The tech development marketplace is evolving with the new dawn of time. Every business owner, whether small or large, is looking for opportunities to scale their business and reach a vast strata of audiences worldwide. Web app development plays a crucial role in achieving the same. Web app development involves the front-end and back-end as the two most essential components to deliver responsive and effective software solutions for business owners.
In this blog post, we will consider the top backend technologies that can be significant in creating effective server-side web architectures with stability and efficiency in mind. We know that the backend technologies focus on enhancing web applications' non-visible aspects. These non-visible aspects of web applications play a vital role in the proper execution of functionality in any web application and enable the website's smooth creation and maintenance.
Introduction to Backend Development
As we know, backend development focuses on managing the server-side functionalities and implementing tasks such as designing the APIs, dealing with the components, and others. However, the simple question persists:
What is Backend Development?
Well! Backend development refers to the server side of a website. These components are invisible to the eye or simply the logic behind the content or pages developed and managed by the backend developers. The backend is responsible for storing and arranging the data, ensuring that everything on the client side of the website works efficiently.
Simply put, back end programming languages are the part of your website or web app you cannot see or the part that doesn’t come in direct contact with the user. The backend developers develop these parts that users can access through the application's front end or website. The functionalities such as writing APIs, creating libraries, and working with the system components without the user interfaces or UIs or even the system for scientific programming are also part of the backend.
The backend is mainly responsible for handling the three components, including the Server, Database, and Logic.
Considering the popularity of the technologies, the TIOBE Index for September 2023 can be found below.
However, with the data above, we can infer that the popularity of a technical stack is something that can tell a lot about market trends and C-Suite preferences. Still, the eternal factor when choosing a backend lies in realizing the needs and requirements of your project.
Benefits of Backend Technologies
The radical shift in the backend development has brought about a significant change in the backend development process worldwide. Due to this exponential growth of the backend development, it is crucial to keep up with the sheer amount of technology at their disposal.
Whether you are an IT manager, startup founder, corporate decision maker, or any C-suite executive, it is essential to pick the right backend technology out of the available top backend technologies before you move ahead with your project development. Many factors help you realize the true benefit of back-end development; a few of them are as follows:
Runs in Different Environments
Backend Technologies enable your web application to be deployed on various environments, including on-premises servers, cloud computing platforms, hybrid setups, and more. It allows the softwares to adapt to the changing infrastructure and needs to cater to a broader range of users within budgets and meet their needs. Also, it simplifies scaling and migrating your applications as per the requirements.
Simplified and Faster Information Sharing
The back end web development allows for effective data management and sharing across different parts of your application. They allow for APIs and data storage mechanisms that smoothen the communication between the front-ends and the back-end components. This leads to faster and more reliable data exchange, resulting in improved collaboration and more efficient decision-making within a business.
Enhanced User Experience
The best backend technologies can significantly affect the user experience for a website or an application. These collectively improve the user experience through real-time data updates, handling concurrent user requests and quick response to user actions, personalized recommendations, and social media integrations. Collectively, this makes the applications more engaging and valuable for the end-users.
Streamline Workflows with Automated Tasks
The top backend technologies can efficiently automate workflows and reduce manual tasks such as scheduled tasks, data processing, email notifications, and customer support. This collectively improves efficiency and reduces the possibility of human errors. With automated tasks and streamlined workflows, your employees can focus on more strategic tasks and improve the efficiency of your business processes.
Faster and Quality Development
The backend technologies enable businesses to develop applications faster and with higher efficiency and quality. Your developers can leverage the potential of the pre-built components and APIs. They can follow the best practices to achieve better results faster with tasks such as testing and deployment, and that too with higher-quality code. This allows bringing new products and features faster within the market.
Enhanced Scalability and Robustness
The backend technologies ensure that the applications can handle the increased loads and are effectively scalable with the growing user base. This can be achieved effectively using cloud computing platforms or by implementing load balancing, caching, and database scaling. Also, they help improve the robustness of your applications, making them more performant under heavy workloads
Increased Security and Ease of Development
The best backend technologies help businesses enhance the security of their applications with features such as authentication, authorization, and data encryption. These features help protect sensitive data by providing access only to authorized users. They also offer debugging and monitoring tools and frameworks that help simplify development by addressing security vulnerabilities and performance issues.
