Career Path
Back-End Engineer
Back-end developers deal with the hidden processes that run behind the scenes, building APIs and databases that power the front-end.
Includes Node.JS, Express.JS, PostgreSQL, Back-End, SQL, Security, and more.
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Skill level
BeginnerTime to complete
Average based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may varyÂ105 hoursProjects
60Prerequisites
None
About this career path
Back-end developers deal with the hidden processes that run behind the scenes, building APIs and databases that power the front-end. This Career Path will teach you the technologies you need to do just that.
Average Salary (US)
$120,000
Syllabus
41 units • 122 lessons • 60 projects • 110 quizzes- 1
Welcome to the Back-End Engineer Path
Welcome to the Back-End Engineer Path!
- 2
Setting Up a Dev Environment
Learn about the field of web development and the tools developers use to create websites.
- 3
Web Development Fundamentals
Be introduced to the field of web development and create your first web page on the internet.
- 4
JavaScript Syntax, Part I
Use JavaScript to create basic programs that can store and manipulate various types of data.
- 5
JavaScript Syntax, Part II
Explore JavaScript to create more complex programs using arrays, loops, objects, and iterators.
- 6
Building Interactive Websites with JavaScript
Implement JavaScript to add interactive experiences to a website.
- 7
JavaScript Syntax, Part III
Level up your JavaScript by learning how to implement classes, modules, and error handling.
Professional certification available with Pro
Pass all exams to prove your expertise and earn a professional certification.
Take your skills into the real world with projects
Practice new skills, connect concepts, and put it all together to create something of your own.- portfolio Project
Mixed Messages
Build a Node.js console app that generates random messages each time a user runs the program and version your project with Git/GitHub. - portfolio Project
Personal Budget
External portfolio project using Node and Express to build an API and implement CRUD operations. - portfolio Project
Personal Budget, Part II
Add a PostgreSQL database to persist the data used in the Node/Express app: Personal Budget, Part I project.
- The progress I have made since starting to use codecademy is immense! I can study for short periods or long periods at my own convenience - mostly late in the evenings.ChrisCodecademy Learner @ USA
- I felt like I learned months in a week. I love how Codecademy uses learning by practice and gives great challenges to help the learner to understand a new concept and subject.RodrigoCodecademy Learner @ UK
- Brilliant learning experience. Very interactive. Literally a game changer if you're learning on your own.John-AndrewCodecademy Learner @ USA
Earn a professional certification
Prove your expertise to yourself — and prospective employers by passing all certification exams in this career path. Easily share your certifications with your network — and prospective employers.- Demonstrate your expertiseProvide evidence of competency and mastery of your chosen subject to employers.
- Take industry standard assessmentsYour skills are assessed through a rigorous exam process based on industry standard core competencies.
- Skip ahead to the examDon't waste time learning what you already know — go straight to taking a certification exam.
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See how well your skills and experience match the job postings you’re interested in. Our job-readiness checker uses artificial intelligence to show you what you need to work on to qualify for a role.Try it outFrequently asked
Career paths teach you exactly what you need to start a new career. Curated by our team of experts, career paths contain a collection of courses, projects, prep for technical interviews, and more. By the end, you’ll be ready to start interviewing for entry-level jobs in the career of your choice.
Everything you need for a Back-End Engineer career
- Job-readiness checkerUse AI to evaluate how well your skills and experience meet the requirements of a job posting.Powered by AI
- Portfolio projectsApply what you're learning to create recruiter-ready projects for your portfolio.
- Interview simulatorUse AI to identify strengths and see how to improve your interviewing skills to land your dream tech job.Powered by AI
- Job listingsGet personalized job postings, connect with employers hiring tech talent, and easily apply for open roles.
How it works
Start your new career faster
Learn the skills
This expertly curated career path gives you all the knowledge and experience you need to start this career.Prep for interviews
Assess if you're ready to apply for jobs, then build your confidence with code challenges and practice questions.Get hired
Showcase your skills with a Codecademy professional certification and connect with employers directly.
Become a Back-End Engineer
Start my career changeLooking for something else?
Related resources
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Why JavaScript Is Essential
Learn what is JavaScript and why it is the most popular programming language. Discover its history, web development role, backend capabilities, and future potential in technology. - Article
What is JavaScript?
What is JavaScript, and how does it work? - Article
Why learn JavaScript foundations?
Learn more about why you should build a strong foundation in JavaScript when you first learn the language.
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