The Best Backend Technologies in 2024!
Choosing the right backend technology is crucial to building successful software projects.
Basically, an application consists of two parts: the backend and the frontend. As we begin with the frontend, it is the visible and accessible section of an app.
However, the entire server-side infrastructure only operated by developers refers to a backend.
Yes, the administration of server-side functionalities, from scheming APIs and storing data to managing databases, is known as backend development.
In this regard, a backend programmer must deal with servers, logic and databases.
Although it sounds easy to employ server-side technologies but, in reality, it is hard to shortlist frameworks, databases and BaaS solutions for backend development.
Therefore, this article presents one of the top-notch backend technologies with their core credentials.
Contents
Types of Backend Technologies
Before discussing the backend development technologies in detail, it is essential to classify them into the following three categories:
Backend as a Service (BaaS)
Backend as a Service, or BaaS, is one of the finest cloud computing models that lets developers build low-code or no-code backends.
BaaS providers source out all server-side functionalities and allow the programmers to focus on core competencies and frontend chores.
Indeed, BaaS vendors facilitate businesses with ready-to-use services such as user authentication, database management, hosting, push notifications, etc. Hereof, these platforms link the applications with cloud-centric offerings.
Yes, MBaaS providers generate unified SDKs and APIs to hook up mobile and web applications with server-side operations. Less time to market and reduced dev cost are vital benefits of using BaaS solutions.
The renowned BaaS technologies are Back4app, Firebase, Supabase and Appwrite.
Backend Frameworks
The predefined tools, libraries, and components that provide a stable base for crafting server-side structured environments refer to a backend framework.
These frameworks confer solid architecture to manage business logic, handle client requests and approach databases of applications.
Backend frameworks let the dev teams emphasize the functionalities of apps instead of taking care of technical credentials and request operations. Also, it is seamless for developers to build applications efficiently with these tested structures.
Improved performance, high scalability, quick development and enterprise-grade security are advantages of using these frameworks.
Express.js, Django, RoR, Laravel, and Spring Boot are renowned frameworks you can shortlist for your upcoming project.
Backend Databases
A backend database is a database that gathers, manages, and fetches the data for the server side of an application. These databases are considered the base of a data management system in programming.
Backend databases backlog all sizes of server-side credentials in a very organized manner in the form of tables, rows and columns.
It is also quick for developers to retrieve, modify or delete data using these databases. Hereof, you can classify them into two DBs: NoSQL and Relational Databases.
You can choose NoSQL databases to backlog unstructured or semi-structured data in the beginning. On the other hand, using Relational DBs could be ideal for saving structured datasets.
PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MariaDB, and SQLite are reliable database management systems in this regard.
Category | Headline | Technology |
Backend as a Service | A cloud computing model that comes with in-built server-side features to build low/no-code backends for mobile and web applications. | Back4app Firebase Appwrite Supabase Backendless |
Backend Framework | A group of predefined tools, libraries, and components that provides a stable base for crafting structured environments for backend development. | Django ExpressJS Laravel Ruby on Rails CakePHP Flask ASP.NET Spring Boot Koa Phoenix |
Backend Database | A database that stores, fetches and manages server-side data and works as the foundation of DBMS. | Postgres MySQL SQL Server Oracle Database MariaDB SQLite Redis Apache Cassandra Couchbase Snowflake |
Backend as a Service
Let’s dive into the key Backend as a Service (BaaS) providers, their features and pricing structures:
Back4app
Back4app is one of the leading backend technologies that has shipped 400k+ apps across more than 100 countries.
This Backend as a Service (BaaS) vendor helps build highly scalable and advanced low-code backends on the fly.
This fully managed server-side solution lets developers choose between self-hosting or multi-cloud setups to deploy applications.
Besides, the open-source nature, developer-friendly dashboards and simple SDKs & APIs are advantages of using Back4app.
Features
- Real-time Database – This backend technology authorizes you to outline relational datasets employing SDKs and REST or GraphQL APIs. You can fetch and gather data in real-time with this feature.
- Storage – Blockchain and File are two key storage offerings of Back4app. So, choose File storage if you need hierarchical storage with a complete connection with databases. Withal, you can adopt Blockchain storage to gather data on a distributed network.
- Authentication – This BaaS solution offers pre-built user authentication and management attributes. It performs all tasks, including email verification, password encryption, etc.