Top Backend Technologies
Several backend technologies have gained significance in the past few years, and the rest have been within the spectrum for a long time. Let us discover some of the best backend technologies significant in backend development to help you gain an edge in this competitive marketplace based on your needs and requirements.
Golang is an open-source programming language by the experts at Google intended to simplify the software development process. The Go language presents code efficiency that makes it ideal for companies looking for lean and efficient coding, making it an ideal choice for business owners.
When is Golang Backend ideal for your business?
Using Golang backend offers powerful performance, scalability, simplified code, easy maintenance, and an industry-agnostic and internet-friendly approach, making it an ideal choice for building several applications, such as
- High-Traffic Web Apps: Golang’s inbuilt concurrency and memory management features make it ideal for building web apps with extensive traffic requests and users and for building web servers and APIs for handling heavy traffic.
- Data Analysis and Machine Learning: Golang allows you to build scalable and highly effective machine-learning applications that require extensive data processing and other tech stacks like TensorFlow.
- Gaming: Golang can handle concurrent user interactions effectively, making it ideal for real-time gaming applications with online multiplayer games. Also, it effectively builds game servers and backends for online gaming platforms.
Apps you can build using Golang
IOT
Content Delivery
Logistics and Supply Chain
Government and Public Sector
eCommerce
Education
Why did Uber Choose Golang as their backend?
Uber uses Golang for their geofence service and is responsible for the user’s location and product availability. The Geofence service simplifies identifying the precise area with special requirements and accordingly implements dynamic prices.
Companies that use Golang
Golang combination trading in the market
Laravel is a scalable PHP framework with an MVC architecture that allows writing less code with more functionality. It has built-in security features protect your app from common security threats, enabling it to use existing components from other frameworks. Laravel also allows for more efficient app structures and pragmatism.
When is Laravel Backend ideal for your business?
Laravel is the ideal backend for your business when security is prime. It allows building a wide range of web apps from small to large scale, whether you cater to the eCommerce market, B2B, B2C, retail, or others. Laravel can be your ideal choice for apps such as:
- Content Management Systems: Laravel is highly efficient in offering features like user management, role-based permissions, and flexible routing, simplifying the creation of flexible and scalable CMS solutions.
- Customer Relationship Management Systems: Laravel has a flexible architecture that makes it ideal for CRM solutions. You can easily handle and develop relationships with current and future customers using Laravel.
- eCommerce and Online Stores: Laravel is an ideal match for building eCommerce applications. It allows you to gain national and international customers with features such as product listing, payment gateway, and more.
Apps you can build using Laravel
ERP Systems and Management
Social Networking Websites
Enterprise Level Applications
SPAs and MPAs
Forums, Job Portals, News, and Others
eCommerce Websites
Why did Razorpay Choose Laravel as their backend?
URazorpay manages enormous payments for both B2B and B2C transactions. Laravel's next-gen security became the ideal choice for RazorPay to accept and process payment and add-on features such as disbursement on the product suite.
Companies that use Laravel
Laravel combination trading in the market
Node.js is a cross-platform runtime environment for the server-side and networking applications. It leverages an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that is lightweight and effective. Node.js is the perfect choice for business owners looking to improve performance and scale their profits.
When is Node js Backend ideal for your business?
Node.js is an excellent choice for quick prototyping and efficient scaling of the backend services like authentication and databases. Its modularity offers efficient maintenance and testing that can be easily reused in other projects, making it cost-effective. The apps you can build using Node.js are:
- Social Media Platforms: Node.js is highly efficient in building social media platforms with advanced features. You can implement private chat, image upload, in-post, and comments. Also, you can check it for the real-world use cases.
- CRM Tools: Node.js efficiently handles many user interactions and is sturdy enough to handle heavy CRM applications. Thus making Node.js an ideal choice for building CRM tools.
- API Servers: Node.js is also practical as an API server that allows you to serve website content without needing API servers. Node’s powerful functionality enables you to optimize memory usage for improved performance
Apps you can build using Node js
Real-Time Chat Applications
Internet of Things
ERP Tool
Advanced Fintech Apps
Streaming Tools
Project Management Tools
Why did Netflix Choose Node Js as their backend?
