10 Back-End Development Books That Set Experts Apart

Mark J. Price brings over two decades of Microsoft programming expertise to this detailed guide that demystifies C# 11 and .NET 7 for beginner and intermediate developers alike. You’ll explore core programming concepts like object-oriented design, LINQ data querying, and interface implementation, moving steadily towards building web applications using ASP.NET Core, Blazor, and Entity Framework Core. The book’s structure begins with straightforward console applications before guiding you through developing rich web services, making it ideal if you want to build practical skills rather than just theory. If you’re new to C# or looking to update your knowledge with the latest framework features, this book lays a solid foundation without overwhelming you.

Mark J. Price's decades of experience as a Microsoft Specialist and educator shine through this eighth edition, which updates practitioners on C# 12 and .NET 8's latest features with clarity and depth. You'll learn how to harness new language constructs like type aliasing and primary constructors, manage robust error handling with guard clauses, and build performant web services using ASP.NET Core 8’s native AOT publishing. The book walks you through practical implementations such as Blazor Full Stack development and Entity Framework Core 8 for database integration, making complex topics approachable for beginners and intermediate programmers alike. If you want to deepen your understanding of modern Microsoft stack development, this book offers precise, example-driven insights that focus on building real-world cross-platform applications.

This personalized book explores the core challenges and solutions in back-end development, crafted specifically to match your background and goals. It examines key concepts such as server architecture, database integration, API design, and performance optimization through a lens tailored to your interests. By focusing on your specific learning needs, it reveals a pathway through complex topics that often overwhelm developers, helping you build expert-level skills efficiently. The content is curated to provide a clear understanding of back-end technologies, frameworks, and best practices as they apply directly to your projects and experience level. This tailored approach ensures you engage deeply with the material most relevant to your advancement in back-end mastery.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a Java Champion and creator of CloudFoundry.com, Chris Richardson offers a deep dive into microservices architecture that goes beyond theory. You’ll learn 44 distinct design patterns that address real challenges like service decomposition, transaction management, and inter-service communication, all illustrated with Java examples. The book is particularly suited for enterprise developers who want to move past monolithic systems toward scalable, maintainable microservices. While it’s technical, the pragmatic approach helps you weigh the benefits and pitfalls of microservices, making it a solid guide for those ready to build production-quality applications.

Jonathan Wexler's extensive experience as a senior developer at Bloomberg and lead instructor for full stack development shaped this book into a focused guide for front-end developers stepping into server-side JavaScript. You’ll find 37 concise lessons that walk through building web servers with Node.js, covering key topics like routing, database integration with MongoDB, user authentication, and deploying applications. The book balances theory and practice, with real projects such as creating a live chat feature and implementing APIs, helping you move beyond the basics into functional back-end development. If you already know JavaScript but want to confidently build back-end applications, this book provides a solid, hands-on path without unnecessary complexity.

Drawing from over two decades of Microsoft programming expertise, Mark J. Price offers a thorough exploration of C# 10 and .NET 6 that both refreshes and expands your coding abilities. You’ll get hands-on with the newest language features, object-oriented programming, and advanced libraries like Entity Framework Core and ASP.NET Core, building everything from console applications to cross-platform web services. Chapters guide you through practical skills such as querying data with LINQ, debugging functions, and implementing MVC patterns alongside Blazor for rich web experiences. This book suits developers familiar with programming who want to deepen their mastery of modern C# and .NET development, especially those aiming to build versatile, cross-platform applications.

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step journey through back-end development, designed to match your unique background and goals. It covers core concepts, languages, and tools while progressively advancing your skills with daily, actionable steps. The content examines key back-end principles, server-side programming, database management, and API design, delivering a personalized pathway that emphasizes practical growth without overwhelming you. By aligning precisely with your interests and current abilities, this book reveals a custom learning experience that accelerates your proficiency while maintaining clear, engaging explanations. It bridges expert knowledge with your specific aspirations, making the complexities of back-end development approachable and exciting.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a Microsoft specialist and educator, Mark J. Price delivers a thorough guide to mastering C# 8.0 and .NET Core 3.0. You’ll learn everything from core language features like nullable reference types and pattern matching to building full-fledged cross-platform applications using ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, and ML.NET. The book walks you through practical examples, such as developing web apps with ASP.NET Core and mobile apps with Xamarin.Forms, making it especially useful if you want hands-on skills. If you have some programming background and want to deepen your expertise in modern .NET development, this book offers a solid foundation without unnecessary fluff.

Drawing from extensive experience contributing to enterprise Node.js services and involvement in securing Node.js, Thomas Hunter II crafted this book to challenge the notion that Node.js lacks enterprise readiness. You’ll learn how to build backend services that are scalable, observable, and resilient by integrating application code with diverse tools across modern service stacks. Chapters cover crucial topics like running redundant services, selecting communication protocols, container tuning, error tracking in distributed systems, and performance optimization through reverse proxies. If you’re an intermediate to advanced Node.js developer aiming to master distributed backend architectures, this book equips you with practical insights grounded in real-world enterprise scenarios.

Luke Welling and Laura Thomson bring together decades of hands-on experience in web architecture and software engineering to tackle the complexities of PHP and MySQL integration. This book walks you through building dynamic websites by harnessing the capabilities of PHP 5.1 and MySQL 5.1, covering everything from Ajax integration to security practices and the PEAR extension repository. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to connect back-end databases with front-end interfaces, manage security concerns, and implement efficient web applications. It's best suited for developers who already grasp basic programming concepts and want to deepen their practical skills in server-side web development.

Unlike most back-end development books that stick to basics, Jim Wilson’s Node.js 8 the Right Way takes you through progressively complex real-world programming challenges using Node.js 8. You’ll learn how to write asynchronous, non-blocking code that scales, harness the event loop, and build microservices with tools like Elasticsearch and Redis. The book’s hands-on chapters focus on practical skills such as creating RESTful APIs, working with TCP sockets, and testing with Mocha, making it ideal for developers ready to deepen their server-side JavaScript expertise. If you’re looking to move beyond simple scripts and want a detailed guide that matches modern JavaScript standards, this book is for you.

Mark J. Price brings decades of Microsoft expertise to this thorough guide on C# 9 and .NET 5, aiming to bridge the gap for developers adapting to recent updates. You’ll master object-oriented programming fundamentals alongside advanced features like record types and top-level programs, while exploring practical applications in ASP.NET Core, Blazor, and mobile development with Xamarin.Forms. The book’s progression from core syntax through cross-platform app deployment makes it especially suitable for programmers who want to confidently build intelligent apps and services. If you seek a detailed yet approachable path into modern .NET ecosystems, this book offers clear examples and hands-on exercises that prepare you for real-world coding challenges.