Backend Engineer

A backend engineer specializes in server-side software development, focusing on implementing business logic and server-side processes. While software engineers generally develop software applications, backend engineers specifically work on the server-side components. They are often employed by technology companies that build software products or tools to support their business operations.

Output of a Backend Engineer

1. Server-Side Applications: Backend engineers build and maintain server-side applications that handle business logic, manage user sessions, and execute tasks based on user actions or other events.
2. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): They design and implement APIs that allow systems to communicate with each other. This includes defining endpoints, request/response formats, and ensuring security. They are also responsible for creating high-performance and scalable API services.
3. Database Schemas and Queries: Backend engineers design database architectures and handle data storage, retrieval, and manipulation efficiently. This involves creating and updating database schemas and writing optimized queries.
4. Infrastructure and Deployment Pipelines: They manage the infrastructure required to run applications, including setting up deployment pipelines, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes, and monitoring tools.

Collaboration with Other Roles

• Frontend Engineers: Collaborate on integrating backend services with frontend interfaces.
• Product Managers: Work with product managers to understand product or feature requirements.
• Engineering Managers or Leads: Receive supervision and guidance from engineering managers or leads.
• Tech Ops: Occasionally assist with ad hoc issues and bugs.

What Does a Backend Engineer Do on a Daily Basis?

Morning Routine (15%)

• Check Emails and Messages (5%): Review and respond to emails and messages from team members, stakeholders, or clients. This includes checking updates on project management tools and addressing urgent issues.
• Daily Standup Meeting (10%): Participate in a daily standup or sprint planning session to discuss progress, roadblocks, and plans for the day, ensuring team alignment.

Collaboration and Meetings (20%)

• Technical Meetings (10%): Work closely with frontend developers to integrate backend services with the frontend. Participate in technical planning with other team members.
• Meet with Stakeholders or Team Members (10%): Attend meetings with product managers, designers, or other team members to discuss requirements, project progress, and necessary changes or updates.

Development and Coding (50%)

• Write and Review Code (30%): Develop new features, write server-side code, and review code from others. This includes API development, implementing business logic, and ensuring code quality.
• Debugging and Troubleshooting (10%): Identify and fix bugs reported by users or found during testing. This involves analyzing logs, running tests, and debugging code.
• Database Management (10%): Create and update database schemas, write queries, and optimize database performance. This may include designing new data structures and addressing data-related issues.

Testing and Quality Assurance (10%)

• Write and Execute Tests (5%): Develop and run unit tests, integration tests, and other types of tests to ensure the backend code functions correctly and meets quality standards.
• Review Test Results (5%): Analyze test results, address issues, and work on improving test coverage.

Documentation and Planning (5%)

• Update Documentation (3%): Write or update documentation for APIs, code, or system architecture to ensure it is clear and up-to-date.
• Plan and Prioritize Tasks (2%): Plan tasks for upcoming days, prioritize work based on project needs, and update task lists or project management tools.

Others (5%)

• Learning and Research (3%): Spend time learning new technologies, researching best practices, or exploring tools and libraries to enhance development processes or application functionality.
• Administrative Tasks (2%): Handle administrative tasks such as time tracking, updating status reports, or managing personal workspaces.

What Skills are Needed to be a Backend Engineer?

Technical Skills

• Algorithms & Data Structures: Proficient in fundamental algorithms and data structures such as authentication, loops, conditionals, arrays, and maps.
• Programming Languages: Expertise in backend development languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, PHP, Node.js, C#, or Go.
• Frameworks and Libraries: Experience with backend frameworks such as Django (Python), Spring (Java), Express (Node.js), Gin/Echo (Go), or Ruby on Rails (Ruby).
• Database Management:
  • Relational Databases: Proficiency in SQL databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle, including schema design and query writing.
  • NoSQL Databases: Knowledge of NoSQL databases such as MongoDB, Cassandra, or Redis, and understanding their use cases.
• API Development: Ability to design and implement RESTful APIs, including CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
• Version Control: Proficiency in using Git for version control, including branching, merging, and pull requests.

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex problems, debug issues, break them down into smaller components, and develop effective solutions.
• Structured Thinking: Ability to approach problems step-by-step and understand the impact of decisions.
• Communication: Effective communication and collaboration with team members, including leads, frontend developers, designers, and product managers.
• Eagerness to Learn: Willingness to learn new technologies, adapt to changing requirements, and stay updated with industry trends.