Top 12 Backend Technologies To Look For In 2023-24

For any advanced technology or software application to succeed, there are two key players – frontend and backend. The frontend looks after the user experience and the backend offers the facility for the application to function seamlessly. The backend technologies form the foundation of your application and selecting the apt framework is vital to a project’s success.

This article focuses on the trending backend technologies list that has gained momentum in 2023 and shall continue to reign in 2024. Before we have a look at those, let us have a glance at what backend development means.

What Is Backend Development?

Backend development refers to server-side development that are libraries that assist in creating the server configuration of websites. It isn’t seen by the users but performs actions that are vital for the project’s success. It is very important to use the ideal backend frameworks for the project.

The backend of any application consists of tools, backend logic, databases, servers, APIs, code libraries, and other relevant software that is needed to create the server-based logic. The backend has basically three parts – a server, a database, and an application to execute the logic.

The backend development is prime to developers and the complete system. It is the base of the application on which further development takes place. It acts like an engine that pulls the entire system along.

The major benefits of having a robust backend are:

• Saving time on development
• Better quality of product
• Scalability and robustness
• Enhanced security and seamless integration

Backend Technologies To Look Forward To

As we wonder what are the backend technologies that will rule the coming year, below backend technologies list is sure to be in the limelight:

• Ruby on Rails
• Laravel
• Django
• CakePHP
• Spring Boot
• Phoenix
• Flask
• Express
• Meteor
• Koa
• Nest.js
• Strapi

Ruby on Rails:

Written in the Ruby language, Ruby on Rails is a server-side application framework that pushes the implementation of pattern usages like DRY or MVC. It is known for creating a fault-free database table structure. There is an effective combination of JavaScript, CSS, HTML for the creation of applications. It works on the concept of Convention over Configuration (CoC) that helps developers garner more with lesser code.

Key Features:

• Huge community support
• Easy compilation and testing
• Reduction in time spent on standard activities
• Code reuse in different projects
• Cost and time effective framework

Organizations Using Ruby On Rails:

Zendesk, GitHub, Shopify, Hulu, Netflix, Airbnb, Crunchbase, Bloomberg, etc.

Laravel:

Laravel is considered a well-known backend technology that has effective language construction and an advanced toolbox to support it. It is based on the PHP language and goes by the MVC architecture. Its salient syntax helps developers achieve flexibility and creativity while coding, taking care of all necessary care in the backend. The entire upload procedure is easily manageable and executable.

Key Features:

• Versatility and expressive
• Strong template system
• Good documentation and community support
• Easy process of upgradation
• Authentication and authorization

Organizations Using Laravel:

Razorpay, Kmong, 9GAG, Pfizer, BBC, Ratio, About you., TourRadar, etc.

Django:

Django is a popular, high-level framework that is a comprehensive backend technology. All components in the framework work together and hence there is no need for separate third-party plug-ins. It is considered best for creating enterprise-level, interactive applications. There is a huge community that supports Django and that makes it popular among the developers.

Key Features:

• Enhanced level of security
• Faster development
• Python web framework
• SEO optimized
• Versatile and scalable

Organizations Using Django:

Spotify, Instagram, Mozilla, National Geographic, Pinterest, Bitbucket, etc.

CakePHP:

CakePHP is a known backend web development framework mainly for PHP development. It helps developers develop apps in a fast manner and does not have any complicated configuration. It offers comprehensive security mechanisms and uses good concepts like MVC, CoC, front controller, etc. There is the availability of multifaceted HTTP app routing and reverse routing that helps the creation of links between the resources.

Key Features:

• MVC and CoC architecture
• User-friendly and active community
• Effective integration for database communication
• Perfect in commercial applications
• Creates prototypes rapidly

Organizations Using CakePHP:

Fujitsu, Deloitte, Swat.io, Quezx.com, Walls.io, Citizens Inc, InSync Solutions, etc.

Spring Boot:

Spring Boot is a popular backend technology, based on JavaScript. It can be utilized effectively by any Java app with the availability of multiple extensions for development. There are multiple modules that give services. There is a spring core container that is a primary module offering containers. It is written in Java and is open-source in nature. Spring Boot maintains a list of standards and tools that help garner good results.

Key Features:

• Uses the Spring security sub-project to offer security
• Leverages the Spring platform
• Written in Java
• It Helps developers start off with ease
• Focuses on enterprise applications

Organizations Using Spring Boot:

Google, Accenture, Microsoft, Amazon, Udemy, CRED, trivago, etc.

