Mobile App Backend Development Guide 2024

Mobile applications are the cornerstone of innovation, productivity, and convenience in today’s dynamic, tech-driven world. People spend 90% of their time using mobile apps, leading the app market to a whopping $206.85 billion in 2022. Whether small businesses or tech giants, each has its mobile application. But what’s the secret that makes mobile apps highly convenient? The strong mobile app backend development is the answer!

The backend app development is the backbone that shapes the performance of an app – delivering exceptional services to your users helping your business to stand out in the competitive app market.

This blog is your mobile app backend development guide, your answer to backend development, its importance, advantages, disadvantages, and more.

Frontend VS Backend Development?

Mainly, two important types of developers for creating websites and mobile apps are Front-End Developers and Back-End Developers. They team up to make your digital projects real, but their jobs, skills, and focuses are quite different.

Front-End Developers

Front-end developers design how websites and mobile apps look and feel. Using languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, a Front-End developer takes the design of an app and turns it into code so that it shows up correctly on the browser. On average, Front-End developers earn about $80,796 per year.

Back-End Developers

Meanwhile, the Back-end developers create the structure and logic of websites and apps using server-side languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, or PHP.

They create codes, ensuring everything works smoothly on the user’s end, managing databases, security, and server-side operations. The back-end development includes servers, databases, middleware, and more, accessible through the internet using an application programming interface (API). 

Back-end developers are responsible for the behind-the-scenes part, connecting the content you see to the app’s server. On average, Back-End developers earn about $90,652 per year.

Primary Differences Between A Frontend & Backend Developer

	Frontend Developer	Backend Developer
Meaning	Frontend means the user interface (UI) – focusing on implementing the graphical user interface and visual components of a mobile app.	Backend means the server, application, and database that work behind the scenes to deliver relevant information to the users.
Objectives	They work to create an easy-to-use interface, ensuring the app is responsive and accessible on all platforms.	They aim to create software solutions supporting the frontend, providing services, updated data, security, and proper data processing.
Independence	They are dependent on backend development – they cannot work without the backend, except for static apps.	They work independently of frontend developers, and some backend applications can function without a frontend.
Frameworks Used	Vue.js, React, AngularJS, and jQuery are commonly used for frontend development.	CakePHP, Laravel, Django, Flask, Ruby on Rails, .Net, and CodeIgniter are popular for backend development.
Skills Needed	Frontend development requires JavaScript (JS), HTML, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Effective knowledge of UI/UX designing and graphics editing skills is a plus.	Backend development requires knowledge of programming languages like Python, Ruby on Rails, PHP, Java, C#, and ASP.net. Good aptitude, problem-solving, logical reasoning, networking, database processing, and communication skills are essential.
Development Team	A front-end development team designs wireframes, connects with users for input, and optimizes design elements for various smartphones.	Backend development finds solutions to complex problems, implements business logic, and assists the frontend team with a proper API.

Front-End and Back-End developers work closely to connect websites and apps’ design and functionality. This collaboration ensures that these digital creations not only look great but also work perfectly.

Strategies for Mobile App Backend Development

The backend development for mobile apps involves two main approaches – the Traditional Mobile Backend Development and the Backend as a Service (BaaS).

A) Traditional Mobile Backend Development

• The traditional mobile app backend development strategy utilizes languages like Python, Java, or Ruby to build a custom mobile app backend.
• This backend is hosted on cloud servers, mobile app servers, or cloud platforms.
• Though it offers high control and adaptability, creating this app & backend setup requires more time and money.
• So, it’s ideal for apps with complex business logic and one-of-a-kind functionality, where fine-tuning the mobile backend is essential for optimal performance.

B) Backend as a Service (BaaS)

• BaaS is a cloud-based service that provides pre-built functionalities via application programming interfaces (APIs). 
• This service streamlines Backend Mobile App Development, allowing app developers to focus on the user experience and frontend development. 
• The BaaS provider manages the mobile backend solution, making it a time and cost-efficient strategy. 
• This approach is beneficial for startups as well as small businesses with limited resources, as it reduces development time and costs. 
• BaaS solutions are scalable and handle maintenance, security, and upgrades, removing the pressure from backend developers and app owners.

