A back-end may refer to any of the following:

  1. In general, a back-end task or operation is one that is performed in the background, without a user’s awareness or direct interaction.

  2. In programming and development, the back-end describes a person who designs and develops programs and scripts that process data and perform tasks the user doesn’t see. For example, a website’s back-end developer is responsible for how the server sends information to visitors. In contrast, a front-end developer is responsible for how that information is presented and how users interact with it.

Should I use “back end” or “back-end” in my writing?

When used as a noun, “back end” should not use a hyphen. When used as an adjective, “back-end” should be hyphenated.

Background, End, Front end, Programming terms, TSR

  • What jobs are available in the computer industry?
  • How to create a computer program.