A robust website is critical to a thriving, successful business. And building and designing a website demands the hands of numerous professionals. One important team member is the backend developer.
The backend developer is responsible for constructing the foundation of your website or web application. Their role is multifaceted, but no matter what their tasks are at a given point in time, they are essential for delivering a functional, high-performing tool—one that meets the needs of your users and attracts and engages visitors.
But how do you find a qualified, experienced professional to lay the groundwork and foundation for an excellent website or web app? Here’s how to hire a backend developer.
What Does a Backend Developer Do?
First, it is important to understand what the backend is. This is a term that encompasses all the services, servers, tools, architectures, software, databases, and systems that make a website or application work. All these components comprise the inner workings of the product—the behind-the-scenes elements that the end user or consumer doesn’t actually see.
Meanwhile, the frontend, also called the client-side, is the part that the user does see. The backend essentially provides the logic, architecture, and structure for the frontend, acting as the support system that makes it work.
Typically organizations will hire separate backend developers and frontend developers. These professionals will work together to bring the project to fruition. However, sometimes, one individual creates both aspects of the product—both the server side and the client side. This is called a full-stack developer, and they are considered a jack-of-all-trades, so to speak.
Backend Developer Responsibilities
- While writing clean code is one of the main tasks of a backend developer, this is not the entirety of their role. Other responsibilities include:
- Unit testing and debugging all code
- Troubleshooting
- Working closely with other team members to build quality products
- Communicating with stakeholders
- Supporting and sometimes training other team members
- Creating thorough documentation
- Making recommendations for new products or upgrades
- Problem-solving
How Do You Hire Backend Developers?
Web developers of all types are in demand, and it can be difficult to hire a backend developer who is the right fit for your company. So, how do you find the right one for your team?
First, consider the different models available to you. Typically, this boils down to a freelance backend developer, an in-house, full-time team member, or an outsourcing team. Each has its different merits—it depends on what you need.
Start by pinpointing what you’re looking for. What are your requirements? What are your goals? Are you looking for an ongoing arrangement, or is this a discrete project?
Regardless of the model and requirements, you should ensure that the candidate has the appropriate level of expertise and the right qualifications for the job. Take a careful look at their portfolio—this will help you assess their skills and work. Speak with previous clients and/or employers to secure recommendations attesting to their abilities. It’s also a good idea to assess whether the candidate has experience in your industry.
The Interview Process
Typically the interview process for hiring backend developers includes a coding assessment and/or technical interview and a general interview assessing the cultural fit and soft skills. If you’re working with an outsourcing provider or recruiting agency, they will handle some or all of these processes, although you may still perform the final interview and will have the ultimate say in whom you hire.
The purpose of this process is to see how they work in practice, as well as determine how well they will fit in with the rest of your organization.
Backend Development Skills
When you hire a backend developer or development team, there are many different skills and qualifications you should look for. To start, they should have experience working with common backend web programming languages, such as:
- JavaScript
- HTML and CSS
- Java
- Ruby
- SQL
- PHP
- C#
They should also have knowledge of frameworks, libraries, programs, version control systems, and runtime environments commonly associated with these languages and backend development. Examples include:
- MySQL
- .NET
- Node.js
- Django
- Ruby on Rails
- Git
- Laravel
Backend developers should also have a strong background and experience with the following entities, structures, and concepts:
- Algorithms
- APIs
- Array operations
- Server architectures
- Cloud computing and cloud hosting
- Data structures
- Databases
- Server management
- Web security
Finally, all backend developers cannot rely on technical or hard skills alone. They must also be able to communicate well with others, work on teams, and be adept at problem-solving, time management, critical thinking, and prioritization.
BairesDev’s Backend Development Services
Looking to hire backend developer services? BairesDev offers several models to assist you with your project or projects from start to finish. We have access to qualified professionals in all software and web development niches. In fact, more than 1 million talented tech professionals apply to work with us every year, and we hire only the Top 1%.
You can choose the model that works best for you. The Dedicated Delivery Team model will handle every aspect of your web project, including backend and frontend development, along with additional features like UX design. This is the best approach for discrete projects that you’re unable to handle in-house.
Or, you can choose the Extended Team, Staff Augmentation model. This is ideal for businesses that need additional support for their projects and services. For example, perhaps you have qualified team members in-house but are looking for an expert backend developer to give you that extra boost.
