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Spring Boot Backend Developer Roadmap

Step-by-step guide to become a backend developer in 2024

The backend refers to the part of a software application that users don't directly see or interact with. It's the engine that makes everything work behind the scenes, ensuring all the data processing, server logic, and functionality happen smoothly.

What does Backend Developers do?

  • Handles server requests, performs data validation, data manipulation, and communicates with databases or other third party data providers.
  • Stores and retrieves user data, and other application data from databases or other storage solutions.
  • Provides application programming interfaces (APIs) that communicate with the frontend and other applications.
  • Backend also deals with data security and ensures the system operates reliably, and can handle high traffic without downtime.

The backend applications are developed using a server side programming language such as Java, C++, C#, Python, Javascript, etc. As a backend engineer, you will need at least proficiency in one of the backend technology and a decent amount of knowledge of working with databases.

Frequently Asked Questions


1. How to become a Backend Developer?

If you are a just getting started with the backend development, you can start by learning a backend programming language such as Python, Java, PHP, Ruby, Go etc. Once you have got the basic to intermediate understanding of the language, learn about the package manager for that language and learn how to install and use external packages into your applications. Then, learn the basics of a relational database e.g. PostgreSQL or MySQL and perform database CRUD operations.

Once you are familier with the basics, learn building a simple RESTful API and understand the Authentication and Authorization concepts.

Don't forget to learn about Git and GitHub as well.

2. How long does it take to become a Backend Developer?

The amount of time it takes to become a backend developer depends on several factors, such as your learning pace, previous experience and the amount of time you are able to dedicate to learning.

If you have a background in computer science or a related field, and have experience with programming, you may be able to become a backend developer relatively quickly, potentially within a few months.

3. Should I learn everything listed on the Backend Roadmap?

This guide encompasses all aspects you might face in your journey as a Backend Developer. Not every item on this roadmap is essential for entering the industry, as each job has unique requirements, typically involving a subset of the listed skills.

If you are a beginner who is just getting started, don't feel overwhelmed by looking at this roadmap.