Skills required for Back End Developer and how to assess them

8 fundamental Back End Developer skills and traits

The best skills for Back End Developers include Database Management, Server-Side Languages, API Development, Version Control, Security Practices, Data Structures, Performance Optimization and Cloud Services.

Let’s dive into the details by examining the 8 essential skills of a Back End Developer.

Database Management

A back end developer needs to be proficient in database management. This involves designing, implementing, and maintaining databases to store and retrieve data efficiently. Whether it's SQL or NoSQL, understanding how to interact with databases is crucial for building robust applications.

For more insights, check out our guide to writing a Database Administrator (DBA) Job Description.

Server-Side Languages

Knowledge of server-side languages like Python, Java, Ruby, or Node.js is essential. These languages are used to write the logic that powers the back end of web applications. A back end developer uses these languages to handle requests, process data, and communicate with databases.

API Development

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the bridges between different software systems. A back end developer must be skilled in creating and managing APIs to enable communication between the server and client-side applications. This includes RESTful and GraphQL APIs.

Check out our guide for a comprehensive list of interview questions.

Version Control

Using version control systems like Git is a must for any back end developer. It allows developers to track changes, collaborate with team members, and manage code versions effectively. This skill ensures that the development process is organized and that code can be rolled back if necessary.

Security Practices

Understanding security practices is critical for a back end developer. This includes knowledge of encryption, authentication, and authorization techniques to protect data and ensure that applications are secure from threats. Implementing security measures helps in safeguarding sensitive information.

For more insights, check out our guide to writing a Cyber Security Engineer Job Description.

Data Structures

A solid grasp of data structures is important for optimizing the performance of back end systems. This includes understanding arrays, linked lists, trees, and hash tables. A back end developer uses these structures to manage and organize data efficiently.

Performance Optimization

Performance optimization involves improving the speed and efficiency of server-side processes. A back end developer must be adept at identifying bottlenecks and optimizing code to ensure that applications run smoothly and can handle high traffic loads.

Check out our guide for a comprehensive list of interview questions.

Cloud Services

Familiarity with cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is increasingly important. A back end developer uses these platforms to deploy, manage, and scale applications. Understanding cloud services helps in leveraging their features for better performance and reliability.

10 secondary Back End Developer skills and traits

The best skills for Back End Developers include Containerization, Caching Mechanisms, Message Queues, Testing Frameworks, CI/CD Pipelines, Logging and Monitoring, Web Servers, GraphQL, ORM Tools and Microservices Architecture.

Let’s dive into the details by examining the 10 secondary skills of a Back End Developer.

Containerization

Knowledge of containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes can be beneficial. These tools help in creating, deploying, and managing containerized applications, making it easier to maintain consistency across different environments.

Caching Mechanisms

Understanding caching mechanisms like Redis or Memcached can improve application performance. A back end developer uses these tools to store frequently accessed data in memory, reducing the load on databases and speeding up response times.

Message Queues

Familiarity with message queues like RabbitMQ or Kafka is useful for handling asynchronous tasks. These tools help in managing communication between different parts of an application, ensuring that tasks are processed efficiently.

Testing Frameworks

Proficiency in testing frameworks like JUnit, Mocha, or PyTest is important for ensuring code quality. A back end developer uses these frameworks to write and run tests, catching bugs early in the development process.

CI/CD Pipelines

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines automate the process of testing and deploying code. A back end developer should be familiar with tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, or GitHub Actions to streamline the development workflow.

Logging and Monitoring

Implementing logging and monitoring tools like ELK Stack or Prometheus helps in tracking application performance and diagnosing issues. A back end developer uses these tools to gain insights into application behavior and ensure reliability.

Web Servers

Knowledge of web servers like Nginx or Apache is useful for configuring and managing server environments. A back end developer uses these servers to handle client requests and serve web content efficiently.

GraphQL

While RESTful APIs are common, understanding GraphQL can be advantageous. A back end developer uses GraphQL to create flexible and efficient APIs that allow clients to request exactly the data they need.

ORM Tools

Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tools like Hibernate or Sequelize simplify database interactions. A back end developer uses these tools to map database tables to objects, reducing the amount of boilerplate code and speeding up development.

Microservices Architecture

Understanding microservices architecture can be beneficial for building scalable applications. A back end developer uses this approach to break down applications into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled individually.

