Lesson 3: Back-End Development Overview

✅ Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand what happens behind the scenes on the server.

• Identify key technologies used in back-end development.

• Explain the basics of how databases are used to store and retrieve data.

📘 Lesson Content

🔹 What is Back-End Development?

• The back-end is the part of a website users don’t see.

• It handles data storage, user authentication, and server-side logic.

🔹 Role of the Server, Database, and Application Logic

• Server: A computer that responds to requests from a browser.

• Database: Stores information like users, posts, or products.

• Application logic: Controls how data is processed and served to the user.

🔹 Common Back-End Languages

• PHP – Widely used, especially in WordPress.

• Python – Simple and popular for web apps and data tasks.

• Node.js – Allows using JavaScript on the server side.

🔹 Introduction to Databases

• A database is where data is organized and stored.

• Two popular types:

  • MySQL – Common in WordPress and other CMS platforms.

  • PostgreSQL – Advanced open-source database system.

• Databases use tables to store related data (like a spreadsheet).

🔹 HTTP Requests and APIs

• HTTP: The protocol browsers use to communicate with servers.

• Types of requests:

  • GET – Retrieve data

  • POST – Send data (e.g., form submission)

• API (Application Programming Interface):

  • Allows websites/apps to talk to each other.

  • Example: A weather site pulling data from a weather API.

🔹 WordPress as a Back-End System

• WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS).

• It uses:

  • PHP for back-end code.

  • MySQL to store data (posts, users, settings).

  • A dashboard to manage content and users easily.

📝 Activities and Assessments

1. Quick Quiz

Match each item with its function:

• PHP –

• MySQL –

• GET Request –

• API –

(Example answers: Handles server logic, Stores data, Fetches data, Connects apps)

2. Exploration Exercise

• Log into the WordPress Admin Dashboard.

• Identify and explore these key sections:

  • Posts

  • Pages

  • Users

  • Settings

• Write 2-3 lines on what each section is used for.

3. Short Writing Task

Question: In your own words, explain how a dynamic website works.
Hint: Mention the server, database, and how content is displayed.