Build APIs and Services That Scale
Your backend is the foundation. Get developers who architect production systems, not just developers who can follow a tutorial.
Get vetted backend developers in 48 hours. 50-70% less than US rates.
Backend Languages We Place
Python
The most versatile backend language. APIs, data processing, AI/ML, automation. Django and FastAPI for web.
Best for: AI/ML products, data-heavy applications, rapid development, startups.
Node.js
JavaScript on the server. Great for real-time apps, microservices, and teams using React/Vue on frontend.
Best for: Real-time applications, full-stack JavaScript teams, serverless functions, high-concurrency I/O.
Ruby on Rails
Convention-over-configuration framework for rapid development. Powers Shopify, GitHub, Airbnb.
Best for: Startups wanting to ship fast, e-commerce, CRUD applications, MVPs.
Hire Ruby on Rails Developers →
Go
Google’s systems language. Fast, concurrent, great for microservices and infrastructure.
Best for: High-performance APIs, microservices, DevOps tooling, systems programming.
Java
Enterprise workhorse. Mature ecosystem, strong typing, proven at massive scale.
Best for: Enterprise applications, financial services, large-scale systems, Android backend.
PHP
Powers 77% of the web. Laravel is modern, elegant, and productive.
Best for: WordPress, Laravel applications, e-commerce (Magento), content platforms.
.NET
Microsoft’s enterprise platform. C# is powerful, modern, and cross-platform.
Best for: Microsoft shops, enterprise applications, Windows integration, Azure deployments.
Which Language Should You Choose?
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| New startup, ship fast | Python (FastAPI) or Rails |
| AI/ML integration needed | Python |
| Real-time features (chat, live) | Node.js |
| Maximum performance | Go |
| Enterprise with compliance | Java or .NET |
| Full-stack JavaScript team | Node.js |
| Existing WordPress/Laravel | PHP |
| Microsoft ecosystem | .NET |
Not sure? For most startups in 2026, Python (FastAPI or Django) or Node.js are the safest choices—large talent pools, fast development, proven at scale.
Common Backend Tech Stacks
Languages: Python, Node.js/TypeScript, Ruby, Go, Java, PHP, C#
Frameworks: Django, FastAPI, Flask, Express, NestJS, Rails, Spring Boot, Laravel, .NET Core
Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch
Infrastructure: AWS, GCP, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform
Message Queues: RabbitMQ, Kafka, Redis, AWS SQS
API Styles: REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSockets
Backend Team Combinations
Solo Backend Developer For: API development, adding backend features, microservices Typical: 1 Python/Node.js/Go developer
Backend + Frontend Pair For: Full-stack feature development Typical: 1 Backend + 1 Frontend developer
Backend Team For: Microservices, complex systems, multiple services Typical: 2-3 Backend developers with complementary skills
Full Engineering Team For: Complete product development Typical: 2 Backend + 2 Frontend + 1 DevOps + 1 QA
Frequently Asked Questions
Python vs Node.js: Which should I choose?
Python for AI/ML integration, data processing, scientific computing, and when you want clean, readable code.
Node.js for real-time features, full-stack JavaScript teams, and high-concurrency I/O applications.
Both are excellent choices for APIs. Python has a slight edge for AI-heavy products; Node.js for real-time features.
Do I need backend developers if I’m using serverless?
Yes, but differently. Serverless (AWS Lambda, Vercel) still requires backend expertise—API design, database integration, authentication, business logic. The infrastructure is managed, but someone still writes the code.
How much do backend developers cost?
Backend developers: $5,000-8,000/month (50-70% less than US rates of $12,000-15,000+/month). Specialized languages (Go, Rust) may command slight premiums.
Can backend developers handle DevOps too?
Many senior backend developers have DevOps skills (Docker, AWS, CI/CD). For infrastructure-heavy work, consider dedicated DevOps Engineers. For most startups, backend developers with DevOps knowledge are sufficient.
Ready to Build Your Backend Team?
Get Started → — Meet vetted backend developers in 48 hours.
Related Guides:
- Cost to Hire Developers — Pricing guide
- Hire Nearshore Developers — Why Latin America
- Hire Developers for Startups — Startup hiring guide