Backend
What is a backend? The “Brain” of Web and App Development
Backendrefers to the server-side part of a website, application, or software that users do not see directly, but that manages all the behind-the-scenes logic, data processing, and communication with databases. Essentially, it is the “brain” of a digital product, where all technical operations and processes take place.
Frontend The (user interface) is responsible for what users see and interact with, while the backend supports functionality that keeps everything running, such as submitting forms, logging in, data management, and executing business logic.
Main Components of Backend:
- Server: The computer that receives requests and sends responses.
- Database: Structured data (e.g. MySQL, MongoDB) stores, retrieves, and manages.
- Application: It processes data, contains business logic, and communicates between server and frontend (e.g. Written in PHP, Python, Java, Node.js).
Example:
Imagine that you are on an ecommerce site. When you click “Add to Cart”, this action triggers the backend to update the shopping cart, calculate totals, and store the information in a database. Although you do not see any of this process, it all happens in real time in the backend.
Popular Backend Frameworks:
- Express.js (JavaScript)
- Laravel (PHP)
- Django (Python)
- Skip (Java)
- Ruby on Rails (Ruby)
Why is the backend important?
Without a working backend, a website or application would not be able to:
- Cannot process user input
- Cannot store or receive data
- Unable to authenticate users
- Can't manage content or permissions
- Cannot communicate with external APIs
The backend is critical to performance, security, and scalability, and is one of the key elements in web and software development.
