Start Your Back-End Developer Career

Back-end developers are specialists responsible for building and maintaining the behind-the-scenes components of a website, such as data processing, storage, security, and server-side functions. Start your back-end developer career with these resources.

[Featured Image] Young back-end developer with long red hair and glasses looking at two computer screens as they design the server side of a website.

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Back-End Developer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Learn more about a back-end developer’s salary and the factors that affect earnings, including skills, experience, industry, location, and certifications.

February 20, 2024

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[Featured Image] Three web developers sitting at a table in an open concept office use backend languages to write code on their laptops.

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Why Learn Back-End Languages?

Modern websites need back-end development to maintain a responsive, smooth system that provides users with a positive experience. Explore back-end development, including role types and paths to learning this skill.

November 5, 2024

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[Featured Image] A young web developer sitting in front of a computer and discussing their coding with a coworker.

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How to Become a Web Developer Without a Degree

Learn about how to become a web developer without a degree, including the different types of web development jobs, skill requirements, and steps to follow to reach your career goals.

April 2, 2024

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[Featured image] A software developer in a blue sweater sits at a desk with a laptop, tablet, and a stack of sticky notes.

Software Developer Salary Guide (2026)

Software developers use programming and creative skills to build software. They enjoy problem-solving and working as part of a team.

February 24, 2023

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[Featured Image] A back-end developer in a gray sweatshirt uses their laptop to work on an API with nearby coworkers.

What Is an API? (+ How Do They Work?)

Learn about different types of APIs and how to use them.

December 5, 2022

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[Featured image] A person wearing glasses and a plaid shirt works on code on a desktop.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science: A Guide

Learn what it takes to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, including the coursework and what you can do after earning the degree.

October 31, 2022

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What Is an API? (+ How Do They Work?)

Learn about different types of APIs and how to use them.

December 5, 2022

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Build job-ready skills and earn career credentials with industry leaders in technology

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IBM

Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express

Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Full-Stack Web Development, Server Side, Back-End Web Development, Restful API, Web Applications, Web Development, Cloud Computing, Web Servers, Javascript, GitLab, Authentications, JSON, Computer Science, Middleware

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Microsoft

Microsoft Back-End Developer

Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, C# (Programming Language), Azure DevOps, Load Balancing, Continuous Integration, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Scalability, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Authentications, ASP.NET, Debugging, SQL, Microsoft Copilot, .NET Framework, Relational Databases, Database Management, Graph Theory, Back-End Web Development, Program Development, Data Structures

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University of Pittsburgh

Distributed Systems and Web Services

Skills you'll gain: Web Services, Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Storage, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Applications, Google Cloud Platform, Flask (Web Framework), Distributed Computing, Containerization, Software Architecture, Docker (Software), Virtualization, Restful API, JSON, Microservices, Scalability, Extensible Markup Language (XML), API Design, Computer Architecture

[Featured Image] An entry-level programmer examines code on a computer monitor beside a laptop.

5 Entry-Level Programming Jobs + How to Get One

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[Featured Image] A person in a checkered shirt searches programming languages to learn on their computer.

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June 9, 2022

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[Featured Image] Two blockchain developers look at a computer monitor while talking in an office setting with multiple workstations.

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May 20, 2022

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[Featured Image] A web developer sitting at a computer in an office works at an entry-level computer science job.

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Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

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March 28, 2022

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Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide

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March 28, 2022

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What Does a Software Developer Do? (And How to Become One)

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October 13, 2021

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As an entry-level back-end developer, you’ll practice writing code under the direction of experienced developers using popular programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Ruby, or HTML/CSS. You’ll collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and QA testers to structure websites or mobile applications to ensure they run smoothly and responsively. Browse our free resources as you start your back-end developer career:

Learn the lingo: Web Development Terms: A to Z Glossary

Find your path: Web Development Career Paths: Explore Roles & Specialization

Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: Web Developer

Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of back-end development courses or accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Choosing the right front end course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as introductory web design principles. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on responsive design, web accessibility, and using front-end frameworks like React or Angular. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on advanced JavaScript techniques, performance optimization, or preparing for roles in front-end development and UI/UX design. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.‎

There are many paths you can take to become a back-end developer. Whether you are a recent graduate or hoping to switch careers, it's important to assess what transferable skills you already have and consider building the new skills needed to pursue a back-end developer role. Back-end developer technical skills include programming, frameworks, and databases. Workplace skills include communication and problem-solving.

Read more: What Does a Back-End Developer Do?‎

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*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Technology Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.” Accessed February 2, 2024.