What does a backend developer need to know to get a high-paying job?

The world of technology is rapidly changing, and the profession of a backend developer is becoming increasingly in demand. But what makes this specialist successful among numerous competitors? To find a well-paid job, one needs to possess specific knowledge and skills. What does a backend developer need to know to confidently step into this exciting world of IT?

Skills of a Backend Developer That Cannot Be Ignored

For successful work, an engineer must master several core programming languages, such as Python, Java, or PHP. Each has its own strengths, and the choice of a specific language often depends on the project’s tasks and the employer’s preferences. What a backend developer needs to know includes not only programming languages but also proficient use of databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB, which is critical for creating efficient applications.

Soft Skills for a Backend Developer

A backend developer should not only write code but also effectively work in a team, quickly adapt to changing conditions, and manage their time wisely. “Soft” skills such as communication and analytical thinking are often key factors for success in IT.

What a Backend Developer Should Learn for a Successful Career

You can start as a self-learner, using available online resources such as Stepik and GeekBrains, or enroll in a technical university. It is also important not to forget about current programming and database courses offered by leading educational platforms. What a backend developer needs to know includes how to choose learning resources wisely and apply acquired knowledge in practice to become a sought-after professional.

Best Online Platforms

In Russia, there are various services, each offering its own features and courses:

1. Coursera: an international platform with the opportunity to earn certificates from top universities.
2. Stepik: a Russian resource with free courses covering many aspects of programming, including backend development.
3. GeekBrains: a Russian educational platform offering courses from beginner to advanced levels.
4. Yandex Practicum: one of the most popular platforms for learning programming in Russia.

Frameworks and Tools for Backend Development

Frameworks such as Django, Spring, or Express.js significantly simplify the development process by providing a set of tools and libraries for creating server applications. For example, Django is one of the most popular frameworks for Python, helping to speed up development and ensure a high level of security.

Spring in Java is used for developing enterprise applications and stands out for its flexibility and power, making it an excellent choice for large systems. Express.js, on the other hand, is a lightweight framework for Node.js, allowing rapid development of server applications in JavaScript.

Examples of Applications in Different Fields:

1. E-commerce: Django is actively used in online stores due to its built-in user management and security features. An example is sites using Wagtail CMS for content management.
2. Financial Systems: Spring is often used by banks and financial institutions because it supports high loads and integration with many third-party services.
3. Real-time Applications: Express.js is used for developing real-time responsive applications such as chats or streaming platforms, thanks to its speed and minimalism.

What a backend developer needs to know includes how to choose the right framework for a specific task, considering the project’s requirements and scale, to efficiently complete the project.

How to Improve a Backend Developer’s Qualifications

Continuous professional development is essential for any IT specialist. What a backend developer needs to know about this and where to find suitable lessons and events? You can attend courses on new technologies, participate in hackathons, or delve into the study of specific tools and languages to remain competitive in the job market.

Some tools to help:

1. Docker for application containerization, allowing the creation of isolated environments for development.
2. Kubernetes: a system for automating deployment, scaling, and managing containerized applications.
3. GitLab CI/CD for configuring continuous integration and deployment processes, automating testing and deployment.
4. Prometheus and Grafana: monitoring and visualization tools used to track the status of servers and applications.
5. ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana): a set of tools for log analysis and monitoring, helping to track and identify issues in application operation.
6. Postman for API testing, simplifying the interaction process with server applications.

How Much a Backend Developer Earns and How to Find a Job

Backend developers’ salaries vary depending on the level of qualification and region. A beginner specialist in Russia can expect a salary starting from 80,000 rubles per month, while experienced developers often earn over 200,000 rubles.

How to Find a Backend Developer Job

Job searching requires an active approach: attending specialized events, participating in online communities, and constantly updating your portfolio on platforms such as GitHub, Habr Career, HeadHunter, LinkedIn, and SuperJob. Each of these platforms has its own features:

1. GitHub: ideal for showcasing your projects and repositories. It is a platform where employers see your code and level of knowledge.
2. Habr Career: a specialized resource for the IT community in Russia, where you can find vacancies from companies that value developers. Plus — IT-oriented, minus — limited audience.
3. HeadHunter: the most popular platform in Russia for job search, with a huge number of vacancies. Plus — wide coverage, minus — high competition.
4. SuperJob: another Russian platform for job search, with a user-friendly interface and job filters. Plus — a wide selection of vacancies, minus — fewer specialized IT vacancies.

Conclusion

To land a well-paid job in backend development, one needs to know a lot. This includes not only programming languages and databases but also skills in effective communication and self-education. Start your journey in IT right now, develop your skills, and strive for success!