How to assess Back End Developer skills and traits

Assessing the skills and traits of a Back End Developer can be a challenging task. While resumes and portfolios provide a snapshot of a candidate's experience, they often fall short in revealing the depth of their expertise in areas like database management, server-side languages, and API development. To truly understand a candidate's capabilities, you need to go beyond traditional hiring methods.

Skills-based assessments offer a more reliable way to gauge a candidate's proficiency in key areas such as version control, security practices, performance optimization, and cloud services. These assessments can help you identify whether a candidate has the practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities required for your specific needs. Adaface on-the-job skill tests can significantly streamline this process, offering a 2x improved quality of hires and an 85% reduction in screening time.

Let’s look at how to assess Back End Developer skills with these 6 talent assessments.

MySQL Online Test

Our MySQL Online Test evaluates a candidate's proficiency in MySQL, focusing on their ability to design databases, write SQL queries, and implement MySQL features such as indexing and transactions.

The test assesses candidates on their knowledge of database design, SQL queries, normalization, and advanced MySQL features like stored procedures and triggers.

Successful candidates demonstrate a thorough understanding of MySQL operations, optimization techniques, and data manipulation capabilities.

Java Online Test

Our Java Online Test measures a candidate's grasp of core Java concepts, including object-oriented programming, exception handling, and working with databases.

This test evaluates Java syntax, semantics, data structures, and the use of the Collections framework, along with multi-threading and functional programming.

Candidates who score well are proficient in Java coding, understanding complex algorithms, and implementing efficient solutions.

REST API Test

The REST API Test assesses a candidate's ability to design and interact with RESTful APIs, focusing on API integrations and backend service design.

Candidates are tested on their understanding of REST principles, HTTP methods, authentication, and best practices in API design.

High-scoring individuals excel in creating scalable and secure APIs, demonstrating strong technical aptitude and coding skills.

Git Online Test

Our Git Online Test evaluates a candidate's knowledge of Git, covering repository management, branching, merging, and conflict resolution.

The test challenges candidates on their use of Git commands, branching models, and workflows essential for effective version control.

Candidates proficient in Git can effectively manage and collaborate on software projects, ensuring code integrity and continuity.

Cyber Security Assessment Test

The Cyber Security Assessment Test evaluates candidates on their ability to secure networks and handle cybersecurity threats, including network attacks and cryptography.

This test covers network security, cybersecurity attacks, web security, and data protection strategies to assess a candidate's ability to safeguard digital information.

Well-performing candidates demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of security protocols, risk assessments, and preventive cybersecurity measures.

Advance Networking in AWS Online Test

Our Advance Networking in AWS Online Test assesses a candidate's expertise in AWS networking, focusing on VPC, subnets, and network security.

The test evaluates knowledge of AWS-specific networking concepts such as route tables, internet gateways, and load balancers, crucial for designing scalable cloud architectures.

Candidates who excel in this test are adept at configuring and troubleshooting AWS network setups, ensuring efficient and secure cloud operations.

Summary: The 8 key Back End Developer skills and how to test for them

Back End Developer skills FAQs

What are the key skills to look for in a Back End Developer?

Key skills include Database Management, Server-Side Languages, API Development, Version Control, and Security Practices.

How can I assess a candidate's proficiency in Database Management?

Ask about their experience with SQL and NoSQL databases, and request examples of database schema design and optimization.

What server-side languages should a Back End Developer know?

Common languages include Java, Python, Ruby, PHP, and Node.js. Assess their experience with at least one of these.

How do I evaluate a candidate's understanding of API Development?

Review their experience with RESTful and GraphQL APIs, and ask for examples of APIs they have built or maintained.

Why is Version Control important for Back End Developers?

Version Control, like Git, helps manage code changes and collaboration. Assess their experience with branching, merging, and pull requests.

What security practices should a Back End Developer be familiar with?

Look for knowledge in data encryption, authentication, authorization, and common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS.

How can I test a candidate's skills in Performance Optimization?

Ask about their experience with profiling tools, load testing, and techniques for optimizing database queries and server response times.

What is the role of CI/CD Pipelines in Back End Development?

CI/CD Pipelines automate testing and deployment. Assess their experience with tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, or GitHub Actions.

Assess and hire the best Back End Developers with Adaface

Assessing and finding the best Back End Developer is quick and easy when you use talent assessments. You can check out our product tour, sign up for our free plan to see talent assessments in action or view the demo here: