Start Your Back-End Developer Career

Explore articles about back-end development, programming, and web applications. Learn about back-end developer careers, Python, JavaScript, and collaboration skills to build responsive websites and applications.

[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

Article

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

Status: Featured

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

Article

[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

Article

[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

Article

[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

Article

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

Article

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

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

December 5, 2022

Article

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

IBM

Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express

Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Restful API, Server Side, Back-End Web Development, Full-Stack Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, JSON, Web Servers, Authentications, Web Applications, API Design, Web Development, Postman API Platform, Package and Software Management, Model View Controller, Application Programming Interface (API), Web Services, Authorization (Computing), Javascript, Computer Science

Microsoft

Microsoft Back-End Developer

Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, C# (Programming Language), SQL, Database Management, Azure DevOps, Object Oriented Design, Continuous Integration, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Version Control, ASP.NET, GitHub, Git (Version Control System), Debugging, Relational Databases, Secure Coding, .NET Framework, Microsoft Copilot, Scalability, Graph Theory, Data Structures

University of Michigan

Web Development Fundamentals: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Skills you'll gain: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Development, Javascript, Event-Driven Programming, Computer Programming

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

5 Entry-Level Programming Jobs + How to Get One

Learn about skills, education, salary, and how to take your first steps toward a career in computer programming.

June 27, 2022

Article

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

What Programming Language Should I Learn?

Figure out which programming language is best for you to learn based on your goals.

June 9, 2022

Article

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

What Is a Blockchain Developer (and How to Become One)

Learn about the fundamentals of blockchain development, relevant skills, and technical FAQs.

May 20, 2022

Article

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

Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One

Learn how to enter the computer science industry with or without prior experience.

April 18, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two iOS app developers work together to refine software for a new app.

What Is an iOS App Developer? A 2026 Guide

Learn what an iOS developer does and how you can succeed in this rapidly growing field.

March 30, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A JavaScript developer writes code at their computer.

Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

It’s important to know the difference between Java and JavaScript, two popular programming languages. Read on to explore the differences, uses, and pros and cons of both.

March 30, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Two people map out a mobile app design on a whiteboard.

Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide

Learn about the mobile app development industry and how you can develop your own mobile app with this guide.

March 28, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] An aspiring computer programmer studies TypeScript vs. JavaScript and the applications of each on a computer in a sunny room with other learners.

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

Learn about software development careers and how to start yours with expert tips, recommendations, online courses, and more.

October 13, 2021

Article

[Featured image] Blond person wearing glasses and a blue sweater working in front of a computer at a futuristic computer science lab

What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree? 10 In-Demand Fields

Earning your bachelor's or master's degree in computer science can lead to exciting opportunities across a number of industries.

December 14, 2020

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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

Article

5 Entry-Level Programming Jobs + How to Get One

Learn about skills, education, salary, and how to take your first steps toward a career in computer programming.

June 27, 2022

Article

What Programming Language Should I Learn?

Figure out which programming language is best for you to learn based on your goals.

June 9, 2022

Article

What Is a Blockchain Developer (and How to Become One)

Learn about the fundamentals of blockchain development, relevant skills, and technical FAQs.

May 20, 2022

Article

Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One

Learn how to enter the computer science industry with or without prior experience.

April 18, 2022

Article

What Is an iOS App Developer? A 2026 Guide

Learn what an iOS developer does and how you can succeed in this rapidly growing field.

March 30, 2022

Article

Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

It’s important to know the difference between Java and JavaScript, two popular programming languages. Read on to explore the differences, uses, and pros and cons of both.

March 30, 2022

Article

Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide

Learn about the mobile app development industry and how you can develop your own mobile app with this guide.

March 28, 2022

Article

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

Learn about software development careers and how to start yours with expert tips, recommendations, online courses, and more.

October 13, 2021

Article

What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree? 10 In-Demand Fields

Earning your bachelor's or master's degree in computer science can lead to exciting opportunities across a number of industries.

December 14, 2020

Article

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.