Backend Technologies Overview

Frontend vs. Backend

• Frontend: Visual elements of a website.
• Backend: Manages and stores data (e.g., Amazon's order history).

Backend Process Example

• When placing an order on Amazon:
  • Client (your computer) sends a request to a server (Amazon's computer).
  • Backend programming languages: JavaScript (Node.js), Python, Ruby, Java.
  • Requires backend frameworks and package managers:
    • Frameworks: Express JS (JavaScript), Django (Python), Ruby on Rails, Java Spring.
    • Package Managers: NPM (JavaScript), PIP (Python), Bundler (Ruby), Maven (Java).

Data Storage

• Databases: Store and manage data.
  • Examples: MySQL, Postgres, MongoDB.

Request-Response Cycle

• Frontend sends a request to the backend; backend sends a response back.
  • Example: Place an order, backend saves it to the database and confirms.

Inside a Request

• Contains items ordered, quantities, and other info.
• Request components: Type, domain name, URL path.
• API (Application Programming Interface): Defines allowed requests.
  • Uses RESTful conventions (e.g., POST for creating an order).
  • Other conventions: GraphQL, RPC.

Cloud Computing Infrastructure

• Companies rent computers instead of buying them.
• Major providers: AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), Microsoft Azure.
• Virtual Machines (VMs): Rented computer instances within cloud infrastructure.
  • Use load balancers to handle high traffic.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

• Simplifies VM setup by managing backend code deployment.
  • Examples: Elastic Beanstalk (AWS), App Engine (GCP), App Service (Microsoft Azure).

Microservices

• Breaking down backend functionality into smaller, specialized services.
  • Each service can use different programming languages and databases.
  • Can use third-party services (e.g., Twilio for sending emails).

Key Cloud Computing Concepts

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Renting computing infrastructure.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides platform to deploy applications.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Third-party software provided over the internet.

Additional Backend Technologies

• Address specific needs or performance issues:
  • Blob Store: AWS S3 for storing images.
  • CDN: CloudFront for distributing content globally.
  • Search Database: ElasticSearch for efficient text searching.
  • Cache: Redis for performance improvement.
  • Analytical Database: Snowflake for data analysis.
  • Job Queue: RabbitMQ for task scheduling.

Summary

• Essentials for beginners: Cloud computing, backend framework, primary database.
• Advanced technologies: Used as needed based on website requirements.