The front end of a website needs to be aesthetically pleasing and functional for any user visiting the site. After all, this is often the first impression that a person will receive of a business. However, the front end is essentially just a reflection of how well the back end system is built. Back end systems need to be robust and skillfully developed to power the front end in the most effective way.
So, the question is, how does a developer create the best back end systems that power the front end? The good news is that, by following the basics and best practices, this is certainly achievable. So, here’s what you need to know about building out robust back-end systems.
What is Back End Development?
So, what is back end development? Simply put, it’s all of the code behind the scenes that makes the front end operate. This includes all the code and tools that operate the servers, databases, applications, and more. Ultimately, it is anything that operates on the server side rather than the client side.
The Importance of a Back End Developer for Robust Back End Systems
Realistically, every back-end developer is the unsung hero of a website or application. Users may see the aesthetically pleasing design and operation of the front, but without a capable back end developer, these things wouldn’t be possible.
A back-end developer is the one integrating APIs, setting up the servers and database, and many other functions that allow for pleasing results on the front end.
The Components of Back End Development
Let’s break down the component parts of what makes up back end development, including the base code and functionality, down to hosting it to create the site.
Server Code and Hosting
A server is a piece of hardware where all of the code that makes up the site and its functions is stored. Moreover, servers are able to send and receive data, as well as process requests for certain data, pages, or actions. The server could be considered to be the brain of the website.
Once a website is built and deployed within a server, it will have a specific URL and IP address to access the information. However, this is where the front end of the website comes into play as well. There are a couple of options for setup as to how the front end and back end of the site interact with each other. This is where hosting plays a role. Hosting essentially means a place to store website files and applications, like on the server. Some companies may choose to have on-site servers, whereas others may use a third-party server or cloud-based hosting service.
One scenario may even be that the back end is stored in on-site servers, while the front end is deployed on a separate server or third-party service. In this case, an Application Programming Interface (API) can allow them to communicate with each other.
Application Programming Interface (API)
As mentioned above, APIs essentially allow the front and back end of a site to communicate with each other. This means that users can interact with the front end by entering or requesting information, which translates through the API to give or receive this information from the back end. There will also be server-side software that is designed to communicate with the API called middleware.
Database
While the server holds all of the critical files and code for the website, databases are necessary to hold a wide array of additional information. This includes user data, employee records, product information, media files, and more. Databases allow users and employees to store and interact with information, such as deleting or adding files, updating information, etc.
Graphem Solutions: Your Perfect Fit for Back and Front End Development
If you are looking for a one-stop shop for front and back end systems and development, then Graphem Solutions is here to help. Our team includes expert front and back-end developers to ensure we can build the perfect site for your business. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-590-0175.