Netflix used Node.js as their ideal backend and reduced the startup time by up to 70% compared to the previous start-up time. The interface that used to take up to 5-10 seconds to load now loads in approx.1-2 seconds.
Companies that use Node Js
Node.js combination trading in the market
Django is a Python-based open-source backend framework that helps solve complex issues and create performant projects. It abides by the DRY principle and follows an MVC architecture that benefits large projects and web applications. This enables differentiating the working process with data, layout, and logic.
When is Django Backend ideal for your business?
Django enables your development team to pace up their development speed. This allows for more time to enhance the efficiency of your project and enables managing user authentication, content administration, site maps, RSS feeds, and others. The apps you can build using Django are:
- Financial Platforms: Django offers comprehensive security functionalities. It also enables analyzing and calculating approximate results based on personal data, risk tolerance, and the probability of achieving goals.
- SaaS: Django is the ideal choice for SaaS solutions as several resources back it for users that allow managing, customization, creating, and building
- Marketing Automation Tools: These tools target customers via automated messages, email, web, social, and texts. Further, the URL routing, form building unit testing, and other features make Django an excellent choice for the backend.
Apps you can build using Django
Web Browsers
Financial Platforms
Real Estate property Evaluation Systems
Photo-Based Verification Systems
Data-Analysis Tools
Government Portals
Why did NASA Choose Django as their backend?
NASA, the renowned government website, uses the Django framework for some of its functional elements that are more reliability-centric. The Django backend enables them to handle approximately 2 million monthly visits and high-resolution imagery.
Companies that use Django
Django combination trading in the market
PHP is a server-side scripting language for web development, meaning the code is executed on the server and thereby the results are sent to the client. It is widely used to create dynamic web pages. It can generate HTML, process form data, connect to databases, and more.
When is PHP Backend ideal for your business?
PHP is a popular web development choice as it is easy to learn, powerful, and flexible. Another reason behind the popularity of the PHP backend language is that it is easy to learn and is a powerful and versatile scripting language for web development. The applications you can build using the PHP backend are:
- Web Pages and Web-Based Apps: PHP is effective for apps that need a high level of customization, an interactive user interface, performance in online transactions, and can be integrated with the backend systems.
- Image Processing and Graphic Design: PHP allows manipulating images. Libraries like Imagine, ImageMagick, and others include several features that can be used at your project’s convenience and can be used in multiple image formats.
- eCommerce Apps: The PHP frameworks like CakePHP and CodeIgniter enable eCommerce apps quickly and effectively. Platforms such as Magento, OpenCart, ZenCart, and others are the practical implementation of PHP.
Apps you can build using PHP
Data Representation Apps
Creating PDF Files
Web Content Management Systems
GUI-Based Apps
Chatbots
Web Scraping
Why did Slack Choose PHP as their backend?
Slack, the primary team communication application with over 3 million daily users, has implemented PHP in its backend development to enhance workflow efficiency, minimize web request times, and reduce program errors.
Companies that use PHP
PHP combination trading in the market
Flask is a light-weight open-source micro-framework from Python. It enables businesses to get their application running in no time without worrying about low-level tasks such as thread management and protocols. The open-source nature enables it to remain updated with the latest tools and features by members of the Flask community.
When is Flask Backend ideal for your business?
Despite being a microframework, Flask leverages crucial elements like the Werkzeug WSGI toolkit and the Jinja2 template engine for backend development. It also offers a server, debugger, and extensibility through extensions. The apps you can build with Flask are:
- Social Networking App: Flask enables you to develop a social networking web app with high scalability. Also, Flask delivers the functionality to update the application features per evolving market trends and demands.
- Machine Learning Models: Businesses use Flask for creating ML projects due to its simplicity in deployment. The reason is that ML is a complex practice, and having an easy framework is sound.
- Weather App Development: Flask has a smaller codebase, reducing the load time. Also, the real-time functionalities of the weather application require a powerful backend technology where Flask fits ideally.
Apps you can build using Flask
Portfolio Website Development
Blogging App
Restful API
Deploy Machine Learning Models
Weather App
Why did Pinterest Choose Flask as their backend?
