Backend development is a crucial part of building a website. Sounds interesting, right? Do you want to become a backend developer and work on it?
If the answer is yes, read this article first! Right here, you can discover a day in the life of a backend developer. By the end, you can determine if this career is right for you.
Overview
A backend developer builds and maintains mechanisms to perform certain tasks, such as processing data and conducting actions on web apps. They are also in charge of a website’s security and server-side functions.
A backend developer carries out numerous tasks depending on the company’s requirements. Generally, they need to:
- Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot websites
- Write clean and maintainable code
- Perform QA (Quality Assurance) tests
- Assess the website’s speed and efficiency
- Train users and help them with technical issues
I have many things to do every day as a backend developer. Here is how to deal with my tasks.
9:00 am: Morning Routine
I wake up early and have a wholesome breakfast to bring out the most of my productivity.
Get Ready
I often get up at 6:30 every morning to have enough time for simple exercises. The fresh air is a big motivator for me to stick to this routine.
Have a Healthy Breakfast
I can even prepare a healthy breakfast and make coffee to bring to work. I have to feed myself properly to stay energetic for the whole day.
10:00 am: Planning
Before jumping to work, I always plan my day to keep it organized. There are two steps to take here.
Review the Tasks and Projects for the Day
First, I review the tasks and projects of the day. I also check emails to see if my colleagues or managers need me for anything.
Prioritize Tasks
After that, I plan a duty list to prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Thanks to the list, I never miss deadlines.
10:30 am: Coding and Development
The list is set, so it’s time to work on coding and development.
Write Efficient Code
As a backend developer, I mostly code to develop sustainable websites. I’m in charge of the server-side functions, which require using multiple programming languages, such as PHP, Python, Ruby, and Java. Python is my favorite because it’s compatible with machine learning and AI.
I may use front-end languages, too. JavaScript, CSS, and HTML are useful to ensure my code can work with the front end properly.
Other backend technologies can also help. For example, I use frameworks to avoid reinventing the wheel when solving common issues. Node.js is another helpful method enabling JavaScript to work smoothly on the backend.
Besides, databases are part of my job. I need to consider how to request and organize data from vast databases. Data security is important, too.
Collaborate With Team Members
I work closely with front-end developers because we are responsible for the website. Together, we can come up with excellent ideas to bring out the best of the web app.
12:30 pm: Lunch Break
After a busy morning, I have lunch at the canteen of my company. It’s a precious time for the staff to rest and have fun chats.
1:30 pm: Testing and Debugging
Now, I have more energy to deal with the rest of the day. Since I code in the morning, the afternoon is for reviewing it and fixing issues.
Review and Test the Code for Any Errors or Bugs
I create a regular testing schedule for every app I have built. This way, I can optimize user experience and interface. Plus, technology is evolving, requiring developers to update their software accordingly.
Fix Issues and Optimize Code
While testing the app, I sometimes notice issues in terms of security or speed. In this case, I must first report to stakeholders, QA teams, and project managers. Then, we find the best solution.
3:00 pm: Meetings
My development team has a daily meeting at 3 pm. Right here, we can discuss the project’s progress, reflect on our performance, and find ways to improve our productivity.
4:00 pm: Documentation
A backend developer has to document the APIs that they develop. This task involves writing concise and clear documentation, so other developers can understand or even use my code. Documentation is also a good way to review the code and help everyone on the team keep track of the progress.
5:00 pm: Wrap-up
Before leaving the office, I check the duty list to see if I have any pending tasks. Then, I report my work progress to the team so we can be on the same page.
6:00 pm: Personal Development
My work hours are over, but I won’t stop working. As a backend developer, I like to read news related to my industry to keep myself updated with the latest trends. I also take online courses to improve my skills.
7:00 pm: Relaxation
I love working. Yet, it doesn’t mean I don’t know how to relax. To me, engaging in my hobbies and spending quality time with my loved ones are the best ways to unwind after a busy day.
9:00 pm: Reflection
At the end of the day, I reflect on my achievements. And as an organized person, I like to plan everything ahead. So, before bed, I always plan and set goals for the next day. Thanks to this habit, I can stay productive at work.
Conclusion
What do you think about a day in the life of a backend developer? It’s a busy routine with tons of tasks. But if you love coding and building web apps, you will surely find it thrilling.
So, if you still want to pursue this career path, plan your learning curve right now. Good luck with your choice!
