The backbone of any software project is the backend, as it's responsible for executing all user requests made through the frontend. Thus, selecting the right backend technology is crucial to ensure a solid foundation for your software development.

But first, let's delve into the details of what backend actually is. In this article, we'll explore the technologies utilized by backend developers and their differences. We'll also discuss how the backend for mobile and web apps is created, along with other essential insights.

Join us as we take a closer look at the top backend technologies and programming languages and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of selecting the right backend for your project's success.

What Is Backend Development?

Personal gadgets have become an integral part of our lives, and it's hard to imagine a day without them. When using a mobile application, the visible part that displays images, buttons, and animations is known as the frontend. However, there is an invisible part of the application known as the backend that handles user requests.

Frontend developers work closely with UI/UX designers to ensure the design and usability of the application is efficient and user-friendly. In contrast, backend development focuses on the server-side of the application, which processes user requests for functions like search, messaging, and data download.

Although the backend isn't visible to users, it significantly affects their experience. Backend web development involves creating a high-performance, logical, and robust infrastructure and architecture for the website. It's often compared to the bottom part of an iceberg, which supports the visible part above the surface.

The backend comprises three parts: server, application, and database. Its primary objective is to store and organize data, interact with the interface, and send and receive information required to display web pages. Understanding the backend is crucial to building efficient and user-friendly applications.

Understanding the Role of Backend in Web and Mobile App Development

The primary goal of any software is to provide the user with adequate functionality, and efficient backend development plays a critical role in achieving this objective. Without it, building a working app that meets customers' expectations is impossible, and hiring a backend developer becomes a necessity.

While the frontend may be visually stunning, it's the backend that's responsible for interacting with the database, performing calculations, and ensuring smooth performance. Proper assembly and coding in the backend are crucial for the app's functionality.

During the development process, the most crucial coding stage occurs in the backend. Issues with availability, crashes, and errors often point to problems in the backend code. However, the complexity of the code may depend on the selected technology, as different languages and frameworks are used. That's why we've prepared a comprehensive list of backend technologies, along with their comparisons, to help you make an informed decision for your project.

Exploring the World of Backend Technologies and Programming Languages

Backend technologies are sets of separate components such as languages and frameworks that work together to create a full-fledged development environment. For instance, to develop a mobile application, you need to work with an operating system (Android, iOS), a programming language or framework, and a web server.

Backend development is essential for both mobile and web apps. Backend web development involves creating a website using native backend frameworks and languages, without using cloud backend solutions like BaaS (backend-as-a-service). In this article, we'll focus on backend stacks for websites.

It's worth noting that all the stacks mentioned in this article are full stacks, which means they include tools for both frontend and backend development. Since the client-side and server-side are closely connected, using backend tools alone doesn't make sense.

MEAN stack

The MEAN stack is a modern approach to web development that utilizes JavaScript-based tools throughout each development stage. MEAN stands for MongoDB (NoSQL database), Express.js (backend framework), Angular (frontend framework), and Node.js (one of the best backend platforms). Using this backend stack, developers can build a full-fledged website using JavaScript alone.

One of the primary advantages of using the MEAN stack is that the backend development process can be faster, and you can save money by hiring a smaller team of experts since a couple of JavaScript developers can build a website. However, one of its drawbacks is MongoDB's particularities, which make it more suitable for small- to mid-sized web applications. In large-scale projects, data loss may occur during network partitioning.

Some of the popular websites built using the MEAN stack include Yahoo!, YouTube, Netflix, and Reddit.

LAMP Stack

LAMP is an acronym for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP/Perl/Python. This backend stack has been around for a long time and is still in use today. Each of these components plays a significant role in creating dynamic database-driven websites.

One of the advantages of the LAMP stack is that it provides a secure infrastructure for web app development. When developers choose the LAMP stack, the development process is faster since most CMSs and hosts support the backend technologies like PHP and MySQL. LAMP is also flexible and easy to configure.

However, the LAMP stack has some disadvantages. Due to the widespread adoption of the MEAN stack, LAMP has lost its popularity as it is not as efficient as MEAN. LAMP is limited to the Linux operating system, so its scope of use is restricted. Additionally, Apache may experience performance issues under heavy workloads.

Examples of websites built with the LAMP stack include WordPress, Facebook, Tumblr, and Wikipedia.

