Technology

How to become a Back-End Developer

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

9–18 months

Typical pay

$80k–$120k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   4–6 months

   Learn one language well

   Python, Java, C# or Go. Depth in one is worth more than a shallow tour of four.

   Course that covers this380+ Exercises - Python Programming Mega Pack - Built-inUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   2–4 months

   Learn databases and SQL

   Schema design, indexes and transactions. Most production bugs live here.

   Course that covers thisMaster SQL - Core Database Skills Practice ExamUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   3–6 months

   Build and deploy an API

   Auth, validation, error handling and tests. Deployed somewhere real, not just localhost.

   Course that covers thisThe Complete HTML & CSS Course and ProjectsUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   2–4 months

   Learn the operational side

   Logging, metrics and what happens when it breaks at 2am.

   Course that covers thisAWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Practice ExamsUdemy · around $19.99 →
5. ✓

   Destination

   Back-End Developer

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