- Cloud Functions – Utilizing JS functions to add server-side logic to applications with Back4app is seamless. This feature also lets the developers execute backend scripts without handling servers.
Pricing
The Free plan of Back4app is costless. You can begin using this package by opening an account on this platform without giving credit card details.
This freemium plan confers 20MB file upload, 1GB storage, and 25k monthly requests. However, the monthly price of its MVP plan begins at $15 per app/month.
Firebase
Firebase is a backend development platform that millions of companies use worldwide. This Google-backed BaaS provider offers its users a fully managed and pre-build set of computing services.
Some of its core products are Cloud Firestore, Crashlytics, Remote Config, Realtime Database and FCM.
You can’t only develop and deploy cross-platform applications with Firebase, but it is also quick to approach Google Cloud products to support your projects.
Moreover, dev teams can also seamlessly integrate with tools like Slack, Android Studio and Google Play while using Firebase.
Features
- Cloud Firestore – The use of NoSQL databases is common for server-side development. Hereof, Firebase has Cloud Firestore that permits you to backlog, fetch, extend and sync the data on the breeze.
- Remote Config – This feature effectively improves the user retention rate for applications. Indeed, it conducts various tests to provide a personalized user experience.
- Cloud Storage – Backends need a trusted storage feature to gather user-generated data robustly. Firebase cloud storage promises to save user-generated data and connect it with databases in the meantime.
- Authentication – User management is another excellent attribute of Google Firebase. It guarantees a secure and entirely administered authentication system that lets you sign up or log in through different email or social accounts.
Pricing
You can start leveraging this backend technology for nothing via its Spark plan. Yes, Spark is the free offering of Firebase that authenticates 50k MAUs, assigns 10GB hosting and several other features.
Nonetheless, if your server-side demands exceed that, you can get a Blaze plan. This plan pursues a pay-as-you-go pricing program.
Appwrite
Are you finding a BaaS technology to craft backends within minutes? If yes, you must employ Appwrite.
This open-source vendor has supplied 1 billion requests and 90k projects because of its contemporary features and sleek interface.
By supporting an extensive range of SDKs, languages, and frameworks, it is convenient for developers to build and deploy applications using Appwrite. Fortunately, coders don’t have to begin the project from scratch.
Features
- Auth – Appwrite facilities businesses with more than 30 user registration methods. So, app users can adopt any of them to log in securely with more customized templates.
- Databases – The availability of swift and extensible databases to support your backends is another advantage of using this BaaS solution. Tailored data authorization and in-memory caching are further aspects hereof.
- Functions – You can quickly deploy the functions in a protected and insulted runtime environment. In this regard, you can sync this platform with GitHub to perform the deployments.
- Realtime Events – Developers should simply subscribe to Realtime API to get spontaneous help for distinct functionalities, including storage, database management, etc.
Pricing
You can access 2GB storage, 75k MAUs and 10GB bandwidth for nothing under the Starter package.
However, the monthly cost of the Pro program outsets from $15/member. Unmetered projects, 200k MAUs and 300GB bandwidth are significant highlights of the Pro plan.
Supabase
Supabase is another open-source server-side development platform that comes with a 100% portable database. Constructed on the top of PostgreSQL, it works as a highly tailored and scalable backend provider.
In addition, Supabase grants support to 20+ frameworks, including Flutter, React, Vue, and Next. Correspondingly, ample community support and GitHub libraries make it an impeccable platform for building backends.
Features
- SQL Database – Supabase relies on PostgreSQL database for spreadsheet editing, exporting data and generating tables. This vendor also seamlessly works with 40+ Postgres in-built extensions.
- Edge Functions – Using entirely administered functions is highly beneficial to overcome your DevOps chores. You can also customize the server-side logic through these AWS Lambda-backed functions.
- Realtime Synchronization – Whether you want to perform a database modification or are willing to deliver data to an end user, it is spontaneous with Supabase.
- Storage – Serverless storage is another appealing feature of Supabase. You can also save all types of data files, preview all file formats and set path navigations.
Pricing
Supabase costs you nothing for 50k MAUs, 1GB file storage and two core shared CPUs under its Free program. Withal, its Pro plan charges you $25/month for 100k MAUs and 8GB DB storage.
Backendless
Businesses which are looking for an MBaaS technology with minimal coding should employ Backendless.
Indeed, Backendless is a powerful no/low-code backend technology that enables you to create backends with a visual database.
Therefore, you should emphasize the core business operations, and Backendless will take care of all server-side jobs for you.
