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See developers profilesHow to Hire a Great Backendless Developer
Introduction
The use of no-code development is becoming increasingly popular among businesses of all sizes, as it allows for the rapid creation and expansion of products without the need for extensive coding.
Backendless is a platform that allows developers to build and run their own custom backend services for their mobile, web, and IoT applications without the need for managing servers or infrastructure. Backendless provides a variety of services such as user management, push notifications, data storage, and custom business logic through their API. The platform can be accessed through their website and the services can be integrated into applications through their SDKs.
This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to successfully hire and onboard a Backendless developer. It covers the necessary qualifications and capabilities to look for in a developer, as well as the limitations and possibilities of the Backendless platform. By reading this guide, you will have the information you need to find the right developer to bring your ideas to fruition. For added convenience, WeLoveNoCode can assist you in finding the best-suited Backendless developer for your project. Let's get started!
Things to Consider When Choosing Backendless
There are a few potential limitations or drawbacks to using the Backendless platform for backend development:
- Limited scalability: Backendless may not be able to handle a large number of concurrent users or high volume of requests, especially for high-traffic applications.
- Limited customization: Backendless is a pre-built platform, so it may not offer the same level of flexibility and customization as a custom-built backend.
- Pricing: Backendless has a pay-as-you-go pricing model, which can become costly for high-traffic or high-usage applications.
- Dependence on third-party: Backendless being a third-party platform, it could lead to some limitations in terms of integration with other tools and services.
- Limited control: Backendless is a proprietary platform, which means you do not have full control over the infrastructure and underlying technology.
It's important to note that the above points are general drawbacks and may not apply to all use-cases or specific requirements, so it's recommended to evaluate the platform against your specific needs.
What you can build with Backendless?
Backendless can be used to build a variety of applications, including but not limited to:
- Mobile applications: Backendless provides SDKs for both iOS and Android, making it easy to integrate the platform into mobile applications.
- Web applications: Backendless can be integrated into web applications using its JavaScript SDK.
- IoT applications: Backendless can be used to build backend services for IoT devices, such as data storage and remote device management.
- Real-time apps: Backendless provides real-time database and messaging functionality, which can be used to build real-time chat, gaming, and other types of applications.
- Custom business logic: Backendless allows you to create custom business logic using its server code feature, which can be used to build custom functionality for your application.
- User Management: Backendless has built-in user management features, which can be used to authenticate and authorize users in your application.
- Push Notifications: Backendless has built-in push notification functionality, which can be used to send notifications to users of your application.
- Data storage: Backendless provides a variety of data storage options, such as a real-time database, file storage, and support for external databases like MongoDB and MySQL.
It's important to keep in mind that Backendless is a platform that allows developers to build and run their own custom backend services, so the possibilities are endless depending on the creativity and skill of the developer.
Hiring Backendless Developer Skills Checklist
When hiring a Backendless developer, it is important to consider the following skills and qualifications:
- Experience with Backendless: The developer should have experience working with the Backendless platform and be familiar with its features and capabilities.
- Proficient in JavaScript: Backendless uses JavaScript as its primary programming language, so the developer should be proficient in JavaScript and have experience with JavaScript SDK.
- Knowledge of RESTful APIs: The developer should have experience working with RESTful APIs and be familiar with the principles of API design.
- Experience with mobile and web development: If the developer will be working on a mobile or web application, they should have experience with the relevant development frameworks and technologies.
- Familiarity with databases: The developer should be familiar with databases and have experience with data modeling, data manipulation, and data querying.
- Strong problem-solving skills: The developer should have strong problem-solving skills and be able to troubleshoot and debug issues that may arise while working with the Backendless platform.
- Good communication skills: The developer should have good communication skills, be able to work in a team and be able to explain their thought process and the solution approach.
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development methodologies would be an added advantage as it helps to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with other backend technologies: Having experience with other backend technologies, such as Node.js or .NET, can be beneficial, as it can allow the developer to easily adapt to other technologies.
- Understanding of security: The developer should have a good understanding of security best practices and how to secure an application and data.
It is also important to note that the developer should have a good understanding of the Backendless platform's pricing model, and how to optimize the usage to keep the costs in check.
What Type of Backendless Developers Do You Need?
The initial step in hiring a Backendless developer is identifying the specific skills required for the job, but it is also important to determine the type of employment that aligns with your project. The options include hiring an in-house Backendless developer, contracting a Backendless freelancer, or partnering with a Backendless agency. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is crucial to evaluate which one will best suit your particular needs.
Permanent Backendless Developer:
- Advantages: Having a permanent Backendless developer on staff means they will become a key member of the company and understand its goals and vision. They will likely be more invested in the company's success and have a greater sense of accountability for their work. This option is similar to having an in-house Backendless team that takes full ownership of the product from start to finish.