It might be confusing to decide what to choose between BaaS and a traditional backend. So, one must consider the complexity of their project, scalability requirements, as well as development resources to decide the best-fit solution for the project.

Mobile Application Functions that are Provided with Backend Development

Now, before we move further into the mobile app backend development, here are the essential functions to be utilized in backend app development –

Cloud Server

Nowadays, cloud servers are highly affordable and available in various sizes, securely stored in popular platforms like Microsoft Azure, Google App Engine, and Amazon AWS. Being popular for their reliability, these are widely used by large organizations.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or 3rd Party Services

Sometimes, the functionalities you require are already offered by some existing services. So, in this case, the backend developers offer ready-to-use backend solutions that can be accessed by registering, or even subscribing with a monthly fee. That’s it; it’s done – the working backend is ready!

MBaaS (Mobile Backend as a Service)

If you prefer not to create your own backend servers or invest in a cloud-based server, MBaaS is the best option. Many independent MBaaS providers offer great functionality and analytics frameworks to monitor your applications.

Custom Server

Now comes the most flexible and powerful option – the custom server. If SaaS or MBaaS cannot meet your needs, a custom backend server can.

Undoubtedly, it’s versatile, but the downside is it requires a dedicated backend programmer or a team. The complexity can range from a simple application to a complex distributed system based on your app requirements.

Architecture and Server-Working of Custom Backend Development

Understanding these functions of backend development for mobile apps is incomplete without knowing how backend architecture and servers work!

So, the custom backend development is similar to designing the brain and structure of an app.

From planning the functioning of the app’s backend to making it strong enough so that users can smoothly use different features without even knowing about the complex stuff going on in the background – it involves all!

Backend app development further sets the stage for your mobile application to function as it should. Each app has its own unique backend, including databases, servers, and middleware. This diverse backend setup makes each application tailored to its specific needs.

Essential Features of Mobile App Backend Development

Additionally, it’s not just about the BASICS to remember during the custom backend development; additional features to make the app more functional and user-friendly are also essential. This includes – 

User Authentication

The top priority is keeping user data safe; the backend handles this through user authentication.

This includes various methods like passwords, social media logins, and even some additional layers of security.

So, a strong authentication is necessary to ensure that only authorized users can access their accounts, and user authorization determines the level of access granted.

Push Notifications

The backend app development is responsible for push notifications to keep users engaged and in the loop. These notifications improve the user experience, inviting more app usage and prompting specific actions.

However, using push notifications properly is also important to avoid annoying the users. For that, the users must have the option to customize their notification preferences.

Payment Gateway

Incorporating a payment gateway into the backend is necessary for apps with transaction availability. This is to secure and make payments easy while handling sensitive data like credit card details. 

The payment gateway encrypts and protects this information during transmission and securely stores it to prevent unauthorized access.

Using a payment gateway also helps improve the overall user experience, increasing trust among users and allowing the backend to focus on other essential tasks.

What Type of Apps Require Backend Development?

Mobile applications to smoothly manage user data, logins, registration, or functioning require a smooth backend development. You might have used various of them but are unaware that they require backend development, such as – 

• Netflix – a popular binge-watch app worldwide, has a backend development team to smoothly handle the app operations. The team works on Java, Python, Nodejs, React, and RxJS, primarily on AWS S3, AWS EC2, AWS Lambda, etc.
• Amazon – the biggest and most popular online shopping site’s backend app development team works with React and JAVA to manage all the product info. They work on platforms including Amazon S3, Amazon EC2, Amazon CloudFront, Amazon DynamoDB, and MySQL.
• Uber – One of the most used cab service apps also incorporates backend development to find the customers a cab nearby, trace location, etc. Their backend team relies on languages like Python, Node.js, Go, and more on platforms including Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, etc.

How Does the Backend Mobile App Work?

Think of a mobile application as a human – The visible part you interact with is the body (frontend), and the hidden part working inside the body is the soul (backend).

This soul, or the “backend,” is highly essential!

If any of them is missing, the body will not work, and the same applies to the apps!

