As you browse the internet, you might wonder how much work goes into building the web applications you use. You may ask: “How do search bars find what I’m looking for?” or “How is my online banking information stored securely?”

Software development involves many specialist roles that often overlap. The front end of web development—what users see on their screens—and the back end—what’s behind the scenes—are methodically planned, built, and maintained by teams of developers, designers, engineers, and other tech experts. These professionals apply their skills in coding, user experience (UX) design, and programming to bring life and functionality to your favorite websites.

The back end is where developers and engineers interface with the servers and databases that govern the content of the front end. Read on to learn more about the roles of back-end developers and back-end engineers, how they differ, and how to begin a successful career as either one.

The Role of a Back-End Engineer

Back-end engineers are responsible for the overall structure of a given software program. These engineers lay the foundation and create the framework of databases and application programming interfaces (APIs) that determine how the front end works. Databases are often housed in servers, which act as repositories for data being sent by users on the front end. While many back-end engineers write underlying code for software applications, their main priority is managing the architecture of the back end through data engineering principles.

Communicating and sharing progress with executive leadership and project stakeholders is also a key responsibility of most back-end engineers.

Skills Required for Back-End Engineers

Back-end engineers rely on a wealth of technical knowledge to oversee entire development strategies and design structures. The following skills can prove useful for back-end engineers:

• Proficiency in coding languages like JavaScript, Structured Query Language (SQL), and Ruby
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic, including algebra and statistics
• Understanding of servers, server-side scripting, and server compliance
• Problem-solving
• Leadership and management skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Delegation skills

The Role of a Back-End Developer

Back-end developers [hyperlink to back-end dev CG] often fulfill specialized roles in coding the underlying structure of the front end. These professionals employ creative skills to solve problems while building back-end web assets. Unlike engineers, developers typically work on single portions of software applications and programs at a time. They do this by writing code, building frameworks, debugging, and completing other similar tasks.

Additionally, back-end developers often work in teams and coordinate their efforts with front-end developers and web designers. This way, lines of communication between front- and back-end specialists remain open.

Skills Required for Back-End Developers

Developers working in the back end share similar skills to back-end engineers. However, developers must exercise more attention to detail and be fluent in the relevant programming language. Common back-end development skills include the following:

• Experience with UX design and user testing
• Troubleshooting and debugging skills
• Proficiency in Python, Java, PHP, and SQL scripting languages
• Critical thinking
• Understanding of servers, databases, and APIs
• Knowledge of back-end frameworks like NodeJS and Django

Key Differences between the Roles

While back-end developers and back-end engineers share many similar skill sets, the two roles diverge primarily based on their scope of responsibility and level of experience. Back-end engineers typically hold more senior positions, presenting web development interests to organization leadership and delegating development tasks to subordinate teams. Back-end developers tend to execute the plans laid out by back-end engineers.

It is also worth noting many job postings in this areas don’t make the distinction between “back-end developers” and “back-end engineers.” Roles in both areas are often quite similar. Companies offering engineer roles may provide a more clear distinction of the technical expertise required of the role. However, the title can vary by company. For example, once company may hire a “Software Engineer,” while another company hiring for a similar role may hire for a “Software Developer.”

Back-end engineers may look to long-term solutions regarding software sustainability and scalability. This includes setting goals to minimize technical debt. For example, an engineer could develop a set of coding standards for developers to write clean, secure, and maintainable code while avoiding taking convenient but risky coding shortcuts. In this way, the engineer works with their organization’s well-being in mind as developers lend their specialized support.

A back-end engineer might be likened to a school principal or president, while a back-end developer could be compared to a teacher or faculty member. Both are tasked to run the school, but while one manages administrative-level operations, the other fulfills the specific work of teaching. Each position requires different strategies to succeed, but both rely on each other to provide students with a quality education.

Becoming a Back-End Engineer or Back-End Developer

If you’re considering a career in back-end software and web development, first decide what kind of role you’d like to play. Then, gain the skills you need to thrive in that role. Most back-end engineers and developers earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar subject. Some may continue their education and complete a master’s program for more lucrative job opportunities.

You might also supplement your degree with an industry-aligned IT certification or certificate. Certifications are professional credentials designed to increase your expertise and expand your skill set. Certificates are often earned through academic programs and grant recipients more specialized knowledge in a field of IT. Both can increase your earning potential and position you for higher-level job roles.

But where should you begin?

If you are looking for flexible, online options, then WGU might be the perfect fit for you. With no set log-in times, our programs are designed to fit into the schedules of busy working adults. We offer more than a dozen accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs in IT, some of which include top industry certifications at no extra cost. You can earn a certificate in back-end development to enhance your skills in various coding languages, database management, and more.

Our competency-based education model allows you to advance through coursework as quickly as you master the material, so you can potentially graduate faster and save money. Get started today!