Definition:
The part of a web application that is responsible for understanding and processing users’ requests, eg, making logical decisions.
Backend is hidden from the users: they won’t see this part of the web application from their browser. Instead backend receives users’ requests and send back responses via web application’s “Frontend”.
Analogy:
- Kitchen of a restaurant. They understand and process customers’ requests by reading the orders and making food. They receive the request (order) via counters and deliver responses (food) via waiters/waitresses. Normally the kitchen is hidden from the customers.
- Paperwork office of an insurance office/law firm/real estate agency.
Common Components of a Backend:
- Web server
- Mail server
- Database
- Content Management System (CMS)
- Backend frameworks