MEAN Stack Vs. LAMP Stack

When comparing the LAMP stack to the MEAN stack, it's important to note that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. LAMP uses Linux as its operating system, while MEAN doesn't rely on any specific OS. However, this means that LAMP is limited to working with Linux.

LAMP also allows for flexibility in its choice of backend language and database, while MEAN is limited to JavaScript-based tools and MongoDB. MEAN uses Angular to accelerate frontend development, while LAMP developers must rely on additional tools to improve their web app.

In terms of performance, both stacks have their pros and cons. LAMP provides a secure infrastructure for web app development and is easy to configure, but it can suffer from performance issues under heavy workloads. Meanwhile, MEAN allows for faster backend development with a smaller team, but MongoDB may not be suitable for large-scale projects.

Ultimately, the choice between LAMP and MEAN will depend on the specific needs of a project and the preferences of the development team. Examples of websites built with LAMP include WordPress and Facebook, while MEAN has been used for Yahoo!, Netflix, and Reddit, among others.

MERN Stack

The MERN stack is a popular web development technology that shares similarities with the MEAN stack. Both backend stacks use MongoDB as a database, Express.js as a backend framework, and Node.js as a runtime environment. However, the difference between the two stacks lies in the frontend framework or library. MERN stack uses React instead of Angular, which is used in the MEAN stack.

The MERN stack has many advantages, including faster development time and cost-effectiveness, just like the MEAN stack. Also, MERN is an excellent alternative to the LAMP stack, which is not as efficient and flexible as MERN.

Despite its benefits, MERN has some downsides. Like MEAN, MERN is limited to MongoDB, and it is not suitable for large-scale projects. In addition, MERN is more complex than the LAMP stack, which makes it harder for beginners to learn.

Some of the websites built using the MERN stack include eBay, GitHub, PayPal, Bloomberg, and more.

MERN Stack Vs. MEAN Stack

It is important to note that the choice between MERN and MEAN stacks heavily depends on the specific needs and requirements of a project. Both stacks have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision should be made based on the project's goals and limitations.

In general, MERN is a better choice for small and medium-sized projects that require faster development with a focus on user interface and user experience. On the other hand, MEAN is a better fit for enterprise applications that require a more robust architecture and long-term maintenance.

Ultimately, the decision between MERN and MEAN stacks should be based on careful consideration of the project's requirements, team expertise, and available resources.

RoR Stack

The RoR stack stands out from the other stacks mentioned above as it primarily consists of the Ruby on Rails framework and Ruby programming language. Other tools that can be included in the RoR stack are Redux, React, Backbone.js, Bootstrap as CSS framework, PostgreSQL/MongoDB as a database, and Redis as a DBMS (database management system).

One of the key advantages of the RoR stack is its strong community, which has developed many useful tools and libraries. This open-source framework provides high-security standards and a fast application runtime. Ruby, known for its simplicity, readability, and expressiveness, is one of the most convenient backend languages, which, when combined with the framework, allows for a high level of development flexibility.

As for websites built using the RoR stack, there are many examples. You can check out our article, "Websites Built With Ruby on Rails," to get a complete picture of the advantages of the Ruby on Rails framework.

It is challenging to compare the RoR stack with other stacks like MEAN or LAMP since it has its unique features that set it apart. However, the RoR stack can be an excellent choice for developers who prioritize simplicity, flexibility, and community support.

Top Backend Languages and Frameworks for Mobile App Development

In mobile app development, the use of Java or Kotlin for Android OS and Swift for iOS platform is standard. However, complex mobile apps require the development of backend architecture, which requires additional programming tools. In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular backend languages and frameworks used in mobile app development.

Top Backend Languages

Mobile app development often requires the development of a backend to support the app's functionality. While Java, Kotlin, and Swift are commonly used for mobile app development, additional programming tools are required to build a server-side mobile app. Here are some of the most popular backend languages and frameworks used for mobile app development:

