According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for web developers is expected to grow by at least 13% through 2030, signaling a strong shift in business. This increase in interest is the same around the entire world. Simply put, business owners and agencies need this type of service to manage their web technology.
However, there is more than one type of website development that can help you grow and scale your business website.
If you’re a business owner who’s been thinking about getting a website, or has already created one and is now in the process of making it more dynamic and user-friendly, then you may have come across the term backend development.
But what is backend development? And is it something you should be concerned with? In this quick guide, we’ll answer those questions and more.
Website Development vs. Website Design
First and foremost, it’s helpful to establish one thing. There’s a difference between website development and website design.
Many people get these two things confused, and it’s difficult to understand how website development fits into your business if you don’t understand the difference between the two.
A good analogy would be that website design is like the exterior of a house, while website development is like the interior. Both are essential for a well-functioning website, but they serve different purposes.
While aesthetics are certainly important, they are only one aspect of design. Good design also takes into account usability, user experience, and even SEO. In other words, designers must strike a balance between form and function.
Similarly, website development is not just about writing code. Developers also need to consider things like site speed, security, and scalability. A well-developed website will be efficient and easy to use, even as it grows and changes over time.
Both website design and development are essential for creating a successful online presence.
What Is Backend Development?
Backend website development refers to the server side of an application or website and how it interacts with the front end. This includes everything that happens behind the scenes, such as the database, the application server, and the web server.
Why is all of that important? The backend is responsible for handling requests from the front end, processing data, and sending responses back to the front-end.
The backend is often written in a programming language like PHP, Ruby, or Python. This means that backend developers use frameworks such as Laravel, Ruby on Rails, or Django to build applications. They also use databases such as MySQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra to store data.
As you can see, that sounds quite complex. This is why you often need the services of a backend developer to help you manage this area of your business.
In addition to writing code, backend developers also need to be able to troubleshoot problems and optimize performance. As a result, backend development is a complex and challenging field that requires a wide range of skills.
Frontend Development vs. Backend Development
As you might be able to tell from the outline of backend development above, frontend development and backend development are two very different but equally important facets of web development.
Frontend developers are responsible for the design and functionality of the website, while backend developers handle the server-side code that powers the site.
Both roles require a deep understanding of web technologies, but frontend developers need to be more focused on user experience while backend developers need to be more focused on data management.
Not sure which is right for you and your business? There are a few things to consider when deciding whether backend or frontend development is right for your website.
Backend Development Provides More Flexibility
The biggest difference between the two types of web development is that backend development provides more flexibility in terms of functionality. If you need a website with complex features or a custom user interface, backend development is the way to go.
Frontend development, on the other hand, is better suited for websites that don’t require as much customization. This is the case if you need a simple website to display contact or service information but won’t use it for much else.
Frontend Development is More Budget-Friendly
Additionally, backend development can be more expensive and time-consuming than front-end development. If you’re on a tight budget or timeline, front-end development may be the better option.
However, if you have the budget, backend development is often worth it.
This is especially the case if you plan on scaling your website over time or need custom features and functions that allow you to increase your bottom line. If that’s the case then it’s very much worth the added costs.
Backend Development Caters to the Tech-Savvy
Finally, it’s important to consider your audience and what type of experience you want them to have. If you’re targeting users who are less technically savvy, a simpler front end may be all you need.
Ultimately, both roles are essential for building a successful website. However, there are certain cases in which it makes sense to work with a backend developer.
Why Your Business Needs Backend Development
When might backend development be the best option for you? If your business needs any of these four things:
- Increased efficiency
- Improved customer experience
- Greater scalability
- Enhanced security
Backend development can help streamline your business processes, making them more efficient and effective. Likewise, a well-designed backend can improve the customer experience by providing a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
More than that, though, a good backend system will be scalable, meaning that it can grow with your business. This is essential as your business expands and takes on new challenges.
And finally, businesses handle sensitive customer data. If you are worried about data safety then it’s important to have a backend system that is secure and protected against data breaches.
Chat With a Backend Developer
Investing in backend development may seem like a big expense at first, but it’s an essential investment for any growing business. By taking advantage of the benefits it offers, you’ll be able to take your business to the next level.
Interested in learning more? Get in touch to chat with one of our experts about our web development services.
