Do Java, PHP, and Ruby sound familiar to you? If so, you most likely understand the idea of back end technologies. They are the essential components of your website, the unseen work that makes sure your online platform responds to user inquiries and requests.

The realm of back end development has many different tools and technologies available today. Every component, from databases to programming languages to server configurations to back end frameworks, has a special advantage and is designed to help you achieve your project’s goals.

The world of back end technologies can be a confusing labyrinth for novices. The hardest part of choosing the top back end languages in a constantly changing market is just getting started. In this changing environment, a subjective list can be a useful place to start, though.

Backend technologies: what are they?

The frameworks, instruments, databases, and programming languages used in backend development enable the creation of server-side web applications. The frontend, or connection between the user’s browser and the server, is facilitated by the application logic, databases, and server management they perform in the background. Become knowledgeable about frontend and backend programming by enrolling in an online course on full stack development taught by professionals in the field.

Several essential components and often utilized technologies in backend development include:

1. Programming Languages 

The back-end logic is written in Python, JavaScript (Node.js), PHP, Ruby, Java, and other languages. Read our blog post on the top 13 backend programming languages if you would want to learn more about them.

2. Frameworks

Reusable, prewritten code libraries facilitate development. Examples include Express.js for Node.js, Django for Python, Ruby on Rails for Ruby, Spring for Java, and Laravel for PHP.

3. Databases

Data storage systems include NoSQL databases like MongoDB, Cassandra, and Redis, as well as conventional databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server.

4. Server

Back-end technologies are implemented and controlled on either on-site or cloud-based servers. Nginx, Apache, and Microsoft IIS are a few examples.

5. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

Back-end systems employ APIs to make their capabilities accessible to the outside world or to make it easier to communicate with other services.

6. Authentication and Authorization

The user login and authorization processes are handled by OAuth, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), and OpenID Connect.

7. Caching Mechanisms

Applications run better when frequently requested data is cached by programs like Redis or Memcached.

8. Containers and Orchestration

In containerized systems, back-end applications are efficiently managed and deployed using Docker and Kubernetes.

9. Messaging Systems

Asynchronous tasks and inter-service communication in distributed systems are handled by RabbitMQ, Kafka, or Amazon SQS.

Best 12 Backend Technologies (2024 List)

In the field, a wide range of contemporary backend technologies are widely employed. To help you comprehend the different technologies, we have put together a list of backend trends for 2024. Visit our blog post on How to Become Backend Developer? 2024 Roadmap and Tips to find out more about becoming a back-end developer.

Let us examine this list of the newest backend web development technologies, together with their benefits and drawbacks.

1. PHP

PHP, an acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor, is a scripting language used on servers. It generates applications that run independently of web browsers on web servers. One of the popular programming languages used by developers to create new applications is PHP, which is also widely utilized to create web applications.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Independent of platforms
• Rapid pace of loading

Cons:

• Not appropriate for all of the more well-known web apps
• Absence of debugging instruments
• Seen to be less safe than others

2. Python

Python is a high-level, dynamically semantic, object-oriented, interpreted programming language. Because of its rigorous typing, dynamic binding, and high-level built-in data structures, it is particularly useful for Rapid Application Development and as a scripting language to connect components together. Python’s short syntax puts readability first, makes learning easier, and reduces software maintenance expenses.

Pros

• Free and open-source
• Simple to understand
• An enormous assortment of libraries

Cons

• Limitations on speed
• Runtime errors could exist.
• Takes up a significant amount of space

3. JavaScript

Javascript is a powerful computer programming language that allows client-side scripts to generate dynamic pages and communicate with users. It is a lightweight, interpreted programming language that is object-oriented and is most commonly used as a component of web pages. It is frequently used interchangeably with Java backend technology. JavaScript was first known as LiveScript, but Netscape changed its name to JavaScript in reaction to the hype surrounding Java.

Pros

• Language is not complex
• Effortless to implement
• High interoperability

Cons

• Substandard browser support
• Debugging facility is absent
• Functioning is sluggish

Also Read: Coding vs. Programming (Difference & Comparision)

4. Laravel

This framework for PHP web applications has elegant and expressive syntax. Laravel is simple to use and provides the robust features needed for complex, large-scale projects. You have everything you need to build any application that is given to you, including a well-thought-out migration mechanism, a superb inversion of the control container, and well-coordinated unit testing support.

Pros

• Convenient to learn
• Provides model view controller structure
• Offers swift execution

Cons

• Lesser in-built support
• Community support is low
• The overall process is complex

5. Django

Django is an open-source framework built on the model-template-views (MTV) architecture, based on Python. The primary goal of Django is to make the development of complex, database-driven websites easier. The framework places a strong emphasis on rapid development, pluggability, low code, minimal coupling, and component reuse.

Pros

• Faster than most frameworks
• High scalability
• Robust security

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Not compatible with small projects
• Possesses a monolithic framework

6. MongoDB

The most widely used backend technology is a cross-platform, open-source document-oriented database program. A NoSQL database program called MongoDB uses documents with several schemas that resemble JSON (JavaScript Object Notation is a lightweight format for storing and transmitting data). The Server Side Public License, which some distributions deem non-free, governs its distribution. MongoDB Inc. produced it.

