Backend developers: what was your entry point to backend development

Hey, as an independent developer, my goal is to improve my understanding of backend development. However, unlike the frontend, I believe that much of the backend is not intuitive, such as specific request headers, cross-script communication, and so on. I learn best through practice. However, I am unable to engage in my usual situational learning because I don’t know what to look for. The answers I find are only answers and not explanations.

I want to know who you learned from and how you started with the backend.

Backend can feel like a maze sometimes. I got started by diving into small projects and breaking them down. It helped me understand the basics, like request headers and communication, in a hands-on way. I also found it super useful to follow along with tutorials from devs who explain stuff in simple terms. Trust me, once you start building and experimenting, it all starts to click.

My Journey into Backend Development

I began by diving into the core principles of backend development:

  • HTTP Requests and Responses: Gained an understanding of how clients and servers communicate.
  • Databases: Studied both relational (SQL) and NoSQL databases, including their structures and query languages.
  • Server-Side Languages: Started with Python, exploring frameworks like Django and Flask.
  • API Development: Learned to build RESTful APIs to facilitate communication between frontend and backend.

Building projects was key to my learning process. I started with simple applications such as to-do lists and blogging platforms, focusing on how data flows between the frontend and backend.

I found online resources like freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, and Udemy particularly useful for structured learning and practical experience.

Key Tips for Mastering Backend Development:

  • Start Small: Begin with simple applications to understand the basics.
  • Experiment: Explore various technologies and approaches.
  • Debug and Troubleshoot: Learn from mistakes and failures.
  • Contribute to Open-Source Projects: Work with other developers and learn from their code.
  • Join Online Communities: Engage with fellow developers to ask questions and share knowledge.

Backend development is a broad field, so building a solid foundation and gradually expanding your skills is essential.

When I built my first website on a tight budget, I explored several free website builders and found that Wix and WordPress.com were particularly user-friendly and offered good customization options. Wix’s drag-and-drop interface made it easy to design my site without any coding knowledge, and it had plenty of templates to choose from. WordPress.com was also great for its flexibility and extensive plugin options, even on the free plan. Both platforms allowed me to create a professional-looking site without spending a fortune. For a bit more control and if you’re open to a learning curve, WordPress.org with a low-cost hosting plan could be another route to consider.