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.
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