1. Ruby: This general-purpose programming language is actively used in web and mobile app development. When used in conjunction with the Ruby on Rails framework, it contributes to faster development. Ruby developers often adhere to the TDD methodology, which involves testing before writing code to minimize potential mistakes.
2. Python: Considered the most used backend language in 2022, Python is a fairly simple and fast language to learn and use. Its syntax is straightforward, and it comes with a range of additional tools and libraries. Python is often used for AI-based complex projects.
3. PHP: This general-purpose scripting language contains all the required aspects for effectively addressing challenges. It comes with robust frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and Joomla, which help reduce development time. PHP has reusable code and is flexible and compatible with many third-party technologies.
4. Node.js: This backend programming platform is used to write server-side scripting based on JavaScript. JS developers can use Node.js to develop large-scale mobile apps. It is a clear and flexible language and can be used in Android mobile apps where Java is the primary language.
5. Golang (Go): Developed by Google, this language is one of the fastest server-side languages. It has a simple and straightforward syntax, high performance and compilation, compatibility with C and C++ libraries, and many other advantages. The table below can help compare languages by speed.
6. Objective-C & Swift: These object-oriented languages are used for developing applications on iOS and in front-end development. They can create applications of almost any complexity.

In summary, the choice of backend language and framework depends on the project's requirements, complexity, and scalability. Developers should carefully consider these factors when selecting a backend language for mobile app development.

Top Mobile App Backend Frameworks

Mobile app backend development can be simplified and improved by using a framework alongside the primary programming language. These frameworks are essential tools in mobile app backend development, and they can make the process more efficient.

Django

Django is an open-source framework written in Python, commonly used as an additional tool when creating backends with Python. It has a large community, making it an ideal choice for developing complex web and mobile applications.

Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails is a multi-level MVC framework from Ruby, suitable for simple web and mobile apps, as well as those with complex business logic and dynamic interfaces. It is open-source and distributed under the MIT license.

Express, Koa, and Sails

Express, Koa, and Sails are Node.js platforms that help JavaScript developers build scalable mobile apps with high performance.

Firebase

Firebase is not a framework, but a BaaS solution from Google that can be used by Android and iOS developers to create backends faster. However, it may not be suitable for all mobile projects as it has certain limitations. This is a topic that can be explored in greater detail in our next article on BaaS.

Native and Hybrid Applications

Native applications are specifically designed for a particular operating system and are written in the platform's native programming language such as Java for Android and Objective-C or Swift for iOS. These apps are closely related to backend web development as they have a similar structure and operation to web products. In essence, they are websites adapted for smartphones.

Hybrid applications, on the other hand, are cross-platform and not designed for any particular operating system. They are a combination of web applications and native apps, often developed using the Flutter framework.

Both options have their advantages. Native applications may be more effective in certain cases due to their functionality and fast performance, while hybrid cross-platform versions may be cheaper and quicker to develop in other cases.

Best Backend Technologies For Startup

As a startup, choosing the right backend technologies is essential to ensure the success of your business. Here are some of the best backend technologies that will fit your startup and its needs:

1. Ruby on Rails: Ruby with the RoR framework is a cost-effective solution for startups that need to create secure applications quickly. RubyGems also supports other Ruby frameworks that can be used if required.
2. Python with Django: Python has multiple handy frameworks, and the Django framework is one of the best. It speeds up software development, makes it scalable and reliable, and is suitable for AI-based projects. The combination of Python and Django provides many capabilities to create new software.
3. PHP with Laravel: PHP is ideal for minimum viable product development and can be used with the Laravel framework to create full-fledged web applications and microservices. Laravel also helps speed up the development process.
4. Node.js: This backend framework is perfect for developing streaming web apps or messaging applications and allows for cross-platform app development. As Node.js is part of the robust JS package, you can create both frontend and backend with this framework.

When selecting a backend technology for your startup, consider your specific business needs, required functionality, and budget. For instance, insurance web applications require special attention to the security of customer data storage and use, as well as clear logic and structure. Additionally, professional UI/UX design is crucial to ensure fast and smooth navigation. By carefully selecting the right backend technology, you can build a robust and scalable infrastructure for your startup that will support its growth and success.

Why Hire Us?

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the technical aspects of your upcoming project? Do you have questions about the best technology stack to use or how many backend developers you should hire? Look no further than Apppixel.

Our team of experienced developers and designers can help you build a comprehensive project specification that includes the best-fitting technology stack and primary components for your software. No matter the specifics of your project, we can provide clarity and guidance to ensure that your project is a success.

Don't waste your time trying to navigate the complex world of technology on your own. Let Apppixel handle the technical details so you can focus on your business goals. Contact us today to learn more.