What Does Backend Development Mean? ​

Backend Development Means Focusing on the Hidden Aspects of Software Development.
Backend development is an important component of software development that ensures the functionality of an application or system. It deals with the creation of program code that drives the logic of an application or system. It is a central component of all modern web and mobile applications and is responsible for processing data and connecting to front-end technologies.

Backend development means that you focus on the hidden aspects of software development. This includes all the work that users don't see directly, but that ensures the smooth functioning of the software.

Responsibilities of backend developers ​

• Processing requests
• Managing databases
• Creating logic for applications
• Writing and optimising programs that control databases
• Running programs needed to execute queries, process data and more.

A Lamborghini without engine is like an app without backend

Backends consist of three main parts ​

1. Application
   The application part of a backend is where the business logic of your software is implemented. It contains the code that defines how your software behaves, including how it handles requests from clients and how it interacts with the server and database.
2. Server
   The server part of a backend is responsible for receiving requests from clients (e.g. web browsers, mobile apps) and sending responses back. It runs on a web server and can handle multiple requests at once.
3. Database
   The database part of a backend is where your software stores and retrieves data. It's where all the information that your application needs is kept. Databases can store anything from user account information to product listings to messages between users.

Together, these three parts work together to create the functionality that your software provides. The application defines how your software behaves, the server handles requests from clients, and the database stores and retrieves data.

The interaction of the user with a website always takes place in the frontend.

Especially in projects with many users, the backend development has a decisive influence your application regarding:

• Speed
• Stability

If you save on this end, the web app may still look good, but the user is suddenly faced with unpredictable results or is put off by long loading times.

Important factors in backend development ​

Performance ​

To ensure user satisfaction and the success of a web presence, you need to be able to rely on good performance. For this, the code must be efficient and the technologies used must be carefully selected.

Maintainability ​

An application is changing and it is necessary to always react to errors and new requirements. A good structure of the code and a modular design of the backend are important.

Security ​

In times of increasing risks of data violation, websites that store sensitive information need to be especially secured. This requires a high level of know-how and solid planning.

Special requirements for a backends in sensitive sectors ​

In sensitive sectors like:

• Health Tech,
• Gov Tech,
• Defense,
• Mobility

custom programming of backends has been essential.
This is because each of these sectors has its own requirements for the functionality and security of software systems.
The complexity of technologies in these sectors are much higher than in other industries. So, until now, each backend had to be programmed to meet the requirements.
Another reason for the need for custom programming was to increase data security in these systems to protect sensitive information.

Many companies use complex data protection systems to ensure that sensitive information cannot be misused.
Moreover, backends for Health Tech, Gov Tech, Defense and Mobility often need to be scalable to keep pace with increasing demands for performance and flexibility.
With cutting-edge technologies in this area, it is also essential that they are compatible with devices and systems from other manufacturers.
For this reason, companies often needed programmed backends that could be adapted to different systems.

Customised backends are expensive and time-consuming to build ​

The cost of a custom backend for sensitive sectors, for example to build a medical device in the Health Tech industry, depends on many factors:

• What functions does the backend need to have?
• What data will be stored in it?
• Is it a new product or a further development of an existing product?
• Will the backend be developed in-house or programmed by a third-party IT-service provider?
• There is no universal answer to the question of how much companies pay for a customised backend.

From our experience in producing software in the medical field, we have found that a compliant and secure backend costs a lot of money and time:

• Up to 8 months development time
• Approximately € 300,000+

These high development costs are often the reason why products do not make it to market.
This is especially unfortunate when it comes to helpful medical products that could be very useful to people with rare diseases.
But the high development costs mean that they are not pursued further because it is uneconomical.

Contact basebox at any time with questions about a compliant, secure Digital Health solution. We have also answered many questions on this topic in our FAQ.