Back-End Development
Kickstart your journey into Back-End Development with our beginner-friendly, 100% online career path. Go from writing your first server-side code to building full-scale applications while mastering databases, APIs, and authentication.
SQL
EXPRESS
NODE.JS
What is back-end development?
Back-end development powers the functionality behind every website and application. It handles databases, user authentication, API interactions, and business logic. You’ll manage how applications store and process data, ensuring smooth and efficient performance.
You control your learning schedule. Decide how much time you want to invest in mastering Back-End Development at your own pace. This career path is designed to fit into your life, no matter how busy you are.
Back-end developers power the web, managing databases, APIs, and server logic. With high demand, they earn an average salary of $154,768 in the U.S., as reported by Indeed.com.
From beginner to back-end pro in 9 steps
Light Switch Program
Start with the fundamentals by writing JavaScript code to control a light switch. Learn how variables, booleans, and logical operators form the building blocks of back-end logic.
Program Flow
Structure your code efficiently by mastering conditionals and loops. Apply these skills to create an interactive Odd or Even game, reinforcing key logic principles.
Arrays & Functions
Manipulate data effectively with arrays and functions. Build a Task List project to manage and organize tasks dynamically.
Objects & ES6
Understand object-oriented programming and ES6 features like arrow functions and destructuring. Put your skills to the test by developing a Blackjack game.
Express Basics
Learn how to use Express.js to build fast, efficient server applications. Work on the Random Numbers project to implement API endpoints for data retrieval.
Classes &
Asynchronous Patterns
Manage complex code with JavaScript classes and asynchronous programming. Develop a Media Library system that organizes and serves data efficiently.
Working With Databases
Master SQL and database management by creating a Task Manager that stores and retrieves user-generated content dynamically.
In-Depth SQL
Gain deeper insights into SQL queries, filtering, and data operations. Build a Book Keeper project to manage book records with structured queries.
Express Deep Dive
Level up your Express.js skills by implementing Middleware, Routing, and API security. Complete a Quiz application that integrates databases for persistent data storage.
This career path will equip you with the essential skills to become a job-ready back-end developer. You’ll master JavaScript, Node.js, Express.js, SQL, and more. Through hands-on learning, you’ll complete 9 content sections, 70+ coding challenges, and 9 guided projects to build a portfolio that showcases your expertise.
9 Portfolio projects on GitHub
This Back-End Development career path, built by experts, will give you all the knowledge and experience that you need to start your career in tech.
certifications
After completing the Back-End Development career path, you won't only be equipped with new knowledge and skills. You'll also have 9 real-world projects in your GitHub portfolio to show to prospective employers or clients.
Express.js API
Set up a RESTful API using Express.js. Learn how to handle requests, route data, and send responses while following best practices for back-end development.
Odd or Even Game
Create a number-based game that determines if a value is odd or even. This project will introduce game logic, user input handling, and conditionals.
Movie Library App
Build a media library that stores and retrieves movie data using databases and asynchronous JavaScript patterns.
A career path is a structured learning program designed to teach you the skills needed to become a job-ready back-end developer. It consists of 9 sections that have been very thoughtfully put together by our experts, as well as 70+ coding challenges, 9 guided portfolio projects, and more. After completing it, you'll be ready to start interviewing for entry-level back-end development jobs.
What do Back-End developers do? Is it worth learning?
Back-end developers build and maintain the server-side logic that powers websites and applications. They handle data storage, authentication, API integrations, and performance optimization. Since back-end development is essential for any dynamic web or mobile application, it’s a high-demand career with excellent job opportunities.
How is the Back-End Development path different from the Full-Stack Development path?
Back-end development focuses on building the behind-the-scenes functionality of applications, handling databases, servers, and APIs. Full-stack development, on the other hand, covers both front-end and back-end technologies. In the Full-Stack Development career path, you’ll also learn front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and React, while in the Back-End path, the focus is on JavaScript, Node.js, Express, SQL, and database management.
No prior experience is required. The Back-End Development career path is beginner-friendly, and all concepts are introduced progressively. The only thing you need is curiosity and a willingness to learn how web applications function under the hood.
Yes! This career path is designed to help you gain the practical skills necessary for a junior back-end development role. If you stay consistent and complete the projects, you’ll have a strong portfolio showcasing real-world applications built with databases, APIs, and server-side logic—making you a great candidate for back-end development jobs.
Don't take our word for granted. Check out multiple success stories of our learners that already got jobs in software engineering.
Join 30+ million learners and start learning Back-End development today!