If the body (front end) is present, but the soul (back end) is missing, the app won’t work. And if the body is missing (front end), you won’t understand how the app works.

So, both are simultaneously necessary, and APIs cater for the communication between them.

Let’s understand it with an example – 

• For instance, you’re buying a dress online. You’ve chosen the perfect dress and are now ready to pay for it.
• You click the ‘Buy Now’ button, and then you will be taken to a page to choose the payment mode.

So, it’s like the front end saying, “Hey, I need to connect with the payment service to let the user pay.”

And the backend replies, “Sure, here’s the info you need to show the user the payment page.”

In this case, the front end (what you see) requests the backend (the hidden part) to connect with a payment service. After obtaining the information via the API, the backend sends the solution to the front end.

This back-and-forth conversation is entirely possible by APIs, allowing the apps to function smoothly. When you click on Buy Now, the API assures you can make a safe and secure online payment.

Hence, the front end and back end work together like a team. The front end is like the spokesperson, and the backend is the problem-solver.

Role Of Backend Mobile App Development

Mobile app backend development refers to the development occurring on the server side. This work involves securing, storing, and processing data within your app, making it function smoothly.

The role of a mobile app backend development company is as follows – 

Strategy

Before developing an app, website, or software, the primary thing required is a proper strategy – a plan.

For that, research the competitors and the market, select the target audience, define the goals, and choose the appropriate platform to launch the app.

Lastly, get a great team to develop the app.

Design

Design is about making sure the app not only works well but looks good, too!

Here, the backend handles the entire UI/UX design process – from the designing, workflow, and architecture to functioning.

Planning and Analysis

Backend mobile app developers then conduct extensive research, study the case studies of successful apps, and analyze them thoroughly. This assists them in understanding what works and what doesn’t. 

This analysis provides a further roadmap for backend developers to efficiently create the first version of the app, also known as the MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

Testing

Testing is the most important aspect of backend development for mobile apps. Different types of testing are there – 

• Unit testing – checking if each component works, 
• Performance testing – making sure it works fast, 
• User testing – ensuring users won’t face issues, 
• Security testing – keeping it safe from bugs and 
• Stress testing – able to handle stressful situations

These are essential to ensure the app operates consistently on all devices and in all situations.

Backend Mobile App Tools to be used

1) Web Server Tools

The backend of a mobile app is like its brain – which stores, processes, and provides information to the app on your phone. The communication between the server and the client is secured with it.

There are different tools for this job –

• Apache (or Apache HTTP Server) – Also known as Apache HTTP Server, is a popular open-source web server used by half of all websites worldwide. It offers various features such as CGI support, loadable dynamic modules, real-time status views, and compatibility with different OS. Being used by 67% of web servers worldwide, it is fast, reliable, and highly secure.
• NGINX – Another tool for the backend web server is NGINX – which is best used for load balancing, reverse proxying and caching. It also boasts IPv6 compatibility, an asynchronous event-driven approach, and URL rewriting, among other advanced features. Popular platforms like Dropbox and Netflix use NGINX.
• Node.JS – This javascript-based, efficient, lightweight web server incorporating event-driven and non-blocking input/output is becoming popular for web and app development.
• Lighttpd – Another speedy server, even faster than Apache. It helps enable virtual hosts, handling automatic file expiration, URL rewriting, fast CGI streaming, directory listing, transparent cache output compression, and more.

2) Databases tool

Nowadays, ensuring an app can do many different things is essential, and the database tools do exactly that. They handle providing data and info to the customer and accept as well as store the previously shared data.

• MongoDB – This tool is a bit like a super organized filing cabinet for web developers – popular for its scalability and flexibility. It uses JSON-like documents and offers features like Ad-hoc indexing, queries, replication, and powerful data security. It’s a favorite choice because of its compatibility with various programming languages.
• Altibase – with the help of a single uniform interface, combines the in-memory database with an on-disk database. Doing this enables real-time access to massive volumes of data while simplifying and revolutionizing data processing.
• MySQL – This is a super-fast library keeping track of books – basically a relational database management system that excels in web-based applications. Used by developers because it’s speedy, high-performing, compatible with cross-platform, offers scalability, and provides powerful data encryption.
• Oracle RDBMS – It’s an RDBMS (Relational database management system) implementing object-oriented features like polymorphism, inheritance, and user-defined types. 
• IBM DB2 – this helps you easily manage both the structured and unstructured data across multiple clouds and on-premises environments.
• Amazon RDS – Amazon relational database service is a collection of managed services, making deploying, setting up, operating, and scaling databases in the cloud easy. Services and tasks like recovery, backup, patching, migration, and more are easily performed by Amazon RDS.

