what is a back-end developer?
A backend developer, which is another name for the same role, is a person who works in tech and IT. A backend developer works to facilitate the exchange of data between servers, databases, and users. Your role is to develop backend logic and build the central database that ensures requests from the frontend parts of the product can be answered.
Even though the work done by a backend developer in the backend part of a website is not visible, it is actually what forms the foundation and basis for what will become a user-friendly experience. In other words, you need to understand how different elements on the frontend side should enable smooth interaction between the client and server sides.
back-end developer jobswhat does a back-end developer do?
As a backend developer, you create, design, and customize the parts of a website or software that users never see. This means you develop vital functions and components so that the software works efficiently and functionally for the end user.
For example, when a user does something on the website (frontend side), it is your job to ensure that the program responds to the request and uploads the information or data that is relevant.
You maintain databases and configure the interface for applications (APIs). To work with software and databases in this way, you need knowledge of server languages such as Python, Java, and Ruby. Most backend developers work in tech companies creating websites and software for customers and clients.
Read more about the skills and qualifications required to succeed in a backend developer role.
average salary as back-end developer.
A junior backend developer has an average salary between 35,000 and 45,000 kronor per month. There are several factors that can affect the individual salary, but it is not uncommon to earn above the average salary in Sweden even as a junior.
With more work experience as a backend developer, you may become eligible for a more senior position and then the average salary is significantly higher. A senior backend developer has an average salary between 45,000 and 65,000 kronor per month.
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what affects the salary as a backend developer
There are many aspects that govern and influence the salary for someone working as a backend developer.
The size of the company and the complexity of the tasks are two factors that often affect salary. A backend developer who is skilled at their job and can handle more complicated assignments will also be more important to their employer and therefore have a better position when negotiating salary. For example, someone working at a smaller company needs to be more versatile, since you may need to manage many different types of projects and tasks. That in itself is a way to develop and become more attractive to other employees, or to take on more responsible roles within the same company.
That the average salary for backend developers is so varied is a sign that it is possible to influence your salary in a positive direction. With more work experience, stronger educational qualifications, and successful performance at the workplace, it is possible to get a higher salary.
different roles of back-end developer.
A backend developer can have several different roles.
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backend engineer
As a backend development engineer, you are responsible for building and coding the servers as well as maintaining the servers used in the project. This allows the frontend developers to access the data structure. Your role is focused on the more creative and innovative parts of the project.
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database administrator
As a backend developer responsible for database administration, you are in charge of developing and maintaining the databases. Your job involves regularly performing backups and making copies, as well as updating permissions to ensure the database runs smoothly and efficiently. A backend developer who is responsible for the databases often needs to be comfortable with SQL and other data tools.
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solution architect
The main task of a solutions architect is to build the software needed to use the functions online. You use your expertise to design and build solutions, as well as implement these in various projects.
working as a back-end developer.
In the role of backend developer, you build various types of digital products from scratch and ensure that functionality and performance are at the desired levels. You need exceptional programming skills as well as a good eye for detail to make sure the backend technology works as it should.
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job description
Some common tasks for backend developers are to:
- Create data structures: As a backend developer, you need to have complete control over the digital framework required to build data structures. With data structure, you lay the foundation for the server side in a software project, and it is the backend that supports the frontend, which is visible to customers and users. The backend also stores all the information needed for the product to function as intended. Therefore, the servers and the entire backend must be built in an efficient way that makes the whole solution work according to requirements.
- Write code: As a backend developer, you will write and program the code needed for the frontend result to be as desired. A concrete example is when a user clicks somewhere on a webpage. Then the webpage should respond to the request and deliver the information that is wanted. By writing code that is clear and free from bugs, you will improve both the performance and speed of the user experience. You also write code to maintain the functionality of the database.
- Perform system maintenance: As a backend developer, it often involves keeping track of the systems and websites you have created. You troubleshoot and fix bugs. The work often follows a DevOps methodology.
- Create and maintain databases: Some backend developers also work on creating and maintaining databases for various digital projects. They use what is called Structured Query Language (SQL) to build and maintain the databases. An example of a task is to create or delete protocols and determine storage processes for a database. Part of the maintenance work for databases is to constantly make a backup of the contents, a kind of security copy, to ensure preparedness in case something happens.
- Generate analysis and statistics: With the help of the information stored in the databases, a backend developer can provide statistics or analyses that may be valuable for the customer.
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work environment
As a backend developer, you probably work in an office environment. You use various digital and technical tools at a high level. Most of your day is spent writing code and developing.
For many employers, it is important to stimulate creativity by having an interactive work environment for their employees. This is so that you can share ideas, ask for advice, and develop together with your colleagues.
There is rarely a dress code for backend developers and for many people in the industry, it is allowed to work from home for large parts of the working hours. There are also many who work at consulting firms with different projects and clients. In those cases, you as a backend consultant may need to be on-site with the client. However, in most cases, it is a typical office environment.
