another innovative feature that backend developers can build. By incorporating blockchain technology, businesses can achieve greater transparency, security, and trust through immutable records and secure data exchanges. Developing smart contracts further automates transactions and enforces agreements, reducing the need for intermediaries and lowering transaction costs.

Wrapping up

In summary, aspiring backend developers have a wealth of areas to explore in order to become competitive in the field. Despite this, many companies report a shortage of IT talent, which means the market remains welcoming to new specialists ready to tackle diverse tech challenges.

Our team is committed to nurturing the next generation of tech experts by offering internships for both backend and frontend developers, providing young professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these crucial areas. Additionally, we deliver backend development services to businesses of all sizes.

If you have questions about pursuing a career in backend development or want to learn more about the industry, feel free to reach out to us in the comments. We are always here to provide you with advice.

What to choose for PHP backend development: Laravel vs Symfony?

Ronas IT — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:38:15 +0000

For over a decade, Laravel has been dominating other PHP programming language frameworks, making it the first choice for those providing backend development services. Why not choose another framework? Let's compare Laravel to another popular PHP framework, Symfony, and then discuss the reasons for Laravel's popularity.

Overview

Laravel

Laravel is a modern, open-source PHP framework that embraces the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. It is celebrated for its elegant syntax and developer-centric features, offering a rich ecosystem of tools and packages designed to speed up application development.

Symfony

On the other hand, Symfony is a mature and robust PHP framework, also based on MVC architecture. Known for its emphasis on reusable components and flexibility, Symfony is often the go-to framework for enterprise-level scalability and complex, large-scale applications.

Popularity and community

Laravel

Laravel boasts a large and active community, full of resources, tutorials, and third-party packages. According to the annual Stack Overflow survey, a whopping 56.4% of developers admire Laravel, with many choosing to stick with it due to its user-friendly approach and emphasis on developer happiness.

Symfony

Symfony also has a strong and well-established community, particularly in enterprise environments. It's highly adopted in Europe, especially by companies that value long-term support and stability in their development process.

Syntax and learning curve

Laravel

Praised for its elegant and expressive syntax, Laravel simplifies common tasks such as routing, authentication, and database management. This accessibility makes it a great choice for beginners while still being efficient for seasoned developers.

Symfony

Symfony tends to have a steeper learning curve due to its flexible nature and extensive configuration options. Developers are required to perform more initial setup, but this ultimately offers fine-grained control over application architecture, benefiting more complex projects.

Ecosystem and built-in features

Laravel

Laravel features a rich ecosystem supported by tools like Laravel Forge for server management, Envoyer for deployment, and Nova for admin panels, along with seamless integration with front-end frameworks such as Vue.js, React, and Angular. Out of the box, it provides Eloquent ORM, Blade templating engine, RESTful routing, authentication, Artisan CLI, database migrations, caching, and testing support. This makes it ideal for backend & API development services.

Symfony

Symfony offers extensive reusable components such as HTTP Foundation, Routing, and Security, which can be used independently or together. Symfony Flex simplifies package management and setup. Its built-in features include Doctrine ORM, Twig templating engine, robust routing, security bundle, console commands, and database migrations via Doctrine Migrations, along with comprehensive caching and testing tools.

Development speed and productivity

Laravel

With ready-made packages, elegant syntax, and tools like the Artisan CLI for automating routine tasks, Laravel hastens development significantly. Its modular architecture and comprehensive ecosystem minimize boilerplate, making custom web development a breeze.

Symfony

While Symfony’s flexibility allows for highly customized applications, this often requires more effort and time upfront. The introduction of Symfony Flex and standardized bundles helps streamline development, but it may not match Laravel's rapid prototyping speed.

Flexibility and extensibility

Laravel

Through its support for modular development with service containers and providers, Laravel makes it easy to extend functionality and integrate third-party APIs. Eloquent ORM simplifies complex database interactions.

Symfony

Designed with a modular approach, Symfony revolves around reusable components that can integrate seamlessly into any PHP project. This flexibility makes Symfony well-suited for projects with custom architecture or those requiring integration with other systems.

Performance and scalability

Laravel

Laravel includes advanced caching and optimization features, lending itself well to startups and mid-sized applications. With the right architecture, it can scale efficiently.