Many others include Microsoft SQL Server, SAP Sybase AS, Teradata, ADABAS, Filemaker, SQLite, and more.

3) Git Clients

Git clients enable backend mobile app developers to use visual version control and project communication systems. The user is not required to manually write the code for version control, ending up finishing their activities more quickly and comfortably.

• Client for GitHub – GitHub is a platform for hosting code that allows for version control and collaboration. It is a completely open-source tool for creating cross-platform desktop programs using CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
• SourceTree – SourceTree is a free graphical Git client interface. It streamlines developers’ interactions with Git repositories, allowing them to focus on code. Its graphical user interface makes it simple to visualize and manage your repositories.

4) Microservice platform-tools

Microservices are tools and technologies that provide numerous functions over the internet. They include pre-defined functions and algorithms, allowing developers to quickly design an application.

• Docker – Docker delivers software in containers using OS-level virtualization. It introduces microservices into the game by giving developers simple as well as rapid packaging, deployment, & even distribution techniques. Developers widely use it to create compartmentalized apps with its registration services, native clustering, and cloud services.
• Kubernetes – Kubernetes, often known as KBs, is an open-source technology for container cluster management. Its key goals include automating deployment, scaling, and running application containers across a cluster of various hosts.

5) Local Development Environment

An LDE, or local development environment, further allows backend mobile app developers to set up services on a workstation to run a website or mobile app.

• XAMPP – Another free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack developed by the Friends of Apache group – allowing developers to create Perl and PHP scripts.
• WampServer – A Microsoft Windows solution stack that includes OpenSSL, Apache Web Server, the MySQL database, and the PHP programming language runtime. It is a free and open-source development environment that the mobile app backend development company uses to create web applications and manage databases. 
• Laragon – It’s a Node.js development environment that is fast, portable, and powerful. It supports various programming languages, including PHP, Python, Java, Ruby, and Go. Being lightweight, simple to use, and extensible, it’s an ideal choice for developing and maintaining modern apps.

6) Collaboration Service Tools

Collaboration services solutions make it easier & faster to collaborate on professional assignments. It reduces the inefficiencies in feedback and workflow approval processes while enabling real-time communication.

These tools are essential for – Communication, Management of projects and tasks, and File sharing and administration.

• Jira – Another project management and issue-tracking software program that manages its web-based product using Scrum and Kanban.
• Slack – This cloud-based collaboration and messaging platform helps organizations connect. It links people to the information they require, offering primary features like – messages and reference links pinned to channels, document management and tracking, and advanced search parameters.

7) App Performance test tool

A decent performance testing tool is required to determine your apps’ efficacy, scalability, speed, reliability, and interoperability.

• AppLoader – It creates an identical user experience from all of its access points when testing an application – while also allowing the developer to test the entire business flow without the need to add a plugin or write any code.
• JMeter (Apache JMeter) – It is an Apache test tool used to evaluate and analyze the performance of the app and other web services. This can test mobile, web, and FTP applications written in Java, assuming the system supports the JVM (Java Virtual Machine).

Advantages of Backend Development

• Fast Development – Backend development accelerates the development speed. Using development tools saves around 80% on backend coding, increasing productivity. The automating development task backend services include integrating a CDN (content delivery system) for files and databases, and providing a ready-to-use data model integrated with APIs.
• Cost savings – less time in development means spending less money. Startups and big companies can use their skilled engineers for important tasks instead of spending much on development. Outsourcing cloud services reduces costs while improving reliability, security, and quality.
• Quick Product Launch – Getting a product ready fast is essential, especially for startups. Backend development helps quickly create market-ready apps, benefiting startups and big companies.
• More Features for Users – Backend development services are made with users in mind. This means developers can add better features to the app.
• Top Performance and Security – Reliable backend development services ensure your apps work well and stay secure. Also, for privacy compliance, they follow laws like GDPR to ensure user privacy is respected.
• Continuous Development – Continuous delivery and integration (CD/CI) are important for apps. This makes building and releasing software smoother.

