{"id":43455,"date":"2023-05-15T09:21:18","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T16:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/?p=43455"},"modified":"2025-01-27T04:15:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T12:15:14","slug":"become-backend-developer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/software-engineering\/become-backend-developer\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Become a Backend Developer: 2025 Career Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to the world of tech, backend development is like building an engine for a car. You can\u2019t see the results unless you peek under the hood, but you can feel them as soon as you start to drive (or click, in the case of a website or app). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backend developers are needed for every website or app you use, and so they\u2019re increasingly in high demand. But there\u2019s a steep learning curve to becoming a backend developer, as most backend development jobs require that you know multiple programming languages, in addition to a host of other technical skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for some guidance on where to start your backend development journey? Then you\u2019re in the right place. Below, we\u2019ll outline the steps that you can take to launch a career in backend development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does a Backend Developer Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A backend developer<\/a> provides the mechanisms necessary for all the behind-the-scenes processes for websites and software applications. Backend developers write code<\/a>, develop and manage APIs, test solutions for code-related issues, and provide solutions for system problems. They also contribute to a site\u2019s architectural development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Become a Backend Developer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Follow these eight steps to become a backend developer and build a successful career:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Invest in Learning, Training, and Education<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  2. \n

    Become Proficient in a Programming Language<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  3. \n

    Hone Your Skills<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  4. \n

    Build Your Portfolio With Open-Source, Freelance, or Volunteer Projects<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  5. \n

    Your Network Is Your Net Worth<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  6. \n

    Find a Mentor<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  7. \n

    Pursue a Backend Development Internship<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  8. \n

    Polish Your Resume, Prepare, and Start Applying<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Invest in Learning, Training, and Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It can take 1-4 years to meet the educational qualifications that most hiring managers look for. There are several routes you can take, but whichever one you choose, you should start with the foundations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundational Knowledge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    For backend developers, core concepts include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript<\/a>. You also need to know your way around GitHub<\/a>, and you should be familiar with browser developer tools or browser dev tools, which enable a developer to create and test software and debug software. You also need to know about data structures and algorithms<\/a> because those form the building blocks of software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once you have these basics down, there are three ways that you can further your education:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formal Education\/University Degree<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    You don\u2019t necessarily require a specific degree for a career in backend development. Some companies look for candidates with a bachelor\u2019s degree in computer science or any IT-related field. But it\u2019s usually not a mandatory requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bootcamps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    You can build a career as a backend developer without a degree too. Bootcamps get you job-ready in 6-12 months and cost a fraction of a traditional university. Some bootcamps, like Springboard\u2019s Software Engineering Bootcamp<\/a>, also offer a money-back job guarantee if you don\u2019t land a job soon after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Self-Taught Route<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re somewhat on the fence about a career in backend development and aren\u2019t sure that you can or want to commit to a bootcamp or university degree, the self-taught route can be a great way to go. Here\u2019s how to make that happen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Online Courses<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    These online courses are a great way to test the waters of backend development:<\/p>\n\n\n\n