Symfony

Symfony is noted for its performance optimizations and is often chosen for large-scale, enterprise-grade applications where high scalability and maintainability are critical.

Testing and maintenance

Laravel

With testing as a core focus, Laravel provides support for PHPUnit and tools for both unit and feature testing, ensuring high code quality and maintainability.

Symfony

Symfony also supports PHPUnit, offering extensive testing capabilities that include functional and integration testing, with an emphasis on writing maintainable code.

Cost and licensing

Both Laravel and Symfony are open-source frameworks, meaning they come without licensing fees.

Laravel’s extensive array of free and paid packages can reduce development costs through faster delivery and minimized need for custom coding.

Symfony’s component-based approach allows selective feature usage, optimizing resource consumption. However, it might require more upfront investment in setup time.

Use cases and industry adoption

Laravel is favored by startups and companies needing rapid development and elegant codebases. It’s utilized by organizations like Pfizer, BBC, and Liberty Mutual Insurance for custom web applications.

Symfony is preferred by enterprises and projects demanding complex workflows, long-term support, and smooth integration with legacy systems. It powers platforms like Drupal CMS and various enterprise-grade applications.

6 reasons for Laravel's continued popularity

Laravel's widespread acclaim in the development community can be attributed to several compelling factors. Here are the reasons why developers and businesses frequently opt for Laravel over Symfony:

1. Gentler learning curve and developer friendliness

Laravel offers an elegant, expressive syntax and requires less configuration compared to Symfony, making it more accessible for beginners and faster for developers to start building applications. Its built-in features like authentication, routing, and ORM (Eloquent) are straightforward and easy to use, which accelerates development and reduces complexity.

2. Rich ecosystem and built-in tools

Laravel provides a comprehensive ecosystem with first-party tools such as Laravel Nova (admin panel), Laravel Forge (server management), and Laravel Vapor (serverless deployment). Its Artisan CLI automates common tasks, enhancing developer productivity. This extensive ecosystem addresses most backend development needs out of the box, making it convenient for developers.

3. Performance and rapid development

Laravel generally delivers better out-of-the-box performance with faster page load times. Its opinionated structure and ready-to-use components enable rapid prototyping and development, which appeals to startups and small to medium projects.

4. Larger and more active community

Laravel has a larger global developer community, reflected in a significant number of GitHub stars and greater popularity in developer surveys. This vibrant community contributes to a wealth of tutorials, packages, and third-party tools, supporting developers at all levels.

5. Simpler ORM and templating engine

Laravel’s Eloquent ORM uses the Active Record pattern, which is easier to learn and use compared to Symfony’s Doctrine ORM based on the Data Mapper pattern. Laravel’s Blade templating engine is also favored for its simplicity and powerful features, making UI development more intuitive.

6. Out-of-the-box authentication and authorization

Laravel includes built-in authentication scaffolding that requires minimal setup, providing login, registration, password reset, and email verification features by default. Symfony’s authentication setup is more manual and flexible but requires more initial effort.

Bonus: open source packages for Laravel

As mentioned, one of the advantages of Laravel is its large community, which is committed to making development with the framework faster and more convenient. Since our foundation in 2007, our backend developers have been working with Laravel and have created multiple packages to expedite client projects using our backend app development services. These packages are open source, meaning they are freely available to the community. Some of our key developments include:

Entity generator

Automates entity creation in Laravel, generating components from database migrations to API endpoints. Enhances development speed, maintains uniform architecture, reduces errors, and allows custom flexibility.

Project initializator

Simplifies new project setup by automating initial configurations and installations. Focuses developers on application features by handling groundwork and cleaning up unnecessary parts.

Swagger

Automatically generates API documentation via tests, providing reliability and accuracy. Integrates with existing testing processes, saving time and minimizing errors.

Media

Enhances media file management in Laravel applications with automatic route setups and customization options. Integrates with OpenAPI for easier understanding and use of media functionalities.

Helpers

A suite of tools offering Functions, Iterators, Services, and Traits to simplify and enhance Laravel application development, emphasizing efficiency and code maintainability.

