Check For These Before You Hire Backend Developer: Courses and Certifications for Backend Developers in 2023

Backend development is currently one of the most sought-after and well-compensated roles in the tech industry. To embark on your journey to becoming a proficient backend developer, you need to acquire the essential skills. Hence, when considering to hire backend developers, it counts with extra pressure to select the right developer with the best talents, and coding skills. Because of this, developing your skills is much more important when you are a backend developer trying to work in the development industry.

You are in the right place because, in this article, we have carefully curated a list of the top backend development courses in 2023 that are designed to empower you with the knowledge and expertise required for success in this field. These courses have received high praise from learners and offer top-notch content. Whether you are just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional, these courses are tailored to meet your needs. Let’s kickstart your path to becoming a highly accomplished backend developer.

1. Python Backend Development With Django by GeeksforGeeks

The “Python Backend Development with Django” course offered by GeeksforGeeks is an extensive program designed to take you from a beginner to an advanced-level developer. Spanning over 8 weeks, this course equips you with the skills to construct scalable and robust web applications using the Django framework. You will benefit from live classes led by seasoned mentors who will guide you through the course content, provide live demonstrations, and offer personalized feedback on your projects. Check for this course in the resume if you are going to hire a backend developer for your software development project.

The course modules are;

1. Installation and Introduction to Django: You will begin with Django by learning how to set up the framework and gaining a fundamental understanding of its architecture and capabilities.
2. Django Admin, Commands, and Shell: This section will explore the administrative tools in Django, master its command-line features, and understand the interactive Python shell for efficient development.
3. Routing and Views in Django: You will learn the intricacies of routing and views, essential components for handling URL patterns and rendering web pages.
4. Databases and Model Layer: You will understand how to work with databases and the model layer in Django, enabling you to create and manage data effectively.
5. Django Forms: You will learn about Django forms, a critical aspect of building dynamic and interactive web applications.
6. Social Media Clone (Part 1): This section will do a practical project to create a social media clone, applying the concepts learned in the course.
7. Social Media Clone (Part 2): You will continue developing your social media clone project, adding more features and functionality.
8. Introduction to Django REST Framework, Microservices, System Design, and Caching Architecture: This section will explore advanced topics such as the Django REST Framework, microservices, system design, and caching architecture.
9. Database Design: You will focus on database design principles as you prepare for the upcoming e-commerce project.
10. API Status Codes, Versioning, and Exception Handling: This section will teach you how to handle API status codes, versioning, and exception handling for your e-commerce project.
11. Authentication System and Permissions: You will learn to implement an authentication system and permissions for secure access to your e-commerce application.
12. Filtering, Pagination, and Throttling: This section will enhance the usability of your e-commerce project by adding features like filtering and pagination while managing request throttling.
13. API Documentation, Integration, and Testing: You will gain insight into documenting your APIs, integrating them with other systems, and conducting thorough testing.
14. Django Cronjobs, Workers, Signals, Job Queues, and Testing: This section will help you understand the importance of background tasks, job queues, and signals in Django applications.
15. Deployment, Interview Questions, and Resume Building: You will learn how to deploy your Django application, prepare for job interviews with industry-specific questions, and build an impressive resume.

By the end of this comprehensive course, you will have the knowledge and practical experience to develop web applications with Django. Your journey will culminate with a shareable certificate of completion, showcasing your proficiency in Python backend development using Django, opening doors to exciting career opportunities in the field.

2. Java Backend Development by Geeks for Geeks

Java skills are a must in software development projects, which is why you should check for Java skills when you hire a backend developer for your software development project. The Java Backend Development course by GeeksforGeeks is a comprehensive program that caters to individuals aspiring to excel in backend development using the Java programming language. Designed for self-paced learning, this 10-week course is beginner-friendly and structured to equip you with the essential skills needed to ace interviews in the field. It’s ideal for those with a foundational knowledge of Java and little to no experience in Java Networking Programming.

The course modules of Java Backend Development are;

1. Java OOPS Fundamentals: This module covers the fundamental principles of Object-Oriented Programming in Java, providing a strong foundation for building backend applications.
2. Java 8 Functional Interfaces and Collections: This section will dive into Java 8 to learn about functional interfaces and collections, essential for modern Java development.
3. Multithreading and HashMap: You will learn to understand the intricacies of multithreading in Java and how to effectively utilize the HashMap data structure.
4. Maven for Project Management: This section will explore Maven, a powerful tool for managing project dependencies and building lifecycles.
5. Spring Boot Basics: You will get acquainted with Spring Boot, a popular framework for building efficient and scalable Java applications.
6. REST API and Spring MVC: You will learn to create RESTful APIs and work with the Spring MVC framework, a cornerstone of modern web development.
7. Spring IOC and Dependency Injection: You will understand the Inversion of Control (IoC) principle and dependency injection in the context of the Spring framework.
8. Java Database Connectivity (JDBC): In this section, you will gain expertise in connecting Java applications to databases using JDBC.
9. JPA and Hibernate: This section will explore Java Persistence API (JPA) and Hibernate, key technologies for database management and ORM (Object-Relational Mapping).
10. JPQL and Minor Project – Digital Library: In this section, you will discover Java Persistence Query Language (JPQL) and apply your knowledge in a hands-on project, creating a digital library.
11. Unit Testing with JUnit and Mockito: This section will help you to write unit tests using JUnit and Mockito, a crucial aspect of software quality assurance.
12. Redis and Caching: You will explore Redis, an in-memory data store, and caching, which are essential for optimizing web application performance.
13. Spring Security and Authentication: You will learn about Spring Security to safeguard your applications and manage user authentication.
14. OAuth 2 and Github Integration: You will learn to understand OAuth 2 for secure authorization and integrate with Github for enhanced functionality.
15. Kafka Message Queue Introduction: This section will introduce Kafka, a high-throughput, distributed messaging system.
16. Kafka Integration with Spring Boot: You will learn how to integrate Kafka with Spring Boot, a valuable skill for real-time data processing.
17. E-Wallet App like Paytm: You will learn to culminate your learning journey by building an E-Wallet application similar to Paytm, showcasing your proficiency in backend development.

Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate that certifies your expertise in Java backend development, opening up promising opportunities in the field.

3. Backend Development Career Pathway by Codeacademy

If you are aspiring to embark on a career as a back-end developer, Codecademy presents an excellent opportunity through its Back-End Engineer Career Path. This path is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the fundamental aspects of back-end development, equipping you with the skills required to excel in this dynamic field.

You will explore key technologies such as Node.js, Express.js, PostgreSQL, SQL, and security, which are pivotal in the realm of back-end development and are checked essentially by companies when they are looking to hire back-end developers. With this path, you will gain the ability to construct robust APIs, create and manage databases that power the front end, and craft server-side logic for web applications.

Some of the courses included in this career path are;

1. Java Backend Development: This is a self-paced, beginner-friendly course, this comprehensive 10-week program immerses you in advanced Java, Spring/Spring Boot, Hibernate, RESTful APIs, Micro-services, and related technologies. By the conclusion of this course, you will have the skills to construct efficient and visually appealing Java-based web applications, with the ability to develop web apps like e-wallets, movie ticket booking platforms, and more.
2. Full-stack Web Development: This course included in the career pathway is offered by Caltech, this program focuses on full-stack web development, with a strong emphasis on back-end development. You will gain a deep understanding of the technologies and practices necessary to become a proficient full-stack developer, mastering both front-end and back-end components of web development.
3. Complete Python Development Online: This third course included in the career pathway is delivered by Digital Defynd, this course centers on Python programming for back-end development. This course will explore Python’s capabilities in the back-end context and develop the expertise required to create robust and scalable back-end solutions using Python.
4. Java Complete Course: The fourth course is also offered by Digital Defynd, this course revolves around Java programming for back-end development. You will learn about Java and harness its power to build reliable and high-performance back-end systems for web applications.
5. Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate: This certification program is tailored to provide an in-depth understanding of back-end development. You will learn how to work with technologies like Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, and more to become proficient in developing the backbone of web applications.

Upon successful completion of these courses and the career path, you will not only gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive as a back-end developer but also receive recognition and validation for your expertise, paving the way for a successful career in the field.

4. Meta BackEnd Developer Professional Certificate on Coursera

The Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate is an all-encompassing journey into the realm of back-end development, tailored specifically for those embarking on a career in software development. Crafted by the proficient software engineering team at Meta, the brilliant minds behind Facebook and Instagram, this program equips learners with the essential knowledge and tools to venture into the world of backend programming. 

The course modules are:

1. Introduction to Back-End Development: In this introduction module, you’ll delve into the fundamental concepts of back-end development, gaining an insightful foundation for your voyage into the intricacies of this field.
2. Programming in Python: This module will equip you with the prowess of Python, a versatile and widely-used programming language. You’ll acquire the coding skills needed to build powerful back-end systems.
3. Version Control: Version control is a crucial aspect of software development. Here, you’ll learn the art of version control, enabling you to efficiently manage and collaborate on your codebase.
4. Introduction to Databases for Backend Development: Databases are the backbone of backend development. This module will guide you through the world of databases, teaching you how to design and interact with them effectively.
5. APIs:  In this section, you’ll explore the concept of APIs and their practical application.
6. The Full Stack: A comprehensive understanding of the full stack is vital for modern software developers. You’ll learn how the back end integrates with the front end, creating cohesive and functional web applications.
7. Back-End Developer Capstone: The capstone project will provide you with the opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge to a real-world project, demonstrating your proficiency as a back-end developer.
8. Coding Interview Preparation: To help you succeed in the competitive world of software development, this module will prepare you for coding interviews, honing your problem-solving and coding skills.

Upon completing this course, you will be awarded a certificate that you can proudly share on your LinkedIn profile, signaling your achievement and readiness to embark on a promising career in back-end development.

Here is a comparison table for all the courses for backend developers mentioned above in this article.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a back-end developer course in 2023 opens a gateway to substantial career opportunities. Through dedicated training, you can sharpen your skills and tackle challenging projects as a back-end developer. Whether you’re starting from scratch or seeking to level up your expertise, a plethora of courses and certification programs are available to elevate your back-end development skills. This investment in your professional growth is a strategic step towards securing a rewarding career as a hired back-end developer, ready to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of software and web application development.