Back end web development is used to manage the server-side, also known as the “back end,” of a website or web application. Once you’ve decided to learn back end web development, the next important question is deciding how you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training. You have many options when it comes to receiving back end web development training online or in person. Read on to learn more about the different training formats available and what advantages and disadvantages each format offers.

What is Back End Web Development?

Back end web development covers the back end, or “server-side,” of websites, which is the part of a website that handles everything happening behind the scenes. While websites can operate using only front end web development, they will be relatively basic and unable to retain anything. Back end web development allows complex programs to operate on the site, store relevant information, and generate new content based on the user’s actions. Modern websites need back end web development to stay current because simple websites can only go so far in the increasingly digital world. 

What Can You Do with Back End Web Development Skills?

While front end web development focuses on the parts of websites that users see, back end web development handles most of its functions. Back end web development skills are essential for organizing, cataloging, and saving (or deleting) data. You’ll need to use back end web development to ensure your site meets modern standards and user expectations. For example, back end web development allows websites to store login information and prevent user frustration. Your users will appreciate the ease of access to their accounts, which will help enhance their overall user experience. 

Why Training Format Matters

The back end web development training format you choose impacts how quickly you learn, the skills you develop, and the level of support you receive during training. When considering training formats available, keep your personal learning style in mind. You will also want to consider your budget and schedule. Above all, consider the long-term impact of your chosen training format and what aligns best with your goals.

Types of Training Formats

There are a few main training formats for learning back end web development. Live in-person classes are taught by an instructor at a physical location, while live online classes are also instructor-led but taught remotely. On-demand courses are those that students advance through at their own pace using pre-recorded videos and content. Free resources are often introductory materials that can help you gain a basic understanding of a topic. Read on to learn more about the advantages and limitations of these training formats.

Live In-Person Classes

Live in-person classes are those taught by an expert instructor in a classroom setting. Students meet face-to-face to learn back end web development skills. Computers at the learning location include all the tools and programs required to complete the course, so students do not need to bring their own computer or worry about setting up. This option works well for students who want to learn face-to-face and network with locals. In-person classes allow you to collaborate with classmates on hands-on assignments, receive real-time feedback from your instructor, and learn in a traditional classroom setting. 

The major limitations of in-person classes are that most are located in a major metropolitan area, you will have to commute to the classroom location, and you are limited to the course offerings in your local area. You will therefore need to research whether local offerings provide the training you need to meet your goals. You will also want to factor in the cost and time required to commute. Another training option that offers many of the same advantages as in-person classes but which skips the commute and offers more class options is live online training.

Live Online Classes

Live online classes are taught by an expert instructor in real time, allowing students to ask questions, receive feedback, collaborate with others, and complete hands-on activities. Live online classes allow you to learn from anywhere you have a solid internet connection. Remote learning also enables you to take classes from providers around the world, giving you plenty of options for finding a class that teaches the skills you want to learn at a time that works for your schedule. You are not limited to local course offerings, nor must you commute anywhere. 

One drawback of live online classes is that you do not get the same opportunity to network locally as you would with an in-person class. You will also need to make sure you have your computer set up to learn remotely and that you have access to any tools needed for the course. Live online classes that include setup assistance can help you make sure you are ready to go. You can also access tools for free through free trials or free versions, so you will not need to worry about additional expenses.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes consist of pre-recorded videos and other content, such as quizzes, that students complete at their own pace. This format works well for those with a hectic schedule since classes do not meet at a designated time. On-demand classes are also highly affordable, costing between $30-50 per month through subscriptions on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. 

A major drawback to this training format is that you have limited access to an instructor, and sometimes no access to an instructor at all. If you have questions, you may have to wait for an emailed response or depend on other students to assist you. Often content is automatically graded (as with quizzes) or peer-reviewed by other students, so you also do not get the valuable feedback that a mentor and instructor can offer. 

Free Courses

Free courses help you gain a better understanding of a topic or skill before committing to a paid learning option. This can be especially helpful while you are in the research stage of your journey. You can get a better idea of what skills you want to learn by determining which align with your interests and goals. Free training resources include webinars, introductory video classes, written guides for open-source tools, and more. 

The disadvantage to free classes is that they are often limited to introducing the very basics of a topic. You will, therefore, not learn all the skills and best practices needed to become truly proficient in a skill. That said, free resources can be an excellent starting point for learning back end web development. From there, you can determine the training method you want for more in-depth lessons. 

Depth of Training Formats

Another consideration for determining the back end web development training format you want to pursue is the depth of training. Some classes focus on one specific skill taught over a few days, while other training formats last several months and prepare you to launch a new career. Learn more about the depth of different training formats in the following sections.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs prepare students to launch a new career. Back end web development is often taught as part of a full stack web development certificate program. Such programs last several months, with the completion date depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time. In such a program, you learn the front end and back end web development skills needed to start a career as a Full Stack Web Developer. This means you will also have the flexibility to focus on either front end or back end web development as needed.

Noble Desktop’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate program offers in-class and live online options. Both options connect you with an expert instructor that provides real-time guidance and feedback. The curriculum covers front end web development essentials like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and back end web development essentials like React and SQL. 

Training Bootcamps

Training bootcamps typically last two or three days and focus on teaching a particular tool or skill. The advantage of such bootcamps is that they do not take long to complete, and you can concentrate on learning one skill or tool at a time. These classes work well for those looking to learn one particular skill, advance an existing career, or learn more about a particular topic before committing to a more extended program.

One example of a back end web development training bootcamp is Noble Desktop’s JavaScript Programming Bootcamp. One thing to remember is that some bootcamps will have prerequisites, so these bootcamps work best for those with prior knowledge of web development or who have taken the necessary prerequisite. If you are new to web development, taking a full-stack web development certificate program can be the most cost-effective way to learn web development fundamentals for both the front and back end.

Introductory Courses

Introductory courses are ideal for those who want to test the waters before committing to a longer, more advanced training format. Introductory courses may last a single day, typically up to a few days. Introductory web development courses can help determine if web development is right for you.

Although HTML & CSS is used in front end web development, taking an introductory HTML and CSS course can be a good starting point for any student interested in web development. Even if your interest is primarily in back end web development, you may need to know some front end web development basics before learning back end skills. Taking Noble Desktop’s Intro to HTML & CSS course can satisfy the necessary prerequisites for some back end web development bootcamps, introduce you to an essential part of front end web development, and help you broaden your web development skills.

Learn Back End Web Development Skills with Noble Desktop

Those fully invested in learning back end web development and related subjects will enjoy taking a Full Stack Web Development Certificate program. This program teaches both front end and back end principles, allowing you to enter a wide variety of roles. You can also look into a JavaScript Programming Bootcamp since JavaScript is an essential skill for back end web development. Noble Desktop has taught live online back end web development classes and other computer science subjects for over 30 years, making them an excellent choice when you’re looking to expand your career or start a new one. 

Key Insights

• When choosing a back end web development training method, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each format and the depth of training. 
• Instructor-led options offer expert guidance and real-time feedback, whether online or in person.
• Certificate programs prepare students for a new career. A web development certificate program can prepare you to become a Full Stack Web Developer.
• Bootcamps typically focus on one particular tool or skill, so they work best for those with a specific interest or who want to test the waters before committing to a certificate program. 
• Introductory classes allow you to learn more about a subject or tool and typically last a single day or a few days at most.
• You receive comprehensive back end web development training through Noble Desktop, either in person or online.