- Disadvantages: Hiring a permanent Backendless developer comes with the traditional costs associated with employee compensation, such as a basic salary, taxes, bonuses, and pension contributions. It may also be more challenging, time-consuming, and costly to terminate their employment if their performance does not meet expectations.
Contractor / Freelance Backendless Developer
- • Advantages: Employing a freelance Backendless developer can be a cost-effective solution for projects with a defined timeline. They can be hired to help test the viability of prototypes before committing to full-time staff and their specific skills can be utilized for specific tasks. Additionally, they can be easily brought on board for a specific period of time without the need for long-term commitment.
- • Disadvantages: Working with freelance Backendless developers may require more oversight to ensure they are staying on task. They may not have the same level of accountability as a full-time employee, which can lead to a lack of attention to detail. This is a common issue among all types of developers, including those who specialize in no-code and traditional development. Additionally, freelance developers may be less organized than full-time employees, which can add to the time and effort needed to manage the project.
Conclusion
The decision to hire Backendless developers should be based on the unique requirements of your project. For shorter and smaller projects, freelancers or project-based teams may be suitable. On the other hand, for established businesses that are looking to expand their existing product, an in-house team of permanent developers or development partners may be more appropriate. An alternative is to work with a company like WeLoveNoCode, which provides pre-vetted Backendless developers with management support, which can be an efficient way for businesses to build and scale their products quickly.
How can you identify the right candidate?
In the process of hiring Backendless developers, technical proficiency should not be the only factor to consider. The ideal candidate should also align with the culture, values and current stage of your business, and be mindful of budget limitations. To prevent wasting time and resources, it is crucial to avoid bad hires and unreliable agencies and focus on finding a candidate that fits well within your organization.
Step 1: Assess them before the first call
In the recruitment process, it's often not feasible to interview every applicant for the position. To effectively evaluate potential hires and make a more accurate selection, it's crucial to implement a screening process before the first interview. This can include evaluating resumes and portfolios, administering pre-interview assessments or phone screens, and checking references to gauge the candidate's qualifications and suitability for the role.
CV sifting
When recruiting a Backendless developer, it's crucial to establish clear qualifications and requirements for the role as a starting point. This will serve as a benchmark for reviewing resumes and narrowing down the list of potential candidates. Candidates who do not meet these criteria should be eliminated from further consideration. By following this approach, you will be left with a pool of candidates who possess the minimum qualifications for the role. After that, you can evaluate their technical skills and how well they align with your company's culture through interviews and other evaluation methods.
Check their portfolio
To assess a candidate's technical skills in Backendless, reviewing their portfolio website is an effective resource. This is where they showcase examples of projects they have worked on, which can provide insight into their abilities, experience and the types of projects they have experience with. By examining their portfolio, you can evaluate the candidate's expertise in Backendless, their adherence to industry standards and the level of quality in their work.
Ask for a cover letter
One way to gauge a candidate's interest and qualifications for a Backendless role is to request a cover letter along with their resume. This approach allows you to evaluate a candidate's willingness to put in extra effort and show genuine interest in the role. A cover letter also indicates that the candidate has read and understood the job posting, rather than just submitting their CV blindly.
However, this approach may discourage some potential candidates from applying, as it adds an additional step to the application process. Additionally, it creates extra work for the interviewer in reviewing and evaluating the cover letters in addition to resumes.
Reviews
When searching for a freelance Backendless developer on platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr, reviews left by previous clients can be a useful tool to evaluate and screen potential candidates. These reviews can give you a sense of the freelancer's work ethic, the quality of their work and overall experience of working with them. This can aid in determining which freelancers are worth considering for your project.
Step 2: Set up an interview process.
When conducting interviews for a Backendless developer, it's crucial to be well-prepared in order to find the most suitable candidate. This includes having a set of consistent questions for all candidates, and having the appropriate people present for the interview. Ideally, this should include developers who can relate to the candidate on a technical level. It's important to remember that "game recognizes game."
It's also essential to make a good impression during the interview, as the candidate may have other job opportunities to consider. The interview panel should consist of 2-5 people, with fewer members for startups. However, it's important to have a balance of perspectives and compare at least a couple of views before making a decision.
To make the evaluation process more objective, it can be beneficial to introduce a simple scoring system, along with a technical Backendless assessment. This system should be based on a set of agreed-upon criteria, weighted based on the most critical factors for the role. Examples of criteria to consider include hard skills related to using the Backendless platform, understanding of development and design concepts, cultural fit, communication skills, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Examples of Good Backendless Interview Questions
- Can you explain the difference between a REST API and a GraphQL API?
- How do you handle user authentication and authorization in your Backendless projects?
- Can you walk me through a project you've worked on that required real-time data syncing?
- How do you approach debugging and troubleshooting in Backendless?
- Can you give an example of a complex query you've had to write in Backendless?