Conclusion

Laravel and Symfony each bring unique advantages to the table, but Laravel's popularity persists due to its rapid, cost-effective approach to custom web development, supported by elegant syntax and a robust ecosystem that enhances productivity and ease of use. This makes it especially appealing to developers and businesses looking for efficient, straightforward solutions. In contrast, Symfony shines in scenarios requiring complex, enterprise-level applications, offering extensive customization, scalability, and long-term maintainability. Ultimately, the choice between these frameworks should be influenced by the complexity of your project, your team's expertise, and your specific business requirements.

Ronas IT has been developing on Laravel for 18 years. We have dedicated our efforts to making development on this framework speedier and more efficient. We are ready to assist those who want high-quality applications with a robust backend on Laravel.

Exploring the backend developer's role in a startup environment

Ronas IT — Thu, 29 May 2025 09:01:39 +0000

Many of us in the tech industry have long yearned to move away from developer roles dominated by bureaucracy and monotonous tasks. Instead, we seek a vibrant, less formal environment where creativity is encouraged and personal ideas can be brought to reality. If these ideas resonate with you, transitioning from a large organization to a startup is the ideal move.

Working with startups provides backend developers and other tech specialists with a wealth of new opportunities. You not only tackle a diverse range of tasks but also transcend the role of a mere coder to become an integral part of shaping the product. This environment fosters innovation, requiring you to devise tech solutions within the constraints of limited resources and contribute to rapid product launches. Such a setting is ripe for the professional growth of specialists in backend development.

In this article, we’ll explore the key backend development services that startups may require and highlight areas where you can leverage your backend expertise to make a newly created startup product flourish.

What backend development services may startups require?

If you get the chance to join a startup, you'll likely be involved in developing the product from the ground up. With a small team of tech specialists and limited resources, you'll probably wear many hats and become a true jack-of-all-trades. Here are some of the tasks you might be dealing with.

Creating the technical blueprint of the product

As one of the key tech specialists on this project, you will participate in designing the architecture of the future app. Accomplishing this requires not only a solid understanding of existing architectural patterns but also the ability to strategically select the right one based on your product's requirements.

If your startup requires high scalability, a microservices architecture would be a wise choice. On the other hand, if reducing overhead costs and focusing on rapid development is the goal, consider a serverless architecture. It efficiently allocates resources dynamically, freeing you from managing extensive infrastructure. While often overlooked, a monolithic architecture can still work for simple applications and speed up the rollout of your MVP.

In addition to architecture design, to provide high-quality backend development services, you'll need proficient knowledge of programming languages and existing frameworks to select the most suitable ones for your project. The ability to create and maintain a clear, organized codebase is equally essential to make the app easier to maintain and your life simpler.

Managing databases

Another backend development service you'll likely provide during your collaboration with a startup is establishing clear data management. The key challenge would be in ensuring the data used within the app remains accurate and consistent throughout its lifecycle and can be retrieved and processed without errors.

To achieve this, you'll need experience working with various database types, including relational databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL, as well as NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra. The choice depends on the data structure and complexity of the queries your app uses.

Your key tasks in this area will include designing schema structures, ensuring data integrity, optimizing queries for performance, and managing data flow. Essential skills include an understanding of database management systems (DBMS), data modeling, and query optimization. Additionally, implementing data backups and recovery procedures to safeguard against data loss can become another important part of your role.

Establishing API design

When diving into backend development for startups and building their innovative products, one key responsibility is designing and managing APIs. The essence of API design lies in establishing seamless and reliable communication between different parts of the application, as well as with external services.

To effectively tackle this task, you'll need a solid understanding of various API paradigms, such as RESTful APIs and GraphQL, tailored to meet diverse application requirements. Key tasks include defining clear endpoint structures, ensuring secure data transmission, and implementing robust error-handling mechanisms. Additionally, creating comprehensive API documentation is essential for providing guidance to frontend developers and potential third-party integrators.

Essential skills in this domain include a strong grasp of HTTP protocols, familiarity with data formats like JSON and XML, and experience using tools and frameworks such as Swagger or Postman for API testing and documentation.

