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Back End Courses

Back end courses can help you learn server-side programming, database management, API development, and cloud computing. You can build skills in data modeling, performance optimization, and security practices. Many courses introduce tools like Node.js, Express, and SQL databases, along with methods for integrating third-party services and managing user authentication.


More to explore:

Popular Back End Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Meta

    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), API Testing, Back-End Web Development, GitHub, Relational Databases, Front-End Web Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, SQL, Database Design, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Cloud Hosting

    Build toward a degree

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9.8K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express

    Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Full-Stack Web Development, Server Side, Back-End Web Development, Restful API, Web Applications, Web Development, Cloud Computing, Web Servers, Javascript, GitLab, Authentications, JSON, Computer Science, Middleware

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    605 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Microsoft

    Microsoft Back-End Developer

    Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, C# (Programming Language), Azure DevOps, Load Balancing, Continuous Integration, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Scalability, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Authentications, ASP.NET, Debugging, SQL, Microsoft Copilot, .NET Framework, Relational Databases, Database Management, Graph Theory, Back-End Web Development, Program Development, Data Structures

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    287 reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    I

    IBM

    IBM Back-End Development

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

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    53K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Meta

    Meta Full Stack Developer: Front-End & Back-End from Scratch

    Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Django (Web Framework), Version Control, Restful API, Responsive Web Design, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Unix Commands, HTML and CSS, Git (Version Control System), API Testing, GitHub, Relational Databases, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), React.js, Mobile Development, SQL, Database Design, Python Programming

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    25K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    I

    IBM

    IBM Full Stack Software Developer

    Skills you'll gain: Cloud Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, CI/CD, Cloud-Native Computing, Istio, Software Architecture, Node.JS, React Redux, Cloud Computing Architecture, Application Deployment, Restful API, Responsive Web Design, Django (Web Framework), Git (Version Control System), HTML and CSS, Server Side, Generative AI, Cloud Computing, Data Import/Export, Engineering Software

    Build toward a degree

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    60K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    Python for Data Science, AI & Development

    Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Programming Principles, Web Scraping, File I/O, Python Programming, Jupyter, Data Structures, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, JSON, Computer Programming, Restful API, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Application Programming Interface (API), Automation, Data Analysis

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    43K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    IBM JavaScript Backend Developer

    Skills you'll gain: Cloud Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Containerization, Istio, Software Architecture, Node.JS, Application Deployment, Restful API, Kubernetes, Database Design, Cloud-Native Computing, Responsive Web Design, NoSQL, Git (Version Control System), Ajax, Grafana, Javascript, Azure DevOps, Engineering Software

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    8.9K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    V

    Vanderbilt University

    AI Agent Developer

    Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, AI Orchestration, Prompt Patterns, Generative AI, LangChain, OpenAI API, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Presentation, AI Workflows, LLM Application, Productivity, OpenAI, AI Personalization, Document Management, Responsible AI, AI Enablement, Software Development

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9.7K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Meta

    Introduction to Back-End Development

    Skills you'll gain: Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), HTML and CSS, User Interface (UI), Front-End Web Development, Responsive Web Design, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Design, Web Development, Web Applications, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Full-Stack Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Back-End Web Development, React.js

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.7K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer

    Skills you'll gain: Cloud Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Istio, Software Architecture, Node.JS, React Redux, Application Deployment, Restful API, Kubernetes, Database Design, CI/CD, Cloud-Native Computing, Responsive Web Design, NoSQL, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Ajax, Javascript, Azure DevOps, Engineering Software

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9.2K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    C

    Coursera

    Back-End Infrastructure: Servers, Secure APIs and Data

    Skills you'll gain: API Design, Back-End Web Development, Secure Coding, Data Security, Application Programming Interface (API), Restful API, IT Infrastructure, Application Security, Infrastructure Security, Data Integrity, Servers, Cloud Security, Server Administration, Web Servers, Encryption, Authentications

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

1234…618

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular back end courses

  • Meta Back-End Developer: Meta
  • Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express: IBM
  • Microsoft Back-End Developer: Microsoft
  • IBM Back-End Development: IBM
  • Meta Full Stack Developer: Front-End & Back-End from Scratch: Meta
  • IBM Full Stack Software Developer: IBM
  • Python for Data Science, AI & Development: IBM
  • IBM JavaScript Backend Developer: IBM
  • AI Agent Developer: Vanderbilt University
  • Introduction to Back-End Development: Meta

Frequently Asked Questions about Back End

Back-end development refers to the server-side of web development, where the logic, database interactions, and server configurations occur. It is crucial because it ensures that the front end, which users interact with, functions smoothly and efficiently. The back end handles data storage, retrieval, and processing, making it the backbone of any web application. Without a robust back end, applications would struggle to deliver the dynamic content and functionalities that users expect.‎

A variety of job opportunities exist in the back-end field. Common roles include back-end developer, software engineer, database administrator, and systems architect. These positions often require collaboration with front-end developers and other stakeholders to create seamless user experiences. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, the demand for skilled back-end professionals continues to grow, making it a promising career path.‎

To succeed in back-end development, you should focus on several key skills. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Ruby is essential. Understanding database management systems like SQL or MongoDB is also crucial. Familiarity with server-side frameworks, API development, and cloud services can enhance your capabilities. Additionally, problem-solving skills and an understanding of security practices are vital for building reliable and secure applications.‎

Yes. You can start learning back-end development on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many back-end courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in back-end, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn back-end development effectively, start by identifying the programming languages and frameworks you want to focus on. Utilize online courses, tutorials, and coding bootcamps to build your skills. Practice by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source initiatives. Engaging with online communities can also provide support and resources as you progress in your learning journey.‎

Typical topics covered in back-end courses include server-side programming, database management, API development, and security practices. You may also learn about cloud computing, microservices architecture, and performance optimization. These subjects equip you with the knowledge needed to build and maintain robust back-end systems.‎

For training and upskilling employees in back-end development, courses like the Microsoft Back-End Developer Professional Certificate and the Back-End Developer Capstone are excellent choices. These programs provide structured learning paths that can help teams enhance their skills and adapt to evolving technologies in the industry.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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