- How do you optimize the performance of a Backendless application?
- How do you handle data security in Backendless?
- Can you explain the role of webhooks in Backendless?
- Have you worked with any third-party integrations in Backendless? If so, which ones?
- Can you describe a time when you had to handle a high volume of requests in Backendless? How did you approach it?
Step 3: Technical assessment
To evaluate the technical abilities of no-code developers, particularly those with Backendless experience, many companies now include a technical assessment, also known as a "test task" or "home assignment," in their recruitment process. This typically includes tasks that are relevant to the role and are meant to evaluate the candidate's technical proficiency. Here are some ways to approach a technical Backendless assessment:
- Clearly define the objective of the assessment: Before creating the assessment, be clear on what you want to evaluate, whether it's the candidate's understanding of Backendless concepts, their ability to implement best practices or their problem-solving skills.
- Keep it relevant: The assessment should be closely related to the role the candidate is applying for. For example, if the role is focused on building real-time data syncing, the assessment should include a task that tests the candidate's understanding and ability to implement this feature.
- Provide clear instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions for the assessment to ensure that the candidate has a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
- Evaluate based on specific criteria: Use a set of agreed-upon criteria to evaluate the candidate's submission. This can include factors such as code quality, adherence to best practices, and problem-solving skills.
- Allow for collaboration: Allow the candidate to work with a team or to collaborate with other developers to complete the assessment. This will give you an idea of how they work in a team environment.
- Be flexible: Be open to different methods of completing the assessment, as some candidates may have a different approach to solving a problem.
- Provide feedback: Provide feedback on the candidate's submission, and be open to discussing the results with them.
Step 4: References
After completing steps 1-3 and narrowing down your list of preferred Backendless candidates, it's crucial to conduct reference checks with previous employers or clients. This serves several purposes:
- It allows you to determine if the candidate's work ethic and values align with those of your business, which is essential for long-term success.
- You can confirm if the candidate has experience working in similar settings or environments, such as remote development teams or cross-functional teams.
- You can verify the candidate's relevant experience with specific types of Backendless projects, such as integrating with social media APIs.
- You can gain insight into the candidate's strengths and weaknesses, which can aid in the onboarding process.
It's essential to reach out to references provided by the candidate, if they can't provide any or the references don't reply, it's a red flag. If the candidate has no references or testimonials, it's best to consider other candidates.
How to Onboard Your New Backendless Developer
1. Set clear expectations: Clearly outline the expectations for the role, including the specific tasks and responsibilities, timelines, and performance metrics. Make sure the developer understands the company's goals and how their role fits into achieving them.
2. Provide necessary resources: Make sure the developer has access to all the necessary tools, software, and resources they need to do their job. This includes things like source control, testing tools, and documentation.
3. Facilitate introductions: Introduce the new developer to their team members, including their manager and any other key stakeholders. This will help them understand the dynamics of the team and how they fit into it.
4. Assign a mentor: Assign a mentor or buddy to the new developer. This person should be someone who has experience with Backendless and can answer questions, provide guidance and support, and help the developer navigate the company culture.
5. Set up regular check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with the new developer, including one-on-one meetings, team meetings, and performance evaluations. This will help ensure that they are on track and provide opportunities for feedback and adjustments as needed.
6. Provide training: Provide training on the specific tools, processes, and best practices used in the company. This can include both in-person training as well as online resources and documentation.
7. Encourage collaboration: Encourage the new developer to collaborate with their team members and seek feedback. This will help them quickly become an active and productive member of the team.
8. Recognize achievements: Recognize and reward the developer for their achievements, this will help them feel valued and motivated to continue delivering good results.
What should be the budget for a Backendless Developer?
The budget for a Backendless developer can vary depending on factors such as location, experience level, and the specific requirements of the project.
- A junior developer with limited experience may charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour.
- A mid-level developer with several years of experience may charge between $50 to $100 per hour.
- A senior developer with extensive experience and specialized skills may charge $100 or more per hour.
It is also important to note that when outsourcing to a Backendless agency, the costs may be higher compared to hiring a freelancer or an in-house developer, but it comes with the benefit of having a team of developers with a variety of skill sets, a dedicated project manager, and a more robust development process.
When it comes to budgeting, it's important to keep in mind that while the cost of hiring a developer may be a significant expense, it's also an investment in the long-term success of your business. The right developer will bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience to your project, and ultimately help you create a better product.
You can hire in a better way by using WeLoveNoCode
WeLoveNoCode simplifies the process of finding and hiring experienced Backendless developers. Our platform connects you with pre-screened, qualified developers, saving you time and effort in the recruitment process. Our developers have been thoroughly evaluated for their technical abilities, experience, and qualifications, guaranteeing that you are getting the best talent for your project. With WeLoveNoCode, you can quickly and efficiently begin building your application with confidence in the developer's capabilities.