Ensuring robust security

When working on backend startup solutions, a backend developer can take several actions to ensure the security of the software. Amid the myriad tasks, developers should focus on implementing robust authentication mechanisms like OAuth, JWT, and various two-factor authentication methods using SMS or codes. Another task comprises defining and enforcing roles and permissions so users have access only to the resources necessary for their roles.

Other essential security measures include using HTTPS to encrypt data in transit and configuring TLS settings to support the latest protocols and ciphers. It's also important to apply strong encryption methods to protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest, ensuring it remains unreadable without proper access. Validating inputs is vital to prevent injection attacks, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS). Additionally, developers should secure API endpoints and ensure deployment environments are protected, incorporating proper firewall settings and network configurations.

Different other tasks may arise depending on the specific needs of the app, as well as compliance requirements for certifications such as HIPAA, ISO, GDPR, and others.

Setting up cloud infrastructure

Managing cloud infrastructure requires a backend developer to extend their skill set beyond the typical list of backend development services. In a startup environment, where tech roles often overlap, having a grasp of basic cloud computing concepts becomes invaluable.

Key skills that prove beneficial when working with a startup include knowledge and understanding of major cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. This entails understanding their core services and pricing models to help the startups achieve the best scalable solution at a reasonable price. Familiarity with cloud services such as compute, storage, and databases will also come in handy.

The most likely tasks you would undertake include configuring cloud resources, setting up virtual networks, and managing scalable storage solutions. Knowing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform, basic networking principles, and security best practices will prepare you to manage these cloud-related responsibilities and bring the most economical infrastructure solution for your organization.

Eliminating bugs

In a startup, you may find that resources are limited, and there might not be a dedicated role for a QA tester. As a result, when creating startup backend solutions, you will often need to test the code you produce yourself. The types of ongoing testing you'll engage in include unit, integration, and regression testing. These require familiarity with language-specific testing frameworks such as PHPUnit for PHP, pytest for Python, Jest for JavaScript, and xUnit.net for .NET, among others. As a backend developer, you should be capable of writing automated test scripts in these languages to enhance code reliability and catch bugs early.

As the project nears completion, you'll also need to expand your testing repertoire to include performance and load testing, as well as end-to-end testing. These tests can be executed using tools like JMeter or Gatling for assessing performance, and Selenium or Cypress for conducting end-to-end tests. Mastering these tools will ensure that your application not only functions correctly but is also performant under load and meets user expectations.

We recommend engaging other project participants in the testing process. By combining automated and manual testing, you can effectively assess both the technical aspects and usability of the application, helping to catch as many critical bugs as possible before release.

Building innovative features

Startup products are typically ambitious, often requiring the development of unique features. Therefore, when providing your backend development services to a startup, you might need to participate in implementing different innovations. These features can range from AI and IoT capabilities to advanced security functionality, building serverless architecture, establishing real-time data processing, or integrating blockchain as a payment option.

For example, if you choose to work on a project involving AI, you might use AI frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. In such cases, you will collaborate closely with data scientists, and building the application architecture won't be your only task. For AI-powered applications, you'll need to choose suitable AI models and train them with quality data. This involves collecting, cleaning, and transforming data for AI model training and inference, using tools like Apache Kafka for data streaming or ETL processes for batch operations.

Other tasks in this field might include:

Deploying AI models using platforms like TensorFlow Serving or TorchServe for efficient inference.
Developing APIs that expose AI functionalities to the application, allowing smooth interaction between components.
Implementing data caching and load balancing to optimize model performance and ensure scalability.
Monitoring model performance and system metrics to maintain optimal operation and troubleshoot issues.

Wrapping up

Overall, working with a startup can offer many new experiences and serve as a true test of your skills, providing opportunities to learn unfamiliar concepts. While you may not tackle all the tasks mentioned simultaneously, you can always rely on your colleagues for support or advocate for hiring additional backend specialists to delegate responsibilities. Ideally, having 1-2 colleagues to share tasks and expertise with can yield better results.

By the way, our team specializes in building products for startups, boasting a diverse group of backend specialists, as well as frontend developers, DevOps engineers, and designers who help build products from the ground up. We’re eager to share our experience with a wider audience, so feel free to visit our website to explore our expertise in backend development services.