Phoenix:

The Phoenix framework is one of the apt backend choices as it offers the best-performing websites and applications. Developers can create interactive and quality-rich web applications in a fast manner with the least of coding. There is a large user community to support this tool. It is written in Elixir – a functional programming language. It provides real-time communication through WebSockets and operates well with Erlang’s virtual machine.

Key Features:

• Reduces operational complexity
• Versatile, productive, and production-ready
• Inbuilt instrumentation and live dashboard
• More code maintainability
• Includes everything from prototyping to production

Organizations Using Phoenix:

Podium, Heroic Labs, PetSMart, EXOS, Axway, Avnet, Climatec, Knight Transportation, etc.

Flask:

Flask is a popular micro-framework that is written in Python. It does not need specific libraries or tools and hence it is termed as a micro framework. There is no form validation, database abstraction layer, or any pre-existing library. It is light weighted and chosen for creating smaller-sized applications. There is extensive support for extensions that are capable of inserting features into web applications.

Key Features:

• Inbuilt web server and debugger
• Secured cookies
• Support for unit testing and Unicode
• Good documentation availability
• Variety of tools, libraries, and mechanics

Organizations Using Flask:

LinkedIn, Netflix, CRED, trivago, Lyft, Reddit, Lyft, Airbnb, Mozilla, Uber, MIT, etc.

Express:

Express is a high-demand backend web development framework that operates for NodeJS. Developers can create apps with ease and speed. Restful APIs can be created with this tool. It is known as a backend section of the MEAN stack and offers a thin layer of primary web app characteristics. Since the requirements are minimalistic, it is highly popular and flexible. Combined with other MEAN components like MongoDB, AngularJS, and NodeJS, it is competent in creating dynamic applications.

Key Features:

• High level of performance with consistency
• Web and video streaming
• Plug-in support for more functionality
• Good framework support
• Compatibility with other frameworks

Organizations Using Express:

Accenture, Myntra, MuleSoft, Myspace, Twitter, Intuit, PLAID, Stack, Bepro Company, etc.

Meteor:

Meteor is a popular backend technology that is written in JavaScript and apt for creating mobile, desktop, and web applications. It operates seamlessly between the client and the server with ease. It integrates well with other frontend frameworks like React, Angular, Vue, Blaze, etc. Through a single language, developers can code for the frontend as well as the backend.

Key Features:

• Full-stack solution
• Isomorphic JavaScript code
• Seamless database integration
• Live Reload
• Front end reactivity

Organizations Using Meteor:

Vitalyst, Speedway Motorsports, Accenture, Shelf, Rocket, Deloitte, Nordstrom, etc.

Koa:

Koa is a leading, open-source, NodeJS backend framework that is scalable and lightweight. It has good error-handling capabilities and offers great features for creating different types of apps. It has flexibility, robustness, and faster server execution making it one of the most desirable backends. It does not have any middleware and is termed the next-gen NodeJS framework. The usage of ES6 generators ensures a smaller number of call-backs with async code at the backend.

Key Features:

• Simple, clean, and easy code
• Modern and futuristic
• Smaller footprint compared to other NodeJS frameworks
• Better error management
• Usage of a context object

Organizations Using Koa:

GAPO, airCloset, Brainhub, Paralect, Pier, LetzChange, Pubu, Shimo Website, etc.

Nest.js:

Written in JavaScript and TypeScript, Nest.js is an extensive and advanced framework that is ideal for creating backend systems. There are a lot of attractive features embedded within and hence is all set for production. It offers an easy connection with tools such as GraphQL. It powers TypeScript, is easy to learn and use. It has active codebase maintenance and development.

Key Features:

• In-depth documentation
• Strong CLI to enhance productivity
• Easy and fast development
• Modernized coding and supportable apps
• Open-source and MIT licensed

Strapi:

Strapi is a popular NodeJS API framework that has a minimalistic and intuitive editor. It is SEO optimized with a user-friendly interface. There is a flexible content management mechanism. It has headless CMS competencies with a connection between the NodeJS framework and content management system. There are useful plug-ins and features that save the time and efforts of Backend software developers.

Key Features:

• Effective media library
• Sorting and filtering options
• Written in JavaScript
• Headless CMS
• Streamlined content delivery

Organizations Using Strapi:

Cozero, IBM, Nasa, Trade Republic, Walmart, Mind Gym, Labs, Nando’s Stack, etc.

Also Read: Top 15 Front End Technologies Shining Bright In 2023-24

Backend Technologies – Conclusion

Choosing the best backend technology for your project depends upon different parameters such as budget, expertise, the complexity of the project, database dealing, etc.

Organizations must understand the level of expertise that is available in the team. The transparency of accessing the code must be considered.

The framework must be selected keeping in mind the level of support offered by the community, which helps big time. Finally, to each its own!