What I wish I'd known before choosing a backend infrastructure
Tags: backend, baas
Published: 2022-11-11 08:20:44

An attractive user interface, smooth scrolling, and animations are some of the features of modern web and mobile applications. But another layer sits behind everything else that's equally important: the backend.

The backend is like the backbone of any application. It accounts for all database and server-related actions; thus, it is fundamental to the proper functioning of any software. However, backend infrastructure can be complicated and time-consuming to create, and it can require considerable knowledge and experience.

In this article, you'll learn about the factors to consider when choosing a backend infrastructure.

# Things to consider before choosing a backend infrastructure

Building the backend infrastructure for an application can be a difficult task, as you are responsible for all the server-side functionalities. This means you have to worry about storage, hosting, server management, and several other functionalities.

Different factors need to considered when choosing the right infrastructure. Let’s go through some of the essential factors to look out for and consider before making a decision.

## 1. Platform maintenance

The success of a great-looking frontend can be easily undone without solid backend support. Backend maintenance is essential when choosing an infrastructure, as the development process doesn't end with the application launch. 

Long-term maintenance is also required to ensure that the application is up to date and doesn't become redundant. Make sure you select an infrastructure that makes maintenance, such as bug fixes and updates, a stress-free process.

## 2. Speed

Speed contributes not only to the experience of an application, but it is also quite important to the users of an application. Users shouldn’t have to wait 10-15 seconds for your application to load.

Speed is also an essential factor of SEO. 


## 3. Scalability

It is also vital to think about your application's future. If you intend for it to grow, it needs to be scalable and easily maintainable. 

Scalability is key to sustaining the user base and ensuring a pleasant user experience for the traffic. Thus, selecting an infrastructure that is scalable and reliable is very important.

## 4. Security

Cyberattacks have been happening increasingly and will continue to happen. Protecting your database and servers is crucial to safeguard your users' data. Ensure that the infrastructure in place adheres to best security practices while closing all loopholes that malicious actors could exploit.

This should be the top-most priority when selecting a backend infrastructure.

# One platform to ship faster

Based on my assessment of multiple backend as a service (BaaS) providers, Appwrite stood out. Unlike many other providers, this BaaS ticks all the boxes from the requirements listed above, and it also allows you to self-host your data, which is great if you are keen on privacy.

## What is Appwrite?

[Appwrite](https://appwrite.io/?utm_source=hackmamba&utm_medium=hackmamba-blog) is an open-source BaaS tool with which developers can build complete web and mobile applications without a custom backend server via a set of APIs and a management console UI. 

It is cross-platform (runs on any operating system) and supports web and mobile technologies and frameworks such as Flutter, Angular, and React. You can integrate Appwrite directly with your client app and use it behind your custom backend or alongside your custom backend server.

Appwrite has an active community of open-source [contributors](https://github.com/appwrite/appwrite) constantly trying to improve the tool.

## Why Appwrite?

Based on my experience with several BaaS providers, Appwrite not only helps reduce many of the difficulties associated with developing a reliable application, but it's also easy and quick to set up.

Appwrite offers the following services and helps you to speed up your development process.

**Storage**
With the Appwrite [storage](https://appwrite.io/docs/server/storage) service, you can easily manage user file uploads and downloads, and an access control method enables you to assign read or write permission. Appwrite Storage service also offers built-in integration with an auto-updated anti-virus server.

**Database**
The [databases](https://appwrite.io/docs/client/databases) service accepts an unlimited number of databases, each of which can include an unlimited number of collections. It also allows you to create a structured collection of documents with access controls for users, teams, and public access.

**Authentication**
You can [easily manage](https://appwrite.io/docs/client/account) user login and registration for your app using the Appwrite authentication service. Additionally, the Auth service provides built-in interaction with numerous OAuth service providers, including Google, Github, Okta, and more.

**Localization**
The [Locale](https://appwrite.io/docs/client/locale) service allows you to modify your app based on the location of your users. This service will enable you to obtain your users' location, IP address, names of countries and continents, phone codes, currencies, and other information.

**Teams**
The Teams service enables you to group users and grant them read and write access to project resources such as database documents and storage files. This approach allows you to build sophisticated access control needs for your application.

**Security**
Security is an integral part of any application. Appwrite aims to help you develop your applications more securely by providing end-to-end protection for your backend and implementing strong encryption methods to safeguard your data from attackers.

I've identified a few of Appwrite's services, but you can read the official [documentation](https://appwrite.io/docs?utm_source=hackmamba&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=hackmamba) to find out about the full range of services provided.


# Conclusion

Selecting the proper backend infrastructure is essential for the success of an application. This article taught you the factors to consider when choosing a backend infrastructure.

# Resources
- [Appwrite Documentation](https://appwrite.io/docs?utm_source=hackmamba&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=hackmamba)
- [Getting started with Appwrite for server](https://appwrite.io/docs/getting-started-for-server)
- [Getting started with Appwrite for web](https://appwrite.io/docs/getting-started-for-web)
- [Getting started with Appwrite for android](https://appwrite.io/docs/getting-started-for-android)