If you own a company with some online components (like a website or an app), chances are you’ve been told to hire back-end developers. But what are they exactly and why should you hire a back-end engineer?
Hire Back-End Developers or Do-It-Yourself?
Many companies choose to create their websites using the many drag-and-drop options out there, but if you do hire a back-end developer to do the more complex tasks you’ll discover a lot of benefits.
In the past, companies would engage a website development company to execute the work, but it’s often much cheaper in the long run to hire someone part-time.
The Benefits of Back-end Developers
The benefit of choosing from the scores back-end developers for hire to work on a project is twofold: it saves time and it is easier! Developers are experts and can probably accomplish a lot more than you’ve ever considered.
The back-end of your site comprises a server, an application, and a database. The back-end developer builds and maintains the tech that holds those elements together and ensures that everything runs smoothly.
What Do You Want Them to Do?
Before you can hire anyone, you need clarity on what it is that you would like to accomplish. Do you want them to redesign your website page by page? Code your site to include e-commerce elements? Make the site easier to administrate? You’ll need different developer skills for each task.
The IT world is vast and skills vary dramatically from candidate to candidate – even if they all have the same degree! If the requirements you’ve listed in your job ad are too broad, you’ll be inundated with hundreds of unqualified and unsuitable candidates.
You need to use the right lingo and set the right expectations upfront.
Front-End vs Back-End Developers
The front-end of the website is everything that the client will see in their browser. The back-end powers the front-end. While both types of developers work in the same languages and are responsible for creating and running a functional site or app, they are very different.
A frontend developer will create the aesthetics of the site. Back-end developers make sure that your site functions correctly. They are also responsible for ensuring that your site’s performance is up to scratch (in terms of speed).
Even if your website is a basic WordPress site, you’ll need a back-end developer with PHP knowledge, as well as other languages including JavaScript.
Most companies will hire front- and back-end developers and designers to get their website looking (and running at) its best.
Generalists
If you’re running a fairly simple website you might not want to hire a full component of staff. You might want to consider hiring a full-stack developer that can do the design, implementation, and coding work.
They may be a lot more expensive than other developers but are generalists that can work for you as a web developer.
More complex work will require more advanced skills.
Full-Time vs Freelancers
If you want to hire a back-end engineer to help your team execute a specific project, you may consider using freelancers. Freelancers can be pricey but generally have lots of experience in various environments. If you require a lot of maintenance, you will need to hire a full-time developer.
How Much Will Back-End Developers Cost?
It can be extremely difficult for inexperienced companies to hire a back-end developer, full-time or part-time. You will need to scope your project properly to determine the skills you’ll need, the hours you’ll require the developer to work, and the budget of the entire project.
If it sounds a little too intimidating, you may consider hiring a company to work with you.
Benefits of Outsourcing
There are several benefits when you decide to hire back-end developers via an agency. They work with you to answer difficult questions, hire and vet applicants from a pool of multi-talented developers, and work within your budget.
Companies like Procoders have worked with numerous clients with varying degrees of IT knowledge and can help you determine exactly which skill sets you need for your specific project.
There are many benefits when you hire back-end developers and you don’t have to do it on your own!
