Backend developers are the experts who build and maintain the mechanisms that process data and perform various actions on websites. They are involved in data storage, security, and other server-side functions. On the other hand, a backend engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server side of web applications. The responsibility of a back-end engineer is to build the structure of a software application.

In this blog, we will describe these two job roles, their functional areas, and their differences.

A backend developer is not the same as a backend engineer. They both are part of a software development team with the same project. Though they do similar tasks, the members take on cross-functional responsibilities to achieve their goals successfully.

Backend Development

Backend development indicates working on server-side software to focus on everything a visitor can’t see on a website. Backend developers ensure the website performs correctly, focussing on databases, backend logic, APIs, architecture, and servers.

Backend Developers

A backend developer is responsible for writing the web services and APIs used by front-end and mobile app developers. They oversee the server-side web application logic as well as the integration of the frontend part.

A backend developer understands JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, NodeJS, and jQuery. They should have proper knowledge of integration of data sources, databases, authorization between multiple systems and servers, etc. In addition, they should have the ability to write clean and maintainable codes. Should have an understanding of cross-platform functionality and compatibility of applications.

The responsibilities of a backend developer include troubleshooting and debugging applications, conducting UI tests, and optimizing performance. They participate in the application lifecycle, develop sustainable web applications with codes, and provide training and support to other team members.

Backend Engineer

A backend engineer’s primary responsibility is to build the structure of a software application. They are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server side of web applications. They set the software team’s foundations that they perform to achieve the main goal. They write business logic, server scripts, and APIs that will later e used by the other developers of the team.

A backend engineer ensures a secured structure and generates reusable code libraries and data storage solutions. They also optimize servers for speed and stability, build secured structures, generate reusable code libraries, and create data storage solutions.

The skills include proficiency in PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, .NET, and JavaScript. They should know HTML5 and CSS3. In addition, they should understand the accessibility and server compliance. Additionally, They should have a clear concept of database systems.

The responsibilities include inspecting server code for speed optimization, conceptualizing, and implementing solutions for data storage. They can improve the quality of the team’s code through automation and writing tests and configure the backend usability of all front-side applications.

Backend Programming Languages

Backend development has two different types of programming languages,

Object-oriented
Functional

Object-oriented programming language includes PHP. JAVA, Python, Ruby, C++, etc., and functional languages are Clojure, wolfram, Racket, and Haskell.

The Differences

Both professionals have similar tasks and responsibilities, but there are a few differences in their roles.

A backend developer is responsible for executing the backend engineer’s plans. They have single tasks and features to combine the development of software applications possible. On the other hand, a backend engineer is mainly responsible for communicating with the company’s leaders to understand the end-user necessities.
Engineers are responsible for designing the entire development process, but developers are not. Engineers need to demonstrate the design and methods of the project.

A successful project requires collaboration among the developers and engineers. So organizations should consider hiring the best team for a faster deployment process.

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