Pros

• Offers high speed
• Provides flexible database
• Has good technical support

Cons

• Faces memory limitation issues
• Joins are not supported
• May lead to the corruption of data

7. MySQL

One of the most extensively utilized open-source databases globally is this backend technology. Because of its proven stability, performance, and usability, MySQL has become the most popular database for online applications. MySQL is the main database used by well-known websites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Yahoo!, and others. MySQL innovation is made possible by Oracle’s new features, which drive next-generation web, cloud, mobile, and embedded applications.

Pros

• High data security
• Offers cross-platform compatibility
• Highly versatile

Cons

• Debugging is inefficient
• Prone to data corruption
• It doesn’t support large databases efficiently

8. Apache

A significant percentage of websites worldwide are supported by the free and open-source Apache framework. The server is called Apache HTTP Server. Its development and updates are under the jurisdiction of the Apache Software Foundation. Content can be served across the internet by website operators thanks to Apache. For this reason, it is called a web server.

Pros

• Open-source and free
• Highly reliable
• Has customizable code

Cons

• Incompetent debugging quality
• Time-consuming process
• Security is considered substandard

Also Read: Difference Between Front-end vs Backend Development: Full Comparison

9. NGINX

NGINX, also known as NGI�\X, is a web server, load balancer, mail proxy, and reverse proxy that can manage HTTP cache. With huge scaling, this backend development technique offers exceptional performance for web servers. It can carry more weight and run at fast speeds. One website can display aggregated information sources as though they are all from a single page thanks to the reverse proxy capability. Its load balancer allows loads to be split up among different resources, including servers. NGINX is open source and available for free, subject to a two-clause BSD license.

Pros

• Highly scalable
• It’s lightweight
• Great configurability

Cons

• Low community support
• Lesser modules
• Less compatibility

10. Docker

Building, executing, managing, and distributing applications is made easier by the software platform Docker. Software is distributed in containers using Docker’s platform as a service, which makes use of OS-level virtualization. There are two versions: free and paid. The containers are operated by Docker Engine.

Pros

• Swift deployment
• Highly secure
• Continuous integration

Cons

• Lesser features
• Low scalability
• Compatibility issues may arise

11. Postman

With Postman, an API platform, developers can design, share, test, and document APIs (a software bridge that enables two apps to communicate with one another) with ease. To do this, users are provided with the capability to create, save, and retrieve both basic and complex HTTP/s requests as well as their answers. Consequently, the task is less taxing and more productive.

Pros

• Highly user-friendly
• Provides timely support
• The overall process is easy

Cons

• Constrained integration
• Low script reusability
• Limited testing ecosystem

12. Jira

The JIRA software for project management, problem tracking, and bug tracking was developed by the Australian business Atlassian. The full form of JIRA is called after the Japanese term Gojira, which signifies Godzilla. The main purpose of this program is to track errors and problems related to your apps and software.

Pros

• High speed
• Easy bug fixing
• Offers effortless integration

Cons

• Difficult to handle
• Complex than its contemporaries
• Faces support issues

Quick Facts About the Best Back end Technologies in 2024

• The top 3 most widely used backend technologies are JavaScript, Python, and Java; 65.82%, 49.28%, and 30.49% of coders, respectively, choose to employ these languages. The industry’s acknowledgment of their adaptability and capacities is evident in their broad usage. Closely behind are PHP (19.03%), C++ (20.21%), and C# (29.19%).
• A startling 76.2% of all websites use PHP, making it a dominant force in server-side development. Professional developers are most likely to use Laravel (8.32%) and Symfony (3.67%) inside the PHP ecosystem.
• The most often used web backend technology is Node.js, which is utilized by 42.7% of developers. With a 19.51% share in the JavaScript tech stack, Express is also in demand.
• Based on average response time (ms) and requests/s, C# is the quickest backend technology, according to the May 2024 benchmark. These metrics were measured in an environment with a typical workload. Next is GO, which demonstrated its great performance under heavy load situations by finishing first in the 90% and 95% response time tests. Nonetheless, Node.js and Python Fast API lead in average server CPU consumption rates, indicating their effectiveness in resource usage.

Must have Features of Backend Technologies 

It is essential to comprehend the characteristics that set apart the top backend technologies before choosing one:

1. Scalability

• Managing changing project demands requires swift scaling up or down.
• Guarantees that the program will remain accessible and responsive without sacrificing security or performance, even as demand for data storage increases.

2. Security

• The newest backend language places a high premium on safeguarding private user data.
• Strong security features for back-end technology must be included, such as data encryption, safe authentication procedures, and defense against frequent flaws like SQL injection, Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).
• To guard against fresh vulnerabilities, regular security upgrades and patches are also necessary.

3. Maintainability

• The selected language must enable straightforward codebase maintenance. This includes design principles that make it easier to comprehend and modify the software, consistent coding standards, and comprehensive documentation.
• Teams can easily adjust to new requirements or technologies with a maintainable back-end, saving significant rewrites and restructuring.

4. Cost-effectiveness

• The entire cost of ownership, which takes into account both the original development and continuing upkeep, is an essential factor.
• Although less expensive, open-source solutions could require greater customisation. Commercial solutions, on the other hand, could cost more and offer more functions outside of the box.

5. Community Support

• For developers, strong community support is essential.
• Guarantees prompt assistance when encountering code difficulties.
• Libraries and tutorials are readily available, which improves project development resources.