If you've worked with a startup before, we'd love to hear about your experience and responsibilities. What valuable knowledge and insights did you gain from your time there?

Our look at trends in backend development for '26. We will be glad to receive your comments and ideas on where this side of development will grow.

Ronas IT — Wed, 28 May 2025 08:34:31 +0000

Ronas IT

May 28 '25

Top 6 trends in backend development services in 2025

#webdev #backend #backenddevelopment #trends

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6 min read

Top 6 trends in backend development services in 2025

Ronas IT — Wed, 28 May 2025 08:31:09 +0000

Backend developers are always looking for new tools and approaches to make apps more efficient and secure, while cutting costs for clients. In 2025, there are several key trends that reshape backend development services. In this article, we share our thoughts on top backend trends and experiences related to some of them.

1. Serverless architecture

Serverless architecture is an approach that allows developers to create an app’s backend without assembling and managing its infrastructure. This architecture automatically scales with demand, reduces operational costs, and allows app owners to pay only for the resources they use. This backend trend is evolving rapidly, with major platforms like AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Azure Functions leading the charge. The global serverless computing market was valued at USD 24.51 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a growth rate of 14.1% annually from 2025 to 2030.

One of the key benefits of serverless computing is its ability to manage peak traffic efficiently without over-provisioning resources. This ensures that businesses, such as e-commerce platforms, can handle sudden traffic surges during events like holiday sales without pre-planned infrastructure upgrades, thereby avoiding downtime or performance issues. However, challenges like cold start latency remain a concern for applications that require quick response times, such as those in financial services or healthcare. Additionally, high-traffic applications may encounter unpredictable costs, and reliance on proprietary services poses a risk of vendor lock-in.

Looking ahead to 2026, the industry is addressing these challenges by developing standardized serverless interfaces across providers, improving the portability of serverless applications, and creating multi-cloud deployment tools. Moreover, advanced pre-warming strategies, improved container reuse, and new runtime optimizations are being introduced to mitigate cold start problems.

Serverless databases, a key part of this trend, offer automatic scaling and geographic dispersion, surviving failures across regions. This means businesses can maintain high performance and data accuracy anywhere in the world. As a result, the world is increasingly moving toward a completely serverless environment.

2. Web assembly

WebAssembly (Wasm) is a technology that helps web apps run faster by allowing code to execute efficiently in a browser, improving performance and speed. Using Wasm for backend development is a growing backend trend due to its high performance and platform independence. It offers near-native execution speed and support for a variety of programming languages, such as Rust, C, and Go. WebAssembly supports serverless and microservices due to its lightweight nature and fast startup times. According to the 2023 State of WebAssembly report by CNCF and SlashData, 63% use it for serverless environments. However, its ecosystem is less mature compared to established backend technologies like Node.js, which may require more effort in integration and debugging.

Cloud providers such as Cloudflare Workers and Fastly Compute@Edge are already using Wasm to run code closer to users, reducing latency and enabling high-performance microservices and edge computing applications. Industry adoption is set to increase, with contributions to open-source projects accelerating its development. While challenges like security and standardization remain, WebAssembly's ability to meet future needs in performance and flexibility makes it a promising option for backend development.

3. Gitops

GitOps is a practice in DevOps that uses Git as a single source of truth for managing and deploying infrastructure and application code. The GitOps trend is transforming backend development and DevOps, particularly for managing cloud-native infrastructure and Kubernetes deployments. In 2025, GitOps is expected to become the standard for managing Kubernetes clusters, with predictions suggesting that over 90% of these deployments will use GitOps workflows. This approach aligns seamlessly with Kubernetes' declarative nature, supporting scalable and reliable deployment strategies.

GitOps also works well with the growth of platform engineering and Internal Developer Platforms (IDPs), giving developers standardized, self-service environments. This integration reduces operational complexity and boosts developer productivity while ensuring security compliance. Additionally, GitOps enhances security by embedding policies and compliance checks directly into Git workflows, supporting DevSecOps practices and ensuring security is considered from the start.

When we developed a neobank app for one of our clients, we used Terraform as a GitOps tool to simplify our infrastructure management. By using Terraform and Git together, we could automatically and consistently set up the environment needed for the app. This made it easier to manage cloud settings, reduced mistakes, and helped us finish the project faster.

4. Edge computing

Edge computing is a way to process data closer to where it is generated, instead of sending it all to faraway data centers. This approach speeds up processing and makes it easier for apps like smart devices and streaming services to respond quickly.

Edge computing is changing backend development by speeding up response times and reducing the load on central servers. This is important for real-time apps like gaming, AR/VR, autonomous vehicles, and IoT devices. With the rise of 5G and IoT, there's a growing demand for edge computing solutions such as AWS IoT Greengrass, Azure IoT Edge, and Google Edge Cloud. These services help developers adjust APIs and data storage for distributed, globally available networks, boosting performance and enhancing data security by keeping sensitive information local. As backend technologies advance, edge computing is set to play a key role in making backend systems more efficient and responsive.

5. Zero trust

The zero trust trend in backend development services is an important move towards better security in a world where remote work and cloud computing are common. Unlike traditional methods that rely on a secure perimeter, zero trust assumes that threats can come from anywhere, so it verifies everyone and everything trying to access the network. This approach operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," which helps protect sensitive data and reduces the risk of breaches.

Innovations in zero trust include using decentralized identifiers (DID) for secure authentication and AI-powered API gateways to detect threats. Tools like Open Policy Agent (OPA) allow for dynamic policy enforcement, while advanced data encryption techniques keep data safe even during use. These methods are especially important in industries like healthcare and finance, which rely on secure cloud platforms.

6. Single responsibility

The single responsibility approach is a principle that states each module or class should have one, and only one, reason to change, meaning it should only have one responsibility or function. This makes the code easier to understand, maintain, and modify, as each part does a specific task without affecting others.

The Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) is an important trend in backend development services, especially as systems become more complex and large in 2025. SRP is one of the SOLID software design principles that ensures each class, module, or service has one specific function, or reason to change. This approach helps developers create systems that are easier to manage and understand by breaking down code into modular parts, like separate components for database access, business logic, or API handling, reducing the complexity and interdependencies.

By following SRP, developers can handle complex processes more effectively by turning them into smaller, focused services or functions with clear roles. Although it requires careful planning, this approach improves code clarity and makes testing easier. SRP also aligns well with microservices architecture, where each microservice handles a single business function, and supports clean architecture principles, keeping backend systems flexible and adaptable to change.

In our recent project, we improved our adherence to the SRP by breaking down a service layer into smaller, focused components. This way, each part of the system has a clear, single job, making it easier to understand and manage. Additionally, we optimized testing of asynchronous processes by splitting tests into synchronous and asynchronous parts, which reduces the number of tests and makes them more understandable for developers. This method has proven to be effective in maintaining cleaner code and more reliable applications.

To conclude

Serverless architecture reduces costs and simplifies scaling, while WebAssembly boosts performance with its flexible and fast execution capabilities. GitOps is streamlining cloud-native infrastructure management by using Git for version control and deployment, making processes more reliable. Edge computing is bringing data processing closer to the source, crucial for real-time applications and supported by the proliferation of 5G and IoT technologies. The zero trust model is strengthening security by verifying all network access, reducing the risk of data breaches. Finally, the single responsibility approach improves code clarity by ensuring each component has a specific function, thereby aligning well with microservices. Together, these trends are changing backend solutions, making them more robust, secure, and efficient.

How do we arrange the UI/UX design process to speed up the mobile app development and save the resources of our customers?

Ronas IT — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:53:59 +0000

While working with the client side of the mobile app, the project team goes through two important steps. At first, UI/UX designers create screen mockups, and after that, developers start the layout development. At this stage, a problem arises: Not all design effects can be implemented both on iOS and Android. During the screen layout development, the developers might find some elements they can't implement. In this case, they have to ask designers to remake the mockup. As a result, the process of design and layout development slows down.
In this article, we are sharing the list of design features and errors that can slow down the project work. Also, we are explaining how we have arranged the work in our design team to deliver interface design in the least possible time. Our workflow helps us speed up the mobile app development process and save the resources of our customers.
What errors in UI design slow down the development process?
We have talked to a mobile developer and asked what issues at the UI/UX design stage slow down further development.

Issue 1: Incorrect size of clickable elements
Clickable areas are located around some UI elements on the screen. They are small spaces where the user is supposed to tap while using the app. Clickable areas can be located around buttons, icons, or blocks.

To set the clickable areas right, the developer needs the sizes of UI elements and padding to be set correctly. If the sizes of clickable elements and paddings are set incorrectly, it is hard to fit them into the interface. That's why such an interface takes longer to develop. To avoid this issue and speed up mobile app development, designers need to carefully set the paddings and sizes according to iOS and Android guidelines.

In case paddings are set incorrectly, the clickable areas may overlap, and the app won’t function correctly
Issue 2: Customization of standard elements
There are some standard elements that are better not to be changed during the design process. A navigation bar in iOS systems is one example of a standard element. This element usually consists of one title, and it's better not to add a subtitle to it.

If you change the standard layout and ask the developer to create a custom navigation bar with a title and subtitle, the developer will have to recalculate the paddings and change the font size. As a result, the elements may overlap one another, and the size of the bar may change. This will slow down the development, and the app might be rejected by the store. In this case, to speed up the mobile app development, it's better not to change standard elements at the stage of design.

If the size of the standard element changes, the app may not be accepted by the store
Issue 3: System elements are not taken into account during the design
In the process of design, it's better to create a layout taking into account system elements such as status and the home bar. When designing layouts, designers need to retreat 54px from the bottom or top of the screen mockup and place UI elements within this space.
Some designers forget that 54px includes 34px for status and home bars. As a result, UI elements are placed too far from the edge of the screen. Inexperienced coders may not notice this error, and it might remain in the interface for a long time until someone notices it. Therefore, to accomplish the mobile app development faster, it is necessary to review the design mockups before handing them over to layout developers.

It is important for designers to display system elements on the mockup
Issue 4: Multiple shadows under one UI element
Sometimes we can’t resist the desire to make the mockup look more attractive and add several shadows at once to one UI element. Not all of them can be implemented in both native and cross-platform applications.
For example, on Android, only one type of shadow can be implemented. The system visualizes a card that has been physically raised above the surface, and the light source is placed in front of it. More shadow types can be implemented on iOS. While within cross-platform development, developers need to implement shadows for two systems separately and adjust them to the design by eye. That's why it's better to leave only one shadow behind the UI element. Although the design will look less sophisticated, the app performance won't be affected, and layout development will be accomplished more quickly.

Shadows like this can’t be implemented on Android
Issue 5: Blur on non-static elements
It's better to implement a blur effect to static elements such as background or areas around photos. It is better not to use it to blur the content behind panels or product cards. Unfortunately, Android does not have system and hardware support for the blur effect. That's why it's almost impossible to create panels and cards with the use of this effect. In this case, we also have to think about app performance and development speed rather than the beauty of the mockup.

In these cases, it would be impossible to implement the blur effect on the Android

How we arranged the work process in the design team to avoid these issues
Mobile developers in our company rarely ask designers to rebuild the mockups,as we managed to build a system that helps us design attractive and intuitive interfaces while taking into account all the requirements of developers. Based on our mockups, engineers can develop apps quickly, ensure high app performance, and make the project work more cost-effective for our customers. That's what we do to shorten the release cycles.

Make reviews We create a lot of interface mockups: design concepts for customers, detailed mockups ready for layout development, as well as cases and shots for Dribbble and Behance. That’s why we have created a system of in-built reviews. As a part of it, each mockup created by one designer is usually reviewed by his senior colleague. Thus we can improve all common mistakes at the design stage and help our designers improve their skills all the time. During the review, designers check the sizes of clickable elements and paddings. Finally, when a review is completed, the developers get a clean and verified mockup ready for layout development.
Establish cooperation between designers and developers We arrange the project work so that designers and developers act as a team, not as separate entities. Project teams run project meet-ups, where they can plan the work and discuss ins and outs of projects. To add, our designers can contact developers either in the task tracker or in corporate chats and discuss the screen mockups. During this process, they can fix errors, discuss non-standard UI elements, or plan the process of creating animations.
Use our own design system A design system is a set of rules and UI elements a company uses in its work. Our lead designers have created a design system with directions and checklists for the design of mobile applications aimed to remind designers about paddings and points to complete before sending the mockup to a developer. To add, the design system displays sets of ready-made elements like icons, panels, and buttons. Designers can use these elements like Lego pieces and quickly assemble beautiful mockups. The elements from the design system help us create interfaces faster and make them easy to develop.

