Why I Chose Backend over Frontend in the ALx Software Engineering Program: An Evaluation
I am Nkugwa Mark William, a product of Kyambogo University where I honed my skills in Chemical and Process Engineering. Guided by my fascination for the digital sphere, I navigated from the tangible world of engineering to the virtual world of software. As part of the ALx Software Engineering Program, I was presented with a critical decision — Backend or Frontend? I’ve chosen to share the reasons behind my choice to pursue backend development.
In the broad domain of software development, there are two primary arenas — the frontend, which encompasses the visual aspects of an application users directly interact with, and the backend, which deals with the under-the-hood operations ensuring the software runs seamlessly. Both segments, each with its unique set of challenges and rewards, are crucial to a complete application.
To determine my path, I evaluated several key factors: the cost of acquiring information, the economic value of business opportunities, the cost of achieving success, the potential cost of failure, the impact I could have, the margin for error, and the rate of changes and complexity.
- Cost of Information:
The cost of information refers to the investments — in time, resources, and occasionally finances — required to acquire knowledge in the software development field. As an African, the accessibility and availability of learning resources were pivotal considerations for me. Backend technologies like NoSQL, queuing systems, or user authentication often have scarce comprehensive material compared to frontend technologies like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. The cost encompasses not only monetary aspects but also the effort and time expended in mastering complex concepts.
Yet, the ALx program, with its extensive curriculum covering advanced topics, lowers this cost. The transition from Modern JavaScript to ES6 and TypeScript, followed by Python, variable annotations, Async, and advanced topics like storage systems and user data handling, makes backend development a practical option for someone like me, based in Africa.
2. Economic Value of Business Opportunity:
The economic value of business opportunities refers to the potential income and impact created by the specific field. Backend development is a gateway to abundant business opportunities in Africa, spanning from crafting robust infrastructures for FinTech firms to sculpting scalable e-commerce platforms.
In Africa, where mobile money and digital payments are gaining momentum, backend developers are instrumental in constructing secure and efficient systems. The mounting demand for big data and cloud-based solutions further broadens the opportunities for backend developers.
3. Cost of Success:
The cost of success in backend development extends beyond finances. It involves time, dedication, and persistence in confronting and resolving intricate challenges. This cost may seem daunting in Africa, where resources may be limited, and the path to proficiency may appear steep.
For instance, transitioning from learning JavaScript to mastering Node.js requires a deep understanding of advanced JavaScript concepts. The ALx curriculum mitigates this steep learning curve by introducing ‘Modern JavaScript’ and ‘ES6’ modules, thereby lessening the ‘cost of success’.
4. Cost of Failure:
In backend development, a single mistake can disrupt entire systems, threatening both data security and application performance. The cost of failure can be exorbitant, particularly in Africa, where many systems are embracing the digital shift, and any disruption can be markedly impactful.
The ALx program, however, fortifies students for these challenges. A good example is the ‘Unittests and integration tests’ segment of the curriculum, which provides the skills needed to preemptively identify and rectify errors, significantly lowering the cost of failure.
5. Impact:
Backend development plays a significant role in shaping the digital ecosystem, especially in Africa, which is currently experiencing a burgeoning digital revolution. Backend developers can potentially make a colossal impact on this landscape.
For instance, mastering database management systems such as ‘Advanced MySQL’, ‘NoSQL’, and ‘Redis’ enables the creation of efficient, scalable, and robust systems that can manage significant data loads. This expertise is critical in rapidly growing sectors like FinTech, E-commerce, and HealthTech in Africa, where backend developers can significantly augment these sectors’ efficiency and reach.
6. Margin of Error:
In backend development, even minor lapses can lead to major system failures. This is particularly challenging in Africa, where IT infrastructure may still be in its developmental phase, and the margin for error is noticeably thin.
The ALx curriculum addresses this through modules like ‘Basic & Session’ user authentication, ensuring a robust understanding of creating secure systems. This comprehensive approach significantly reduces the margin of error.
7. Changes and Complexity:
The technology stack for backend development generally experiences fewer changes compared to the front end, which often sees new frameworks and libraries. This relative stability appealed to me as I favor delving deep into a set of stable technologies.
The principles of Python and database management systems such as MySQL or NoSQL have remained fairly consistent over the years. This stability in backend technology promotes comprehensive knowledge acquisition, making it more appealing to me.
In conclusion, my choice to engage in backend development with the ALx Software Engineering Program reflects my interest in precision and complexity, which is reminiscent of my previous studies in chemical and process engineering. While the challenges are real, the potential for impact and alignment with my personal skills and interests made backend development the clear choice for me. However, both backend and frontend development present unique appeals and challenges, and the choice between the two should align with personal preference and career aspirations.