Features
- Codeless Logic – Developers don’t have to spend time scripting long codes. Hereof, they can utilize codeless logic blocks to craft straightforward to convoluted functions.
- Database – Visual database is another great feature of Backendless. It doesn’t require any scripting to establish an API to communicate data. Also, it confers backing for both SQL and NoSQL data approaches.
- Hive – This agile data storage system relies on the key-value duo to regulate backlogged input. It also has the ability to handle massive requests with minimum delay.
- User Management – Backendless grants developers complete control over user management. Dev teams can verify the emails, supervise the logged sessions, customize the user access and much more.
Pricing
Backendless Cloud has two basic plans: Free & Scale. You can get 50 API requests per minute, 1GB file storage and 1KB Hive storage under its free offering.
Contrarily, the Scale plan charges you $15+/month for unmetered API requests, 100k atomic counters and 3KB Hive storage.
Name | Free Tier | Pricing | Key Features |
Back4app | Yes (Free Plan) | Starts at $15/month (with annual subscription) | Real-time Database Storage Authentication Cloud Functions |
Firebase | Yes (Spark Plan) | Pay-as-you-go | Cloud Firestore Remote Config Cloud Storage Authentication |
Appwrite | Yes (Starter) | Starts at $15/month/member | Auth Databases Functions Realtime Events |
Supabase | Yes (Free) | Starts at $25/month | SQL Database Edge Functions Realtime Synchronization Storage |
Backendless | Yes (Free Plan) | Starts at $15+/month | Codeless Logic Database Hive User Management |
Backend Frameworks
Let’s discuss the widely used backend frameworks with their features:
Django
Django is a top-notch backend framework that acts in accordance with the model-template-views (MTV) approach.
This pattern lets the developers isolate the user interface from business logic seamlessly. Furthermore, Django is an open-source framework scripted in Python.
With 76k+ repository stars on GitHub, it is easy to get supportive resources for your Django projects. Similarly, Django’s fast development, minimal coupling, and lean learning curve are further advantages.
Features
- Exceptional Documentation – Django grasps well-established and function-rich documentation compared to other server-side frameworks.
- Security – This highly secure technology is considered best for developing sensitive applications. It protects your project from a one-click attack, SQL injection and XSS.
- Scalable – Django works for small, medium and large-level projects without complexities. That is why apps like Instagram and YouTube use it.
- Versatile – This adaptable backend framework can effectively manage machine learning and big data projects.
ExpressJS
If you are utilizing Node.js for server-side development and looking for a backend app framework, employ Express.js. This open-source, agile, responsive framework untangles the API and web application crafting tasks.
ExpressJS works more efficiently if you combine it with technologies like MongoDB, JavaScript and Node.js.
Easy creation of single-page & hybrid apps and robust management of errors, sessions and HTTP requests are advantages of using this backend technology.
Features
- Routing & Middleware – These are two major Express features. First of all, if we talk about routing, it guarantees that approaching requests are sent to the pertinent handlers. Similarly, middleware deals with functions like logging, authentication and error management.
- Flexibility – Express is a highly tailored web framework that lets you customize your app code according to your needs.
- Ample Community – With regular updates, this framework has 63k+ GitHub repository stars. So, you can find advanced features, resources and proper documentation while using Express.
- Simple Design – Express owns a minimalistic design pattern. That is why you can easily handle requests, deploy servers, and elaborate on routes.
Laravel
Scripted in PHP, Laravel is another server-side framework that follows MVC or model-view-controller design patterns.
It comes with a readymade UI, a vast number of libraries and APIs to create web applications on the fly.
The advanced toolkit and simple syntax make it popular for large application projects. On the other hand, Laravel is a considerable backend framework for dealing with security concerns.
Features
- Secure – Laravel confers numerous security attributes. It has a well-designed migration system that uses PHP code instead of SQL script. Also, it generates encrypted passwords through the Bcrypt Hashing Algorithm.
- Pre-Installed Packages – It has many readymade packages. Likewise, Laravel uses OAuth authorization for user registration and management and employs a Cashier to handle billing services.
- Unit Testing – Developers can conveniently conduct multiple tests to evaluate the performance of an application. Hereof, you can pen test scenarios in your script.
- ORM – Object Relational Mapping gives you a straightforward way to describe the connection between data models. You also don’t need SQL code to perform database queries.
Ruby on Rails
Rails is a versatile application development framework coded in Ruby.
This high-level server-side technology pursues model-view-controller (MVC) and relies on JSON and XML to transfer data.
It utilizes CSS, JavaScript and HTML languages for crafting UIs.
You should choose this backend framework for agile development and conduct seamless data communications without migration problems.
Features
- Scaffolding – Backend programmers utilize scaffolding to develop the primary structure of RoR apps residing on models, databases, views and controllers. This feature is also helpful in generating boilerplate codes.
- Active Record – This ORM system is accountable for displaying business logic and data. Using active records makes it easy to link object-oriented functions with relational DB.
- Lean Learning Curve – Ruby syntax is similar to English. Besides, dev teams don’t have to rescript the codes from scratch each time. So, you can say learning RoR is easy.
- RSpec – This is a reliable testing tool that comes with this backend framework. Ruby developers designed it for BDD or behavior-driven development.
CakePHP
Coded in PHP, CakePHP is another MVC, cross-platform framework on our list.
This robust technology is popular among developers because of its data mapping, active record, front controller and convention over configuration designs.
Mainly, if you want to convert your idea into an app in a short time duration, you must pick this framework.
Features
- Conventions over Configuration – CakePHP complies with this philosophy to speed up development. Hereof, minimal settings and code are required.
- PHPUnit Testing – Developers can conduct automated tests and improve the code quality by employing the PHPUnit testing approach.
- Built-In ORM – An agile ORM approach streamlines database communication. This feature applies object-oriented techniques to make DB codes more logical.
- Interspersed Security – Integrated security functionalities make CakePHP ideal for server-side development. This feature confers password hashing and safeguards apps from cross-site request forgery.
Flask
Are you seeking a lightweight, Python-based microframework? Flask is the answer.
This is a highly productive backend framework that doesn’t need any library or tool to perform dev tasks. Yes, it only consists of vital elements like request management, sessions and routing.
However, developers can approach extensions or script-tailored modules to achieve further functionalities. The absence of boilerplate code makes it an appropriate solution for small apps.
Features
- More Control – Flask gives more independence and control when building backends. Developers can seamlessly deal with libraries, extensions and overall infrastructure.
- Easy Testing – This microframework grants unit testing and utilities to smoothen the app examining process. So you can conveniently conduct experiments and debug chores.
- Documentation – Although Flask is a relatively new framework but, it provides excellent documentation support. Moreover, it has more than 66k+ repository stars on GitHub.
- Flexible – Flask is flexible enough to craft small to large-scale applications. In this regard, the use of WSGI templates would be helpful.
ASP.NET
ASP.NET is a Microsoft-backed framework suitable for building contemporary and cross-platform applications.
You can employ this framework, especially if you are using the .NET platform for dev tasks. It is also compatible with Windows, Docker, macOS and Linux operating systems.
Correspondingly, if we discuss backend programming languages that are appropriate for ASP.NET, then Python, C#, JS, and Perl will be at the top.
Features
- Authentication System – A reliable authentication system is the key feature of this framework. It consists of multi-factor authentication, template pages, DBs and libraries.
- Cross-Platform – You can effortlessly run ASP.NET scripts on multiple devices and operating systems because they are coded in C#.
- Community Support – ASP.NET has active community support because of its open-source nature. With 100k+ .NET contributors and 34k+ GitHub repository stars, it is seamless to get relevant resources.
- High Performance – This server-side web framework utilizes minimal computing resources and ensures quick response time. That is why it works more efficiently.
Spring Boot
Coded in Java, Spring Boot is a renowned framework suitable for building microservices and production-level applications.
It is an open-source and free-to-use web framework that needs the least configuration. So, developers don’t have to invest time in configuration setups and further arrangements.
Moreover, Spring Boot overcomes the need for scripting annotation, boilerplate code and XML configuration.
Features
- WAR Files are not Required – Although this server-side web framework can utilize WAR files but, they are not essential. Yes, Spring Boot can be handled with a Java Resource file or JAR for a more seamless dev process.
- Auto Configuration – Spring Boot is considered a superfast framework because developers don’t have to waste energy in writing codes for distinct deployments.
- Bootstrapping – This feature assists the programmers in running apps quickly and preserving the device-based storage.
- Scalable – Spring Boot is a highly extensible backend framework. It lets you scale horizontally and vertically to add more resources.
Koa
If you need a smart and expressive Express.js alternative, Koa is the answer.