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your colleagues
Who you work with depends partly on who your employer is, and partly on which project you are working on. It is common to have web developer, backend developer, cloud developer, software developers, frontend developer like close colleagues. Close collaboration with them is required to ensure that all parts of the project are delivered according to the customer's wishes. Also other types of programmers and full stack developer is often found among your colleagues. It is also not uncommon for you to work closely with software engineers, database administrators and project manager.
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work schedule
A typical full-time position as a backend developer means you work up to 40 hours a week. In some cases, you may need to work overtime or longer days during periods when different projects are in critical phases. In addition, some backend developers also have maintenance responsibilities, and it is not uncommon for you to be available outside of regular working hours.
Some customers have systems, software, and websites that need to be available around the clock. To avoid the risk of downtime, they therefore have a backend developer who can be available if problems arise.
It is common to have full-time positions as a backend developer, but there are also part-time or project-based jobs. It is also possible to work as a consultant if you prefer to have more control over your own working hours and client portfolio.
To develop skills, there may be conferences and workshops that some backend developers need to attend, but otherwise it is not a job that involves a lot of travel. Most of the working hours are spent at the office.
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future prospects
If you start your career as a backend developer, you have good opportunities to advance to more responsible roles.
If you get promoted to a more senior position, you often take on more responsibility in your role, and you may become a supervisor or similar. As a senior backend developer, you have the expertise to support entire projects and oversee that various development projects meet client requirements.
A backend developer can also work with other types of software development. In that area, it is possible to get other roles. For example, you can continue as a software engineer or focus on a role as a data administrator.
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advantages of finding a job as a backend developer through randstad
There are several advantages to finding a job as a backend developer through randstad. This includes, among other things:
- various development and career opportunities
- an experienced contact person who can help you when needed
- many open jobs within your area
- full-time or part-time work depending on the job/assignment
Do you want a permanent position as a backend developer? A temporary position or substitute job as a backend developer is often a good first step towards a permanent job. Those who have work experience as a backend developer are also more likely to be considered for other roles. Every year, several people get a permanent job with employers thanks to a temporary job that came through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.
education and qualifications as a back-end developer.
You can choose from several different educational paths if you are interested in becoming a backend developer.
- College/university: You can study an IT-related program and learn programming at college and university level. For more senior roles such as backend developer, post-secondary educational qualifications are often required.
- Vocational university: Through vocational higher education programs in programming, you can learn the basics for working with backend development. There are both shorter and longer courses to choose from.
- Internal training: Quite a few employees train their own staff, both in terms of skills development and also some new hires who receive a basic course and training in programming. The concept often includes continuing to work on a project and developing further, so that over time you can stand on your own as, for example, a backend developer.
- Internship: Internships are a great way to gain valuable work experience. Courses that combine practical and theoretical elements prepare you effectively for a career as a backend developer.
knowledge and skills.
A back-end developer should have the following knowledge and skills.
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programming
Being a skilled programmer is a prerequisite for succeeding in a role as a backend developer. You need to know several different programming languages, such as Python and Java. You can learn the programming languages through various courses but work experience and exchanging ideas with other developers will help you grow even further. Constantly developing your skills is important, and employers often want to continuously improve their staff’s competence. Programming languages are constantly changing, and you need to keep your knowledge up to date.
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a desire to learn
Having an attitude that makes you open to learning new things is a good skill to have as a developer, because you will need to adapt to changing technologies. It is important that you learn new, current programming languages as quickly as possible.
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communicative ability
Having good communication skills makes it easier to work together with others in the same team, to collaborate and find the most effective solutions for a flawless user experience in the end. For example, you need to be able to explain how you have built the features in the backend, so that the frontend developers can adapt their work based on this.
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planning ability
As a backend developer, you will have many tasks going on at once and work on several different assignments in parallel. This means that good planning skills are important so you can manage your time, prioritize between different tasks, and handle multiple requests at the same time.
frequently asked questions about the back-end developer role.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a backend developer.
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what does a backend developer do?
A backend developer specializes in the development of servers, applications, and databases for websites or software.
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how much does a backend developer earn?
For someone who is new to the job as a backend developer, the average salary is between 35,000 and 45,000 kronor per month. For more senior roles, the average salary is between 45,000 and 65,000 per month.
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which job in the IT industry gives the highest salary?
Software engineer, software architect and solutions architect are three of the IT-related jobs that pay the best salaries.
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is backend developer a good career?
Working as a backend developer means you have an important and stimulating job that also offers good opportunities for a continued career in IT and tech. Usually, you also have a competitive salary.
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how do I apply for an open job as backend developer?
It's easy to apply for a job as a backend developer. Search among our open jobs in your area. Then submit your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn.
If you need help with your job application, you can read all our guides job tips here!
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further reading about the backend developer role
Here you can find more information about the role backend developer.
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