Hire by Skill
Hire by Role
15 min. read
Published: Nov 2, 2023
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Mobile applications have become the cornerstone of innovation, productivity, and convenience in today’s dynamic, tech-driven world. However, the seamless user experiences we enjoy are not solely the result of intuitive interfaces; they owe a significant debt to the intricate, often hidden world of mobile app backend development.
In this ever-evolving landscape, understanding mobile app backend development is crucial for anyone looking to harness the full potential of mobile technology. This blog post is a comprehensive guide to mobile app backend development process.
Join us as we delve into the mobile app backend development world, exploring the latest trends, best practices, and the key factors distinguishing a stellar mobile backend from the rest.
Front-End Development vs. Back-End Development
In the realm of web and mobile app development, two essential but distinct roles come to the forefront: Front-End Developers and Back-End Developers. They work together to bring your digital projects to life, but their responsibilities, skill sets, and focuses differ significantly.
Front-End developers are the creative architects of the digital world. They focus on designing the visual aspects of websites and mobile apps using programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Their work results in what users see and interact with, creating captivating and user-friendly experiences. On average, Front-End developers earn around $80,796.
On the other hand, Back-End developers are the architects of a digital project’s foundation. They create the structure and logic of websites and apps using server-side languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, and PHP. Their code ensures everything on the user’s end functions seamlessly, handling databases, security, and server-side operations. Back-End developers earn approximately $90,652 on average.
Both Front-End and Back-End developers work closely to bridge the gap between design and functionality, ensuring that websites and apps both look great and work flawlessly. Understanding these roles and their collaboration is essential for successful digital projects
Mobile App Backend Development Process
When embarking on a mobile app development project, understanding the intricacies of mobile app backend development is essential. This often-overlooked aspect forms the backbone of your application, ensuring it runs smoothly, securely, and efficiently.
Setting Up the Development Team
The journey begins with assembling the right team. At the core of your backend development effort is at least one backend developer, but the team’s size should align with the project’s scope and timeline.
Flexibility is key here, as you can start with one or two developers and scale up as the project grows. This adaptability allows you to manage resources efficiently and maintain project momentum.
Choosing the Backend Tech Stack
The heart of your backend development lies in the technology stack you choose. This stack defines the tools and infrastructure that power your app’s server, database, and APIs. The selection process involves key decisions, such as:
- Programming Language: This is the foundation of your backend code. Options may include TypeScript, Python, Java, Ruby, and PHP.
- Architecture: Decide whether to opt for a monolithic, modular monolithic, microservices, or serverless architecture.
- Infrastructure: Select the platform where your backend development will operate, such as AWS, Azure, or others.
- Database: Choose between SQL, NoSQL databases, or a combination of different database types to store your data.
- Type of API: Determine the API type, whether it’s JSON, REST, GraphQL, XML, or another format.
For instance: your custom backend development technology stack might include TypeScript as the programming language, a hexagonal monolith architecture, PostgreSQL as the database, and infrastructure hosted on AWS Elastic Beanstalk with AWS RDS.
The choice depends on your project’s unique requirements and your development team’s expertise.
Development & QA
With the tech stack in place, it’s time to kickstart development. This can run concurrently with frontend app development, although initiating backend development a bit earlier can be advantageous.
Early backend development work ensures that crucial features are ready when needed by the frontend developers, preventing bottlenecks in the project timeline.
Backend development operates based on “tasks.” Each task represents a piece of functionality required to make your backend development fully operational.
These tasks come with detailed requirements and acceptance criteria, which help guide developers throughout the process.
Typically, each task involves three key steps:
- Writing Automated Tests: Ensuring the reliability and functionality of the code.
- Modifying Server Infrastructure: Adapting the server to accommodate the new feature or functionality.
- Adding the Code: Implementing the code that brings the feature to life.
Once a developer completes a task, the code undergoes a rigorous code review process by other team members. This practice ensures the code’s quality, adherence to standards, and helps catch any potential issues. Upon approval, the code is merged into the main codebase, and the updated app version is deployed on the server.
Afterwards, a dedicated tester then steps in to ensure that the new functionality works flawlessly. The task is marked as complete with successful testing, and the frontend app can seamlessly utilize the newly added feature.
With each completed task, your backend development grows, and your mobile app takes shape. It’s an interactive process where new features are added and existing ones are refined. Eventually, your app is ready to take its final form and move closer to release.
Quality assurance is the backbone of any successful mobile app backend development project. At TechAhead, we understand the importance of ensuring the reliability and functionality of the code. Therefore, many big players such as Starbucks chose us to revolutionize their rewards and loyalty program.
Our dedicated QA experts work diligently to guarantee that your backend development operates seamlessly, adhering to the highest standards of quality and performance
Best Tools for Mobile Backend App Development
Mobile app backend development is a critical phase in building robust and efficient mobile applications. To make this process smoother and more efficient, developers rely on a set of powerful tools and technologies.
This section will explore some of the best tools available for mobile apps backend development. These tools empower developers to create the backbone of mobile apps, ensuring they run seamlessly and deliver a fantastic user experience.