This is one of the finest Node.js frameworks that works best to craft APIs and web apps. It enhances your ability to deal with errors and confers async functions.
Similarly, Koa is proper because of its lightweight nature. Yes, it only needs around 550 lines of script to develop an app.
Features
- Improved Error Handling – Koa.js uses the ‘try/catch’ directive to report a glitch without scripting extra code. Correspondingly, it improves error handling through skillfully employing middleware.
- Futuristic – Koa is an ES6-based framework, which is why it has advanced functionalities. With ES6 characteristics, it becomes easy for dev teams to build complicated apps.
- Small Footprint – This feature lets the programmers pen an improved, short middleware. However, it is quick to scale up the resources anytime.
- Context Object – Using a unified object permits programmers to build APIs and web applications leveraging multiple assessors and procedures.
Phoenix
Phoenix is an ultrafast backend framework based on the high-level scripting language Elixir. Easy routing, clean naming conventions, and fault tolerance credentials make it an agile solution for building web applications.
Moreover, if you already use RoR for current dev tasks, Phoenix could be an appropriate option to improve overall performance.
Features
- Real-time Functionality – It enables you to lay an eye on data flows and client-server operations in the meantime. Hereof, Phoenix offers a pre-installed feature, LiveView, to its users.
- Scalable – This backend framework is built on top of the Erlang VM. So, it has the capability to manage umpteen number of WebSocket connections on the fly.
- Fault Tolerance – Elixir authorizes the developers to leverage fault tolerance features. This trait lets the operating systems acknowledge software or hardware collapses.
- Live Dashboard – You can analyze all metrics related to user activity and the health of your application via the live dashboard. It also presents all problems related to your project.
Name | Key Features | Famous Projects Running |
Django | Exceptional Documentation Security Scalable Versatile | Instagram Mozilla Venmo Dropbox |
ExpressJS | Routing & Middleware Flexibility Ample Community Simple Design | Accenture Myntra Trustpilot |
Laravel | Secure Pre-Installed Packages Unit Testing ORM | TourRadar BBC Crowdcube DISQO |
Ruby on Rails | Scaffolding Active Record Lean Learning Curve RSpec | Airbnb CrunchbaseAsk.fm GitHub |
CakePHP | Conventions over Configuration PHPUnit Testing Built-In ORM Interspersed Security | Fujitsu Deloitte Edureka OpenComp |
Flask | More Control Easy Testing Documentation Flexible | Netflix Zillow Lyft |
Asp.NET | Authentication System Cross-Platform Community Support High Performance | MasterCard SpaceX Slack GoDaddy |
Spring Boot | WAR Files are not Required Auto Configuration Bootstrapping Scalable | Amazon Walmart Udemy Paytm |
Koa | Improved Error Handling Futuristic Small Footprint Context Object | Paralect Shimo Website Taboola PathMotion |
Phoenix | Real-time Functionality Scalable Fault Tolerance Live Dashboard | Financial Times Fresha Mux PhishX |
Databases
Here are the leading databases that you can use for backend development:
Postgres
Postgres is an open-source SQL database management system (DBMS). The recent Stack Overflow survey positions it as the most popular database technology, with 45.55% votes.
This advanced object-relational database pursues ACID functionalities and is compatible with JS, Java, PHP, Perl and Ruby.
Compared to other DBs, it provides excellent support for data-intensive operations. Hereof, it doesn’t only backlog data but also specifies functional languages, indexes and data types.
Features
- Advanced Security – PostgreSQL provides secure data management systems to applications. It encrypts the data, assigns role-centric access controls, and syncs security data.
- Foreign Data Wrappers – This library interacts with foreign data resources without fetching and loading the data. Better query performance and data federation are further pros of using this feature.
- Advanced Indexing – Postgres backs different indexing kinds, such as GIN, B-trees, SP-GiST and Hash.
- Concurrency Control – It lets the developers synchronously script and read the tables. This feature is also beneficial in preventing confrontations within server functionalities.
MySQL
Scripted in C++ and C, MySQL is another open-source DBMS that is compliant with SQL.
Although this relational database is open-source but, you would have to subscribe to dual licensing as per the policy of Oracle. Yes, Oracle Corporation got its ownership in 2010.
Popular CMSs such as WordPress and Drupal use MySQL for backend data management tasks. Correspondingly, with 41.09% votes, the recent Stack Overflow survey presents it as the second most acclaimed DB technology.
Features
- Client/Server Architecture – This database acts in accordance with client/server design. Hereof, MySQL has server and client components to store, fetch and modify data.
- Highly Scalable – With a powerful backing of multithreading features, it is easy to extend MySQL projects. It has the ability to deal with more than 50 million rows and 8TB of data.
- Cross-Platform – MySQL is compatible with distinct operating systems. Some of them are FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, UNIX and NetWare.
- Easy to Use – Learning and using the MySQL database is easy. Mainly, if you have some knowledge related to SQL, you can seamlessly utilize this DBMS with ample community support.
SQL Server
Coded in SQL, C++ and C, SQL Server is a Microsoft-backed relational database management (RDBMS). Unlike the above DBMSs, this is not an open-source technology.
That is why it is essential to approach its different editions, such as Standard, Enterprise, or Server WEB, to begin dev tasks.
It follows the philosophy of ‘instances’ and could be a suitable choice if you are working on Windows and .NET projects.
Features
- Data Warehousing – Readymade data warehousing properties make SQL Server better for dealing with big datasets, analytics and business intelligence requirements.
- Query Store – This feature confers a thorough overview of query performance. So you can easily optimize and compare the query performances.
- Temporal Tables – Microsoft provides this trait to monitor timely changes regarding data history, auditing, querying and management.
- Big Data Clusters – Big data clusters authorize artificial intelligence and machine learning functionalities for backlogged data in distinct pools.
Oracle Database
Oracle Database is another closed-source backend offering on our list. Written in C, C++ and assembly language, this multi-model RDBMS is good enough to employ features like data warehousing and computing.
In addition, this backend database works efficiently for hybrid, cloud or on-premises deployments.
Features
- Recovery Manager – The Oracle recovery manager retrieves the lost files in case of power outage or server downtime. You can enable the SQL* PLUS function in this regard.
- Real Application Clusters – Using RAC provides several benefits for ensuring data availability. The presence of numerous instances, load balancing and easy processing are further features.
- Security – Oracle database only permits the authorized data access to keep server-side data safe. You can customize control access for teammates according to their roles.
- PL/SQL – This pattern is valuable for grasping SQL assertions inside the syntax. To perform procedural programming, Oracle DB backs PL/SQL extension.
MariaDB
MariaDB is an open-source RDBMS designed by MySQL programmers.
This highly scalable DB provides external plugins like MySQL to extend the resources. You can also effortlessly supersede MySQL DB with MariaDB and hereof, you don’t have to modify the app code.
With reliable documentation and swift development speed, MariaDB works well for CMS, enterprise-grade and warehousing projects.
Features
- Fast & Lightweight – The availability of 200k simultaneous connections and more than 12 storage engines makes MariaDB an agile and lightweight database management system.
- Improved Performance – MariaDB has an edge over MySQL in terms of performance. It owns flash storage and only inquires about the tables mentioned in a query.
- Galera Cluster – Relied on synchronous replication, this DB cluster prevents data loss and ensures uptime in case of node failures.
- Licensing – Although MySQL and MariaDB are free and open-source solutions but, MariaDB grants access to all vital DB features. Withal, MySQL provides limited access for free.
SQLite
SQLite is a lightweight, self-contained, and robust database engine that is scripted in C language.
This transactional and serverless SQL DB doesn’t need any configuration to begin the server-side programming.
Businesses commonly use this DB engine for embedded systems, mobile phones, operating systems and web browsers.
Compliance with ACID functionalities, open-source nature and flexibility are further advantages of this DB engine.
Features
- Single Database File – SQLite enables you to store data in a single disk file. In contrast, other SQL DB engines backlog data into a significant number of files, which are arduous to access.
- Serverless – This database doesn’t need any configuration or administrative support because of its serverless nature. Yes, you can directly approach the read/write files without communicating with the server.
- Lightweight – The average library size of this DB is around 500KiB, and you can even lower it to 300KiB. This feature makes it superfast and light in weight.
- Variable-Length Records – SQLite utilizes variable-length records to reduce the database files. Quick DB operations and improved performance are its advantages in this regard.
Redis
Are you finding a NoSQL database for your backend? Must try Redis.
This key-value and in-memory database management system is suitable for CMS, CRM, eCommerce, live streaming, file servers and gaming projects.
Moreover, Redis backs client and server architectures to perform its functions. With 64.8k repository stars on GitHub, this NoSQL DB also has good community support.