Pinterest, a social platform, employs Flask as its core technology to provide users with a vast database of images, GIFs, and videos for image and link sharing via pinboards.
Companies that use Flask
Flask combination trading in the market
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Ruby on Rails is a backend technology focusing on creating high-performance web platforms. It is highly efficient when programming a wide range of tasks for a web application. Ruby on Rails uses concise code, making detecting and rectifying any arising errors easier.
When is Ruby on Rails Backend ideal for your business?
Ruby on Rails has conventions that simplify it for developers to make it easier for them as there are standard structures and coding practices followed. Also, it is famous for rapid application development and can be easily modified with required changes. The RoR is ideal for apps like:
- Health and Fitness Apps: Fitness Tracking and monitoring apps with features like activity tracking, workout planning, calorie counting, and nutrition tracking are well-efficiently built with Ruby on Rails.
- eCommerce Platforms: Ruby on Rails follows the convention over configuration approach that simplifies the development process and its modular architecture, enabling businesses to market their product faster and more efficiently.
- Finance and Banking Apps: Finance and banking apps, including those from major banks and fintech companies like PayPal, grant users access to their accounts for checking balances, viewing transaction history, transferring funds, paying bills, and mobile check deposits. They prioritize security through biometric authentication and two-factor authentication.
- Gaming Apps: Gaming apps encompass a wide range of experiences from casual to complex. They include features like levels, in-app purchases, multiplayer modes, and achievements. Captivating game design and mechanics engage and retain players, making gaming apps a significant entertainment category.
Apps you can build using Ruby on Rails
Content Management Systems
Data Analytics and Dashboards
CRM Systems
API Services
Educational Platforms
Why did Shopify Choose Ruby on Rails as their backend?
Shopify employs Ruby on Rails, providing a rapid and efficient method for web app development. Its modular structure enables developers to integrate custom modules and plugins, enhancing the platform's functionality.
Companies that use Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails combination trading in the market
ASP.NET is a commonly used backend technology for web app development. It allows building great websites and web apps using the HTML, CSS and JavaScript codes. It is ideal for businesses aiming for robust, secure, and scalable web applications.
When is ASP.NET Backend ideal for your business?
ASP.NET's versatility, scalability, robust security features, and extensive components library make it an adaptable choice for constructing various web applications across diverse industries. Specifically:
- Security-Critical Apps: ASP.NET offers robust security features, including authentication, authorization, and data encryption, making it an excellent choice for businesses dealing with sensitive data, providing robust protection against security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Cloud Deployment: ASP.NET applications can be seamlessly deployed to cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, offering businesses the benefits of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and global availability.
- Complex Business Logic: When your web application requires intricate business logic, workflows, or data processing, ASP.NET provides a solid framework for developing and managing these functionalities.
Apps you can build using ASP.NET
eCommerce Platforms
ERP Systems
Educational Platforms
Financial and Banking Apps
Custom Web Apps
Why did United Airlines Choose ASP.NET as their backend?
United Airlines employs ASP.NET for its online booking and reservation system, enabling customers to search, reserve, and manage flights online efficiently.
Companies that use ASP.NET
ASP.NET combination trading in the market
Spring Boot (Java Spring Boot) is an open-source Java framework that simplifies the development of web applications and microservices, emphasizing ease of setup and configuration. It was designed to simplify the development of stand-alone, production-grade web and enterprise applications.
When is Spring Boot Backend ideal for your business?
Spring Boot aims to make development faster and more efficient. It achieves this through features like automatic setup, a predefined approach to settings, and the ability to create standalone applications. With Spring Boot, you can build:
- Business Tools: You can use Spring Boot to create various business tools, like systems for managing content, customer relationships, and resources.
- Data-Heavy Apps: If you're building applications that handle a lot of data and need to interact with databases, Spring Boot's integration with Spring Data makes it easier to work with data.
- Microservices Architecture: For businesses adopting a setup where different application parts are independent (microservices), Spring Boot's lightweight nature and support for building APIs are beneficial.
Apps you can build using Spring Boot
Online Ticket Booking Systems
Project Management Projects
Online Bookstore Application
Secure Admin Dashboards
Employee Management Systems
Why did Zillow Choose Spring Boot as their backend?
