Start Your Back-End Developer Career

Jobs in computer and information technology experience above average growth rates and salaries*. Here, you’ll find the resources you need to jumpstart your back-end development career.

[Featured Image] Young back-end developer with long red hair and glasses looking at two computer screens as they design the server side of a website.

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Back-End Developer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Learn more about a back-end developer’s salary and the factors that affect earnings, including skills, experience, industry, location, and certifications.

February 20, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three web developers sitting at a table in an open concept office use backend languages to write code on their laptops.

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Why Learn Back-End Languages?

Modern websites need back-end development to maintain a responsive, smooth system that provides users with a positive experience. Explore back-end development, including role types and paths to learning this skill.

November 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young web developer sitting in front of a computer and discussing their coding with a coworker.

Status: Featured

How to Become a Web Developer Without a Degree

Learn about how to become a web developer without a degree, including the different types of web development jobs, skill requirements, and steps to follow to reach your career goals.

April 2, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A software developer in a blue sweater sits at a desk with a laptop, tablet, and stack of Post-It notes.

Software Developer Salary Guide (2025)

Software developers use programming and creative skills to build software. They enjoy problem-solving and working as part of a team.

February 24, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] A back-end developer in a gray sweatshirt uses their laptop to work on an API with nearby coworkers.

What Is an API? (+ How Do They Work?)

Learn about different types of APIs and how to use them.

December 5, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person wearing glasses and a plaid shirt works on code on a desktop.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science: A Guide

Learn what it takes to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, including the coursework and what you can do after earning the degree.

October 31, 2022

Article

Software Developer Salary Guide (2025)

Software developers use programming and creative skills to build software. They enjoy problem-solving and working as part of a team.

February 24, 2023

Article

What Is an API? (+ How Do They Work?)

Learn about different types of APIs and how to use them.

December 5, 2022

Article

Build job-ready skills and earn career credentials with industry leaders in technology

Status: Free Trial

Meta Back-End Developer

Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), Full-Stack Web Development, Version Control, Restful API, Data Structures, Unix Commands, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Git (Version Control System), Back-End Web Development, GitHub, Web Design and Development, Relational Databases, Front-End Web Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, SQL, Database Design, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Cloud Hosting

Status: Free Trial

Status: AI skills

IBM

IBM Back-End Development

Skills you'll gain: Istio, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Software Development Life Cycle, Linux Commands, Kubernetes, Application Deployment, NoSQL, Bash (Scripting Language), MongoDB, Shell Script, Django (Web Framework), Software Architecture, Object-Relational Mapping, Development Environment, Git (Version Control System), Flask (Web Framework), Jupyter, Grafana, Microservices, Python Programming

Status: Free Trial

IBM

Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express

Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Server Side, Restful API, Back-End Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, Cloud Applications, Web Applications, Web Development, Application Programming Interface (API), Web Servers, Javascript, Authentications, Package and Software Management, JSON, Middleware, Computer Science

[Featured Image] An entry-level programmer examines code on a computer monitor beside a laptop.

5 Entry-Level Programming Jobs + How to Get One

Learn about skills, education, salary, and how to take your first steps toward a career in computer programming.

June 27, 2022

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[Featured Image] A person in a checkered shirt searches programming languages to learn on their computer.

What Programming Language Should I Learn?

Figure out which programming language is best for you to learn based on your goals.

June 9, 2022

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[Featured Image] Two blockchain developers look at a computer monitor while talking in an office setting with multiple workstations.

What Is a Blockchain Developer (and How Do I Become One)?

Learn about the fundamentals of blockchain development, relevant skills, and technical FAQs.

May 20, 2022

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[Featured Image] A professional browses entry-level computer science jobs on the computer.

Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One

Learn how to enter the computer science industry with or without prior experience.

April 18, 2022

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[Featured Image] A woman works at a desk.

What Is an iOS App Developer? A 2025 Guide

Learn what an iOS developer does and how you can succeed in this rapidly growing field.

March 30, 2022

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[Featured image] A Javascript developer writes code at their computer.

Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

It’s important to know the difference between Java and JavaScript, two popular programming languages. Read on to explore the differences, uses, and pros and cons of both.

March 30, 2022

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[Featured Image] Two people map out a mobile app design on a whiteboard.

Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide

Learn about the mobile app development industry and how you can develop your own mobile app with this guide.

March 28, 2022

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[Featured image] A software developer wears headphones and works on her laptop from home.

What Does a Software Developer Do? (And How to Become One)

Learn about software development careers and how to start yours with expert tips, recommendations, online courses, and more.

October 13, 2021

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[Featured image] Blond woman wearing glasses and a blue sweater working in front of a computer at a futuristic computer science lab

What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree? 10 In-Demand Fields

Earning your bachelor's or master's degree in computer science can lead to exciting opportunities across a number of industries.

December 14, 2020

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Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science: A Guide

Learn what it takes to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, including the coursework and what you can do after earning the degree.

October 31, 2022

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5 Entry-Level Programming Jobs + How to Get One

Learn about skills, education, salary, and how to take your first steps toward a career in computer programming.

June 27, 2022

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What Programming Language Should I Learn?

Figure out which programming language is best for you to learn based on your goals.

June 9, 2022

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What Is a Blockchain Developer (and How Do I Become One)?

Learn about the fundamentals of blockchain development, relevant skills, and technical FAQs.

May 20, 2022

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Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One

Learn how to enter the computer science industry with or without prior experience.

April 18, 2022

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What Is an iOS App Developer? A 2025 Guide

Learn what an iOS developer does and how you can succeed in this rapidly growing field.

March 30, 2022

Article

Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

It’s important to know the difference between Java and JavaScript, two popular programming languages. Read on to explore the differences, uses, and pros and cons of both.

March 30, 2022

Article

Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide

Learn about the mobile app development industry and how you can develop your own mobile app with this guide.

March 28, 2022

Article

What Does a Software Developer Do? (And How to Become One)

Learn about software development careers and how to start yours with expert tips, recommendations, online courses, and more.

October 13, 2021

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What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree? 10 In-Demand Fields

Earning your bachelor's or master's degree in computer science can lead to exciting opportunities across a number of industries.

December 14, 2020

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Also known as server-side development, back-end development focuses on the architectural components that users cannot see. This part of a website or application includes data storage, cybersecurity measures, application programming interfaces (APIs), and servers. As an entry-level back-end developer, you’ll practice writing code under the direction of experienced developers using popular programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Ruby, or HTML/CSS. You’ll collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and QA testers to structure websites or mobile applications to ensure they run smoothly and responsively. Learn more about how to prepare for an entry-level back-end developer role and how Coursera can help:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Choosing the right front end course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as introductory web design principles. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on responsive design, web accessibility, and using front-end frameworks like React or Angular. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on advanced JavaScript techniques, performance optimization, or preparing for roles in front-end development and UI/UX design. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.‎

There are many paths you can take to become a back-end developer. Whether you are a recent graduate or hoping to switch careers, it's important to assess what transferable skills you already have and consider building the new skills needed to pursue a back-end developer role. Back-end developer technical skills include programming, frameworks, and databases. Workplace skills include communication and problem-solving.

Read more: What Does a Back-End Developer Do?‎

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*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Technology Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.” Accessed February 2, 2024.