Programming Languages
- PHP: PHP, short for Hypertext Preprocessor, stands as a stalwart in server-side scripting for webbackend development. It’s chosen by renowned platforms like Wikipedia, WordPress, and Facebook. PHP’s cross-platform compatibility, object-oriented features, and integration capabilities with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript make it a top choice.
- Python: Python is a versatile, high-level programming language used in mobile backend development. Platforms like Instagram, Spotify, and Google rely on Python. Its rich library support, readability, and compatibility with various technologies make it a go-to language.
- JavaScript: JavaScript is fundamental in web development, working seamlessly with HTML and CSS. Its imperative and structured approach, lightweight nature, and versatility make it indispensable.
Frameworks
- Laravel: For PHP enthusiasts, Laravel is a go-to framework. It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern and offers features like Artisan command-line tools, Object-Oriented libraries, and Eloquent ORM. Laravel simplifies tasks with tools like dependency injection and unit testing.
- Django: Python developers find Django to be an invaluable tool. This framework follows the model-template-views (MTV) architectural pattern and boasts extensibility, rapid mobile app development, scalability, and security. It’s the framework behind popular platforms like Instagram and Mozilla.
Databases
- MongoDB: MongoDB, a NoSQL database, is favored by web developers for its scalability and flexibility. It uses JSON-like documents and offers features like Ad-hoc queries, indexing, replication, and robust data security. MongoDB is compatible with various programming languages, making it a versatile choice.
- MySQL: MySQL, a relational database management system, excels in web-based applications. Known for its speed and high performance, MySQL offers scalability, cross-platform compatibility, and powerful data encryption. It’s a choice for platforms like Flickr, Twitter, and Facebook.
Web Servers
- Apache: Apache, also known as Apache HTTP Server, is a leading open-source web server used by approximately half of all websites worldwide. It offers features like loadable dynamic modules, CGI support, real-time status views, and compatibility with various operating systems.
- NGINX: NGINX is another open-source backend development server used for reverse proxying, load balancing, and caching. It boasts an asynchronous event-driven approach, IPv6 compatibility, URL rewriting, and various advanced features. Platforms like Dropbox, Netflix, and WordPress.com rely on NGINX.
Other Tools
- Docker: Docker is a containerisation platform that simplifies application creation, deployment, and management. It provides a consistent and isolated environment for apps, offering rapid deployment, scalability, and security. Docker is a must-have for developers.
- Postman: Postman is an API tool that streamlines API development, testing, and modification. It supports various HTTP methods, API-to-code conversion, and automation of manual tests, making API development more efficient.
- Jira: Jira is a project management platform that excels in agile project management. It offers kanban and Scrum workflows, customisable features, and an automation engine. Jira helps streamline project planning, tracking, and reporting.
Types of Mobile App Backends: Choosing the Right Foundation
Selecting the appropriate backend development stack function for your mobile app is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your mobile app development process and project outcomes.
Backend development systems come in various forms, each tailored to specific requirements and preferences.
This section explores three primary types of mobile app backends, helping you make an informed choice based on your project’s unique needs.
Software as a Service (SaaS) or 3rd Party Services
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a software delivery model where a third-party provider hosts and offers a software application to customers over the internet.
It’s a convenient way to access and utilize software without the need for in-house infrastructure and maintenance. Typically, SaaS solutions require a subscription fee, which can be monthly or annually.
Why Choose SaaS for Your Backend?
SaaS backends are known for their ease of use. You can have your backend development up and running with just a few clicks. It’s a hassle-free approach that saves time and resources, making it an ideal choice for startups and projects with limited technical expertise.
Some notable SaaS examples include WordPress for content management, Mailchimp for email marketing, and Salesforce for customer relationship management.
Limitations of SaaS Backends
While SaaS backends offer convenience, they may not fulfill all your project’s requirements out of the box. For real-world applications, you may need to combine multiple SaaS solutions. This modular approach can introduce complexity and integration challenges requiring careful planning.
Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS)
Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS), often referred to as Backend as a Service (BaaS), is a platform that automates backend mobile app development and manages cloud infrastructure. It goes beyond basic hosting and includes features like user management, email notifications, push notifications, cloud code functions, social media integrations, file storage, and payment processing.
Why Choose MBaaS for Your Backend?
MBaaS simplifies mobile app backend development by taking care of infrastructure and offering specialized APIs and SDKs for frontend developers. This approach lets you focus on your app’s core business logic, making your app less complex and easier to maintain. The benefits include faster mobile app development, reduced engineering costs, and a laser focus on core business objectives.
Popular MBaaS Examples
Prominent MBaaS platforms include Back4app, Firebase, AWS Amplify, and Apple Cloudkit.
Is MBaaS Right for You?
MBaaS is an excellent choice for projects aiming to streamline mobile app development and reduce overhead. Therefore, it’s particularly useful for startups and small teams looking to create mobile apps without the complexity of managing the backend development infrastructure.
At TechAhead, our skilled team of backend developers changed the way cricket fans look at the game forever. Hence, Criio was born.
Custom Backend
As the name suggests, a custom backend is tailored to your specific project’s needs. It offers unparalleled control and flexibility, enabling you to implement features that might not be achievable with SaaS or MBaaS solutions. However, it comes at the cost of added time and expense.
