Backend Developer #

Responsibilities During Sprint: #

Break down user stories into tasks.
Develop and test backend code.
Collaborate with frontend engineers to integrate APIs.
Fix bugs reported by QA.
Participate in code reviews.
Attend sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and sprint review meetings.
Ensure that all backend functionalities are implemented accurately.
Participate in sprint retrospectives to discuss what went well and what could be improved.
Ensure tasks are completed on time and meet the acceptance criteria.
Communicate any blockers or issues to the team promptly.
Deploy new features and updates to production, ensuring proper testing and monitoring.
Leave detailed information in tickets about testing procedures, impacts, and relevant notes.

The Role of a Backend Developer in Every Stage of the Development Lifecycle #

Backend developers are responsible for the server-side logic, database interactions, and overall application performance. Their involvement from the start is essential for designing a scalable and efficient architecture. Continuous collaboration with backend developers throughout the development lifecycle ensures the application remains stable and integrates seamlessly with the frontend, ultimately supporting a high-performing and reliable product.

1. Research and Analysis #

Activities:

Requirements Analysis: Understand functional and non-functional requirements.
Backend Assessment: Analyze requirements for feasibility and potential backend challenges.
Sync with Frontend: Identify dependencies on frontend services and discuss with frontend lead.

Integration:

Collaborate with business analysts, designers, frontend developers, QA engineers, and stakeholders to clarify requirements.
Provide feedback on backend requirements to ensure they are practical and achievable.

2. Planning #

Activities:

User Stories Review: Analyze the user stories or tasks assigned to the sprint, ensuring you understand the requirements and acceptance criteria.
Effort Estimation: Estimate effort and time required for backend development tasks.
Risk Mapping: Identify potential risks and dependencies.

Integration:

Discuss the user stories, tasks, and priorities for the sprint with the team.
Collaborate with the team to break down user stories into smaller, manageable tasks.
Work with project managers and frontend developers to align backend activities with the overall sprint goals.
Define and agree on the sprint goals assigned to you.

3. Design #

Activities:

Approach Evaluation: Evaluate various implementation approaches, assessing risks, challenges, and pros and cons.
Approach Selection: Select the most suitable approach from the options. For the chosen approach, conduct an abstract prototyping if it is applicable and reasonable.
Component Architecture: Design the backend components required for the sprint.
Database Design: Plan any changes needed in the database schema. Write migration scripts.
API Endpoints: Ensure that the frontend and the backend teams has the same view on API and Data Models.

Integration:

Conduct design review with UI/UX Designer before backend work on components started.
Collaborate with frontend developers to ensure that the API design meets their needs.
Ensure that the backend design aligns with the overall system architecture.

4. Development #

Activities:

Endpoint Design: Define or update API endpoints, ensuring they align with the requirements of the sprint and frontend expectations.
Service Implementation: Implement backend services and APIs based on the design specifications.
Code validation: Write unit tests and perform code reviews.
Ensure data integrity and security.
API Documentation: Create API documentation for new endpoints.

Integration:

Work closely with frontend developers to ensure seamless integration of frontend and backend.
Provide feedback on frontend design and implementation to optimize backend performance, if needed.
Conduct code reviews with peers to ensure high-quality code standarts.
Participate in daily stand-ups and update the team on development progress.

5. Testing and QA #

Activities:

Self Testing: Conduct testing of implemented backend services.
Seamless Integration: Perform integration testing to ensure seamless operation with frontend and other systems.
Bug Fixing: Fix bugs and optimize the backend for performance.

Integration:

Collaborate with QA to ensure thorough testing of the backend.
Communicate testing results and progress to the team and stakeholders during daily stand-ups.
Work with frontend developers to resolve any integration issues.

6. Deployment #

Activities:

Configuration Documentation: Document pre- and post-deployment production environment manual/script configurations, if applicable, and report to QA and PM for oversight.
Deployment Prep: Prepare the backend for deployment, including build and optimization tasks.
Deployment Alignment: Ensure deployment aligns with the selected deployment paradigm (e.g., GitLab Flow).
Release: Deploy the backend services to staging and then production.

Integration:

Coordinate with the project manager about deployments schedule.
Ensure that all deployment steps are followed and any issues are promptly addressed.

7. Maintenance #

Activities:

Production Monitoring: Post-launch monitor the production environment for backend issues in Error logging tools (during 1-2 days).
Tech Debt Resolution: Identify technical debt areas and prioritize them based on impact and urgency. Address and resolve technical debt items systematically.
Process Improvement: Continuously improve the backend development process based on lessons learned.

Integration:

Collaborate with the QA team to address any issues reported.
Ensure that any new requirements or changes are tested and integrated smoothly.

Early participation of Backend developers allows to design a robust and scalable system architecture, ensuring that the backend can support the application’s needs effectively. This initial engagement helps avoid costly rework and ensures that the backend is secure, efficient, and capable of handling the anticipated load.