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.

Coursera Logo
[Featured Image] A back-end developer in a blue shirt and blazer works on a laptop in an open office space.
Status: Featured

What Does a Back-End Developer Do?

A back-end developer writes code that forms the backbone of a website or app. Learn more about this career field and how to get started.

March 23, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A woman applying for a back-end developer job shakes hands with a hiring manager standing next to a desk in a brightly lit office.
Status: Featured

4 Common Back-End Developer Interview Questions

As companies expect to fill thousands of new web development jobs over the upcoming years, there will be many opportunities for a back-end developer to interview for a position on an exciting and innovative team—plan ahead and be prepared.

January 21, 2022

Article

[Feature Image] A man works at a desktop computer.
Status: Featured

Front-End vs. Back-End Developer: Understanding the Differences

There are three primary types of software development: front-end, back-end, and full-stack. Compare and contrast them in this guide.

March 30, 2022

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 (2024)

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

[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 (2024)

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

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

Meta

Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Databases, HTML and CSS, SQL, Database Design, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Science, Big Data, React (web framework), Software Testing, Web Development, Application Development, Back-End Web Development, Cloud API, Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Collaboration, Communication, Computer Programming, Data Model, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Database Administration, Database Application, Database Theory, DevOps, Django (Web Framework), Front-End Web Development, Full-Stack Web Development, Javascript, Kubernetes, Linux, Problem Solving, Semantic Web, Software Engineering, Software Engineering Tools, Statistical Programming, Tensorflow, Web Design, Web Development Tools

Build toward a degree

4.6 stars

(8.3K reviews)

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Application Development, Computer Programming, Security Engineering, Software Engineering Tools, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Communication, DevOps, Software Security, Kubernetes, Software Testing, Cloud Applications, Docker (Software), Full-Stack Web Development, IBM Cloud, Product Management, Linux, Cloud Computing, Collaboration, Leadership and Management, Python Programming, Scrum (Software Development), Web Development, Data Analysis, Django (Web Framework), Mergers & Acquisitions, SQL

4.6 stars

(44K reviews)

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Software Engineering Tools, Application Development, Communication, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Web Development, Javascript, Cloud Applications, Docker (Software), Full-Stack Web Development, IBM Cloud, Kubernetes, Leadership and Management, Product Management, Collaboration, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, Mergers & Acquisitions, NoSQL, Python Programming

4.6 stars

(4.7K reviews)

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[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 computer programming.

June 27, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man in a checkered shirt searches programming languages to learn on his 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

Article

[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 FAQ. 

May 20, 2022

Article

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

Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One (2024)

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

April 18, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A woman works at a desk.

What Is an iOS App Developer? A 2024 Guide

From programming languages to skills and next steps, learn how to be a successful iOS developer in this rapidly growing field.

March 30, 2022

Article

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

Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

It’s important to know the differences 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

[Featured Image] A man and woman 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

Article

[Featured image] A software developer is wearing headphones and working on her laptop from home.

What Does a Software Developer Do? Career Overview + Outlook

Use this guide to find out more about software development careers, including salaries, key skills, and more.

October 13, 2021

Article

[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

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

[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 computer programming.

June 27, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man in a checkered shirt searches programming languages to learn on his 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

Article

[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 FAQ. 

May 20, 2022

Article

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

Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One (2024)

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

April 18, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A woman works at a desk.

What Is an iOS App Developer? A 2024 Guide

From programming languages to skills and next steps, learn how to be a successful iOS developer in this rapidly growing field.

March 30, 2022

Article

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

Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?

It’s important to know the differences 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

[Featured Image] A man and woman 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

Article

[Featured image] A software developer is wearing headphones and working on her laptop from home.

What Does a Software Developer Do? Career Overview + Outlook

Use this guide to find out more about software development careers, including salaries, key skills, and more.

October 13, 2021

Article

[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

Article

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)

Coursera Plus
Build job-ready skills with a Coursera Plus subscription
  • Get access to 7,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
  • Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
  • Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
  • A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime

*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.