Features
- Fast Response Time – This DB backlogs data in the main memory, which is beneficial for optimizing read/write response time.
- Redis Cluster – Using this feature lets the developers distribute datasets between various nodes in an automated manner. So it becomes easy to conduct continuous operations and extend the deployments.
- Redis Sentinel – The use of Sentinel is ideal if you want to be aware of inappropriate events related to slave and master instances. Indeed, the core objective of this feature is supervising instances.
- Redis Persistence – Redis utilizes disk storage to backlog data. That is why it becomes easy to guarantee backups and database stability in case of server breakdowns.
Apache Cassandra
Apache Cassandra is another NoSQL, open-source, distributed database management system on our list. Written in Java, this DBMS has the ability to deal with enormous sizes of data without any missteps.
Unmetered linear scalability, fast read/write functioning and compatibility with advanced app needs are additional advantages of Apache Cassandra.
Features
- Fault Tolerant – Cassandra is a fault-tolerant database solution. It ensures data availability in case of any failure or power outage without any downtime.
- Flexible Storage – Cassandra backs organized, unstructured and semi-structured data patterns to keep storage flexible. So you can easily modify data as per your requirements.
- Fast Write – This database technology was initially developed to operate on an economical hardware infrastructure. That is why it gathers data and writes quickly without compromising the reading effectiveness.
- Scalable – Cassandra is considered a highly scalable DBMS because it allows users to add data and hardware resources on the fly.
Couchbase
Couchbase is one of the finest cloud-based NoSQL databases that acts in accordance with distributed design.
This multi-model, document-based database is suitable for crafting AI, gaming, IoT, mobile, computing and cloud applications.
On the other hand, if we talk about its licensing, the Open Source and Community editions are free to use, but unfortunately, they come with limited features. You can employ its paid offerings to get advanced functionalities.
Features
- Seamless Integrations – This is a cloud-based DB, so you can swiftly integrate it with computing solutions like Google Cloud, AWS, Azure and OpenShift. By the way, this DB also supports on-premises deployments.
- Versatile – This database works in a versatile manner. Hereof, it comes with numerous offerings such as vector & text search, SQL, time-series, JSON, etc.
- Eventing – Developers can authorize the user-specified JS and Python functions in the meantime when data modification occurs while using this trait.
- Capella iQ – Programmers can use this feature to communicate with Couchbase DB using simple English. The use of natural language makes database interactions very easy.
Snowflake
Snowflake is a relational DB platform that lets you conduct data engineering, sharing, app development, data warehousing, and data lakes.
This platform follows the SQL approach and works without servers to gather data according to enterprise-grade standards.
It overcomes the storage needs because it backlogs data columns isolatedly. Moreover, Snowflake has the ability to compress data 100x compared to conventional databases.
Features
- Availability – Snowflake promises more data availability because it is built on top of leading cloud computing solutions, such as Azure and Amazon Web Services.
- Cortex – Snowflake Cortex permits you to utilize serverless Python or SQL functions to evaluate the data economically. This feature is also beneficial for building ML and AI applications.
- Unmetered Scalability – The architecture of this database platform enables you to scale your data resources without any restrictions.
- Third-Party Integrations – Developers can easily connect their Snowflake data with third-party data engines or cloud services.
Name | Key Features | Open-Source |
Postgres | Advanced Security Foreign Data Wrappers Advanced Indexing Concurrency Control | Yes |
MySQL | Client/Server Architecture Highly Scalable Cross-Platform Easy to Use | Yes |
SQL Server | Data Warehousing Query Store Temporal Tables Big Data Clusters | No |
Oracle Database | Recovery Manager Real Application Clusters Security PL/SQL | No |
MariaDB | Fast & Lightweight Improved Performance Galera Cluster Licensing | Yes |
SQLite | Single Database File Serverless Lightweight Variable-Length Records | Yes |
Redis | Fast Response Time Redis Cluster Redis Sentinel Redis Persistence | No |
Apache Cassandra | Fault Tolerant Flexible Storage Fast Write Scalable | Yes |
Couchbase | Seamless Integrations Versatile Eventing Capella iQ | Yes |
Snowflake | Availability Cortex Unmetered Scalability Third-Party Integrations | No |
Conclusion
This guide consists of BaaS solutions, frameworks and databases that you can use for server-side development.
So, our detailed list of backend technologies will help you choose the right option, whether you are a backend developer or a business executive.