Start Your Back-End Developer Career

Jobs in computer and information technology experience above average growth rates and salaries*. Here, you’ll find the resources you need to jumpstart your back-end development career.

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[Featured Image] A back-end developer in a blue shirt and blazer works on a laptop in an open office space.
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What Does a Back-End Developer Do?

A back-end developer writes code that forms the backbone of a website or app. Learn more about this career field and how to get started.

March 23, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A woman applying for a back-end developer job shakes hands with a hiring manager standing next to a desk in a brightly lit office.
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4 Common Back-End Developer Interview Questions

As companies expect to fill thousands of new web development jobs over the upcoming years, there will be many opportunities for a back-end developer to interview for a position on an exciting and innovative team—plan ahead and be prepared.

January 21, 2022

Article

[Feature Image] A man works at a desktop computer.
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Front-End vs. Back-End Developer: Understanding the Differences

There are three primary types of software development: front-end, back-end, and full-stack. Compare and contrast them in this guide.

March 30, 2022

Article

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

Software Developer Salary Guide (2024)

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

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

Software Developer Salary Guide (2024)

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

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

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Application Development, Computer Programming, Security Engineering, Software Engineering Tools, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Communication, DevOps, Software Security, Software Testing, Cloud Applications, Product Development, IBM Cloud, Linux, Cloud Computing, Collaboration, Docker (Software), Leadership and Management, Python Programming, Scrum (Software Development), Web Development, Data Analysis, Django (Web Framework), Kubernetes, Mergers & Acquisitions, SQL

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Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Meta

Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Databases, HTML and CSS, SQL, Database Design, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Science, Big Data, React (web framework), Software Testing, Web Development, Application Development, Back-End Web Development, Cloud API, Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Collaboration, Communication, Computer Programming, Data Model, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Database Administration, Database Application, Database Theory, DevOps, Django (Web Framework), Front-End Web Development, Full-Stack Web Development, Javascript, Kubernetes, Linux, Problem Solving, Semantic Web, Software Engineering, Software Engineering Tools, Statistical Programming, Tensorflow, Web Design, Web Development Tools

Build toward a degree

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8.4K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Software Engineering Tools, Application Development, Communication, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Web Development, Javascript, Cloud Applications, Leadership and Management, Product Development, Collaboration, DevOps, Docker (Software), IBM Cloud, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, Kubernetes, Mergers & Acquisitions, NoSQL, Python Programming

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

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

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June 27, 2022

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

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

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[Featured Image] A man and woman map out a mobile app design on a whiteboard.

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[Featured image] A software developer wears headphones and works on her laptop from home.

What Does a Software Developer Do? Career Overview + Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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[Featured Image] A professional browses entry-level computer science jobs on the computer.

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

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[Featured Image] A man and woman 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.

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[Featured image] A software developer wears headphones and works on her laptop from home.

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

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Also known as server-side development, back-end development focuses on the architectural components that users cannot see. This part of a website or application includes data storage, cybersecurity measures, application programming interfaces (APIs), and servers. 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. Learn more about how to prepare for an entry-level back-end developer role and how Coursera can help:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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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.