Zillow uses the Spring Boot backend for its real-estate platform. Leveraging the Spring Boot’s capabilities for powerful data access and integration capabilities enables them to handle and effectively manage large amounts of data efficiently
Companies that use Spring Boot
Spring Boot combination trading in the market
Express is a Node.js web application framework known for its extensive capabilities in developing web and mobile apps. It's ideal for creating single-page, multi-page, and hybrid web applications, serving as a layer on top of Node.js to simplify server and route management, making it a preferred choice for business owners.
When is Express.js Backend ideal for your business?
Express.js is a versatile and widely used framework for Node.js that is fast, unopinionated, and minimalist. It enables building APIs, web, mobile, and cross-platform applications with the utmost efficiency. The types of applications businesses can get using Express.js are:
- Real-time Applications: Express.js can be paired with technologies like WebSockets to efficiently manage real-time communication in applications such as chat apps, online gaming platforms, or collaborative tools.
- Prototyping and MVPs: When speed is of the essence, Express.js's straightforwardness can be a valuable asset for rapidly prototyping or building a minimum viable product (MVP).
- Customization: If your web application's backend requires extensive customization and adaptability, Express.js stands out for its minimalistic and flexible approach, allowing you to tailor your application to specific requirements.
Apps you can build using Express Js
Web APIs
Single-Page Applications (SPAs)
Real-Time Applications
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Authentication and User Management
Why did IBM Choose Express Js as their backend
IBM has been using Express.js for several products and services that it has developed, such as IBM API Connect, IBM Cloud Functions, IBM Watson, IBM Cloud Pak for Data, IBM Cloud Pak for Integration, and more. The credit goes to express.js, flexibility, and scalability that well suits the needs of these products and services.
Companies that use Express Js
Express Js combination trading in the market
How To Choose The Right Backend Technology For Your Next Project?
Several factors are crucial for business owners worldwide when deciding on a backend technology that best suits their needs and requirements. In addition, the factors that can influence the efficiency of your web app are:
- Project Size and Complexity: Backend technologies vary in their suitability for project size and complexity. Some are well-suited for large, intricate projects, while others excel in smaller, simpler ones.
- Performance and Scalability: Certain backend technologies possess superior performance and scalability capabilities, making them ideal for handling substantial user traffic and extensive data. When dealing with high volumes of users or data, opt for a technology with robust scalability features.
- Security: Ensuring the security of your backend application is paramount. Different backend technologies offer varying levels of security features. If security is a critical concern, prioritize technologies with a proven track record of strong security measures.
- Developer Expertise: Backend technologies differ in ease of learning and utilization. You may consider more complex technologies if you have a team of experienced developers. However, if your team comprises less experienced developers, choose a technology that offers easy learning and usability.
- Community Support: A thriving and engaged community can be invaluable during development and maintenance. Some backend technologies boast larger and more active communities than others. When seeking assistance for your application, opt for a technology with a sizable and dynamic community.
Conclusion
Based on the extensive information provided above, it's evident that there are several leading backend technologies available in the market to consider for your next project. We've also highlighted real-world use cases from top companies successfully utilizing these top backend technologies in web app development. Additionally, we've discussed the optimal front-end combinations for these back-end technologies, offering valuable insights.
However, if you are still uncertain about selecting the most suitable backend technology for your upcoming project, why not seek expert guidance? Our highly experienced development team is ready to assist you in achieving remarkable results for your web app. We offer top-tier backend solutions tailored to your needs and requirements, ensuring your project's success.
FAQs
What factors influence the choice of your backend?
The factors that can impact the choice of your backend technology for your next project include Project size and complexity, Performance and scalability, Security, Developer experience, and Community support.
Which backend technologies can handle extensive data and traffic volumes?
Technologies like Node.js, Java, and Python are well-suited for managing extensive data and high traffic loads based on your project's specific demands and team expertise.
What role does the database play in the backend development?
Databases are pivotal in backend development and are responsible for data storage and management. The choice and optimization of databases are vital aspects of the backend development.
What are the Top Programming Languages for Backend Development?
The most renowned backend programming languages include Python, Java, Node.js, Ruby, PHP, and Go.