Can I study back-end development for free on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning back-end development on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many back-end courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). 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.

What topics are typically covered in back-end courses?

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.

What back-end courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

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.

Best Back End Courses & Certificates [2026]

Q: What skills do I need to learn for back-end development?

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.

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Back End

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.

Popular Back End Courses and Certifications

Status: Free Trial
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
IBM
Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express
Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Server Side, Full-Stack Web Development, Back-End Web Development, Cloud Applications, Web Development, Restful API, Web Applications, Web Servers, Authentications, Javascript, Application Programming Interface (API), Computer Science, JSON, Middleware
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
596 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
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), MongoDB, Restful API, 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
52K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
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
261 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Full Stack Software Developer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Cloud Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Cloud-Native Computing, Istio, Software Architecture, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Cloud Computing Architecture, React Redux, Node.JS, Responsive Web Design, Restful API, Django (Web Framework), Git (Version Control System), HTML and CSS, Server Side, Cloud Computing, Data Import/Export, Engineering Software
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
59K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
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

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Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
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
8.8K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Next level skills. New Year savings.
Save on Coursera Plus
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Istio, Software Architecture, Node.JS, Application Deployment, Restful API, Kubernetes, React Redux, 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
9.1K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
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
Meta
Meta Front-End Developer
Skills you'll gain: User Research, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), User Experience Design, User Experience, Design Research, Linux Commands, Usability, Debugging, User Interface (UI), Software Versioning, Software Visualization, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Pseudocode, JavaScript Frameworks, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Javascript, Web Applications, Event-Driven Programming, Unit Testing, Application Programming Interface (API)
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
24K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Google
Google UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Storyboarding, Wireframing, User Experience Design, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Information Architecture, Presentations, User Research, Web Design, Figma (Design Software), Design Reviews, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Story, Data Ethics, User Centered Design, Usability, Persona (User Experience), Interviewing Skills, Applicant Tracking Systems
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
97K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: Preview
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

What brings you to Coursera today?

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Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Searches related to back end

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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
IBM Back-End Development: IBM
Microsoft Back-End Developer: Microsoft
IBM Full Stack Software Developer: IBM
Meta Full Stack Developer: Front-End & Back-End from Scratch: Meta
IBM JavaScript Backend Developer: IBM
IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer: IBM
Introduction to Back-End Development: Meta
Meta Front-End Developer: 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:

Preview the first module of many back-end courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
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.‎

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.