Backend technologies used by Facebook or LinkedIn. We've compiled a list of the most popular backend languages, frameworks and databases.
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What are Backend Technologies?
Backend technologies are the backbone of web development, powering server-side operations, ensuring efficient data management, and enabling seamless user experiences.
As we venture into 2024, backend frameworks, programming languages, and tools are more critical than ever for developers who aim to build scalable, secure, and high-performing applications. In this article, we’ll explore 21 backend technologies in 2024, highlighting their key features, use cases, and why they stand out this year.
Backend Technologies - List
Programming Language | Framework | Mainly Supported Architectures | Notable Website |
---|---|---|---|
JavaScript | Event-driven, non-blocking I/O, Microservices, Serverless | ||
JavaScript | MVC, REST APIs, Monolithic, Microservices | Uber | |
JavaScript | Microservices, MVC, Event-driven, Serverless | Trello | |
Python | Monolithic, MVC, Microservices | ||
Python | Microservices, REST APIs, Serverless | ||
Python | REST APIs, Async-Driven, Microservices | Netflix | |
Java | Microservices, Monolithic, Event-driven | Amazon | |
Java | Microservices, Serverless, Cloud-Native | Alibaba | |
Java | Event-driven, Reactive, Microservices, Polyglot | PayPal | |
PHP | Monolithic, MVC, Microservices | Buffer | |
PHP | Monolithic, MVC, Microservices | Vogue | |
PHP | Monolithic, REST APIs, MVC | Casio | |
Ruby | MVC, Monolithic, Microservices | GitHub | |
Ruby | Microservices, REST APIs, Monolithic | Heroku | |
Ruby | Microservices, Modular Monolithic | Mastodon | |
C# | Monolithic, Microservices, Serverless, Cloud-native | Stack Overflow | |
C# | REST APIs, Microservices, Monolithic | Spotibot | |
C# | Microservices, Monolithic, SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) | MyGet | |
Go | Microservices, REST APIs, Monolithic | Gojek | |
Go | MVC, REST APIs, Microservices, Monolithic | Huawei Cloud | |
Go | REST APIs, Microservices, Monolithic | Mercari |

JavaScript Backend Technologies

Node.js
Node.js is a backend runtime environment that allows JavaScript to be used server-side, ideal for event-driven, non-blocking applications. It’s widely used for microservices and serverless architectures.

Express.js
Express.js is a minimalist backend framework for Node.js, designed for building REST APIs and MVC-based applications. It simplifies server-side development but requires additional modules for complex features.

NestJS
NestJS is a progressive backend framework for Node.js, offering modular architecture and strong support for microservices. It is ideal for scalable, enterprise-level applications using TypeScript.
Python Backend Technologies

Django
Django is a high-level Python backend framework known for its "batteries-included" philosophy, suitable for monolithic and microservice applications. It’s secure and fast, but heavy for smaller projects.

Flask
Flask is a lightweight backend framework for Python, often used for microservices and REST APIs. It is highly flexible but requires more manual setup compared to Django.

FastAPI
FastAPI is a modern Python backend framework designed for building fast, asynchronous APIs. It’s highly performant but newer and less mature than Django.
Java Backend Technologies

Spring Boot
Spring Boot is a popular backend framework in Java, optimized for building microservices and enterprise-level applications. It has a steep learning curve but offers extensive features for complex systems.

Micronaut
Micronaut is a lightweight, JVM-based backend framework tailored for microservices and cloud-native applications. It’s designed for fast startup times and reduced memory usage compared to Spring Boot.

Vert.x
Vert.x is a polyglot, event-driven framework for building high-concurrency backend applications in Java. It’s ideal for microservices and reactive systems but requires more manual configuration.
PHP Backend Technologies

Laravel
Laravel is a PHP backend framework known for its elegant syntax and built-in tools for MVC applications. While powerful for monolithic and microservice architectures, it can be slow for large projects.

Symfony
Symfony is an enterprise-ready PHP backend framework with reusable components, supporting microservices and large-scale applications. It has a steep learning curve but is highly scalable.

CodeIgniter
CodeIgniter is a lightweight PHP backend framework for rapid development of REST APIs and MVC-based applications. It’s easy to learn but lacks the extensive features of Laravel and Symfony.
Ruby Backend Technologies

Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a backend framework that emphasizes convention over configuration, ideal for building MVC-based monolithic applications. It’s fast for prototyping but may struggle to scale for large applications.

Sinatra
Sinatra is a minimalist Ruby backend framework, designed for building simple web applications and APIs. It’s great for smaller projects but not well-suited for large-scale systems.

Hanami
Hanami is a modular Ruby backend framework built for performance and scalability. It’s more lightweight and flexible than Rails, but has a smaller community and fewer resources.
Ruby Backend Technologies

ASP.NET Core
ASP.NET Core is a cross-platform backend framework from Microsoft, built for high-performance, cloud-native applications. It’s robust but may have a steep learning curve for new developers.

NancyFX
NancyFX is a lightweight backend framework for C#, focused on simplicity and ease of use for building HTTP services. It’s less feature-rich than ASP.NET Core but quicker for small projects.

ServiceStack
ServiceStack is a high-performance backend framework for C#, aimed at building APIs and microservices. It offers great performance but advanced features require paid licensing.
Go Backend Technologies

Gin
Gin is a fast and minimalist backend framework for Go, perfect for building REST APIs. It’s lightweight but lacks some advanced features found in other frameworks.

Beego
Beego is a full-stack Go backend framework that supports MVC architecture and REST APIs. It offers more built-in functionality than Gin but is slower in development.

Echo
Echo is a fast and minimal Go backend framework focused on building scalable web applications and REST APIs. It’s simple to use but limited for more complex architectures.
About the Author
Balazs Refi
Founder of Bluebird International
He became involved in information technology when he was 12 years old. Engineer and economist; founder of Bluebird International; father of four children. His primary interests include software development, IT staff augmentation, IT staffing, and international staffing.
Currently the CEO of Bluebird Global Inc. (Miami, FL).
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