Disadvantages Of Backend Development

Besides the benefits of backend mobile app development services, it also has some drawbacks, like – 

• Less Control – Users cannot carry out activities at their leisure. 
• No Personalised Automated Operations – There are no specialized atomic services, making it impossible to solve specific problems, at least in the short term.
• Security Concerns – Depending on the company model, the user may need to develop protection solutions.

Technology Stacks For Backend App Development

To create a strong backend – you need the best app development languages for 2 different platforms – Android and iOS.

Android Backend Technology Stack

Technology	Description	Features
AWS	Amazon AWS cloud-based backend server is a powerhouse for mobile apps – that gives developers all they need for an Android app. It comes with a broad set of tools, libraries, like push notifications and data storage, making it easy to build a backend for your app.	– Scalable and cost-efficient- Easy to use- Provides set of tools to build a backend app- Powerful data and relationship management- Built-in data encryption
Firebase	Firebase, approved by Google, is another MBaaS solution for mobile apps. It’s user-friendly and has a free plan, offering features like real-time updates, crash reporting, authentication, and cloud hosting for Android apps.	– Allows unlimited reporting- Easy integration with other systems- Remote Configuration- Cloud messaging- Test lab and hosting
Parse	Parse is a popular open-source backend solution, which is also self-hosted. It provides a software development toolkit for backend developers to build mobile apps, especially those focusing on social media. It follows the CRUD philosophy (Create, read, update, delete).	– Spreadsheet-like database- creates GraphQL APIs, REST APIs- Real-time notifications, push notifications, & email notifications- Social logins

iOS Backend Technology Stack

Technology	Description	Features
Firebase	Firebase is a top-notch solution for iOS apps.It not only serves as a backend but also provides advanced features like real-time databases, automatic synchronization, push notifications, social media login, API console, and analytics.	– Unlimited reporting – Easy integration with other systems- Remote Configuration – Test lab and hosting- Cloud messaging
RestAPI	RestAPI is another great choice for building iOS apps. While using it, you might need to repeat your data, but it offers excellent scalability compared to other backend tech stacks.	– Supports JSON and XML – Informs errors while working with API – Easier to use than SOAP

Mobile App Backend Development Cost

In general, the mobile app backend development cost can be estimated from the rates charged by the backend developers. Like, the app that requires 500 developer hours at a rate of $50 per hour would cost $25,000.

However, calculating the cost to develop an app is easier said than done. It varies greatly depending on the features and complexity of your app.

Here are the factors that help determine the mobile app backend development cost –

• Android vs. iOS platforms
• Experience, expertise, and rates of app developers
• Technologies used for custom backend development
• Features of the mobile app
• Additional talent if required.

Conclusion

So, mobile app backend development services are the backbone of mobile apps, essential to provide the strength and functionality that make mobile apps truly valuable. Hire Dedicated Mobile App Developers at affordable prices.

While the front end is essential for what users see, it’s the back end that gives the app its substance. The collaboration between front-end and back-end developers is the key to bringing mobile apps to life!

How Can Octal IT Solution Guide in Your Mobile App Backend Development Journey?

At Octal IT Solution, we’re not just delivering tech solutions – we blend magic with innovation.

Choose our mobile app backend development services, as we offer –

• We believe in delivering standout innovation-driven solutions. Our tech experts stay updated with the latest technology and use them to create outstanding apps.
• Contact us anytime; we are ready to connect and discuss questions or confusion about your app development.
• Data security is our top priority, and our digital solutions come with high-end features to keep your app data safe, incorporating trust and credibility.
• We offer top-notch backend app development services with the latest tech at affordable prices.
• Our industry expertise helps us explore new horizons, providing solutions for various business areas and diverse audiences.
• We value sustainable development, considering social, economic, and environmental responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile App Backend Development