Why Choose a Custom Backend?
Custom backends are the choice for projects that demand unique functionalities and complete control. They are often necessary for complex or large-scale applications. This approach empowers you to fine-tune your backend’s performance and security according to your requirements.
Building a Custom Backend
Creating a custom backend is a comprehensive process that typically spans months. You’ll need a skilled backend developer or even a team of developers to bring your custom backend development to life. Some popular frameworks for building custom backends include Django, Laravel, Express.js, Ruby on Rails, and Spring Boot.
Is a Custom Backend Right for Your Project?
Custom backends are best suited for well-funded projects with specific requirements and the need for ultimate control. While they offer maximum flexibility, they come with a higher level of responsibility for performance and security.
For projects that demand unique functionalities and complete control, TechAhead stands out as a trusted partner. Our track record includes delivering custom backend development solutions for complex, large-scale applications, showcasing our expertise in fine-tuning backend performance and security to meet specific project requirements.
Mobile App Backend Development Tools used in popular Apps
When it comes to mobile app development, the backbone of any successful application lies in its backend. Behind the scenes of some of the most popular apps like Twitch, WhatsApp, and Netflix, a sophisticated array of backend tools and technologies keep everything running smoothly.
In this section, we’ll delve into the backend development tools employed by these giants of the tech world, shedding light on the technologies that make them tick.
Twitch – Powering the Live Video Behemoth
Twitch boasts one of the largest live video distribution systems globally, and this requires a robust backend infrastructure. To keep the live video streaming and chat functionality at its best, Twitch relies on several key tools and technologies:
- Erlang: This functional programming language empowers Twitch’s backend with high concurrency and scalability, allowing it to manage the massive number of concurrent users streaming and interacting on the platform.
- FreeBSD: While most large-scale platforms opt for Linux, Twitch’s choice of FreeBSD as the operating system offers unparalleled performance, especially when it comes to handling system load per packet.
- Ejabberd: An open-source XMPP server, Ejabberd, plays a crucial role in managing message delivery, routing, and instant messaging across the platform.
- Mnesia: This Erlang-based database management system is highly efficient in storing data and temporary messages. Its real-time key/value lookup and high fault tolerance make it an ideal choice for Twitch’s needs.
- BEAM (Bogdan’s Erlang Abstract Machine): As the Erlang-based virtual machine, BEAM is pivotal in enabling high concurrency and resilience in handling Twitch’s services.
- YAWS (Yet Another Web Server): YAWS aids in storing multimedia data, offering reliable and fast connections to deliver multimedia content to billions of devices in near real time.
WhatsApp – The Chat App Giant
WhatsApp’s incredible scale and success are powered by a mix of robust backend technologies and tools that ensure seamless communication and security:
- Erlang: WhatsApp employs Erlang’s scalability and reliability, with its unique actor model architecture, for handling a staggering number of concurrent users and messages.
- FreeBSD: The choice of FreeBSD as the operating system, backed by WhatsApp’s founders’ extensive experience with it, ensures excellent performance and resource optimization.
- Ejabberd: WhatsApp utilizes a customized version of Ejabberd, a highly modified XMPP server, to manage message routing and delivery with high efficiency.
- Mnesia: Mnesia, an Erlang-based distributed DBMS, is the backbone for storing data and temporary messages, offering fault tolerance and real-time key/value lookup capabilities.
- BEAM (Bogdan’s Erlang Abstract Machine): BEAM provides the concurrency and resilience required to manage the enormous traffic and loads WhatsApp handles daily.
Netflix – The Streaming Superpower
The world’s leading streaming service, Netflix relies on a combination of technologies to deliver high-quality content seamlessly to millions of users. Here are some of the backend tools in Netflix’s arsenal:
- Java: Netflix’s backend is primarily powered by Java, known for its scalability, security, and robustness. This language provides a strong foundation for their services.
- Spring Boot: To create stand-alone, production-grade applications efficiently, Netflix utilises Spring Boot, a popular Java-based framework.
- Amazon S3: For data storage and processing, Amazon S3 ensures reliability and scalability, allowing Netflix to handle massive data volumes effectively.
- Apache Cassandra: This highly scalable, distributed database system supports Netflix in managing its vast content library and user data.
- AWS Services: Netflix leverages various Amazon Web Services for hosting, deployment, and infrastructure management. AWS provides scalability, reliability, and security, key for their streaming service’s global success.
These popular mobile apps demonstrate the importance of choosing the right backend tools and technologies. Each of them relies on a combination of programming languages, databases, backend server, and cloud services to ensure their services run smoothly, securely, and efficiently, all while handling an immense volume of data and users.
These mobile app backend development tools are a testament to their critical role in delivering exceptional user experiences and driving the success of these tech giants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mobile app development is the engine behind the seamless and innovative user experiences we enjoy in the world of mobile technology. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve uncovered the pivotal role of back-end development and the dynamic interplay between front-end and back-end developers. These creative architects and digital foundation builders collaborate to bring your digital projects to life.
Contact TechAhead today for all your web and mobile app development needs.