Here’s the list of UI elements from our design system. Designers can copy them to their mockups

Remind about the capabilities of operation systems During 15 years on the market, we designed many apps and learned which effects can be applied to iOS and Android applications. That's why we can always advise both beautiful and easy-to-implement solutions, so our customer doesn't waste resources. We can always suggest removing unnecessary customization, shadows, or blur elements in case they affect development and app performance. Also, we define the project requirements with the customer before starting the design process. Thus we reduce the number of interactions required to build a detailed interface design.
Help designers with training Except for reviews, we provide designers with the opportunity to buy courses or books about UI/UX design. There are a lot of people on our team who are passionate about their work, and we give them the ground for the development of their skills. Wrapping up All four steps mentioned above help us speed up mobile app development. Our designers deliver mockups within 2–3 weeks, and then the development process starts. Without reviews, the design system, and the requirements definition, the number of iterations would grow, and so does the price of the whole mobile app.

With this approach, we can get MVPs to the market faster. We have recently launched two mobile apps: Oddscrowd betting app and Lainappi rental service. Our team managed to accomplish the design and development of Oddscrowd within 3 months, while Lainappi was designed and developed within 5 months.

If the solid foundation of these projects wasn’t laid at the stage of design, our team would spend a lot of time remaking the interface and code, which would postpone the release. Right now, we keep working on these projects and scaling them at the request of our customers.

If you have a project idea or want to showcase your idea to an investor, do not hesitate to contact us. Ronas IT team will create screen mockups that can serve as proof of your idea's feasibility. And once the mockus are approved, we can move to the development stage.

Why Mobile App Development Services are Essential for Businesses in Today's Digital Landscape

Ronas IT — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:27:18 +0000

As technology continues to advance, it's becoming increasingly important for businesses to have a mobile app presence. In today's fast-paced world, customers don't want to wait or have to navigate a clunky website on their mobile device. Mobile apps provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience, making it easier to engage and connect with your customers. If you're a business owner looking to expand your digital reach, investing in mobile app development services is a smart move.

When it comes to mobile app development, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, you need to determine who your target audience is and what their needs are. Are they primarily Android or iOS users? What kind of demographic are you targeting? Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, you can work with a mobile app development company, such as Ronas IT, to create a customized app that meets your specific business needs.

One of the biggest advantages of having a mobile app is the ability to provide personalized experiences to your customers. With the right data analytics and tracking tools, you can get a better idea of your customers' preferences and behavior, allowing you to tailor your marketing efforts to their needs. For example, you might send push notifications to users who have indicated interest in a particular product or service, or offer discounts to loyal customers who have made multiple purchases through your app. These kinds of personalized experiences create a stronger connection between your company and your customers, leading to increased loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Another key benefit of having a mobile app is the ability to increase brand visibility. With users spending an average of 3 hours per day on their mobile devices, having a presence on the app store can make it easier for potential customers to discover your brand. In addition to being a powerful marketing tool, a mobile app also provides a platform for customer support and engagement. By including features like chat support or a forum for customer feedback, you can create a more interactive and engaging experience for your users.

Of course, building a mobile app isn't just about the technical aspects. It's also about creating a seamless user experience that aligns with your brand messaging and values. A mobile app development company like Ronas IT can work with you to design a user-friendly interface that reflects your brand's personality and voice. From selecting the right color scheme to creating custom graphics and animations, every aspect of your app should be designed with the user in mind.

In conclusion, if you're looking to take your business to the next level, investing in mobile app development services is a smart move. By providing a tailored and personalized experience to your customers, you can increase engagement, build loyalty, and ultimately drive more revenue. To get started, consider reaching out to a reputable mobile app development company like Ronas IT. With the right expertise and guidance, you can turn your app idea into a reality and start reaping the benefits of a mobile-first strategy.